Chapter 247-249 (Patreon)

247. Gravity Tower

Just two hours later, Treasure Exchange Pavilion delivered the Century Flood Dragon to Lin Fei's dwelling. However, it wasn't alive. The once-majestic creature had been divided into several sections, with its blood still fresh, filling Lin Fei's cave dwelling with a thick, blood scent.

Lin Fei sighed lightly, realizing the potential this beast could have achieved, possibly evolving into a true dragon that could rival a Martial Sovereign. Yet, now, it was but a means for him to enhance his blood essence.

Without any further delay, Lin Fei began the process of assimilation. The essence of this mighty creature was indeed different, causing Lin Fei's Blood Essence Nine Transformations to run wildly, absorbing and converting the beast's essence into his own strength.

Days went by, and a booming sound resonated from within Lin Fei. At this moment, he realized that his Blood Essence Nine Transformations had progressed from the seventh to the eighth stage! However, the Century Flood Dragon's essence was almost entirely consumed. To reach the ninth transformation, he would need even more.

Without hesitation, Lin Fei returned to Treasure Exchange Pavilion. With 20,000 contribution points, he purchased two more Century Flood Dragons. Thus, he spent all his 33,600 contribution points, leaving only 3,600 behind. But if it meant an increase in strength, it was all worth it.

Once again, Lin Fei immersed himself in the absorption process. This time, it took even longer, a full seven days, for him to integrate the essence of the two Flood Dragons.

Suddenly, a resonating boom echoed from within Lin Fei. His entire body glowed with a blood-red hue, indicating the immense strength and vitality flowing within him. This was a sign of his blood essence reaching an extremely profound level, allowing the energy to exude outside his body. The potent aura of his blood essence filled the entire cave and could easily envelop an area several hundred meters around him.

Any being within this aura's range would feel suppressed, their own vitality and strength stifled under Lin Fei's overpowering presence.

"Exuding blood energy…"

A glint of realization flickered in Lin Fei's eyes. He had never anticipated that after assimilating the essence of two Century Flood Dragons, his Blood Essence Nine Transformations would reach its peak at the ninth transformation, allowing him to project his blood essence outside his body.

Such a feat was not common. Even the Martial Saints who had successfully condensed the Energy Flower, a manifestation of their profound energy, found it challenging to project their blood essence. Only those whose physical foundation was unyielding and whose blood essence was unimaginably vast could achieve this. But the ones who could project their blood essence were usually those who had condensed the Energy Flower.

Yet, Lin Fei hadn't condensed the Energy Flower. He had only reached the perfection of the Blood Essence Nine Transformations. Still, his strength now rivaled, if not surpassed, those with the Energy Flower.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Realm: Limit Martial Saint

True Intention Myriad Transformation Technique: Perfection

Blood Essence Nine Transformations: Perfection

Holy Spirit Saber Technique: Perfection (Progress 0%)

Flame Burning Heaven Saber: Perfection (Progress 0%)

Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique: Perfection (Progress 0%)

Saber Momentum: Transcendence (Progress 0%)

With the Blood Essence Nine Transformations having reached its utmost limit, Lin Fei felt confident in his ability to condense the Energy Flower. However, something puzzled him. Despite having achieved perfection in his Blood Essence Nine Transformations, he felt that his blood essence still had room for growth, as if it hadn't reached its absolute peak.

Having delved deep into the realms of martial arts, Lin Fei had profound knowledge about the Martial Saint's domain and the concept of the 'Three Flowers'. How could one elevate without understanding martial realms?

While many Martial Saints focused on Qi Flower and Spirit Flower, neglecting their physical foundation, thinking that they could rely on consuming the flesh and blood of exotic beasts and using resources to condense the Energy Flower, Lin Fei was well aware of the truth. Among the 'Three Flowers', none could be disregarded. The balance of Qi, energy, and spirit was vital.

Furthermore, the physical body was the fundamental basis for a martial artist. While others might neglect it, for Lin Fei, it was the essence of his strength and the key to unlocking even greater potential.

Without a robust physical body, a martial artist's true essence and martial momentum would be like drifting water hyacinths, mere castles in the air. The essence of a martial artist lies within their flesh and bone! Therefore, the body is foundational and must be unyieldingly strong.

