The morning sun hung high above the rocky plains, bathing the crocodile demon tribe's settlement in warm golden light. Arthul stood at the edge of the training grounds, his eyes fixed on the young ones as they practiced the fundamentals of the Blood of the Abyssal Tide technique under Elder Torak's watchful gaze. Their bodies moved rhythmically, scales gleaming with sweat as they repeated the motions he had taught them the day before.
He watched silently, noting the subtle changes already taking shape. Their movements had grown smoother, qi flowing through their veins with newfound ease. Those who had received his gifted scrolls displayed rapid progress, their auras growing stronger with every breath.
Arthul's heart swelled with pride. Sharing the knowledge had been the right choice. Yet what truly stirred excitement within him was the upgraded version of the technique now stored within his system—a breakthrough born from the hundredfold return.
This enhanced technique had shattered the old limitations, revealing a path to the elusive Bloodline Tempering realm. It was nothing short of miraculous.
His fingers itched to dive into its secrets, to unlock the power woven into those ancient pages. But he knew better than to rush. Such progress required time, solitude, and unwavering focus to safely absorb the teachings. Only then could he hope to break through to the next realm.
Turning from the training grounds, Arthul summoned his guards. "I will enter seclusion today. Guard the settlement and ensure I am not disturbed."
The five warriors snapped to attention, their scaled bodies tense with resolve. "Yes, Leader!"
Satisfied, Arthul retreated to his stone dwelling—a sturdy, modest structure at the heart of the tribe. Inside, cool shadows flickered across rough stone walls. He lowered himself onto his meditation mat, legs crossed, and closed his eyes, shutting out the world.
Ding! A soft chime echoed in his mind. Would you like to extract the upgraded Blood of the Abyssal Tide technique?
A grin spread across his face. "Yes."
In an instant, ancient wisdom flooded his consciousness—visions of roaring rivers, turbulent seas, and colossal crocodiles flashed before his eyes. It was as if he stood before a vast ocean, the tide surging with raw, unstoppable power.
The upgraded technique hadn't just increased cultivation speed; it had refined every chapter, smoothing the circulation of qi. Most importantly, a fifth chapter had emerged: The Abyssal Blood Tempering.
This new chapter detailed how to temper the bloodline, synchronizing it with qi—the very essence of the Bloodline Tempering realm. It spoke of bonding with the primordial water element and invoking the ancient might of their crocodile ancestors. The knowledge was profound, majestic, and awe-inspiring.
Arthul's heart pounded with anticipation. This was the key to breaking the shackles that had bound his tribe for generations. With it, they could ascend beyond their limitations and usher in a new era.
He steadied his breath, inhaling deeply as his chest rose and fell in measured rhythm. The energy inside responded instantly, qi flowing freely through his meridians. His blood hummed, resonating with the ancient power described in the scroll.
Guided by the upgraded teachings, he invoked the first chapter—The Abyssal Blood Stirring. His senses sharpened; the world around him faded as his consciousness sank deeper into his bloodline. Raw, primal power surged through his veins, the living legacy of his ancestors.
He moved on to the delicate process of tempering his bloodline, synchronizing it with qi. The two forces danced within him, swirling into perfect harmony. It was a fragile balance, demanding absolute focus and precision. But Arthul felt no fear—only certainty. This was his path, his destiny.
Power erupted within his body; his muscles tightened, his scales gleamed with renewed vibrancy, and his aura expanded, radiating strength. Then, suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his chest. His body convulsed violently as the two forces clashed, his vision blurring, consciousness teetering on the edge of collapse.
But Arthul gritted his teeth, will unyielding. He would not fail—not now, not when he was so close.
Drawing on his newfound knowledge, he invoked the fifth chapter—The Abyssal Blood Tempering. Qi surged through his meridians in a cleansing torrent, washing away the pain. His bloodline roared in response, resonating with the ancient might of his ancestors.
The energy merged, transforming into a raging torrent that tore down the barriers holding him back. His aura exploded outward, the air crackling with raw power as he broke through to the peak of the Blood Awakening realm.
Arthul's eyes snapped open, golden light blazing from his pupils as his strength soared. His body trembled, muscles flexing with newfound vigor, his bloodline solidified and harmonized with the primordial water element.
He had done it.
He had reached the peak of the Blood Awakening realm, standing on the threshold of breaking through to the Bloodline Tempering realm.
Slowly, he exhaled, his aura receding as his body relaxed. The difference was undeniable—power flowed through him like a raging river. His senses sharpened, his body strengthened, and his bloodline deepened.
And this was only the beginning.
With the upgraded Blood of the Abyssal Tide technique, his entire tribe could follow his path. They could break free from the shackles of the past, surpassing the limits that had bound them for generations.
Arthul's eyes gleamed with unshakable determination.
He would teach them. Guide them. Lead them into a new era of power.