Chapter 186: Fusion of the Blood Crystal

Su Li’s heart leaped with joy. The White Jade Centipedes on the 24th floor were Level 6, and he thought the monsters he needed, Level 7, might be found deeper down.

He continued to descend. He reached the 23rd floor and, peering into the room from the balcony, saw the nest of the White Jade Centipede. Countless White Jade Centipedes were coiled inside, packed tightly together.

Su Li did not disturb them but continued descending. He quickly reached the 22nd floor. Gong Xiao stopped above him, at the 23rd floor. They were now submerged over 20 meters. Gong Xiao looked down, but the water was too murky and deep. She couldn’t see anything. She gripped the Unquenchable Spear. She felt uneasy, knowing that the bottom was still 60 meters away and that the depths must hide immense dangers.

Su Li looked into the 22nd floor and finally showed a look of joy.

He had found the Level 7 monsters he needed.

Bloody Giant Earthworms, Level 7 Common monsters. He had encountered them before during his underwater battle with Ding Shijie.

The 22nd floor was filled with many Bloody Giant Earthworms, which were thick, ugly, giant earthworms, all sleeping.

Su Li stood by the balcony, holding the Dragon Rhino Sword in his right hand. He quickly raised his left hand, aiming for the balcony inside, and unleashed “High-Voltage Electrocution.”

The “High-Voltage Electrocution,” acquired from slaying the Demon-Face Electric Eel, was indeed a Leader-class ability. Not only was its power immense, but he could control the direction of the discharge and release it all at once or in smaller bursts. After discharging, the electrical energy automatically recovered over time.

He didn’t need to unleash the full power on these Level 7 Common Beasts. Blue-white electricity sparked around both of Su Li’s hands. He aimed the electricity at the cluster of sleeping Bloody Giant Earthworms inside the balcony. A massive electric arc connected his right-hand Dragon Rhino Sword, the earthworms, and his left hand. The sleeping Bloody Giant Earthworms violently convulsed. Those farther away leaped up, startled awake, while the ones closer were instantly charred black.

The power of “High-Voltage Electrocution” was enormous. It instantly killed three Bloody Giant Earthworms from a distance of several meters and severely wounded two more. Messages immediately surfaced in Su Li’s mind.

“Level 7 Spiritual Source Wielder: Spiritual Source 101/110”

“Level 7 Spiritual Source Wielder: Spiritual Source 102/110”

“Level 7 Spiritual Source Wielder: Spiritual Source 103/110”

The shocked Bloody Giant Earthworms tried to charge him, but Su Li quickly dove into the room with the Dragon Rhino Sword. He slew the two severely wounded earthworms, gaining two more Spiritual Sources. He now had 105 Spiritual Sources.

Gong Xiao slowly descended, holding the Unquenchable Spear. She constantly watched the water below, guarding against any changes.

The Bloody Giant Earthworms could not harm Su Li. The most important thing was to monitor the deeper water for stronger, insurmountable monsters.

The swarm of Bloody Giant Earthworms surged toward him. Su Li was delighted. He continuously swung the Dragon Rhino Sword, harvesting Spiritual Sources. Messages constantly appeared in his mind, confirming his acquisition of Spiritual Sources.

“Level 7 Spiritual Source Wielder: Spiritual Source 109/110”

“Level 7 Spiritual Source Wielder: Spiritual Source 110/110”

“It’s done.” Su Li had gained the required ten Spiritual Sources. He immediately spun around and shot out of the balcony, gesturing to Gong Xiao to ascend and leave.

Gong Xiao understood he had gained enough Spiritual Sources. She shot upward like a mermaid.

Su Li’s battle had startled the monsters on the floors above. White Jade Centipedes and Purple Rat Beasts surged out, a dense mass attempting to block their path.

Su Li followed close behind Gong Xiao, drawing the Ice Python Sword from his chest. He attacked with both swords, slaying the monsters as they ascended.

Messages continuously surfaced in his mind.

“Level 7 Spiritual Source Wielder: Spiritual Source 110/110”

“Beginning Advancement”

“Muscle enhancement begins, Strength increased, Defense increased”

“Base Strength increased to 1,600 jin”

“Defense capability increased to 900 jin”

“Stamina enhanced, Sustained power output time extended to 16 minutes”

“Lung capacity increased, Breath-holding time extended to 9 minutes”

“Speed increased, Vision enhanced, Hearing enhanced”

“…”

“Advancement Complete”

“Level 8 Spiritual Source Wielder: Spiritual Source 0/130”

“Talent: Enhancement Favor”

“Basic Enhancements: Enhanced Lung Type I, Muscle Augmentation Type VII, Super Heart Type II, Steel Bone Type I”

“Special Skills: Peering Rune (Flawed), Gluttony Fangs (Left), Spider Walk, Silver Armor Coating, Demon Hunter Claw, High-Voltage Electrocution”

“Basic Enhancement Choice: Enhanced Lung Type I, Muscle Augmentation Type VII, Super Heart Type II, Steel Bone Type I, Stomach, Teeth”

“Spiritual Source Technique ‘Demon Muscles’ received a minor increase. Will enter Demon Muscles Third Form at next level.”

