C12 Entering
In this world, the human race outnumbers all others, with the demon race coming in second.
Humans are inherently deficient, with frail bodies and modest aptitudes, whereas demons possess robust physiques and long lifespans. However, every disadvantage has its advantage. Despite their innate shortcomings, humans are endowed with intelligence and the ability to use various tools to empower themselves. Demons, on the other hand, are born with limited intelligence, relying solely on their physical strength. Only those demons who have reached a certain level of cultivation can attain a degree of intelligence, but it still falls short of that of humans.
While most humans may not live to see a hundred years, the human race undergoes a generational shift every twenty years. The demon race, however, faces challenges due to their formidable bodies, making reproduction difficult. A hundred-year cycle for renewal is considered quite an achievement, with many demons gestating within their mothers for several years or even decades before birth.
Though any creature with a spirit is deemed part of the demon race, when combined, they still make up less than a fraction of the human population.
Despite the lower probability of humans becoming cultivators or producing strong individuals compared to demons, the sheer size of the human population means that the number of powerful beings among them is significant. Moreover, the majority of peak experts are from the human race, making it considerably more potent than the demon race.
The Dragon Clan, however, stands apart from the demon race.
Regarded as the progenitors of numerous races, the Dragon Clan existed long before most other races came into being and has been around for an indeterminate length of time. As such, the Dragon Clan cannot be lumped together with the demon race. The demons that emerged later show vast differences from the Dragon Clan in every aspect. Even Demonic Beasts with dragon lineage pale in comparison. Consequently, the Dragon Clan does not recognize any affiliation with the demon race.
Each member of the Dragon Clan is considered exceptional, whether among humans or demons, making the Dragon Clan a byword for strength. Although the Dragon Clan's numbers are a mere fraction of the human or demon populations, they remain the most formidable force in the world.
However, the Phoenix Clan, the Qilin Clan, and the Golden-Winged Roc Clan fall short. When the numerical disparity reaches a certain level, even the most exceptional talents are rendered moot.
Chu Tianyu's strength had nearly reached 300 kilograms before, and while traveling on Mu Wan'er's flying magic tool, he found time to cultivate, pushing his strength to 320 kilograms. During his previous training, his body was tempered by the resonating roar of dragons, boosting his strength to an impressive 500 kilograms! A Level One warrior's body could only be so strong. Though these physical gains paled in comparison to the advancements of his soul, they still thrilled Tianyu for quite some time.
Now, Tianyu's physical prowess was double that of an average person. Unleashing his full speed, he could cover fifty to sixty feet in a single breath, allowing him to traverse a hundred miles in less than half an hour—surpassing even the speeds of legends!
"Hahaha!" Tianyu's laughter boomed. To think that in just half a month, he had progressed from gasping after a few steps to soaring through the skies—how could he not be exhilarated?
Once his breath had evened out, Tianyu surveyed his surroundings. Aside from some damaged branches and leaves, the area had suffered no other harm. Furthermore, the lingering effects of the recent battle had driven away all the wild beasts, making it remarkably safe.
Tianyu discovered a secluded cave, shielded by large trees and boulders. The complex terrain made him confident that no one would stumble upon his hideout. Settling down in a clean spot, he sat cross-legged and began delving into the Dragon Clan's ultimate body tempering technique—True Dragon Roars!
It wasn't that he was reluctant to seek guidance from Ao Xingyun; he simply knew that Xingyun would not divulge such secrets. Just as he had begun his cultivation journey, he preferred to study independently, considering it a crucial part of his training.
"The True Dragon Roars is the Dragon Clan's most exalted body forging technique, not to be shared with outsiders, lest you incur the wrath and pursuit of the Dragon Clan!"
Each word resonated as if a true dragon was chanting beside him, its majestic might overwhelming the soul. The final word, 'kill,' was laden with boundless lethal energy. Even Tianyu, who had previously endured the dragon's might, found it unbearable and had to pause his study.
"Incredible!" Tianyu's head spun, his eyes wide with awe. The sheer power conveyed by that single sentence was a testament to the technique's extraordinary worth.
