C5 Drawing out Magical Power

Lee Yi employed the Demon Refining Art to ensnare the Wind Wolf, yet its continuous roars and ferocious struggles tested his limits. The beast's formidable strength made Lee Yi's form waver; he was aware that he couldn't keep the creature trapped for an extended period.

He delivered another strike to the Wind Wolf's wounded head, intent on refining its vital blood and seizing its magical power. A potent force of absorption, akin to a vortex, relentlessly consumed the Wind Wolf's essence, transforming it into a torrent of life energy that merged with Lee Yi's being.

In the span of a single breath, Lee Yi felt a significant surge in his power. His Half-Demon lineage grew more potent, his meridians and dantian expanded slightly, allowing for greater mana capacity, and his body became even more refined.

The Wind Wolf, in a state of panic, intensified its struggles. Yet, Lee Yi, summoning all his might to drive the Demon Refining Art, amplified the suction in his palm, clinging to the Wind Wolf's wound as tenaciously as a leech.

As time passed, Lee Yi, through the Demon Refining Art, persistently absorbed the Wind Wolf's essence to fortify himself. Far from weakening, his power swelled with each passing moment.

The Wind Wolf, its essence draining away, grew increasingly feeble. After its initial attempts at resistance were thwarted by Lee Yi, it found itself powerless to retaliate, helplessly subjected to Lee Yi's mercy.

Its form shriveled as Lee Yi drained it of all vitality. His muscles undulated, his bones crackled, reminiscent of a ravenous primordial predator in the throes of a feeding frenzy.

The newfound strength nearly overwhelmed his physique, as the Wind Wolf's essence washed over him repeatedly, reinforcing his meridians and solidifying his dantian, which grew more expansive and robust.

Eventually, the Wind Wolf was reduced to a desiccated husk, its thick fur the only cover for its sturdy bones and withered organs.

Lee Yi expelled a breath laden with noxious impurities, the stench of which clung to his form. Withdrawing his hand, the sound of impact echoed as the Wind Wolf's carcass collapsed.

Basking in the nearly uncontrollable power coursing through him, Lee Yi was ecstatic. His strength had dramatically increased, now rivaling that of the third level of Arcane Awakening.

If he were to harness his magical power, his strength would become even more formidable.

His physical constitution had greatly improved, and his affinity with the spiritual essence of Heaven and Earth had significantly increased. Meditation was no longer necessary; each breath he took was an act of cultivation, drawing the spiritual essence into his body, circulating it, and transforming it into threads of magical power that settled into his dantian.

The sole issue was that his dantian had expanded too much. Though it could contain more magical power, the challenge of breaking free from his current limitations and advancing to the next level had also substantially increased.

Ultimately, Lee Yi remembered the most crucial thing—the Wind Magical Power!

He had only heard of the formidable strength of the Wind Magical Power before, but now he had experienced it firsthand. Had it not been for his robust physique and the restraining effect of the Demon Refining Spell, he would have been reduced to bones.

Moreover, the Wind Wolf was merely a juvenile, with limited cultivation. It hadn't mastered the Wind Magical Power to the level of Perfection, nor had it achieved Great Completion, yet its power was already so immense. The strength of this magical power was self-evident.

"Refine its essence, claim its magical power!" Lee Yi mused to himself. "I've refined all of the Wind Wolf's essence, but how do I activate the magical power?"

As he pondered, the sound of footsteps approached—it was Zhang Cheng and Bai Mujue.

Shock was written all over their faces, mingled with a profound greed.

"Junior Brother Lee, I never imagined you had such hidden depths. To think you defeated the Wind Wolf, you've truly opened my eyes!" Zhang Cheng's expression was mixed, with admiration tinged by envy. "May I ask what secret technique you employed just now?"

Lee Yi furrowed his brow and responded, "What concern is that of yours?"

Zhang Cheng chuckled and replied, "Such a secret technique must surely deplete a great deal of energy. You're probably quite drained now, aren't you? I noticed you've been standing still for quite some time!"

Sensing the malice in Zhang Cheng's tone, Lee Yi feigned a look of alarm and retorted, "Who... Who says I'm out of strength? I simply chose not to move..."

