Blood Qi and Spiritual Qi surged continuously, unable to affect the Purple Qi.
The Primordial Chaos Heart Scripture was running steadily.
Right now, the Spiritual Qi passed through the Tian Hui point, then flowed into the Dantian below.
The Spiritual Qi within the Dantian gathered and compressed, seemingly trying to break through a certain barrier.
Crack!
Boom!
Under the intense compression, the Spiritual Qi became even purer and more abundant.
It was only then that Jiang Hao let out a breath, then continued to revolve his Qi.
He absorbed all of the remaining twenty or so points of cultivation and Vital Qi from the status panel.
He needed to stabilize his cultivation, just in case.
The next day.
Jiang Hao opened his eyes and clenched his fist firmly, the strong power bringing him joy. After so many years in the Heavenly Sound Sect, only strength gave him a sense of security.
Here, without strength, one could only be at the mercy of others, with no ability to say "no."
Now having reached the late Foundation Establishment stage, although not very strong yet, he had taken a step closer to being powerful.
His journey to the Demon Cave would be handled with more ease.
But it was still not enough; he had too few advantages.
Coming to the courtyard, Jiang Hao collected a few bubbles once more.
[Cultivation +1]
[Vital Qi +1]
[Strength +1]
The strength was provided by the Blue Lotus Flower.
Outside, Jiang Hao tested his fist.
With a loud bang, a boulder shattered.
This was the power of his physical body—granted by Vital Qi and daily acquired strength.
"It seems even if I lose all my cultivation, I would still have significant combat power."
Collecting white bubbles day by day indeed proved enormously beneficial.
After practicing the Demonic Sound Slash for a while, Jiang Hao proceeded to the Spirit Herb Garden to continue his routine.
No one disturbed him for a month.
During this month, he stayed mostly at his residence.
While mastering the Demonic Sound Slash, he also studied a nameless secret manual. He now controlled strength with more ease.
His prowess improved slightly.
It had to be said, the manual from that woman was truly a treasure.
At night, he would begin making talismans.
The Spirit Concentrating Talisman and Divine Sword Talisman were the most numerous.
He occasionally crafted the Thousand Swords Talisman but didn't sell it.
These talismans had decent attack power, which might help in the Demon Cave.
He prepared fifteen of them.
The rest would be sold.
In one month's time, he accumulated seven hundred and twenty-three spirit stones.
Actually, he didn't earn much this month.
Business wasn't great, and the Thousand Swords Talismans consumed some resources.
Leaving the Spirit Herb Garden today, Jiang Hao planned to buy a magical artifact.
"There's only seven days left until entering the Demon Cave; I can't wait any longer."
In the remaining days, he needed to refine the artifact; otherwise, he couldn't unleash its full power.
He hesitated slightly at one point.
He looked at the status panel.
[Name: Jiang Hao]
[Age: 20]
[Cultivation: Late Foundation Establishment]
[Techniques: Hundred Revolutions of Heavenly Sound, Primordial Chaos Heart Scripture]
[Divine Abilities: Nine Revolutions Death Substitution (Unique), Daily Appraisal, Clear and Tranquil Heart]
[Vital Qi: 46/100 (Available for Refinement)]
[Cultivation: 51/100 (Available for Refinement)]
[Divine Abilities: 1/3 (Unavailable for Acquisition)]
His Vital Qi and cultivation were nearly halfway; should he wait until they're full to attempt a breakthrough, or extract and refine now?
After pondering for a moment, Jiang Hao decided to wait.
His cultivation was already stable, and extraction wouldn't advance him, so the gain wasn't significant.
"When entering the Demon Cave, they're unlikely to attack immediately, which gives me time to clear out demonic entities and continue accumulating cultivation."
With a plan in mind, Jiang Hao entered the sect's market.
He stood in front of the Star Pavilion, observing for a while. It seemed more majestic than the Snow Lotus Pavilion.
"A blade-type Foundation Establishment artifact?"
Upon hearing Jiang Hao's request, a guide fairy led him:
"Senior Brother, please follow me."
Shortly after.
The guide fairy laid three blades before Jiang Hao.
The first blade was entirely crimson, about three fingers wide, with a blade length of three feet.
The second was luminescent, about two fingers wide, with a blade length of one foot—a short blade.
The third was completely black, about three fingers wide, with a blade length of two feet.
"The first is the Blazing Sun Blade, containing powerful fiery force. Its blade aura carries high temperatures, inflicting severe damage. Priced at eight hundred and eighty-eight spirit stones."
"The second is the Seven-Colored Moon-Slashing Blade, leaving no trace, containing seven colored miniature blades that silently kill. Priced at one thousand one hundred spirit stones."
"The third is the Shadow Blade, invisible and untraceable at night; though not as powerful as the previous two, its material makes it extremely durable. Priced at eight hundred and thirty spirit stones."
Jiang Hao picked up the Shadow Blade, because it was the cheapest.
He actually preferred the Seven-Colored Moon-Slashing Blade.
But it was too costly.
In the end, he acquired the Shadow Blade for seven hundred and twenty spirit stones, pushing his limit.
He sold some talismans afterward, leaving him with barely two or three dozen spirit stones.
After that, aside from the Spirit Herb Garden, he went nowhere else, dedicating his time to mastering the Shadow Blade.
In the dark, he swung the blade, causing a terrifying stir.
Boom!
The blade's shadow swept in all directions with tremendous destructive force.
Seeing the power of the Demonic Sound Slash, Jiang Hao felt the blade was worth it.
However, the two didn't sync well.
The Shadow Blade suited assassination.
The Demonic Sound Slash was too attention-grabbing.
But its power was undeniable.
"Keep it; it can catch opponents off guard."
With this thought, Jiang Hao stored away the blade.
Then, he glanced at the sky. The sun was slowly rising.
Today was the day he would head to the Demon Cave.
Whether he would return or not—only time would tell.