Chu Tianyu was thrilled and eager to continue reading, but he managed to curb his enthusiasm, choosing to proceed only when his mind was no longer swayed by the murderous intent.
The more potent a cultivation technique, the more it resonates with the cosmos, brimming with the profound mysteries of heaven and earth, the universal truths that are beyond the grasp of the average person. To act recklessly is to defy the natural order, resulting in confusion and a weakened spirit, leading to inefficiency at best, and at worst, a damaged foundation, a shattered consciousness, and ultimate demise.
Yet, this technique was unfathomably deep, revealing the Dao's patterns and laws, and thanks to Ao Xingyun's direct instruction, Chu Tianyu found no aspect of it elusive. Each sentence demanded considerable time to comprehend, but fortunately, the technique comprised only a few hundred lines. Within a day, Chu Tianyu had absorbed it all! Its association with the dragon's roar made it incredibly vivid. Having withstood the trial of countless dragon roars and earning their recognition, Chu Tianyu was well-prepared.
Ao Xingyun's method of imparting the technique also played a role, infusing his own insights into the practice, which facilitated a swift and natural learning process. Had it been transcribed onto paper, Chu Tianyu might have taken a year to fully grasp it!
"Incredible!" Chu Tianyu exclaimed in admiration. "To infuse dragon blood into every particle of the body, that is, into each cell, and use the cell as a cradle to cultivate tiny dragons. Strengthening the cells with the dragon's roar, nurturing the tiny dragons within, creating a self-perpetuating cycle; until the tiny dragons mature, replacing the cells, transforming into countless dragon forms, capable of regenerating from a single drop of blood, immortal and indestructible! At the pinnacle of perfection, one might even evolve into the most formidable progenitor of the Dragon Clan—the Immortal Dragon Monarch!"
"Immortal Dragon Monarch?" Chu Tianyu's eyes gleamed with excitement. Though unfamiliar with the figure, his reverence and aspiration were undiminished. The mere title of the Dragon Clan's mightiest ancestor spoke volumes. Ao Xingyun was formidable, clashing with four high-ranking warriors with exceptional combat prowess and unrivaled talent. Yet, even he might pale in comparison to the Immortal Dragon Monarch.
Throughout history, those who have been graced with the titles of Immortal or Emperor have all been figures of monumental significance, commanding the awe of both the heavens and the earth, endowed with immense virtue and destiny. And this progenitor possessed both titles, undoubtedly a peerless entity who reigned supreme over the cosmos, compelling the universe to bow before him.
Chu Tianyu felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Ao Xingyun, aware that the cultivation technique he received was Ao Xingyun's way of compensating for his physical form. Ao Xingyun had stipulated that the technique was not to be shared with outsiders, implicitly suggesting that Tianyu could also practice it. Once Chu Tianyu took control of a new body, he could leverage this technique to rapidly grow stronger, ascending to the ranks of the world's most formidable beings.
Such a gift was beyond comparison to any mere mortal form, and Tianyu was at a loss for how to repay this immense kindness.
"Why fret over it? With your meager strength, who would give you a second glance? Dedicate yourself to your training—that's the true path!" Chu Tianyu chuckled ruefully, recognizing that his worth lay in swiftly enhancing the strength of his body; all other concerns were secondary.
The practice of True Dragon Roars is categorized into five levels: initial, minor achievement, middle class, great completion, and perfection. The initial level involves infusing dragon blood into every cell. At minor achievement, each cell nurtures a tiny dragon. Middle class involves the dragon's roar fortifying the cells, which in turn cultivate tiny dragons, a process that includes several stages. The zenith of middle class is when the tiny dragons reach maturity. Great completion is achieved when the tiny dragons supplant the cells, transforming into countless dragon forms, capable of resurrection from a single drop of blood, immortal and indestructible. The ultimate transformation into a being on par with the Immortal Dragon Monarch is left to the whims of destiny.
