With the aid of the top-tier Qi-Penetrating Pill, Ye Tian swiftly opened a single acupoint, allowing the remaining energy of the pill to merge with his true essence, coursing through his robust meridians.
Ye Tian continued to cultivate the "Black Magic Battle Body," stabilizing his cultivation level while completely refining the energy of the pill, ensuring not a single trace went to waste.
Subsequently, he consumed another Qi-Penetrating Pill, determined to continue his refining process.
For three consecutive days, Ye Tian remained in his room, diligently refining the thirty-six top-tier Qi-Penetrating Pills in the vial, successfully unlocking thirty-six acupoints and thus elevating himself to Martial Master Level Eight.
"Boom!"
At the moment of his breakthrough, a torrent of dense true essence erupted from his dantian, surging through his ten primary meridians like a volcanic explosion.
In the next instant, a formidable power erupted from within Ye Tian, flooding him with a sense of vitality that compelled him to let out a long, triumphant howl.
Simultaneously, his tightly shut eyes flung open, a blinding brilliance shooting forth, and a potent aura began to emanate from his being.
This was the essence of Martial Master Level Eight!
As he felt the surging dense true essence within his meridians and the overwhelming power coursing through him, a profound joy spread across Ye Tian's face. He could sense that his current strength was exponentially greater than before; the exhilarating sensation of this newfound power filled him with excitement and fervor.
"With my current capabilities, in the Blood Robe Guard, aside from the Grand Commander, I doubt anyone could surpass me."
Confidence shone in Ye Tian's eyes. Only now, upon truly entering Martial Master Level Eight, did he comprehend the terrifying nature of this power. Moreover, he possessed knife intent as a trump card, granting him the capability to face off against Martial Masters of Level Nine.
From what he understood, among the five great captains of the Blood Robe Guard, only one was at Martial Master Level Nine. The others, like Zhao Dapeng, were merely at Level Eight and would surely be no match for him now.
Taking a deep breath and clenching his fists, Ye Tian felt that with his enhanced strength, he was undoubtedly better prepared for the impending journey into the small world.
"The small world left by the Martial Sect is bound to harbor many treasures. If I could acquire a powerful martial technique or a profound inner cultivation method, my strength would increase even further!"
In the days that followed, Ye Tian remained within the inn, biding his time while solidifying his cultivation.
Although Li Tie had departed, his informants in Black Blood City continued to disseminate news about the entrance to the small world. Within just a week, the martial artists throughout Black Blood City were well aware of its location.
The Wu family was infuriated by Li Tie's betrayal and even issued a statement promising a substantial reward to anyone who captured him.
Unfortunately, by this time, Li Tie had already made his way to Baiyun Town.
Both the Wu family and the lord of Black Blood City were left to swallow their grievances in silence, having been outmaneuvered.
In just a few short days, under Li Tie's discreet influence, a fervent atmosphere engulfed Black Blood City. News of various small worlds and their entrances spread like wildfire, resulting in countless martial artists flocking to the Black Blood Mountains, congregating at the small world's entrance.
The small world, classified as belonging to the Martial Sect, held tremendous allure for any martial artist below the Martial Master rank.
Everyone yearned to venture inside, hopeful for a stroke of luck that might grant them the legacy of a Martial Master, or even acquire some rare treasures.
However, those brave enough to attempt entry were not foolish; they understood the inherent dangers of the small world left by the Martial Sect. Thus, despite the throngs gathered at the entrance, none dared to step inside.
Meanwhile, the five major factions—Wu, Yun, Bai, Meng families, along with the lord of Black Blood City—made no moves, as if they were not in a hurry to explore the small world.
All were waiting for the opportune moment.
Another week passed, and the Black Blood Mountains grew increasingly vibrant, with martial artists visible everywhere—some from Black Blood City, others arriving from afar.
On this day, Liu Hongwu returned to Black Blood City once more, accompanied by two captains, Niu Yunshan and Sun Piaopiao.
In the inn, upon receiving the news, Ye Tian immediately went out to greet the two captains.
Niu Yunshan, ever the boisterous one, clapped Ye Tian heartily on the shoulder upon seeing him, exclaiming with admiration, "Well done! You've truly impressed us! I've heard you single-handedly defeated all four captains of the Black Armored Army! Hahaha…"
"The captain is too kind; I merely bested three of them; I didn't even face the last one!" Ye Tian replied with a smile, feeling a camaraderie with Niu Yunshan, especially among the five great captains, aside from Zhao Dapeng.
In stark contrast, Sun Piaopiao stood nearby, her demeanor icy and silent, having yet to utter a single word.
"Haha! I've heard that the last one was too afraid to face you; he didn't want to bring shame upon the Black Armored Army, indeed! Hahaha…" Niu Yunshan laughed heartily.
"Captain, shall we head inside? I have prepared a feast to welcome you," Ye Tian said, leading the two men into the inn.