Although Lin Fei's Blood Essence Nine Transformations had reached perfection, he always felt that his physical form hadn't achieved its utmost peak. Even if there was a slight possibility of improvement, it might make a world of difference. After all, becoming a Martial Sovereign meant breaking the shackles of the Life Wheel and manifesting it. Such a formidable Life Wheel required a body equally strong to sustain its power.

As a result, Lin Fei did not immediately attempt to condense the Energy Flower.

"I need to visit the Gravity Tower," Lin Fei muttered, rising from his seat. Without hesitation, he left his dwelling and flew directly toward the Gravity Tower.

The Gravity Tower was bustling with disciples. Many were fond of this tower, which harnessed a unique gravitational formation set up by the Foundation Establishment cultivators. In the field of setting up formations, the Immortal Dao indeed had advantages. In some respects, martial and immortal ways complemented each other.

The Gravity Tower had nine levels, each with varying degrees of gravity. The primary purpose was to refine and temper the body. Whether for cultivators at the body refining, acquired, innate, or even martial saint stages, the tower held its benefits.

Many martial saints visited the Gravity Tower, utilizing its gravitational forces to temper and strengthen their physical bodies. The first three levels were designed for martial artists below the martial saint level. Starting from the fourth, only martial saints could withstand the intense gravitational pull. The ninth level was so extreme that only Limit Martial Saints, those who had condensed the Energy Flower, could bear such ferocious gravity.

Lin Fei arrived at the entrance of the Gravity Tower, which was mostly transparent. This design allowed those outside to see inside and vice versa, ensuring the safety of its occupants. Given the dangers associated with increased gravity, the tower was well-guarded by elite martial saints. Even a Limit Martial Saint stood guard, ready to act in case of emergencies, especially if something went wrong in the ninth level.

The moment Lin Fei arrived, he instantly became the center of attention.

"Isn't that Elder Lin? Elder Lin is here to temper his body in the Gravity Tower?"

"With Elder Lin's strength, it shouldn't be difficult for him to hunt down exotic beasts and consume their flesh and blood, right? Why bother coming to the Gravity Tower for body refinement when there are easier methods available? The Gravity Tower is certainly not a comfortable place."

Many were puzzled by Elder Lin's decision. The Gravity Tower was primarily designed for those with limited resources but strong willpower. Those who lacked the means or power to hunt exotic beasts and consume their flesh and blood for body refinement would typically rely on their sheer determination. By facing the oppressive gravity within the tower, they aimed to strengthen their bodies.

Thus, the Gravity Tower was a frequent haunt for regular disciples. Entry cost merely ten contribution points, making it an affordable option.

"Greetings, Elder Lin," the martial saint guarding the Gravity Tower greeted with a respectful bow upon seeing Lin Fei. Lin Fei was no longer just an outer sect elder but had become the First Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall. The Law Enforcement Hall was a place feared by all in the Ancient Origin Sect.

"I wish to enter the Gravity Tower," Lin Fei declared.

"Elder Lin, you're free to enter. However, if your physical body isn't robust enough, it's recommended to stay below the seventh level. The levels above seven are reserved for top-tier Martial Saints with incredibly sturdy physiques. As for the ninth level, without the Energy Flower, it is strictly off-limits. Please keep this in mind," the guardian advised.

Lin Fei nodded in understanding.

With that, the martial saint made way. With a single step, Lin Fei's silhouette soared, entering the confines of the Gravity Tower.

248. The Ninth Level

"Voom!"

With a single step, Lin Fei entered, his figure slightly trembling. Before he knew it, he was already in the first layer of the Gravity Tower.

"Shhh!"

This first layer was bustling with martial artists, most of whom were acquired martial artists. A strong physique for an acquired martial artist has its advantages when it comes to inner power cultivation.

Upon Lin Fei's appearance, all eyes turned to him. As a prominent figure in the Ancient Origin Sect, Lin Fei was accustomed to such attention wherever he went. Nevertheless, his expression remained calm. For acquired martial artists, the first layer was bearable. From the second layer onwards, only innate martial artists could proceed.

