C16 His Aptitude Had Leveled up to the Middle Period of Mortal Rank

"Though there's still some origin fluid left, my progress with the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art has hit a wall. It looks like the origin fluid at this concentration is no longer effective for advancing the First Layer of the art."

"I guess I'll need to convert those three lower-class lower-grade Spirit Stones into origin fluid."

"But that's going to set me back. For the time being, I'll have to halt the advancement of the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art at this level."

"Regardless, the art's current level is sufficient for my use. Until I break through to the fourth or fifth main bloodline of the Mortal Rank, or reach the late period of Mortal Rank, there's no need to push the First Layer of the art any further."

"With the leftover origin fluid, I can now unlock the second level of the Nine Flames Heavenly Fire Tower."

"Go!"

At Han Feng's command, the last two small cups of origin fluid vanished, and the Nine Flames Heavenly Fire Tower shook with intense vibrations.

An ancient, vast aura swept through the space.

Han Feng watched serenely as the tumult subsided.

Finally, the shaking ceased, and a golden beam of light emerged at the center of the First Layer.

Knowing from his inheritance that this was the gateway to the Second Layer, Han Feng stepped forward with a smile. A flash of gold, and he was gone from the First Layer.

The second level of the Nine Flames Heavenly Fire Tower was shrouded in white mist, save for a weak scarlet glow at its heart.

Guided by the glow, Han Feng found his way there.

Before him was a Spirit Spring, merely a meter or two across and about half a meter deep, tinted a light red.

"This must be the Spirit Spring formed from the remaining origin fluid. I'm curious to see how much it will enhance my talents."

With that thought, Han Feng quickly stripped and stepped into the Spirit Spring.

Activating the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art within him, the spring's red energy swirled into a vortex, enveloping him.

The energy seeped into Han Feng's body through his skin, and his internal strength surged, thundering against one of his eight main bloodlines.

Before he knew it, a day had slipped by. Han Feng had previously devoted eight days to elevate the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art to the First Layer. Following that, he spent another two days refining five lower-class lower-grade Spirit Stones and the origin fluid. With the help of the origin fluid, he further enhanced the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art, taking an additional two days. In total, thirteen days had elapsed.

Only two days remained before the competition.

In those final two days, Han Feng experienced a sudden jolt, as a piercing aura erupted from him. He sprang forth, laughing heartily, unconcerned with his bare state.

Han Feng had never anticipated that upon his physique evolving to the lower third grade, the internal strength cultivated from the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art would surge following the enhancement of his physique. He achieved a breakthrough, unlocking a main bloodline and advancing to the middle period of the Mortal Rank.

Upon inspecting the Spirit Spring once more, he noticed it had become crystal clear, the red energy fully absorbed by him.

Han Feng mused, "My current supply of spirit stones is running low. I'll need to ask my father for some lower-grade lower-class Spirit Stones with a purity between 4 and 8%. They're not only essential for cultivation but also for unlocking additional spaces."

While in the second level, Han Feng spontaneously practiced the Claw Condensation Technique. Claw shadows flickered, their strikes fierce. Even after he ceased practicing, the sensation of those incisive strikes lingered.

Han Feng couldn't help but feel elated. "It's true what they say about the importance of talent. The better the talent, the higher the physical quality for cultivating martial skills, and the quicker the mastery."

"I had only achieved a small completion stage in my Claw Condensation Technique, uncertain of how long it would take to reach the great completion stage."

"But with my talent now broken through, from the fourth to the third level of the lower grade, I've managed to cultivate it to great completion in such a short time. With a few more days of practice, I can perfect it. Having nearly mastered this basic upper-grade martial skill, I've successfully completed my training."

Returning to the First Layer, Han Feng set to work refining the last three Lower-class Lower-grade Spirit Stones, notable for their higher purity.

Before long, the stones were transformed into a red origin fluid.

Taking a cautious sip, Han Feng felt his Internal Strength surge once more. But with the origin fluid's energy safeguarding him, there was no fear of his meridians failing to cope.

As he absorbed and refined half of the origin fluid, Han Feng's cultivation foundation soared to the peak of his Main Bloodline, and he was on the verge of unlocking his second Main Bloodline.

Yet, the day of the competition had arrived.

Ceasing his cultivation, Han Feng focused on keeping his body in prime condition.

"I should ask my father for some Spirit Stones while there's still time."

...

"Here are the Spirit Stones you need. I've heard about the competition, too. Are you prepared?" Han Tiancheng said with a smile as he handed them over.

Han Feng stood tall. "Father, rest assured, I'm set on securing one of those ten training spots."

With those words, Han Feng's Internal Strength roared to life. Han Tiancheng, initially taken aback, soon burst into joy. "You've already opened a Main Bloodline?"

"You're at the peak, and it won't be long before the second one is through. Your progress is astonishing. Many in our Han family have toiled for years just to make a breakthrough, and those with lesser talent might spend over a decade to reach where you are now. Yet, you've done it in just half a month!"

Han Feng blinked, understanding his father referred to Martial Cultivators with minimal or no talent.

Indeed, for these cultivators, advancing to the Middle Period of Mortal Rank was a formidable challenge, and for some, achieving it in a lifetime would be an accomplishment.

After an extended exchange, Han Feng furrowed his brow. "Father, isn't the competition scheduled after today's regular training? It should be mealtime by now. Why haven't we been served?"

"I'm not sure myself. By now, we're usually eating," Han Tiancheng replied, equally baffled.

After a lengthy wait, Han Feng's expression grew stern. "I recall that Gu Wan, Gu Ba's father, oversees the meals. It looks like he's up to no good. Today's the day of the trials, and even though you're only missing one meal, it could still impact your performance. It's clear he's trying to sabotage you, seeking revenge for his son."

Worry flickered in Han Tiancheng's eyes. "What can we do?"

With a scoff, Han Feng rose to his feet. "He's merely a servant, overstepping his bounds. I'll see to it that he learns his place."

Han Tiancheng's face tensed. "Given my current predicament, if you stir up more trouble, it'll be a headache for Grandfather too, once the elders assert their authority."

"Don't fret, Father," Han Feng reassured. "Once I demonstrate my capabilities in today's contest, the elders may not be so inclined to oppose us."

After all, they are the Han family's elders. If I can prove my worth, it's quite possible they'll even align with us."

"Just hold on a bit longer, Father. It won't be long before I ensure you can walk into the Han family's main hall with your head held high, free from any disdain."