[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-after-the-sky-fell":3,"chapter-after-the-sky-fell-after-the-sky-fell-chapter-195":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","After the Sky Fell",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281051,4462,"Chapter 195","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-195",195,"\u003Cp>186. Chapter 186: Bone Marrow Refinement and Blood Replacement\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Gong drove the car and quickly left the city defense line with Li Yi, heading toward the Investigation Bureau.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, Li Yi was still thinking about Yang Yi’s matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After careful consideration, he realized that to defeat Yang Yi, he needed to reach the Qi Point Refinement stage in martial cultivation, since breaking through to Qi Gang was far easier than evolving to Spiritual Perception—martial cultivation could be accelerated if his physical condition remained strong, but bodily evolution couldn’t be rushed, as cellular renewal required time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Li Yi decided to focus his cultivation efforts on martial arts from now on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning to the Investigation Bureau.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Gong submitted his mission report; the three-day patrol of the abandoned district was successfully completed. He did not take on another task immediately but chose to rest for two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, we won’t be on missions these two days—get some proper rest. After this mission, I think our team is still too small. Two people don’t exert enough deterrence in any conflict, and it invites unnecessary trouble,” Zheng Gong summed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True. In a couple of days, Lin Yue should leave the training base and join our team. I also think we should add two more members—even if their strength is weak, it’s better to have extra hands. More people make things easier,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Makes sense,” Zheng Gong said. “Li Yi, do you have any good candidates in mind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi replied: “I know a few Spirit Medium realm cultivators, but no rush. By the way, has there been any change at the Investigation Bureau lately? I’ve noticed many people rushing to take missions, even Yang Yi’s group is working overtime to hunt supernatural creatures—that’s not their usual style.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Gong glanced around, then stepped closer and whispered: “Because the Golden Academy’s special recruitment slots are about to be announced—three in total. Two are held by our Investigation Bureau, one by the Cultivator Association. Some people got advance word, so they’re scrambling for the slots. I was going to tell you in a couple of days, since investigators have rules, but now there’s no point hiding it—everyone who needs to know already does.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Special recruitment slots for the Golden Academy? Isn’t it said you need a cultivation value of one thousand percent to be recruited?” Li Yi asked, though he had heard Lin Yue mention this before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That open recruitment requires a cultivation value of one thousand percent, but this is an internal slot—not open to outsiders—and the requirements are much lower: no cultivation value needed. But there are other rules. For the Cultivator Association, whoever kills the most supernatural creatures gets the slot. Our Investigation Bureau is different—our criteria are merit plus recommendation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for merit, it’s simply the number of missions completed. Theoretically, the two investigators who complete the most missions without incident will be recommended for admission to the Golden Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Gong lowered his voice: “So far, there are four people in the Investigation Bureau with a real chance at the slot: Battalion Commander Zhang Lei, Daoist Pi Te, external operations officer Gu Mengping, and the last one—you, Li Yi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me?” Li Yi said. “I’ve only been in the Investigation Bureau a short time. Why do you think I have a chance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You saved many in the Bureau last time, helped recover a damaged relic, and this mission you killed a supernatural creature and completed your task—all these add up to substantial merit. If you push further and solve one or two major cases, your chances are high,” Zheng Gong said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi’s gaze flickered, but he shook his head: “It seems possible, but the reality is slim. My strength is still lacking—I’m not at Spiritual Perception yet, so I can’t take on many missions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True, but you still have to fight for the opportunity right in front of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Gong said: “Entering the Golden Academy means access to cross-realm techniques. You know the Second Heaven Collapse could happen any moment—everyone is thinking about crossing realms, but the threshold is extremely high. Ordinary cultivators can’t even dream of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if you enter the Golden Academy, it’s different. It’s designed to train top-tier elites, and cross-realm techniques originated there. If you get in, becoming a cross-realm practitioner becomes inevitable—you’ll finally have a chance to escape this world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And one cross-realm practitioner means many others can benefit. Honestly, compared to others, I’d rather see you get this slot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi said: “The idea is good, but everything must be done step by step. Still, I understand the importance of the Golden Academy slot. Don’t worry—I’ll give it my all once our team is assembled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good,” Zheng Gong sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Li Yi was willing to fight for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether he succeeded or not was beyond control—too many uncertainties existed; no one could guarantee winning a slot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With mixed thoughts, Li Yi drove away from the Investigation Bureau.