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Book 2: Chapter 19: Xiao Dong’s strengthening
Xiao Dong swiftly manoeuvred through the dense foliage of the forest, his agile figure gliding between the ancient trees until he reached the entrance of a desolate cave. Despite the pallor of his complexion, the evidence of enduring significant injuries, the spark of excitement blazed undiminished in his eyes. Leaning against the cool stone walls, he carefully retrieved a vibrant crystal from his bag of holding.
The moment the colourful crystal emerged, a potent aura burst forth, accompanied by an insatiable desire to devour that welled up within Xiao Dong. Clasping the crystal in his hands, he turned his gaze into the distance. As if witnessing something unseen, maniacal laughter escaped his lips, Hahahaha! The Orbital Glow Crystal! Perfect for infusing my Devourment with the powers of Abhij!
The crystal he cradled was the lower Barren grade Orbital Glow Crystal, a coveted treasure capable of aiding practitioners in awakening their Abhij. It held the promise of refining the Intent realm that cultivators had unlocked, while simultaneously elevating their inspiration toward Abhij. This precious gem bestowed upon its possessor the ability to pursue and attain mastery over Abhij, a prospect that countless individuals coveted.
Upon the discovery of this treasure, a swarm of opportunistic individuals had descended upon Xiao Dong, each vying to wrest the Orbital Glow Crystal from his grasp. Through a fierce and arduous battle, he emerged victorious, killing all who sought to claim his newfound prize.
Seated on the ground, Xiao Dong initiated the circulation of Devourment, circulating its energies within his body as he commenced the consumption of the vibrant crystal before him.
Behind him, an enormous, transparent toad slowly materialized, emanating the potent powers of Devourment as it, too, devoured the Orbital Glow Crystal.
Subsequently, Xiao Dongs primordial spirit manifested, taking the shape of a faceless human. In its hands, a black vortex gradually formed, within which the energy of Devourment extendeda manifestation of his Intent realm known as the Devour Intent.
The brilliance of the Orbital Glow Crystal in his hands gradually waned, its radiance diminishing until it shattered into a million pieces. In that fleeting moment, the profound aura contained within the crystal was entirely extinguished.
In stark contrast, Xiao Dongs own aura burgeoned, growing more formidable with each passing second. His cultivation which was once at the third layer of the Cognizance realm swiftly broke through to the sixth layer as the Devour Intent in his body evolved.
Witnessing an unseen spectacle, even the colossal toad behind Xiao Dong assumed a solemn expression before succumbing to an overwhelming sense of awe and realization.
In the kaleidoscope of devouring scenes playing before his eyes, the tapestry extended beyond his own past experiences. It intertwined with the memories of others who shared the formidable ability of devourment.
Gradually, the Intent realm of Devourment within him underwent a profound evolution, culminating in a burst of energy that propelled forward with unstoppable force.
In an instant, the cave vanished, disintegrating into a colossal hole from which stones and dirt evaporated, as if they had never existed.
The relentless energy continued its trajectory, voraciously consuming over a hundred trees before gradually dissipating. Simultaneously, a surge of energy materialized within Xiao Dongs body, orchestrating the slow but steady healing of his wounds. Such was the aftermath of the formidable attack.
This devouring force had not only obliterated everything in its path but also transmuted the remnants into spiritual powers, channelling them back to Xiao Dong. The healing surge that ensued mended his wounds considerably with each passing moment.
A flicker of joy played on Xiao Dongs expression as he leisurely emerged from the partially damaged cave, leaving it behind to assess the might of his unleashed attack.
Then, he abruptly directed his attention to the other side of the forest with a subtle change in his expression, where a familiar aura resonated. Without hesitation, he hastened towards it, discovering that it emanated from Luo Miao Miao.
There she was, besieged by multiple assailants, her appearance wretched. Her complexion was now paler than Xiao Dongs had been earlier. Clutching a spiritual medicine with a golden carrot-like appearance, she sprinted desperately in a different direction, her face etched with resentment and anxiety as she cast glances over her shoulder at the pursuers.