Zhang Cheng burst into laughter and challenged, "Why don't you try moving now?"

Lee Yi remained still.

Shaking his head, Zhang Cheng said, "Oh, Junior Brother, you're still too green. There's no point in posturing in front of me. Let's talk business. The Nether Forest is teeming with dangers, and in your current state, you won't make it out on your own. I can escort you out, but on one condition: you must teach me that secret technique!"

The two had initially returned for the Wind Wolf's corpse. It wasn't just any part—it was the entire creature, with a value so immense that no one could resist its lure. But upon reflection, Zhang Cheng realized that the secret technique Lee Yi possessed was worth far more than the Wind Wolf, and he began to scheme.

Lee Yi kept his silence.

"Junior Brother Lee, think this through. What's more important: the secret technique or your life? Without life, what good is any technique?" Bai Mujie said with a profound implication.

His words laid it bare: Lee Yi could either be sensible and live or risk losing everything.

They had already decided—if Lee Yi divulged the secret technique, they would silence him forever. This was no honorable deed, and the fewer who knew the technique, the better for them.

They were sure Lee Yi would capitulate; it seemed his only option. A smug smile crept onto their lips.

"Escort me back to the academy first, then I'll tell you," Lee Yi proposed.

Zhang Cheng's expression turned icy. "Do you take us for fools? What if you renege once we're back at the academy? I promised to get you back, and I will. Besides, you killed this Wind Wolf cub; the corpse is yours. We won't claim even a hair from it!"

"Junior Brother Lee, time is of the essence. Make up your mind quickly; our patience is wearing thin!" Bai Mujie pressed further.

"Alright then," Lee Yi said with a sense of resignation.

The two adversaries' faces lit up with excitement.

But in that instant, Lee Yi's right foot slammed into the ground, sending a thunderous boom echoing as the solid rock beneath him cracked. Using the rebounding force, he propelled himself forward, his fists flying with tremendous power.

His punches were incredibly forceful. Having just assimilated the essence of the Wind Wolf's blood, his strength was far from depleted; in fact, it had multiplied several times over. The power within him was nearly bursting out, desperately seeking release. Zhang Cheng and his companion had essentially come back asking for trouble. Lee Yi hadn't wanted to engage in combat unless they persisted in their aggression.

The two were taken aback, completely unprepared for the immense strength Lee Yi still possessed. They quickly channeled their magical power, each meeting one of Lee Yi's fists with a palm strike from either side.

Bang!

Bai Mujie was immediately sent flying by the overwhelming force upon contact with Lee Yi's fist.

Zhang Cheng, with his more robust mana, managed to hold on for a moment. But even his considerable power had its limits, whereas Lee Yi's strength continued to surge forth, relentless like an overwhelming tidal wave, building upon itself until it formed an unstoppable force.

Boom!

Zhang Cheng, too, was sent flying, crashing to the ground and coughing up blood. He lasted longer than Bai Mujie, but the damage he sustained was far worse. His internal organs felt displaced, and he couldn't even muster the strength to stand.

Lee Yi landed heavily in front of the two, his voice icy. "How about that? I've just demonstrated a secret technique. Have either of you managed to learn it?"

Their faces were a picture of shock.

Zhang Cheng, utterly bewildered, stammered, "How... How is this possible? You've just been in a fierce battle with the Wind Wolf, and you were wounded. How can your strength have increased instead of decreased? There can't possibly be a secret technique like this in the world. It's impossible!"

Lee Yi just sneered, offering no response.

Bai Muxue, gripped by fear, blurted out anxiously, "What... What do you intend to do?"

"I don't intend to do anything. Weren't you two eager to learn the secret technique? Would you like me to demonstrate it again?" Lee Yi stepped forward, his fists ready.

"No... I've given up on learning it..." Bai Muxue called out in a panic.

Zhang Cheng, though reluctant, recognized that Lee Yi was out of his league. Bowing his head and clutching his chest, he managed to say, "Let's just forget the whole incident, shall we? You killed the Wind Wolf, so the spoils are rightfully yours. Let's agree to not interfere with each other from now on. Does that sound fair?"