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned to Peace Financial Tower—his new home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The finishing touches on his new home had been completed in these few days; renovation was roughly done. When Li Yi entered the first-floor lobby and checked on his parents’ room, he found their medical pods had been completely replaced—new pods resembled small spaceships, radiating sci-fi aesthetics and high-tech sophistication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His parents looked noticeably better inside—pale complexions had turned ruddy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, you’re back,” Zheng Lan’s voice suddenly came from the doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng Lan, the new medical pod is impressive,” Li Yi observed for a moment, then said: “It’s a huge upgrade from before. Sixty million taels spent—worth it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. Not only have the life-support systems been upgraded, but the nutrient solution supply has too. This pod can hold ten vials at once and run autonomously for three months without maintenance. The latest model even has a backup battery that sustains operation for a month during power outages,” Zheng Lan explained as she spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, the new pod is smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient—vastly superior to the old model.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi nodded: “That’s good. By the way, did you ask about the cultivation pod?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I did. Cultivation pods are expensive,” Zheng Lan said. “They require custom orders—starting price two hundred million taels. Add all the extra configurations, and you’re looking at three hundred million. The cost-to-benefit ratio is terrible. You already have a relic cultivation chamber—I don’t recommend buying one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s indeed expensive. I don’t have enough money right now. Forget it for now,” Li Yi said, shaking his head and reluctantly abandoning the idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly stepped out of his parents’ room and closed the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng Lan, I’ll be focusing on cultivation and missions these days—I won’t have time for trivial matters. Please manage this tower and look after my parents,” Li Yi said seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem. It’s a small thing—I’ve got nothing else to do anyway,” Zheng Lan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Lan replied: “Why thank me? I’m the one who should be grateful—I’m living here rent-free. Otherwise, I’d still be stuck in that dangerous old district.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough of that. I need to go train—time is precious now,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then focus on your cultivation. I’ll handle any unimportant matters,” Zheng Lan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief exchange, Li Yi took the elevator to the top floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This floor was his cultivation zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After showering, Li Yi went to the storage room and retrieved the major herbs and treasures he’d brought from the Four Seas and Eight Continents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was currently refining his bone marrow and had already consumed two major herbs. After this period of adaptation, his body had accumulated enough—time to begin marrow refinement and blood replacement. Only after reaching Blood Refinement could he attempt to open the Nine Qi Points and become a Qi Point Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Use the major herb and Golden Nutrient Solution—enter Blood Refinement within two days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi set his goal and did not hesitate to expend resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breaking through in strength was critical now. Yang Yi had targeted him, and competition within the Investigation Bureau was fierce. Without formidable strength, dreaming of the Golden Academy slot was pure fantasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi found a major herb called Essence-Blood Bone Marrow Pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a herb for nourishing marrow and blood. A regular martial artist could easily complete marrow refinement and blood replacement with one pill. But as an evolver, his consumption was enormous—two pills barely sufficed. To break through, he’d need to keep consuming resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Li Yi swallowed the pill, drank a mouthful of Golden Nutrient Solution, then stood still with eyes closed, posture like a standing stake, using his will to circulate blood and qi, refining his bone marrow and stimulating new blood production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His skin grew scorching hot; his internal blood began to churn, radiating heat outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood like this from evening straight through to midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, Li Yi clearly felt his bones being nourished—the previous tingling sensation faded, replaced by boundless energy. But it wasn’t enough yet—his spine remained unfilled, still lacking accumulation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Li Yi could only say he had entered Bone Marrow Refinement—he had not yet reached Blood Refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yi