Chapter 520: Three Blood Transformations (Requesting Monthly Votes)

Liu Yuanzhang and Mu Hong remained calm, exchanged a glance, and smiled knowingly.

As if they had long anticipated this outcome.

From the moment the match began, they had foreseen the result.

In contrast, Chi Lie Wang, who sat in the front row, saw his confident expression vanish after seeing Gu Cheng defeated.

His face instantly darkened.

He stared at Lin Qi on the arena, a nameless fire surging in his heart.

A scorching aura released silently, as if ready to erupt and charge onto the arena.

"Clap! Clap!!"

Among the five, the Dao Huang, with sharp features and an aura like a keen blade, clapped and praised:

"Our Xia Guo hasn't produced a talent like this in a long time!"

"It's not that Gu Cheng isn't outstanding!"

"He's already among our Xia Guo's top tier of SSS-class talents."

"Unfortunately, today he met Lin Qi!"

"This is a qualitative difference."

"It's like an exam: someone scores 100 because they can only score 100."

"Someone else scores 100 because the paper only has 100 points!"

Dao Huang's words revealed the gap between Gu Cheng and Lin Qi.

The enchanting Shui Ze Wang also spoke:

"Gu Cheng didn't lose unfairly. Gangjing represents a martial artist's combat power!"

"The stronger the body, the more refined the cultivation technique, the stronger the gangjing naturally becomes!"

"Lin Qi surpasses Gu Cheng in every aspect!"

"Moreover, Lin Qi has awakened two abilities."

"Even if Gu Cheng activated his Minor Divine Art, he couldn't bridge the gap!"

"As for martial arts skill, there's also a difference!"

"Lin Qi always finds the perfect moment to strike—he was never hit from start to finish."

The Beijiang Sword King, with his stern face, also smiled and said:

"In short, Gu Cheng was utterly crushed by Lin Qi in every aspect."

"Lin Qi already possesses strength within the top 100 of Black Dragon Base. Only Xu Qin might stand a chance against him!"

Chi Lie Wang listened to their analysis, his face growing darker, and sneered:

"I admit Gu Cheng isn't his match!"

"But Lin Qi isn't nearly as outstanding as you claim!"

"If Gu Cheng had awakened two abilities too, he might not have lost!"

Finally, Shanhe Wang shook his head:

"That excuse doesn't hold. Gu Cheng comes from the Gu family—he's used the best resources since childhood!"

"Lin Qi only rose to prominence in his final year of high school, yet in just three years he surpassed countless talents, even Gu Cheng."

All of them understood: the implication was that Gu Cheng was useless.

Wasting such a privileged upbringing.

Only now did they realize how extraordinary Lin Qi's rise had been.

Achieving this in three years—his talent was far greater than they'd imagined.

…

Inside the virtual pod,

【Mr. Lin Qi, congratulations on winning the challenge. You have earned 100,000 merit points!】

Lin Qi looked at the pop-up message, exited Chi Realm, and stepped out of the virtual pod.

"Young Master, congratulations on your victory!"

At that moment, a group gathered around the virtual pod.

All four members of Lie Yan Squad had come over.

Xiao Yu couldn't help exclaiming:

"Lin Qi, you're too strong."

"Gu Cheng is no match for you."

"I can already picture Gu Cheng and Gu Ming's expressions now."

"Gu Cheng lost—he'll have to personally fulfill his promise: give you 100,000 merit points and avoid you whenever he sees you."

"He's been utterly humiliated. This will be talked about for years."

Second Senior Sister Wang Wang Zhixuan also spoke:

"I bet they'll have to leave Black Dragon Base—they can't face anyone here anymore."

Liang Tai nodded: "I agree."

The air filled with cheerful energy.

The group departed, and many around Lin Qi stared at him with awe and envy.

They knew that in the coming period, Black Dragon Base would produce another top-tier seventh-rank powerhouse.

He would become everyone's talking point.

Under the spotlight of the world, who wouldn't want to be such a genius?

With talent alone, he could crush all other talents, showing no deference to anyone.

Geniuses exist to shatter conventional norms.

To defeat Lin Qi, you'd need an even greater genius.

Or resort to bullying—using a higher realm to crush him.

…

At the same time, in another corner, Gu Cheng stepped out of the virtual pod.

His face dark, he left quickly.

After being defeated, he had remained inside the pod, endlessly replaying the battle.

