Faenreb bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness is wise."
"Now that this subordinate has forged the path of Savage Beast Martial Path, I can already lead a team deeper into the Jueyun Karst to hunt for more beasts."
"We will strive to bring back more martial practitioners for Khaenri'ah."
"Also, Your Highness… should our Savage Beast Martial Path also be divided into realms, like Liyue's martial system?"
Kong nodded matter-of-factly.
"Of course."
"Since Savage Beast Martial Path took inspiration from Liyue's martial path, there's no need to rack our brains—just adopt their framework directly."
"Postnatal, Innate, Master, Grandmaster, Terrestrial Immortal."
"As for more detailed divisions, Faenreb, I'll leave that to you."
"After all, you're the only one who has successfully stepped onto this path so far."
"In the future, when it comes to perfecting and expanding Savage Beast Martial Path, you must think deeply and observe carefully. Improve it as soon as possible."
At these words, two words suddenly surfaced in Faenreb's mind:
Martial Ancestor!
The martial path of Liyue had been created by the Geo Archon himself—he was Liyue's Martial Ancestor.
As for this Savage Beast Martial Path… though the name was decreed by Kong, the very first to walk it was none other than Faenreb.
The one to refine and develop it further would also be him.
If he was not the Martial Ancestor, who else could be?
With that thought, Faenreb felt a surge of motivation. A powerful sense of mission welled up inside him.
At once, he spoke solemnly:
"Your Highness, rest assured. I will not disappoint you. I shall spread and glorify Khaenri'ah's Savage Beast Martial Path!"
Kong gave a small nod, handing six drops of beast blood to Faenreb while keeping two drops for himself.
"Later, you'll select six individuals to transform into Beast Martial practitioners."
"As for the beast meat, aside from the innards, the rest can be used freely. Strengthen yourselves quickly and keep pushing for breakthroughs."
"Speed up the hunts as well."
"Also, this Savage Beast Martial Path differs entirely from our Abyss Order's traditional ways of battle."
"The old method of long-range elemental bombardment is outdated. From now on, you must pursue close combat. Hone your fighting techniques."
"As for melee weapons, have them forged from beast bones."
"Start adapting to their use quickly."
After leaving these instructions, Kong turned, carrying the blood and most of the beast's heart into the grand hall.
Though his current strength clearly surpassed even the so-called Terrestrial Immortal realm of Savage Beast Martial Path—exceeding its limits entirely—Kong's true aspiration lay in cultivation, not in martial paths.
But since cultivation was out of reach for now, having a martial path to temper himself with was not a bad substitute.
By analogy, he might even gain insights into cultivation.
And in any case—who would complain about having one more trump card?
Watching Kong's back until he vanished into the hall, the tense atmosphere of the plaza finally eased.
The crowd's gazes shifted to the beast meat being transported, and a fiery enthusiasm ignited.
Especially for the six drops of beast blood in Faenreb's hand.
If one could endure it, that meant six chances to halve the curse of immortality.
Six chances to create Grandmasters of Savage Beast Martial Path.
Who could not desire such a chance?
But Faenreb was well aware of the blood's importance. He cast a sharp glare at the restless Abyss Mages around him.
As the Martial Ancestor of Khaenri'ah, he had to pick the most talented candidates.
Abyss Mages were the lowest rung of the Abyss' combat power. Giving them this blood would not only risk them failing to endure it but would also be a waste.
Abyss Lectors and Abyss Heralds were a step better, but even they might not withstand it.
The best candidates would be Abyss Lectors.
But those were few in number, each one a high-ranking member of the Order. And now, three were gravely injured…
A twinge of regret struck Faenreb. He had been too ruthless earlier.
After much thought, he decided the six drops of blood should be kept in reserve, until suitable candidates appeared.
The beast meat, however, could be shared out.
The flesh of a Foundation Establishment Peak beast—though not equal to the blood—might still spark a path of strengthening for ordinary Abyss Mages.
A foundation for Savage Beast Martial Path.
"Lord Faenreb…"
Several Abyss Lectors and Heralds squeezed past the Mages, fawning smiles plastered across their faces.
Their masks hid their expressions, but their words and behavior spoke volumes.
If the blood was beyond Mages, surely they could withstand it?
The overwhelming might of Savage Beast Martial Path earlier had left many wide-eyed with awe.
Most importantly, it could erase half the curse of immortality.
Such an opportunity was beyond dreams.
Yet in Faenreb's eyes, even Lectors and Heralds, though elite units of the Abyss, were not qualified to bear this blood.
This Foundation Establishment Peak beast had taken all their combined might to slay.
Hunting another of its kind would not be easy.
