One had to understand that Blood hadn't learned these skills the way other cultivators did, and just like that, the integration process began and was completed the moment it started.
His cultivation technique, Blood Formation Manual—Blood Balancing Art immediately flew into resonance, stirring his internal organs, as the churning of his blood could be clearly heard.
His body became more refined, and his physique was complemented greatly. His legs elongated a little, and his chest became a little broader, throbbing in rhythm with the resounding beat of his heart.
He spread out his arms and examined his body. He soon discovered that his breathing was easier than usual, and his nails seemed to elongate a little from their roots.
He came closer to the mirror in a corner and couldn't help but marvel at the dainty figure reflected within. His chiseled face was a sight to behold. He couldn't help wondering if the skills he had redeemed had really brought those changes.
The Exp was well spent!
He also didn't know the reason why his technique responded to his skills. He had got it from the Blood Book anyway.
As if answering to his thought, a flash message appeared.
[Blood Balancing Art: An Antique Art of Beginning, with refined control over energy, cultivation realms, pristine blood-flow concepts, bloodlust, bloodline strengthening, and healing alterations, among others, as well as encapsulating movements and other techniques derived from the Blood Approach.]
Blood read the description and didn't realize when he became lost within layers of unknown boundaries. As time passed, he sought the deeper meaning of each statement and realized he couldn't even delve an inch deeper, as he lacked both the knowledge and the strength to do so.
Thus, he tried to pull himself out, but to no avail. It was as if he had been drawn into a field of knowledge—his blood was still as his body went numb. He was clearly still in the same room, but it felt like he was very far away.
Just as he thought he had lost all hope, a helping hand came forth, as if sensing his distress and struggle. The octagonal prism shook gently. It had been forced to stop its rotation a moment ago.
It vibrated violently, releasing a blinding red glow that spread across the spiritual space, turning it blood-red. Ink-like liquid was forced out, and the space tore as if an essence had been forcibly removed.
The ink-like liquid moved toward the place where the Blood Book was located and settled at the center of the etched octagonal prism.
The moment it torched the prism, a faint sound echoed and the next moment, the octagonal prism whose rotation had been stopped started to revolve, albeit in a slow pace. It steadily started gaining its previous speed and seemed to rotate slightly faster.
That instant was when Blood was alleviated from his stupor and his sense of reasoning was reclaimed. Red liquid seeped from his eyes, trailing down half of his face.
His heart was beating rapidly. He quickly circulated the Blood Balancing Art, easing the pleasure laid on him.
The panel which showed the description of the Blood Balancing Art scattered right before his eyes as if it was never there to begin with. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't picture the description again, nor did it appear in his notification section.
But the feeling remained, and he still remembered his struggle, but he couldn't identify why he had such a memory, which almost made him look like a fool.
He realized that two hours had elapsed and Ballock who was fast asleep showed signs of waking up.
He quickly lay down on the bed to regain his senses before Ballock fully woke up.
Not long after, Ballock woke up and looked at the Blood, who was still asleep. He didn't disturb him, letting him sleep while he went out to check the area.
Cultivators were never too kind in the cultivation world!
___
"Master Claw, it's been six hours since our guests arrived and we haven't heard anything from them. They said they would leave in an hour or so. Shouldn't we check if they are alright or need anything?" said a woman who had a blue mask on her face. She was pacing back and forth beside a table, and she appeared to be worried. She was one of the village head close aides.
"Don't worry yourself so much Shaky, it's a waste of time. Given how desperate you are, you won't be able to come close" the village head rebuked the lady and continued,
"They are tired and need some rest. You could see the mounts they rode. We can't afford to offend them." he said and didn't continue to pay attention to the lady's persistent grunt.
He saw bags under their eyes when he first saw them at the village entrance and knew they must be extremely tired. He would let them stay however long they wanted.
"Hum-hum"
The village head heard someone clear their throat and initially thought it was Shaky, but he soon realized it came from behind him.
Upon looking over his shoulder, he was shocked to see a ma..n leaning against a tree, who had red hues sparking around his body. He exuded the energy fluctuation of a Bronze realm cultivator, with his arms crossed.
"Ha..Haa master Ballock, how may I be of service? You don't have to stress yourself too much, you should have send one of the servants if you need anything." The village head, master Claw laughed as he quickly came closer.
Shaky reluctantly followed behind.
It should be noted that with the size of the village and the energy density, the village head must be the highest cultivator, being only at the Bronze realm.
This level of cultivation barely qualifies the village as a grade 2 territory, also considering the fact that Ballock exuded the aura similar to the village head, his even a bit thicker, the village was in their hands. In the cultivation world, such respect was only natural.
"Don't be too polite elder and thanks for the hospitality. We really own you one." Ballock said with a heavy nod.
However, the village head disagreed, "You own us nothing, master, and it is the village's honor to have you here. There's no need for this." the village head shook his head but nearly bit his tongue when he refused Ballock's favor. He had to be humble!
Ballock had a faint smile. He walked around the place, which was filled with books and scrolls. It appeared to be some kind of library.
And just like that, time passed and midnight approached.