By IMERPUS RELUR
--
Liang Chen walked through the scorched jungle.
His back bore the Flaming Hide Armor. His blade pulsed red. His aura: rising.
Yue's voice echoed through a jade talisman.
"You've drawn attention. Core elders are tracking your kills."
He crushed the talisman.
> "Let them come."
He pulled out the Fire Qi Orb from earlier.
> "System. Absorb item."
> [Fire Qi Orb Absorbed – 20% boost to fire-element techniques]
[Permanent Affinity Bonus Applied]
> "Upgrade cultivation."
> [Foundation Level 7 → 8 – Confirmed]
[Cost: 10 → Remaining: 6]
The next step would be bloodier.
And he welcomed it.