was not impatient. He continued taking nutrient solution and entered deep meditation. He felt he was just one breath away from breakthrough—perhaps two days of cultivation would do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He practiced the White Bone Contemplation technique, absorbing cosmic energy and concentrating it on his spine, nourishing it indirectly to promote martial advancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a clever trick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it worked. Li Yi felt his spine tingle as if growing; the herb’s potency activated, and with nutrient solution replenishment, his spine was being nurtured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet how long it would take to complete marrow refinement and stimulate new blood regeneration—he had no idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad, you wicked Earth Prisoner. Haven’t seen you in a while, yet you’re already brimming with malevolent energy. Looks like you’ve killed many lately,” the fragmentary consciousness within the damaged relic coin revived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re still alive? Still not dead?” Li Yi was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d assumed the old thing had perished after his journey to the Four Seas and Eight Continents—where cosmic energy was scarce and relics suffered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Disappointing you, wicked one. My fragment remains intact. Hmm, you’ve been working hard—trying to obtain the cross-realm method?” the consciousness said. “Too bad only killing Earth Prisoners counts. Deaths in other worlds don’t count. Let me count: how many Earth Prisoners have you killed recently? Two. Your teammate’s shots don’t count. So you’re still six short. Good. Keep going.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only six people? Why don’t you go downstairs and pick up six heads for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go downstairs? You actually say that? Do you think killing is like buying snacks at a convenience store?” Li Yi cursed. “I told you—I kill out of necessity, not for the cross-realm method.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You say you don’t want it, but your body speaks the truth. Your wicked Earth Prisoner nature is clear to me. Fine, I’ll sink back into silence. Keep striving, little demon,” the coin’s consciousness mocked him before vanishing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His journey to the Four Seas and Eight Continents had deeply affected it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yi suspected, the damaged coin couldn’t survive long in worlds with sparse cosmic energy—relics would degrade, let alone a fragmentary consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi meditated half the night. After his body absorbed cosmic energy, he resumed cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until noon the next day, he felt a breakthrough in Bone Marrow Refinement—a steady stream of blood qi was now being generated within him. Each new surge of blood qi strengthened his power slightly, yet also intensified his hunger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blood Refinement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi suddenly opened his eyes, joy surging within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial cultivation combined with spiritual practice truly had miraculous effects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within two days, he had truly crossed the final threshold and become a Blood Refinement martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though much of it came from resource investment, the speed of progress was still astonishing. Now that he’d reached Blood Refinement, all he needed was to accumulate more blood qi, then open the Qi Points to become a Qi Point Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Blood Refinement was also called Blood Nourishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this period, Li Yi must consume heavily to ensure robust blood qi growth and avoid combat, since every activation of blood qi consumed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, he must abstain from sexual contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, if essence leaked, Blood Refinement would become a pipe dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many taboos of Blood Refinement martial artists flashed through Li Yi’s mind—he now understood exactly what he must do next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now is not the time for excitement. I must channel blood qi, store it within my body, and let the new blood settle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi suppressed his inner agitation, swallowed another major herb, replenished nutrient solution, and continued circulating blood qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the blood qi settled, his reddened skin gradually returned to normal, the heat faded, and his formidable aura withdrew inward. Yet his eyes grew brighter, and his physical stats continued rising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial cultivation could accelerate bodily evolution—Li Yi had experienced this before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half a day of settling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi stabilized his Blood Refinement martial cultivation, gained full control over the newly generated blood qi, and even had time to study Fan Family’s secret technique for opening the Nine Qi Points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his blood qi was still insufficient, he needed to study and master it in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>",2244,"2026-06-20T01:26:56.586Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","16450e982cb77092ba4bdb7d820b9050bd31d5297dd74b4092263167b44f0a0e","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-196","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-194",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fafter-the-sky-fell-cover.jpg"]