A sudden realisation dawned upon her as she spotted a figure emerging behind her assailantsthe very person she had been searching for. Joy and excitement radiated from her as she witnessed Xiao Dongs attack.
In the face of the three attackers relentlessly pursuing his partner, Xiao Dong grasped the situation instantly. His form materialized behind them, and with swift precision, he unleashed the ultimate technique, Devourment.
A formless brilliance swept through the trio, prompting them to whirl around and notice Xiao Dong, who was now behind them.
Excitement brimmed in the voices of the assailants as they gleefully shouted, Xiao Dong! We finally found you! Its time for you to die!
Their pursuit of Luo Miao Miao had indeed been a ploy to draw out Xiao Dong, and now that he stood before them, they believed their victory was assured. With their strength at the fifth and sixth layers of the Cognizance realm, they considered the third layer Xiao Dong to be an easy target.
Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Dong had recently broken through to the sixth layer of the Cognizance realm. Even more concealed from their knowledge was his ability to dispatch them effortlessly, even if he remained at the third layer.
As they prepared to launch their attack, an unexpected sensation emanated from within their bodiesa strange and unsettling leak of their spiritual powers.
Panic seized them as they suspected some form of poison coursing through their veins. Their alarmed gazes turned toward Xiao Dong, who was charging toward them.
Their leader, teeth gritted, promptly unleashed his Intent realm, invoking the Fire Intent. A fiery palm materialized from his powers, hurtling towards Xiao Dong.
Yet, Xiao Dong showed no inclination to evade the scalding attack. Instead, he met it head-on with his own palm.
A momentary sense of joy flickered on the assailants faces, only to be swiftly extinguished. In the next instant, a black spiritual power vortex manifested in Xiao Dongs palm, seemingly growing from his hands, voraciously devouring the enormous fiery palm.
The massive fiery palm was instantly devoured by Xiao Dong with effortless ease, failing to impede his advance even in the slightest. In a swift motion, he slammed his palm onto the leaders body, causing it to wither and shrink as if every ounce of essence had been swiftly devoured.
Shock etched the faces of the remaining two assailants as they attempted to flee to the side. Yet, their attempts at escape proved futile. Xiao Dong, stationary and resolute, positioned his palms toward them, invoking Devourment to generate a formidable energy that drew them irresistibly closer.
Like the inexorable breath of a great whale, the air within the expansive gap vanished, exerting immense pressure that drew the duo into Xiao Dongs grasp. Soon, two more withered corpses adorned his hands.
As Xiao Dong stabilized his aura, palpable exhaustion lingered, indicative of the considerable energy expended in the battle.
By now, Luo Miao Miao had reached him, her expression tinged with reverence. Bursting with excitement, she inquired, Brother Dong? Your cultivation?
Xiao Dong nodded, his expression carrying profound depths. That is right.
He cast a curious gaze at Luo Miao Miao, questioning, Why would they pursue you?
Luo Miao Miao, her expression tinged with resentment, explained, Its all because of that guy, Zhou Xuan Zi. As I rejected his advances, and considering your grudge with him, hes instructed those around him to capture us. The reward for capturing both of us is ten higher Sky grade spiritual medicines! Thats why many are considering going after us. A flash of anger crossed Xiao Dongs face. I didnt expect Zhou Xuan Zi to be so vengeful!
His countenance then shifted, a cruel smile playing on his lips as he asked, Do you know where they are?
Luo Miao Miao, puzzled, questioned, Why are you asking about that?
Of course, I am going to plot against them. Unless, are they the only ones permitted to pursue us, and we are not allowed to scheme against them? Xiao Dong responded matter-of-factly.
Luo Miao Miao, revelling in the idea of chaos, excitement evident in her expression, pointed eastward. They are currently trying to disarm an array in the snowy valley over there. It is rumoured that there is a great remnant inside!
Her previous timidity had given way to newfound boldness, confident in Xiao Dongs strength to ensure her safety.
A remnant?! Xiao Dongs expression lit up with joy and surprise. Lets go! Well take a look for ourselves!
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