Bai Xinru retreated to Bai Susu's side, shielding the little fox. Zhao Letian and Du Chunfeng moved closer as well. It seemed that every living being present was an enemy of the Bixi. In such circumstances, the enemy of one's enemy naturally became a "friend."
"Refining blood to its pinnacle and invoking the Nine Yin technique—it's a domineering dark art," Bai Xinru explained, preempting Zhao Letian's questions. "It can temporarily amplify the target's essence energy, but the aftermath is catastrophic. At best, it causes severe injury. At worst, it ends in death, often with the victim's body torn apart as the surge of power dissipates."
Zhao Letian hesitated before asking, "Then... will this Bixi die?"
Bai Xinru gave him an odd look and chuckled. "You're quite amusing. Instead of worrying about your own survival, you're concerned for it."
Zhao Letian pondered for a moment before responding seriously, "No matter how powerful it is, even with its ancient beast bloodline, it hasn't gained sentience. Besides, it's being controlled by someone. The real threat is the one wielding the dark art. If things get dire, we should just run."
Bai Xinru laughed again. "If you think running is an option, you underestimate the strength of a creature with twenty-seven times the force of a primal beast. Even if its bloodline isn't pure, it's still a descendant of the Bixi. You won't escape. And to make matters worse, both you and your companions are poisoned. You'll need its blood and flesh to detoxify yourselves!"
Zhao Letian furrowed his brows deeply.
However, he soon relaxed. Bai Xinru seemed unexpectedly talkative and willing to share information, suggesting she had confidence in resolving the matter at hand.
Bai Xinru proceeded to explain the Nine Yin Blood Refinement in detail.
The art was divided into two stages: Refining and Seizing.
Practitioners of this dark blood art would rear a beast capable of evolving. By refining the beast's blood in conjunction with their own blood energy technique, they could elevate their cultivation level. Each evolution of the beast corresponded to an advancement in the practitioner's rank.
Once the beast reached a certain level and formed an inner core, the practitioner could seize and refine it. A high-grade beast with a pure bloodline would produce a superior core, enabling breakthroughs as significant as leaping from the fifth realm to the seventh, potentially becoming a deity-level cultivator.
This technique required minimal talent or spiritual energy, making it an appealing shortcut. The practitioner could also command the beast in battle and awaken latent potential in others, creating formidable warriors. It was no wonder dark cultivators flocked to this practice.
A millennium ago, the blood refinement art flourished, as ancient beasts were abundant. A notorious practitioner, Chi Jiuyin, once tamed a newly hatched Guiche beast, and within 30 years, reached the seventh realm through the beast's core. His Bloodshade Nether Sect dominated the era, with their lethal assassination techniques earning infamy.
However, the art was condemned by righteous cultivators and shunned by the demon realms alike. The Tiger King Taisheng, one of the Eight Demon Sovereigns, destroyed the Bloodshade Nether Sect and killed Chi Jiuyin. Coupled with the dwindling number of high-grade beasts, blood refinement art eventually fell into obscurity.
Zhao Letian couldn't help but laugh bitterly. His first job, a mere five-qian task, had somehow escalated to a five-jin nightmare.
Encountering a millennia-old blood cultivator with a tamed Bixi? His luck was unparalleled—in the worst way!
Suddenly, blood began seeping from the Bixi's head. A horn, covered in flesh and blood, emerged from its skull. The beast roared in agony, its thunderous cries shaking the heavens as dark clouds churned above. Lightning flashed, and a torrential downpour began—blood rain!
As the rain soaked the ground, the Bixi let out another deafening roar. Its body convulsed, the second horn finally breaking through. The sinister blood refinement technique had triggered its evolution.
In its evolved state, the Bixi became more ferocious. Its form faintly resembled a true dragon. A fiery-orange core, no larger than a human head, materialized in its mouth, radiating blinding light. The core summoned thunderous lightning, unleashing an indiscriminate barrage upon the group.
The unleashed power was terrifying, twenty times stronger than before. Even a glancing blow meant certain death.
Fortunately, the Bixi, lacking sentience and consumed by frenzy, attacked haphazardly. While the group was battered and scrambling, they remained unscathed.
After what felt like an eternity, the lightning and rain subsided. The Bixi swallowed its core, its eyes regaining clarity. It fixed its gaze on the group, its intent unmistakable.
With a single bound, the massive beast closed the distance, its tail sweeping toward them like a devastating gale.
"Holy mother!" Du Chunfeng yelped, narrowly avoiding the attack with a heavy thud. Behind him, a small hill crumbled under the force of the Bixi's tail.
"This speed is insane!" he exclaimed, heart pounding. "It's gigantic, insanely strong, lightning-fast, and wields thunder magic. This is practically a demon emperor! We're no match. Let's flee while we still can!"
He shot a quick glance at Zhao Letian. "Got any life-saving tricks? If we don't run now, we're toast!"
Zhao Letian remained calm, his gaze shifting to Bai Xinru.
Bai Xinru looked at him solemnly, then at Bai Susu. In a low voice, she asked, "Can you ensure her safety and get her out of here?"
She didn't ask for lifelong protection, only for safe passage. Zhao Letian thought carefully before nodding.
"That's not enough. You must swear it—a blood oath," Bai Xinru insisted.
"Is this necessary?" Zhao Letian frowned.
"I don't trust you," Bai Xinru admitted, her tone tinged with helplessness.
Zhao Letian's frown deepened. If she didn't trust him, what good would an oath do?
Sensing his doubt, Bai Xinru smiled faintly. "I trust your character. You're different from others."
"Fine," Zhao Letian relented, biting his finger and swearing an oath with his blood to ensure Bai Susu's safe departure.
"If possible, please look after her," Bai Xinru added, her voice trembling. Tears welled in her eyes, though she refused to let them fall.
Zhao Letian understood. Bai Xinru was prepared to risk everything. He nodded. "I'll handle the shadow. The big turtle is yours!"
"You're only at the first realm. How do you plan to fight him?" Bai Xinru asked skeptically.
Zhao Letian's lips curled into a confident smile. "If he's after the core, that's our chance."