All sorts of information flashed in Lu Zheng's mind at unbelievable speeds. The rate at which Lu Zheng comprehended and sorted them was mind boggling.
"All these techniques, they require Vermillion Blood. Vermillion Blood…" Lu Zheng's mind spun swiftly and he learnt the method of producing it.
The Vermillion Blood was the quintessence of the Vermillion Bird Race bloodline and only through it could one truly use the bloodline power of the Vermillion Bird Race.
The process of condensing Vermillion Blood from his normal blood was a very arduous process. It required large amounts of Qi and time.
Even with all of his Qi leaves and the span of one day, Lu Zheng could only create two drops of Vermillion Blood.
Still, Lu Zheng steeled his resolve and continued to cultivate, condensing drops of the Vermillion Blood.
Whenever he ran out of Qi in his Qi leaves, he would use the beast cores from the secret realm to cultivate, restoring his Qi leaves and refining his own body.
He didn't neglect his own cultivation too and absorb the ambient Qi to further his cultivation base.
Whenever Lu Shantian was free, he would spar with Lu Zheng too to make him well versed with the Vermillion Bird Race bloodline.
As such, Lu Zheng's days were packed with action until…
"Crack"
The sound of a crystal breaking brought Lu Zheng out of his thoughts.
"This was the last beast core" Lu Zheng mumbled. So far, he had almost a hundred drops of Vermillion Blood in his blood vessels.
That was the equivalent of two months of hard work. However, in comparison with his body, the amount was too meagre.
Standing up, Lu Zheng muttered: "I should see father for more beast cores"
"Zheng'er, during this time of unrest, it would be impossible for me to just give you beast cores. According to the Sect's orders, you would have to work for them or trade something of equal value" Lu Shantian said after Lu Zheng asked him for beast cores.
"Work uhn?" Lu Zheng thought before bowing deeply and leaving. "Perhaps I have to participate in some battles"
Lu Zheng walked out of his living quarters and entered the main road of Lu Clan's living area.
Juanshei Sect was extremely large that it could accommodate many clans without a hitch. Lu Zheng marvelled at the size of the Sect.
Many Lu clansmen greeted him as he walked by. They had heard of Lu Zheng's return and knew that he had been cultivating in seclusion till today.
Coincidentally, he met Chen Ju on his way.
"Chen Ju" Lu Zheng called out.
"Oh? You've finally shown up" Chen Ju answered with a smile. "What's the matter?"
"I am looking for Senior Brother Zhao. I want to also fight" Lu Zheng replied casually.
"Oh, I see. Young master Zhao has already left a few days ago. You can go and make your own squad too" Chen Ju said.
"Where?" Lu Zheng asked.
"It's not far. Just go to one of the Sect's External Elders" Chen Ju replied as she turned to leave.
"Wait" Lu Zheng said as he held her by the hand.
"What is it?" Chen Ju's cheeks turned a slight pink.
"I don't know any External Elder" Lu Zheng scratched his head awkwardly.
…..
Chen Ju led Lu Zheng to one of Juanshei Sect's External Elder's accommodation. The External Elder was an old looking man that went by the name Cao Tu Feng.
"I'll be leaving now" Chen Ju said as she left.
"Thanks" Lu Zheng cupped his fists in gratitude.
Taking off his shoes, Lu Zheng entered Cao Tu Feng's living accommodation.
The man looked very old and his long flowing white beards only accentuated his sage-like appearance. His grey pupils seemed to contain the vicissitudes of life. Before him knelt eight people all at the Domain Formation realm.
"Greetings Elder" Lu Zheng bowed.
"Hmm. How may I help you?" Cao Tu Feng asked.
Lu Zheng quickly went on to explain his reason for coming and Cao Tu Feng gestured towards the eight people before him.
"You've come at a good time lad" Cao Tu Feng smiled. "These eight were also here for the same reason. Join them and you would need one more person to complete your squad"
"But Elder Tu Feng, he can't possibly join us" A male from the eight said.
"And why is that?" Cao Tu Feng's facial expression changed immediately.
"I've never seen him before and I doubt if he is capable of joining us. If he is weaker than us, he would only drag us down" The male continued.
"Hmm. I suppose you are right. We can't possibly guess his battle strength like this. Why don't you two spar and if he beats you, he would join your squad" Cao Tu Feng said as he caressed his beard.
"Elder is wise" The eight people chorused in agreement.
"So, young man, you heard us. If you can't beat Shu Jun, your request to join a squad will be rebuked" Cao Tu Feng said as his wrinkled hand swiped at the space beside him.
Instantly, a spatial tear formed beside Cao Tu Feng.
"Spatial tear? Void Passage realm expert" Lu Zheng was shocked internally but did not show it.
"You lot, follow me" Cao Tu Feng said as he entered the spatial tear.
Without any hesitation, Lu Zheng and the eight entered the spatial tear too.