"Captain? Spare me that formality! We're all good men here; from now on, just call me Uncle Niu. If you weren't so young, I'd even let you call me big brother," Niu Yunshan replied with a hearty laugh.
"Alright, Uncle Niu!" Ye Tian responded readily, and at the same time, he sensed that Niu Yunshan's cultivation was at Martial Master Level Eight, while Sun Piaopiao beside him was at Level Seven.
Seeing the captain who had once commanded his respect now surpassed by his own strength, Ye Tian felt a surge of excitement and exhilaration.
After a lively meal, the group gathered to discuss their expedition to the small world, and Ye Tian had many questions he was eager to ask.
"Uncle Niu, is it just the two of you who came? What about the City Lord and the Grand Commander?" Ye Tian inquired curiously, bluntly expressing that the current expedition was perilous. With just the limited strength of Niu Yunshan and Sun Piaopiao, they wouldn't be of much help.
"Of course, they came!"
Before Niu Yunshan and Sun Piaopiao could respond, Liu Hongwu interjected with a smile, "If it weren't for the City Lord bringing us, we wouldn't have arrived in Black Blood City so swiftly. However, we parted ways along the journey. The City Lord, my father, and Uncle Duan have gone ahead to the Black Blood Mountains."
"Indeed, we encountered many people along the way and learned about the entrance to the small world from them. Thus, the Grand Commander instructed us to come to Black Blood City to inform you while he, along with the City Lord and Uncle Duan, went to scout the entrance," Niu Yunshan added with a grin.
Ye Tian nodded slightly, feeling reassured. With the City Lord present, he would have a formidable ally and wouldn't need to fear the deadly hands of the Martial Spirits in the small world.
"Hmph! I really don't understand what the Grand Commander is thinking. You're only at Martial Master Level Six and still want to venture into the small world left by the Martial Sect? That's tantamount to courting death!" Sun Piaopiao suddenly scoffed from the side.
Ye Tian furrowed his brow at this rebuke; it seemed Captain Sun harbored some disdain for him, having not even glanced his way until now. Her derisive remark only served to exacerbate his irritation.
A trace of displeasure also crossed Liu Hongwu's face.
Niu Yunshan frowned and spoke in a low voice, "Enough! The Grand Commander has his reasons for arranging this, and besides, Ye Tian's talent is apparent; he might even break through to Martial Master Level Seven within the small world."
"Hmph! While his talent is commendable, a talented individual who has not yet matured is still a weakling. This expedition to the small world has even drawn the Martial Spirits; with his current cultivation, he would only hinder us!" Sun Piaopiao retorted coldly.
Niu Yunshan wished to counter further but was halted by Ye Tian raising a hand.
Ye Tian narrowed his eyes at Sun Piaopiao, who met his gaze defiantly, her face a mask of disdain.
"Since you hold such views, may I ask, Captain Sun, what level of strength do you think one must possess to enter the small world?" Ye Tian inquired calmly, revealing no emotion on his face.
"At the very least, one should be at Martial Master Level Seven! I'm not trying to insult you, but young people should exercise caution. The small world is exceedingly perilous, and should anything happen to you, the Blood Robe Guard would lose a potential powerhouse," Sun Piaopiao replied indifferently, her eyes glinting with mockery.
"Is that so? I must sincerely thank you for your concern, Captain Sun. However, I wonder if my current strength qualifies me for entry into the small world," Ye Tian said, his eyes flashing as a powerful aura of Martial Master Level Seven erupted from him, filling the room.
"Ah!" Liu Hongwu was the first to succumb to this overwhelming pressure, staggering back.
Niu Yunshan stood in disbelief, astonished as he gazed at Ye Tian.
Sun Piaopiao's previously mocking smile froze in place, her pupils constricting with shock.
Ye Tian advanced toward her, his imposing aura pressing down, and stated coolly, "What's wrong, Captain Sun? Is my strength not sufficient to qualify for entry into the small world?"
Sun Piaopiao's icy demeanor flushed with embarrassment, a flicker of shame crossing her features. How could she respond? She was also merely a Martial Master at Level Seven; if Ye Tian lacked the qualification to enter, what right did she have?
At that moment, Sun Piaopiao felt a searing heat across her cheeks, as if she had been soundly slapped.
"Ye Tian, when did you advance to Martial Master Level Seven?" Niu Yunshan finally broke the tension, his face alight with surprise as he looked at Ye Tian.
"It was just in the past few days; I had an epiphany and thus made the breakthrough," Ye Tian replied, redirecting his attention to Niu Yunshan with a smile.
"Well done! With you at our side, the Blood Robe Guard has gained another captain—indeed, the youngest captain in our history! Hahaha…" Niu Yunshan roared with laughter, his eyes shining with admiration and joy, devoid of any jealousy, which deepened Ye Tian's fondness for him.
Beside them, Liu Hongwu stared at Ye Tian, her eyes widening in astonishment, her face reflecting pure shock.