Beasts of such a level were rare, found only deep in the Jueyun Karst' core.
Venturing that far—only someone like Kong could claim absolute safety.
Even Terrestrial Immortals would likely suffer grievously.
And with Liyue and other factions watching from outside, and Mount Shu pressing from within, they dared not act too rashly.
This hunt had been a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Everyone with eyes could see it: for some time to come, this beast would be unmatched.
Thus, these six drops of blood were priceless.
At the very least, they needed someone no weaker than Faenreb himself to master them.
Resolute, he tucked away the blood, then looked at the eager Abyssal crowd before him and said calmly:
"This beast's blood is beyond your ability to bear. Abandon that thought."
"His Highness entrusted me with this duty, and I will choose the six most suitable and exceptional candidates."
"As for you—wait for other beast blood to awaken your dantian and lead you onto this path."
"For now, you may consume beast meat to temper your blood and build your strength."
"Even the flesh of a Foundation Establishment Peak beast is powerful enough."
At these words, the Abyss followers lowered their heads in disappointment.
Their hearts burned for the blood, of course—but with only six drops, it was unlikely to ever reach them.
Still, the meat of such a beast was reward enough.
Eating it would also strengthen them and lay a foundation for the martial path to come.
"All of you, line up. Collect your share in order."
Faenreb's tone left no room for refusal.
The Abyssal forces obediently began queuing for meat.
This single Foundation Establishment Peak beast would at most suffice for tens of thousands to have one portion.
But the Abyss Order numbered nearly a million, counting those not yet returned.
It was far from enough.
In the end, more beasts would have to be hunted.
Faenreb's worries stayed outside the hall, while within—
Kong stared at the two drops of blood in his palm, and the half heart that remained. His gaze burned with intensity.
His strength was already no less than Zhongli's of old.
Yet it had never been his physique that set him apart.
The only beings truly renowned across Teyvat for physical might were the ancient Dragon Sovereigns and their kin.
In the Archon War—monstrous beasts and other gods.
Though this beast was beneath Kong's current level, its essence could still temper his body.
At his realm, even the slightest improvement was an earth-shaking gulf.
"Faenreb could endure one drop. I should be able to endure two… right?"
Uncertain, Kong gritted his teeth—and swallowed both drops in one go.
The blood, hot enough to warp the air, slid down his throat as sweetly as warm milk.
He smacked his lips involuntarily.
"…Surprisingly delicious."
Without delay, he sat cross-legged, sealing his mouth and limbs.
The memory of Faenreb's convulsions was still fresh. Kong would not disgrace himself so.
He waited tensely for the blood to take effect.
Through inner sight, he watched it seep into his dantian.
Unlike Khaenri'ahns, Kong's dantian brimmed with energy—his gift as a traveler from another world.
Pure white radiance, exuding a terrifying might.
But when the beast blood settled into his dantian, the white light scattered in fright like mice before a cat.
"It's starting!"
A weak sting and burning rose within him, and his face tightened.
The next instant, the pain skyrocketed to a level beyond anything he had ever felt.
Faenreb had spoken true—it was despair, like being torn apart alive.
It felt as if claws ripped him open from belly to spine, tied into knots.
Lava seared him.
Chunks of ice dropped into his core.
Bound by his own seals, he could only endure the torment in silence.
Cold sweat drenched the ground around him. It was pain so great one begged for death.
But Kong clenched his teeth, forcing himself to observe the changes within.
The two drops wove together, unraveling into surging blood energy.
He sensed also a vast, mysterious aura seeping in from outside—spiritual qi, merging into his core.
His dantian swelled, split apart, then healed under the blood's power.
Destruction and rebirth played out in endless cycles.
Even the pure white force of his inner world was tainted, a haze of crimson bleeding into it.
He had no idea how long it lasted—only that he felt himself cut to pieces thousands of times.
The agony never dulled.
At last, when the blood had fully dissolved, Kong saw his light-drenched inner force stained with red.
He collapsed onto the floor, gasping raggedly, utterly spent.
Even moving a finger was too much.
Yet within, his hunger for the half heart reached a fever pitch.
Gnashing his teeth, he dragged himself to it—and tore into it like a starving beast.
Blood energy roared into him, restoring vitality.
His core fused tighter, his muscles gleamed like steel.
When the final morsel was gone—
His inner force liquefied, a torrent of searing blood-hued white essence surging like a river.
Bloodlight flashed in his eyes as he rose to his feet.
Clenching his fist, the sonic boom and crushed air brought a pang of awe to his chest.
After all this time, his stagnant power had broken through once more.
Now, without exaggeration—
With nothing but his body, one punch could pierce straight through the defenses of even a top Archon.
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