The full moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the Spirit Hall's training grounds. It had been a month since Tang San's successful absorption of the second spirit ring, and the effects were already evident. His body, once ordinary, was now a vessel of untapped power, waiting to explode with unimaginable potential.
His training had been rigorous, with days spent cultivating his spirit power, nights dedicated to refining his techniques, and every waking moment focused on increasing his capabilities. With the Black Stone's effects subtly enhancing his talent and the mysterious technique he had yet to fully understand, Tang San's growth was noticeable but slow, just as he had intended. It was not about sudden bursts of power, but a steady, controlled ascent.
His second spirit ring, obtained from the 700-year-old Illusion Spirit Fox, had proven itself to be a treasure beyond his expectations. Unlike his first ring, which had provided straightforward abilities such as Binding, this second ring granted him a much more subtle and deceptive power. The illusion abilities allowed him to manipulate light and sound, creating false images that could confuse enemies and mask his true intentions. It was perfect for a fighter like him, whose mind operated in the shadows.
But that was not all the ring provided. The moment he absorbed it fully, an Attached Soul Bone materialized from the corpse of the spirit fox. It was a rare occurrence, and the bone, sleek and shimmering with ethereal energy, became a part of his body. Its effects were immediate: his charm increased, his agility sharpened, and his ability to use illusions improved drastically. Tang San was not only growing more powerful, but also more captivating in a subtle way—enough to influence others, if needed, without them even realizing why.
With the newfound power of the Illusion Fox Soul Bone, Tang San found himself more attuned to his surroundings. He could now create illusions that would blur the line between reality and deception. He could mimic sounds and shapes, distort his own image, and even create phantom doubles that misled his opponents in combat.
But there was more.
The moment he wore the soul bone, Tang San felt a strange pulse deep within him. It was as if the bone itself resonated with his bloodline, reacting to his ancestral energy. The connection between the bone and his inner energy was undeniable, and it triggered the awakening of an unusual technique—one that Tang San had never encountered before.
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Blood Refinement Technique
Hidden within the power of the Fox Bone was a secret, a technique known only to a few who had the ability to refine their bloodlines—Blood Refinement. This technique allowed Tang San to absorb the blood essence of defeated spirit beasts and refine it into his own bloodline, making his physical body stronger and more resilient.
At first, he was hesitant. The technique was not without its risks. Consuming the blood essence of spirit beasts could result in the corruption of his body if not done carefully. It was a technique reserved for the most dangerous of circumstances, where his survival was at stake.
Yet, Tang San's growth had always been about pushing boundaries. He could not afford to sit idly by while others surpassed him. And so, after much deliberation, he decided to test the technique.
After each battle, he would carefully extract the essence from the spirit beasts he killed, mixing it with his own blood and refining the mixture. The effects were immediately noticeable—his physical strength increased, his recovery rate accelerated, and his combat prowess soared to new heights.
It was a dangerous technique, one that required great control. Tang San could not afford to become over-reliant on it, but it was a powerful tool in his arsenal. The fact that no one else knew of it, except for Grandmaster, ensured that he could refine it in secret without drawing suspicion.
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A Visit from Grandmaster
As he continued his training, Grandmaster arrived in the Spirit Hall to check on Tang San's progress. His eyes gleamed with approval as he saw how much his disciple had grown in such a short time.
"You've been working hard, Tang San. Your spirit power and combat techniques have improved remarkably," Grandmaster remarked, a note of pride in his voice.
Tang San nodded, his face calm and expressionless, as always. "There's still much to learn, Grandmaster. I've only just begun to tap into my true potential."
Grandmaster raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was something more. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Tang San paused for a moment before speaking, his voice steady and low. "There is a technique that I've unlocked… it's called Blood Refinement. It allows me to absorb the essence of defeated spirit beasts and refine it into my own bloodline, strengthening my body and improving my combat ability. But it's not a technique that I will use recklessly."
Grandmaster's expression grew serious. "Blood Refinement… That's a dangerous path, Tang San. It could lead to your corruption if not handled with care. You must be cautious."
"I will be," Tang San responded, his gaze unwavering. "I won't use it unless absolutely necessary. But it is a technique that could make me stronger, and in this world, strength is everything."
Grandmaster considered his disciple's words. He knew that Tang San had always been cautious, calculating, and methodical. If anyone could control such a dangerous technique, it was Tang San. "I trust you, but be careful. The road to strength is not always straightforward."
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Training Under Pressure
In the following weeks, Tang San's training became even more intense. With the combination of his Illusion Fox Soul Bone, the Blood Refinement technique, and the steady growth of his spirit power, he felt himself becoming stronger with each passing day. But there was still much to do. The world was full of dangers, and Tang San could not afford to remain complacent.
Every battle he fought, every beast he encountered, became an opportunity to refine his abilities. He no longer fought just to win; he fought to grow, to improve, and to survive. His combat prowess became more refined as his understanding of his powers deepened. He was no longer the same Tang San who had entered the Spirit Hall a few months ago. He was becoming something greater.
And though the path ahead was filled with unknowns, one thing was clear: Tang San was on the rise, and nothing could stop him now.
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End of Chapter 25
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This version of Chapter 25 integrates the Fox Soul Bone, Blood Refinement, and Tang San's steady growth in power. The Blood Refinement technique is introduced as a powerful, secretive method to boost his physical abilities without revealing its full extent to others, adding an element of mystery while focusing on his journey.