"It's pointless to dwell on becoming an Immortal; it's all down to chance. Besides, the fact that my elder brother needs to take over another's body to survive shows he hasn't attained that level. And since I haven't even reached the threshold of the initial level, why aspire to such lofty heights?" Chu Tianyu exhaled a heavy breath, his mind and spirit clarified, breaking free from the realm of fanciful dreams. This was a victory over his inner demons, a significant stride forward in his resolve.
"Now, I must reach the entry level as quickly as possible!"
Entering the entry level was a new milestone for him, since his body was devoid of dragon blood. Only by infusing dragon blood into his system could he truly be considered to have entered the realm!
Chu Tianyu was resolute, his gaze unwavering. What did it matter if this path was designed for the Dragon Clan? What did it matter if not a single drop of dragon blood ran through his veins, or if he was the weakest in this life? He was determined to rise to the pinnacle of the nine heavens, to stand above the four seas, and to gaze down upon all creatures!
Seated in a meditative posture, Chu Tianyu's face was a picture of determination as he meticulously went over the True Dragon Roars in his mind. In this process, his soul grew at an astonishing rate, as though he had consumed some miraculous elixir.
The ancient adage that one could die content after hearing the Dao in the morning speaks to the immense challenge of enlightenment, a feat harder than reaching the heavens. Yet, in Chu Tianyu's sea of consciousness, the dragon's roar echoed ceaselessly, akin to a true dragon imparting wisdom directly to him. How could his realm not advance under such guidance?
Chu Tianyu reviewed the technique three times, ensuring there were no errors before he commenced his cultivation.
With a "whoosh," as he activated the cultivation technique, a torrent of spiritual energy rushed toward Chu Tianyu, converging on him with the swiftness of swallows returning to their nest, easily surpassing the speed of the Vajra Esotery by more than tenfold!
"Ouch, that really hurts!" Chu Tianyu clenched his teeth as streaks of blood began to surface.
This cultivation method was, after all, intended for the Dragon Clan, whose physical strength was incomparably greater than that of humans at the same level—over a hundred times stronger! This was also the reason why Chu Tianyu's body was now several times more robust. Had it been his former self, even with an Ethereal Body, he would have faced certain death from his body exploding!
A stream of Genuine Qi, thicker than his little finger, moved like a serpent or dragon, imperious and untamed, as it laboriously advanced through Chu Tianyu's meridians. It widened his meridians inch by inch, each increment causing excruciating pain akin to his heart and lungs being torn apart.
Moreover, the spiritual energy was infused with dragon blood. Each particle of dragon blood that entered Chu Tianyu's body brought with it a wave of intense pain. The combination of the two was so severe that it was a testament to Chu Tianyu's resilience that he didn't immediately pass out from the agony.
In less than ten breaths, Chu Tianyu felt he was reaching his breaking point. One more breath, and his meridians would be utterly destroyed, severing his path to cultivation forever. So, he ceased channeling his cultivation technique.
At that moment, Chu Tianyu's complexion was ashen, his body soaked in a cold sweat, as though he had just been pulled from water.
"Less than one percent of a circulation cycle? When will it ever be complete?" The thought of the unbearable pain, worse than death itself, caused Chu Tianyu's mouth to twitch uncontrollably.
"Alas, the fact that the lad has held on this long is impressive. You must understand, when I first began my cultivation journey, I could barely complete a single cycle of Qi, and by then, my strength was already on par with Level Nine," Ao Xingyun remarked, a mix of appreciation and pity in his gaze.
"I've got it," Chu Tianyu declared, a hint of excitement in his voice. "The initial step is simply to introduce the dragon blood into my system. Since the dragon blood is blended with the spiritual energy, I can absorb it through the Vajra Esotery just as well. Once my meridians are widened, I'll be ready to practice the True Dragon Roars!"
With this plan in mind, Chu Tianyu immediately settled into a meditative state and began to slowly channel the Vajra Esotery to absorb the spiritual energy. The recently expanded section of his meridians was still painfully tender, so he proceeded with caution, using the Genuine Qi to soothe and strengthen his meridians while simultaneously healing his injuries through his cultivation practice.