"I actually lost?"

He couldn't comprehend how he had lost.

He was a seventh-rank martial artist who had completed three blood transformations—halfway through the entire seventh-rank path.

Yet he couldn't beat Lin Qi, who had just broken through, and he felt utterly suppressed in every aspect.

He simply couldn't win!

He had hidden his strength, but Lin Qi had hidden his too.

He couldn't accept it—his mind shattered instantly.

Who was he? Gu Cheng, SSS-class genius, champion of the Global Martial Arts Tournament.

And now he had lost!

He saw the glances around him, heard whispers of "Lin Qi is amazing."

His heart grew heavier.

Moments later, in a luxurious apartment.

Gu Cheng stared at the message sent from his phone's backend, forced to record a video promising to avoid Lin Qi in the future.

Soon after, Gu Ming returned.

His face equally grim, he said:

"Brother, everyone in the base is mocking us."

He clenched his fists—others mocking was one thing, but the mockery from a group of geniuses was unbearable.

They didn't fear the Gu family's status—they mocked openly, shattering Gu Ming's composure instantly.

Gu Cheng's face turned ashen:

"It seems we can't stay in Black Dragon Base anymore. Let's go to another base."

"But before we leave, we must settle this score!"

"Buzz! Buzz!!"

At that moment, his phone vibrated. He answered quickly; a red metal sphere beside him projected a green screen.

A large green screen appeared, revealing a middle-aged woman in red robes.

"Mother!"

The woman in red frowned:

"I've already heard the news!"

"Gu Cheng, you've disappointed me."

"You lost to Lin Qi!"

Hearing this, Gu Cheng's heart grew even heavier.

"Mother, I can't accept this!"

The woman in red frowned and said:

"What, do you want to lose face again?"

Gu Cheng clenched his teeth and spoke:

"Lin Qi said I could bring in outside help…"

"So… I want my cousin to step in!"

Gu Ming's eyes lit up instantly: "Is it Brother Gu Yang Jian?"

The red-clad beautiful woman on screen pondered for a moment and said:

"Fine, I'll speak to Gu Yang Jian."

"Only Xiao Yang Jian can restore the Gu family's honor!"

She turned off the projection.

Gu Ming exclaimed excitedly: "If Brother Gu Yang Jian steps in, Lin Qi stands no chance!"

Gu Cheng nodded. Though he was a genius himself, he knew that among the Gu family's strongest geniuses, he ranked only second.

The strongest genius? Of course, Gu Yang Jian!

…

Lin Qi returned to his living room.

Sitting down, he glanced at his panel out of habit.

【You fought 'Expert' Gu Cheng; your mastery of spear techniques improved further. Spear +1%】

【You fought 'Expert' Gu Cheng; your understanding of movement techniques deepened. Movement +1%】

【Spear: Stage Four 74% → Stage Four 75%】

【Movement: Stage Four 65% → Stage Four 66%】

…

Lin Qi shook his head at the data—compared to his blood energy, his martial arts improvements were painfully slow.

But now he was on the front lines of battle; he would never lack for killing. He would hone his spear techniques in real combat.

In a few months, his martial arts might see tremendous growth.

…

Moments later, his senior brother sent a message: Gu Cheng had posted a short video.

Lin Qi opened War Home and saw Gu Cheng's post on the forum—he smiled.

Then he noticed a notification: 100,000 merit points had been credited.

Lin Qi was secretly delighted and immediately entered the shopping module.

He searched for Blood Spirit Tonic and placed an order directly.

Less than a minute later, 100,000 merit points were spent.

Seeing his remaining 95,680 merit points, Lin Qi decided to keep shopping.

"I've used up all my Soul Water. I need to buy more."

He had only 10 million yuan left in cash—buying with cash was impossible; he could only use merit points.

He quickly found his target.

【Item: Soul Water】

【Merit Points (Teaching Points): 3,000/bottle】

…

Lin Qi was surprised to see the price—3,000 merit points was far cheaper than its equivalent in Xia National Currency.

Without hesitation, he ordered ten bottles—30,000 merit points vanished instantly.

【Merit Points: 9,568】

Lin Qi stared at his remaining merit points—more than half were gone again.

To grow stronger, he had to keep hunting disaster beasts.

Hunt disaster beasts today, spend today.

Hunt disaster beasts, exchange for cultivation resources, grow stronger, hunt more disaster beasts, earn more merit points.

