"Ding, you found the skill book 'Bloodthirsty Art.' It requires the first level of Qi Nourishment and 1 skill point. Do you want to learn it?"
The system's mechanical reminder echoed in Zhuge Xiang's mind, and with his decision already made, Zhuge Xiang chose to study the skill.
While there were no visible changes, deep within Zhuge Xiang's heart, a sense of enlightenment surged. It was like an instinct, and Zhuge Xiang realized that he had indeed learned the Bloodthirsty technique, albeit at a basic level. But it was genuine learning.
Calmly, Zhuge Xiang set aside the Bloodthirsty manual and, after a moment's thought, picked it up again, using a skill point to instantly master Bloodthirsty. Except for Zhuge Xiang himself, no one else knew of this, so according to the Shura Sect's rules, he could continue to learn one more martial art. Zhuge Xiang's choice was the Blood Thunder Slash.
Blood Thunder Slash was among the more sought-after martial arts in the Hidden Martial Arts Pavilion. Although it consisted of just one move, it boasted the highest attack power. Single-move martial arts were generally easier to grasp than others with multiple techniques. Moreover, with the enhanced power of the Bloodthirsty technique, once Zhuge Xiang successfully mastered Blood Thunder Slash, its potency would undoubtedly increase.
Seeing Zhuge Xiang put down the Bloodthirsty technique, Lu Yuling remained silent and turned to depart. Zhuge Xiang paid no attention to her departure; his focus was entirely on the Blood Thunder Slash manual.
With only one technique, the Blood Thunder Slash manual was a thin pamphlet, spanning just two or three pages. It detailed the application of Qi, cultivation methods, and precautions—all of which Zhuge Xiang could easily commit to memory. Regarding the Qi cultivation method, Zhuge Xiang glanced through it briefly before leaving the Cangwu Pavilion, ready to begin practicing Blood Thunder Slash.
Although they had already grasped Qi, disciples who had comprehended it would participate in a major competition during the inspection conference. The prospect of the competition motivated the disciples to practice diligently.
In the competition, achieving a high ranking could lead to generous rewards from the sect. Hence, Zhuge Xiang aimed to practice Blood Thunder Slash thoroughly before the competition, as time was limited. One reason for selecting Blood Thunder Slash, a single-move martial art, was its relative simplicity.
As he walked, Zhuge Xiang reflected on the Bloodthirsty skill. On the skill tree, the icon representing Bloodthirsty shone brightly in his mind.
Bloodthirsty (First Glimpse): Increases attack, defense, speed, and attack speed by 30% for 1 minute, followed by a period of weakness. The degree of weakness is determined by the duration of Bloodthirsty.
Zhuge Xiang was satisfied with the Bloodthirsty information. Even at the first glimpse level, a 30% boost was considerable. He believed that as he advanced his proficiency with Bloodthirsty, its effects would become even more potent.
Regarding the effectiveness in the Qi Nourishment stage, Zhuge Xiang understood it well. After a year at the Shura Sect, he had gained some knowledge about cultivation.
Cultivation primarily consisted of three major stages: Refining Essence to Transform Qi, Refining Qi to Transform Spirit, and Refining Spirit to Return to the Void. The Bloodthirsty technique focused on forcibly absorbing the essence and blood energy of the body to enhance various attributes. Naturally, it was most suitable for the Refining Essence stage, which encompassed Qi Nourishment. However, at the Refining Qi to Transform Spirit stage, physical vitality and blood would not suffice to boost one's strength. Moreover, if Bloodthirsty remained effective indefinitely, it would be considered a divine skill.
Within the Refining Essence stage, there were six minor realms: Qi Cultivation Realm, Body Quenching Realm, Meridian Connecting Realm, Space Splitting Realm, Innate Realm, and Reversing the Qi Realm. Currently, Zhuge Xiang was at the first level of Qi Cultivation Realm. He had yet to delve into the subsequent stages of refining Qi into Spirit and Spirit to Void. Nonetheless, he was content with the Bloodthirsty technique's suitability for his current stage.
"Huh? Isn't that Li Bin and Niu Geng?" Just as Zhuge Xiang was engrossed in studying the Bloodthirsty technique, two figures caught his attention. Not far away, Niu Geng was assisting Li Bin, and the two were heading toward the back mountain of Shura Sect.