Lin Fei closed his eyes, sensing the gravity of the first layer. To him, it felt like a gentle breeze, entirely ineffectual. Realizing this, he moved on without hesitation. Upon entering the second layer, he saw many martial artists, all of whom were innate martial artists, the inner disciples of the Ancient Origin Sect. They looked at Lin Fei with wide eyes, but quickly returned to their training; for them, cultivation was their top priority.

Lin Fei felt the increased gravity here, much more potent than the first layer, but still, he didn't feel any strain. Thus, he proceeded to the third layer.

The third layer was meant for peak innate martial artists. Only those who have consumed the flesh and blood of exotic beasts and undergone a profound transformation can bear the pressure here. Yet, even this level was too easy for Lin Fei. So, he ascended to the fourth layer.

"Boom!"

Stepping into the fourth layer, Lin Fei immediately felt a difference. Pressure! It was only slight, but it was undeniable. Compared to the third layer, the pressure here had increased at least tenfold, if not more. As a result, only martial saints could step into this layer. Few were present, and they merely glanced at Lin Fei before returning to their meditation.

Feeling the pressure of the fourth layer, Lin Fei realized it was still not enough. He needed more, much more.

And so, Lin Fei passed through the fifth and the sixth levels. Where the force of gravity had indeed intensified considerably. Yet, it still wasn't sufficient.

"The seventh floor!" declared Lin Fei, stepping onto it without hesitation.

Suddenly, a resonating "boom" echoed, and the pressure dramatically escalated. Lin Fei stood motionless, silently enduring the immense force bearing down on him from every direction.

Outside the Gravity Tower, elite martial saints guarding the structure watched Lin Fei intently. They had previously cautioned him against entering the seventh floor, for it was a domain where only the physically mightiest martial saints — those with unparalleled physical prowess — could withstand its tremendous pressure. Yet, against their expectations, not only had Lin Fei ventured there, but he also seemed to be resisting the gravity of the seventh floor effortlessly.

"Didn't Elder Lin just form his Qi Flower?" one remarked in disbelief.

"With such talent in his true essence, could he possibly possess an equally remarkable physical prowess?" another wondered aloud.

"If he can withstand the pressure of the seventh floor, doesn't that mean Elder Lin could potentially form the Energy Flower?"

"And if so, could it be that Elder Lin might soon form his second flower?"

For a moment, the area was engulfed in a contemplative silence. The Energy Flower might be perceived as an easier achievement for some martial saints, given its physical nature. However, for Lin Fei to reach such a stage at this speed seemed nearly inconceivable.

Time trickled by, with Lin Fei continuously standing firm on the seventh level without the slightest sign of movement. Then, unexpectedly, he opened his eyes. In truth, he had been deeply immersed in experiencing the gravitational force of the seventh level. While formidable, making him feel immense pressure throughout his being, it was far from his limit.

"Forward," Lin Fei murmured to himself, stepping with steadfast determination towards the eighth floor.

Upon reaching it, the gravitational force intensified even further. For the first time, Lin Fei's physical form began to show subtle changes. Massive amounts of blood essence within him began to be suppressed by gravity. At last, he encountered a force that could genuinely challenge and suppress his potent blood essence.

However, the sheer quantity of his blood essence was unimaginably vast. So much so that when Lin Fei felt the weight pressing down on him, the blood essence within him began to circulate automatically, nullifying the sensation of being suppressed.

Useless!

The pressure of the Gravity Tower's eighth floor still couldn't provide the level of challenge Lin Fei sought. He wished to utilize external pressures to suppress his blood essence, push his physical limits further, and reach a pinnacle of perfection. This meant he still needed to amass even more blood essence. And though Lin Fei was withstanding the tremendous pressure of the eighth level, it still couldn't suppress the vast amounts of blood essence within him.

"It's not enough. The pressure is far from sufficient," Lin Fei murmured. "It seems only the ninth level of the Gravity Tower might achieve what I seek..."

Lifting his gaze, he looked toward the ninth floor - the highest level of the Gravity Tower. It was said that only those martial saints who had formed the Energy Flower could withstand its gravity. Any martial saint without an Energy Flower dared not venture there, lest their physical form collapse.