A positive cycle formed.

If your family has no wealth and you want to make money, come to the battlefield. As long as you don't die, fight hard for a few years—merit points converted into cash would amount to a fortune.

He replied to messages: Liu Yuanzhang, Master Mu Hong, Pei Pei Yiqing, and Pei Pei Hongfeng all sent congratulations.

…

August 20: No large-scale disaster beast surge occurred.

All martial artists had nothing to do but cherish their time cultivating, waiting for the next surge.

Meanwhile, many were discussing Lin Qi's battle with Gu Cheng.

Lin Qi's name spread across all Xia National war bases; everyone knew a young man had arrived at Black Dragon Base.

And he was a top-tier genius!

In the dormitory area, outside Room 206.

Lin Qi took the package from the delivery boy and turned back inside.

Back in his martial arts room, he placed down the two packages—two metal boxes.

"Ding!"

After verification, the boxes opened, revealing ten bottles of purple liquid—Soul Water.

Enough to sustain his cultivation for a month. Lin Qi immediately drank one bottle of Soul Water.

He sat cross-legged and activated the advanced mental cultivation scripture: The Ten Thousand Calamities Codex.

In his consciousness space:

"Roar~"

A massive golden tiger instantly materialized before Lin Qi—he felt an eerie familiarity.

It was the Level Eight disaster beast—Jin Gang Tiger!

"Roar!"

The Jin Gang Tiger moved its limbs, galloping through the consciousness space. Lin Qi merged into its body.

Now that The Ten Thousand Calamities Codex had reached its fourth sub-stage, he had no hesitation—he chose to visualize the Jin Gang Tiger.

He knew the Jin Gang Tiger too well!

"Roar~"

"Howl~"

Around him, other towering Level Eight disaster beasts emerged.

Golden Bone Ape, Earth-Shattering Dragon, Ocean-Covering Whale, Lava Sparrow, Glacier White Wolf…

All familiar Level Eight disaster beasts!

The space trembled—the battle among the Level Eight beasts began!

"Roar~"

The Jin Gang Tiger roared to the heavens, lunging forward with its agile body, immediately engaging in combat.

…

One hour later,

Lin Qi, frowning, slowly exhaled, his brow relaxing. He opened his eyes—his deep gaze seemed to emit a sharp gleam.

Lin Qi felt his mind crystal clear. He checked his panel—his mental strength had increased.

【You consumed Soul Water and diligently cultivated the mental scripture The Ten Thousand Calamities Codex; your spirit was refined. Mental Strength +200】

【Mental Strength: 5,500 → 5,700】

…

Lin Qi nodded inwardly—the improvement in mental strength was very clear.

At this rate, reaching 10,000 mental strength was not far off.

He looked at the metal box—the second container held only one bottle of blood-red liquid.

It looked like thick, viscous blood—this was Blood Spirit Tonic.

Blood Spirit Tonic was made from Blood Spirit Mushroom and various other ingredients.

It contained partial effects of the Blood Spirit Mushroom: greatly boosting blood energy, purifying the body, and increasing the chance of blood replacement.

"Gulps~"

Lin Qi drank it down in one gulp.

Blood Spirit Mushroom could replace blood without side effects—a supreme treasure.

But Blood Spirit Tonic could not—it only boosted blood energy and increased the chance of blood replacement.

But for him, it was perfect.

"Huff!"

"Xiao Chan, prepare the functional drink!"

"Cook all the remaining Level Eight disaster beast meat!"

"Yes, Master!"

Xiao Chan materialized her form, turned, and left the martial arts room to begin cooking the Level Eight disaster beast meat.

Lin Qi closed his eyes and began cultivation, feeling heat spread through his entire body.

Immediately, he activated the Jin Di Secret Scripture, and Jin Di Golden Gangjin instantly coalesced, circulating within his body.

His body accelerated its operation; the Blood Spirit Tonic took effect the moment it entered.

It passed through his stomach and merged into his blood.

"Thump! Thump!!"

In an instant, Lin Qi felt his heartbeat quicken, pounding wildly with immense force.

The entire martial arts chamber seemed filled with the sound of an engine igniting.

His blood was pumped to every part of his body, then seeped into every tissue.

"Huff! Huff!!"

Lin Qi felt his body like a furnace, continuously heating up, white vapor rising and swirling around him.

His body burned intensely, accompanied by waves of stabbing pain.