"Those two?" Observing them from a distance, Zhuge Xiang recalled what Li Bin had said on the martial arts arena. Curiosity piqued, he decided to follow them.
With 100,000 disciples in Shura Sect, the number of buildings wasn't extensive. With Li Bin and Niu Geng leading the way, they ventured deeper into the back mountain. Gradually, the number of people around dwindled. Unperturbed, Zhuge Xiang continued trailing them. He was puzzled about their intentions, particularly since Li Bin was severely injured and ought to be recuperating rather than wandering around.
After half an hour of walking, Li Bin and Niu Geng reached an isolated area in the back mountain. Li Bin's already frail body was showing signs of exhaustion, and impatience was evident in his voice as he asked, "Where is the ginseng? Hurry up and find it so I can recover from my injuries."
After scanning the surroundings and confirming that the back mountain was secluded, and no one was nearby, Niu Geng suddenly revealed a smile to Li Bin. Although his face appeared simple and honest, his eyes held a sharp gleam.
"Ah!" A scream escaped Li Bin's lips as he was visibly startled by the intensity of Niu Geng's sharp gaze. He took a few steps back, eventually falling to the ground in a seated position. After a year of interaction, Li Bin thought he had a clear understanding of Niu Geng's temperament. However, the sharpness in Niu Geng's eyes now made him feel like he was facing a stranger.
As Li Bin sat on the ground, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, and a dark aura emerged from his body. His body went numb, as though thousands of venomous insects were gnawing at him. In this excruciating pain, Li Bin realized that he had been poisoned.
"Niu Geng, why? Why are you doing this?" Clutching his stomach, Li Bin raised his head and looked at Niu Geng with an expression of disbelief on his darkened face.
It was inconceivable that someone he had considered a close confidant would be the one to end his life. Li Bin had never entertained such a thought. At this moment, he understood that the so-called century-old ginseng was merely an excuse he had concocted.
"Why? Hehe..." Li Bin's question seemed to amuse Niu Geng, and a mocking smile appeared on his usually simple and honest face. "I'm a master of poison, didn't you figure that out when Zhuge Xiang drank that spirit fruit pulp earlier today?"
"It was you!!" Niu Geng's revelation instantly made Li Bin connect the dots. He now understood why Zhuge Xiang had been unharmed after drinking the spirit fruit pulp. At this moment, everything became clear.
"That's correct, it was me. When you gave me the spirit fruit pulp, I immediately detected the scent of Heartbreak powder in it. The conflict between you and Zhuge Xiang, and your attempt to poison him, were not directly my concern. However, what was your response when I suggested giving the spirit fruit pulp to Zhuge Xiang alone?"
As he spoke, Niu Geng's expression became complex, revealing traces of regret, sarcasm, and the anger of betrayal. His tone grew harsher. "You clearly intended to implicate me. Throughout this past year, I considered both you and Zhuge Xiang as rare friends. Despite your constant mistreatment and regarding me as your servant, I never held any grudges. But what have you done in return? You wanted to kill me!"
Watching from the shadows, Zhuge Xiang also widened his eyes in astonishment. The seemingly simple and honest Niu Geng had deceived both Li Bin and Zhuge Xiang with his appearance. Beneath that façade lay a ruthlessness that was hard to fathom.
At the same time, Zhuge Xiang couldn't help but feel relieved that Niu Geng hadn't harbored any ill intentions towards him. Otherwise, the gourd filled with spirit fruit pulp laced with Heartbreak powder could have spelled his demise.
As Li Bin's life hung in the balance, he went from begging to cursing to despair. Eventually, Li Bin succumbed to the poison. From start to finish, Zhuge Xiang, concealed in the shadows, witnessed the entire ordeal.
With Li Bin dead from the poison, Niu Geng's thoughts remained inscrutable. He stared at Li Bin's lifeless body for a moment before turning his gaze toward Zhuge Xiang's hiding place. Weariness tinged his voice as he said, "Zhuge Xiang, come out. I know you've been here."
Having been discovered by Niu Geng, Zhuge Xiang saw no need to continue hiding and emerged calmly. He looked at Niu Geng and sighed, saying, "I never expected that among the three of us in that room, you would be the most misunderstood. Li Bin and I clearly misjudged you."