Lee Yi couldn't help but smile. "Just like that? You expect me to let you off that easily after your threats? I think not. Hand over anything of value you have on you."

Zhang Cheng hesitated, his face contorted with displeasure. Eventually, he grudgingly surrendered a storage bag, feeling as though his heart was bleeding. Bai Muxue, lacking a storage bag of her own, only had a few low-level talismans, which she handed over with great reluctance.

"Alright, you can go now!" Lee Yi's spirits soared at the sight of the storage bag, a type of spatial magic tool he had longed to possess but had never before had the chance to handle.

Deciding not to waste any more time on them, Lee Yi let them be. After all, their lives were off-limits; Zhang Cheng was a disciple of the Alchemy Pavilion, and the Alchemy Elder was known for his fierce protection of his charges. Killing his favored student would mean Lee Yi's expulsion from the academy.

The pair left without a word, supporting each other as they went.

Upon opening the storage bag, Lee Yi's delight grew. Inside, along with the talismans, were several bottles of pills for replenishing mana, known as Origin Cultivating Pills, a Yellow Grade magical pill.

Magical pills were categorized into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow. Unlike mundane pills, they were not crafted with ordinary fire but with magical power, making each one highly valuable. Only those of significant means could afford to use pills to aid their cultivation.

For someone like Lee Yi, undervalued by his family, cultivation through the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth was his only option; pills were a luxury he could scarcely dream of.

Having placed the Wind Wolf's carcass into the storage bag, Lee Yi contained his excitement and found a secluded cave, where he began to delve into the mysteries of the Wind Magical Power.

Magical Power was a unique ability of the Demon Clan, and human cultivators, unlike demons, were unable to harness such power. Despite having consumed the essence of the Wind Wolf's blood, Lee Yi was at a loss on how to activate the Magical Power.

After dozens of attempts with no success, he reflected on his battle with the Wind Wolf, replaying each movement in his mind, hoping for a spark of insight. Yet, his efforts were fruitless. It was then that he remembered the Demon Refining Spell and speculated, "Could it be that the Demon Refining Spell is needed to activate the Magical Power?"

With this thought, Lee Yi silently recited the Demon Refining Spell and, to his surprise, felt his body lighten, as if he were about to float away. Upon opening his eyes, he discovered a whirlwind had enveloped him, resembling a dragon of wind that danced and spiraled around him, causing his robes to billow and rustle.

"Is this the Wind Magical Power?" Lee Yi marveled at the sensation. He took a tentative step forward, barely lifting his foot, and was propelled dozens of feet in an instant, as if drawn by an unseen force. His speed was now several times faster than when using the Wind Talisman.

With a powerful leap, he soared skyward, ascending over a hundred feet and surveying the landscape from above. Upon returning to the ground, he dashed through the forest, the trees retreating in a blur, leaving a swirling trail of dust in his wake.

"So fast, incredibly fast!" Lee Yi came to a halt, panting heavily, his hair disheveled like a bird's nest, but the disarray was of no concern to him. His heart swelled with joy.

Over the following days, Lee Yi dedicated himself to mastering the Wind Magical Power, learning to wield it effectively while also elevating his own realm. Magical Power was categorized into four stages: rudiment, Small Completion, Great Completion, and Perfection. Advancing through each was a formidable challenge, with progress being particularly slow for Magical Power.

In a matter of days, Lee Yi's realm achieved a breakthrough, advancing smoothly to the second level of the Arcane Awakening Realm. His Magical Power, however, had only reached the rudimentary stage. The initial awkwardness of control had dissipated, and his speed had increased significantly, ensuring he no longer collided with trees due to excessive velocity.

Lee Yi was brimming with contentment as he summoned his Wind Magical Power, unleashing a fierce gust that shook the air around him. His form flickered like a specter, weaving through the Netherworld Forest with supernatural agility.

In under an hour, Lee Yi had made his way back to Caflin, reining in his magical power as he approached the Longevity Academy.

Suddenly, a stir caught everyone's attention in the distance. A group approached, led by an individual with a flame emblem emblazoned on their chest, the unmistakable mark of a core disciple from the Alchemy Pavilion. Trailing just behind this figure was none other than Zhang Cheng!