The Blood Spirit Tonic had begun to take effect.

His body began to transform, drawing in source energy from the surrounding air into his flesh.

Every part of his body underwent transformation; his blood washed away impurities within his flesh.

In moments, Lin Qi felt something draining from within him.

Under the intense heat, beads of sweat continuously formed on his forehead, then turned into dark red blood.

Unconsciously, Lin Qi realized his body had undergone its third blood replacement.

A strong stench of blood filled his nose.

He wasn't sure if it was from exposure, but he felt the odor had faded, no longer as foul as before.

"Xiao Chan, energy drinks!"

The martial arts chamber door opened; Xiao Chan entered, carrying two large crates of energy drinks.

Lin Qi casually opened one, downed it in one gulp, like swallowing a liquid supplement.

In moments, several bottles of energy drinks lay scattered on the floor.

"Hummm!!"

During the blood replacement, Lin Qi clearly felt his bone marrow heating up, frantically producing blood, expelling old blood, and drawing in new blood.

Stimulating his flesh's transformation!

Vast accumulations of impurities, toxins, and stagnant blood were expelled through his pores.

Warriors inevitably sustain injuries in battle, accumulating stagnant blood; now, it was expelled along with the blood replacement.

His body underwent another transformation—a comprehensive enhancement: muscle strength increased, tendons grew tougher, internal organ function improved, and bone hardness rose.

Each blood replacement was a transformation.

…

In the blink of an eye, five hours passed; the time slowly reached 1:00 PM.

Inside the martial arts chamber, the air was thick with a pungent stench.

In the center of the chamber lay a massive layer of blood residue, surrounded by scattered energy drink bottles.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, a deafening explosion shattered the blood residue, raining down like droplets across the chamber.

Golden light erupted from Lin Qi's body as he slowly rose, clenching his fists, every muscle surging with power.

New blood flowed through his body, reaching every corner; he again felt light, as if his burdens had lifted.

Or rather, the impurities had diminished further.

His mind and body felt crystal clear, and beyond that, he sensed immense power.

He had completed his third blood replacement!

He looked at his panel—massive new information popped up.

【You consumed the Blood Spirit Tonic. The tonic has taken effect. Your flesh has begun transforming; your Blood Qi has surged dramatically, initiating the third blood replacement.】

【You completed the third blood replacement. Your flesh has transformed, greatly increasing in strength. Blood Qi +310.】

【You successfully broke through. Template fusion degree increased. Fusion degree +0.5%.】

【Blood Qi: 5190 → 5500】

【Template: Yang Yang Jian, the Second Son of Heaven】

【Fusion degree: 34.5% → 35%】

…

Lin Qi smiled as he read the panel's information—he had completed another blood replacement in just three days since arriving at the base!

He was certain the Black Dragon Base was the right choice.

Three blood replacements had brought most people to the peak of the Seventh Realm.

One more replacement would allow them to break into the Eighth Realm.

For someone like Gu Cheng, an SSS-tier, half of the Seventh Realm was already behind him.

For Lin Qi himself, he had only just completed one-third.

Finally, the fusion degree—just as he'd expected, 35% would not awaken a new talent; he needed 40%.

At 40%, his talent would undergo a massive change.

…

He entered the bathroom, emerged refreshed after ten minutes, and walked into the living room.

At the dining table sat platters of meat dishes, all made from Grade Eight Catastrophe Beast flesh.

"Gurgle~"

Smelling the aroma and feeling the hunger surging within him, Lin Qi began devouring his meal.

As he ate, he opened his phone and realized it had been flooded with messages.

The top message was from his senior brother, Liang Tai.

【Senior Brother: Little brother, something's happened!】

【Lin Qi:?】

Lin Qi wondered—what now?

Soon, Liang Tai's video call came through; Lin Qi projected it.

On screen, Liang Tai spoke with intense emotion:

"Little brother, something's happened again!"

"The Gu family has challenged you once more!"

Lin Qi replied calmly: "Has Gu Cheng brought in an outside fighter?"

Liang Tai nodded: "Yes, but this opponent is no ordinary one."

"Within the Gu family, Gu Cheng's talent ranks second."

"The strongest talent is Gu Cheng's cousin—Gu Yang Jian!"

"His talent is even greater—he's not only an SSS-tier prodigy, but has awakened two abilities!"

…

(End of Chapter)