Returning to Broken Hearts Cliff, Jiang Hao pondered about the Heavenly Joy Pavilion.
He understood that by killing Senior Sister Yun Ruo, he had indeed offended the Heavenly Joy Pavilion. However, it was unlikely that everyone would want him dead. If every soul truly desired his demise, it was likely a command, intentional or not, from the higher-ups of the Heavenly Joy Pavilion. So, generally, those who sought to kill him could be boiled down to two types: those trying to curry favor with the Pavilion Master, and those influenced by Senior Sister Yun Ruo's enchanting physique.
Both were perilous.
"This upcoming trip to the demon cave is fraught with danger. It's urgent for me to advance to the late Foundation Establishment stage, only then can I protect myself. I already possess a defensive treasure. What I lack now is an offensive one."
"In addition to a powerful offensive technique."
The Primordial Chaos Heart Scripture contained techniques within, but he hadn't unlocked any yet due to his insufficient cultivation level.
Having managed the Spirit Herb Garden, Jiang Hao sought out his master, Ku Wuchang.
"Techniques?" Upon hearing Jiang Hao's purpose, Ku Wuchang got straight to the point: "What kind do you wish to learn?"
"Something powerful," Jiang Hao replied.
"Do you wield a blade?" Ku Wuchang inquired.
"I can," Jiang Hao responded promptly. He hadn't specialized in any particular magical artifact yet. He had used daggers and Spirit Swords, but only briefly.
"Good, then I'll teach you the Demonic Sound Slash." With those words, Ku Wuchang pressed two fingers against Jiang Hao's forehead.
A vision of the blade manifested in Jiang Hao's mind, thundering like a storm in its passage. In an instant, the vision faded.
Upon snapping back to reality, Ku Wuchang handed him a book: "Take it back and ponder over it. With your innate talent, in a bit over a month, you should manage to grasp it."
"Thank you, Master." With the book in hand, Jiang Hao left.
As he headed out, he saw Han Ming entering with some other senior brothers.
"Want to learn the way of attack? Then I shall impart upon you the Heavenly Thunder Sword. Stay here and learn well. You may depart only after you have mastered it," came Ku Wuchang's stern voice from inside.
After a glance, Jiang Hao walked away swiftly, dismissing the rest of the conversation. He was simply just another inner disciple, while Han Ming and his peers were true disciples, who naturally received better treatment.
He couldn't help but marvel at the exclusive benefits afforded to true disciples.
Back at his dwelling, Jiang Hao observed the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower. "I ought to visit White Moon Lake soon. It's not ideal to leave the flower unattended."
He then proceeded to his cultivation room, activating the Clear and Tranquil Heart state. Instantly, he felt mental clarity, his mind lucid and sharp. This enhancement allowed him to understand and learn rapidly.
He opened the book and immersed himself in comprehending the Demonic Sound Slash for seven consecutive days.
On the eighth day, having mentally rehearsed everything, he made his way to the creek. Picking up a tree branch, he swiftly swung it.
Boom!
The terrifying sound rolled, its sharp edge plainly visible. The blade's shadow extended ten meters, slashing across the void.
Crash!
The creek shattered, stones and sand scattering. The ground bore a long mark from the impact.
At this, Jiang Hao smiled: "It worked, the power is satisfactory. Seven days isn’t too shabby."
With his God-given talent, it would typically take him over a month to master Demonic Sound Slash. However, with the Clear and Pure Heart state enhancing his natural gifts, seven days had been sufficient to comprehend it.
"Now I just need a proper blade. I should save enough spirit stones this month to buy one."
During these seven days, he abstained from crafting Spirit Talismans or selling Talisman scrolls. Apart from the Thousand Swords Talisman ordered by Senior Sister Leng Tian, he refrained from selling any others. Every moment was devoted to understanding Demonic Sound Slash.
Thus, he continued to possess over four hundred spirit stones, which seemed considerable, yet insufficient for survival.
The finest treasure for the Foundation Establishment stage cost far more than that.
But earning more was rather challenging.
Tossing aside the tree branch, Jiang Hao returned to the courtyard, where he realized something peculiar over these past days.
The Snow Lotus Flower produced a bubble every three days, which could enhance blood qi or cultivation. Although incomparable to the two bubbles daily from the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, it was profoundly better than before.
Meanwhile, the Blue Lotus Flower, having bloomed, only yielded green bubbles initially, followed by solely white bubbles. Something is better than nothing, serving at least for gathering spirits.
Glimpsing at his status panel, Jiang Hao noted:
[Blood Qi: 99/100 (Ready for Cultivation)]
[Cultivation: 100/100 (Ready for Cultivation)]
He was simply one blood qi point short.
By latest tomorrow, he should commence his advancement.
In the Spirit Herb Garden, he discovered a blue bubble today. Without hesitation, he approached it.
Nearby bubbles began merging into him.
[Blood Qi +1]
[Spirit +1]
[Strength +1]
[Strength +1]
[Strength +1]
As power surged through him, Jiang Hao couldn't help but grin. Most crucially, his blood qi was now full.
Tonight, he could enhance his cultivation level.
After tending to the Spirit Herb Garden, he instructed the other outer disciples to oversee it, not only due to his pressing advancement needs but also because he'd need to journey to the demon cave in over a month.
Someone else needed to take over here.
The inner disciples could merely show up for appearances, leaving the management to the outer disciples to avoid unforeseen mishaps.
Jiang Hao carved a window of time to visit White Moon Lake. Though Elder Bai Zhi was absent, Senior Sister Zhou Chan delivered a message of four words: "No need to worry."
It seemed fishing was viable whether he remained or not.
Thus, he relinquished his concern.
Back home, after ensuring all was in order, he entered the cultivation room, focusing on channeling blood qi and cultivating.
Whether or not he could reach the late Foundation Establishment stage was uncertain. However, when the time came, he couldn't delay.
Immense blood qi and spiritual energy coursed through Jiang Hao's energy pathways.
Purple Qi emerged within his meridians, guiding the energy effortlessly, seemingly smoother than ever before.