Su Li immediately chose to enhance his muscles for the primary enhancement slot.

“Muscle enhancement begins. Muscle Augmentation Type VII upgraded to Type VIII. Acquires extra muscle strength of 2,100 jin.”

“Talent ‘Enhancement Favor’ is triggered. Acquires one additional enhancement opportunity.”

“Available enhancements: Enhanced Lung Type I, Muscle Augmentation Type VIII, Super Heart Type II, Steel Bone Type I, Liver, Gallbladder”

This time, Su Li did not choose immediately. He was slightly hesitant.

His muscles had been enhanced eight times, reaching the current limit. He could not enhance them further. He chose to skip Lung enhancement for now, as every level-up extended his breath-holding time by one minute. He could now hold his breath for a total of nine minutes, which was sufficient for the moment, and the time would continue to increase with future advancements.

The remaining four options were the key to his dilemma.

He continued to ascend with Gong Xiao while pondering the options.

Gong Xiao, holding the long spear, was testing the power of the Unquenchable Spear. The spear easily pierced a Purple Rat Beast without any resistance, much to her surprise.

Su Li slashed with his dual swords, activating “Spider Walk.” He kicked his feet, sending water splashing everywhere. He shot upward like an arrow. White Jade Centipedes and Purple Rat Beasts shattered around him, their blood surging.

Gong Xiao followed behind him, watching Su Li slay the monsters as easily as chopping vegetables. She knew Su Li had grown stronger once again.

The two quickly surfaced and climbed onto the raft. Su Li untied the mooring rope. “We need to leave here quickly.” He paddled the raft toward the distant Golden Eagle Alliance.

The commotion they had caused was immense. Lingering here was too dangerous. He couldn’t risk relying on luck every time, hoping to encounter only manageable monsters. If a truly formidable creature appeared, they would be finished.

After paddling over 100 meters away, the White Jade Centipedes and Purple Rat Beasts did not pursue them. The water was calm. Confirming everything was safe, Su Li quietly sighed and slowed down.

Only then did he begin to seriously consider his second enhancement choice.

Super Heart Type II, Steel Bone Type I, Liver, and Gallbladder were his options. He immediately dismissed the Heart and Bone structure, as enhancing either was a good choice, as both increased his strength and durability.

The two new options were Liver and Gallbladder.

After some consideration, Su Li eliminated the Gallbladder. He chose the Liver.

Following his choice, a message immediately appeared in his mind.

“Liver Augmentation Type I comprehended. Liver begins enhancement. Acquires powerful detoxification function. Immune to common toxins. Anti-venom ability significantly increased.”

“Just as I suspected, enhancing the liver improves detoxification functions.” Su Li nodded inwardly. Many of the monsters he encountered were venomous. Possessing powerful detoxification was crucial. Although Liver Augmentation didn’t boost his combat power, the choice was worthwhile.

With the two enhancements complete, Su Li’s maximum strength had reached 4,500 jin (approx. 2,250 kg or 4,960 pounds). His defense offset was 1,900 jin. His breath-holding time was 9 minutes. His stamina could now sustain his full-power output for 16 minutes.

If he entered the “Demon Muscles” First Form, his stamina consumption would double, and the sustained time would be reduced to 8 minutes. In the “Demon Muscles” Second Form, his stamina consumption would quadruple, and the sustained time would be reduced to only 4 minutes.

He then attempted to fuse the Blood Crystal he carried. The Blood Crystal was acquired from slaying the Blood Crystal Beast.

To unlock the Blood Crystal, he needed to reach Level 8, as only then would his Spiritual Source energy be powerful enough to initiate the fusion.

Now that he had finally reached Level 8, he wasn’t in a hurry to unlock it, fearing that great expectations would lead to great disappointment.

“The Blood Crystal Beast is a Rare-class monster, and I couldn’t peer into its level. Its treasure must be different from other Rare-class monsters. I wonder what the Blood Crystal contains. A weapon? Armor? Or something else? I hope it won’t disappoint me…”

Su Li sensed that the Blood Crystal, which had been dormant in his chest, was finally reacting. It began to resonate and fuse with the Spiritual Source energy in his body.

“The essence of the Blood Crystal Beast begins to fuse with Spiritual Source, forming the Rare Blood Ring. This Rare Blood Ring contains a powerful Blood Crystal essence, which can significantly boost strength. When the Blood Crystal energy is activated, it can unleash the devastating ‘Blood Crystal Cannon.’ Once the Blood Ring is possessed, the holder is recognized by other Blood Crystal Beasts as a companion and can communicate with them.”

Sensing the message, Su Li thought for a moment and extended his left thumb. A completely blood-red ring, perfectly sized for his thumb, appeared.

(End of Chapter)

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