Yet, taking a deep breath, Lin Fei, step by step, began to ascend resolutely toward the ninth floor.

Outside the Gravity Tower, all onlookers witnessed Lin Fei's actions, astonishment evident on their faces.

"Elder Lin is actually heading to the ninth level? He hasn't formed the Energy Flower, has he?"

"Without the Energy Flower, stepping into the ninth level of the Gravity Tower would lead to physical disintegration. We must stop Elder Lin!"

In that instant, the martial saints guarding the tower displayed a hint of urgency. But they couldn't enter the ninth floor. Only those who had formed the Energy Flower could. Among the guardians of the Gravity Tower, only one elder had achieved such a feat.

"Elder Ouyang, you must stop Elder Lin! He is determined to step onto the ninth level, and only you can prevent him."

"Yes, only you can enter the ninth level."

All eyes turned to a still figure sitting outside the Gravity Tower with closed eyes. Then, in a swift motion, Elder Ouyang opened his eyes.

249. Energy Flower

Elder Ouyang opened his eyes and instantly fixed his gaze on Lin Fei inside the Gravity Tower, who was step by step heading towards the ninth floor.

"Elder Ouyang, you..." Watching Elder Ouyang remain indifferent, the other martial saint elders grew increasingly anxious.

With a calm demeanor, Elder Ouyang shook his head and declared, "Elder Lin possesses the Qi Flower. Even the gravitational force of the ninth floor will not crush him. Elder Lin might not employ his true essence if I am not mistaken. He seeks to temper his physical body."

Hearing Elder Ouyang's words, everyone was taken aback. To refine one's body, did one need to brave the ninth floor? Besides, which Martial Saint without an Energy Flower could withstand the ninth floor's gravitational force with just their body? However, since Elder Ouyang assured them that Lin Fei would be fine, their worries abated, and their attention turned once more to the Gravity Tower, curious about Lin Fei's intentions.

Step by step, Lin Fei finally reached the ninth floor.

Boom.

Upon setting foot on the ninth floor, Lin Fei felt an immense shock enveloping his being. A terrifying, unparalleled gravitational force instantly acted upon him. Even the Blood Essence within him initially struggled to resist, being suppressed relentlessly. Lin Fei's body began to hunch over as if he couldn't stand upright. However, he forcefully resisted the urge to let saber essence cover his body. On the contrary, a trace of excitement emerged in his heart.

"Yes, this is the pressure I sought!"

The Blood Essence within Lin Fei was being continuously compressed.

Boom.

In the next moment, Lin Fei's Blood Essence surged, and a burst of blood energy emanated from him. Slowly, almost miraculously, Lin Fei's stature began straightening. This sight astounded everyone outside the Gravity Tower.

"Elder Lin hasn't even activated his true essence for protection?"

"This is the ninth floor of the Gravity Tower! How is Elder Lin resisting its force?"

"Incredible, truly inconceivable."

"Wasn't it said that without the Energy Flower, one simply couldn't bear the gravitational force of the ninth floor?"

"If I'm not mistaken, that should be blood energy, right?"

"Blood energy! Even a Martial Saint with an Energy Flower might not be able to harness such blood energy."

"Elder Lin indeed hasn't manifested an Energy Flower, that's an absolute certainty! But that's genuinely blood energy..."

For a moment, everyone was left in sheer awe. The revelation was even more astonishing than Lin Fei's entry to the ninth floor of the Gravity Tower. Blood energy! In a sense, a Martial Saint capable of generating blood energy was considered the pinnacle among Limit Martial Saints. Yet, Lin Fei, without manifesting the Energy Flower, could still produce such blood energy. This was indeed beyond belief.

Only one explanation could suffice. The foundation of Lin Fei's physical body was far beyond the imaginations of other Martial Saints. Even Elder Ouyang, always so indifferent, showed a significant change in expression, after witnessing Lin Fei's surge of blood energy, his gaze intently fixated on Lin Fei on the ninth level of the Gravity Tower.

This blood energy had another name, the Blood Energy Domain! In some ways, this Blood Energy Domain could rival the might of martial momentum. It's a unique ability attainable only through refining the physical body.

At this moment, within the Gravity Tower, as Lin Fei released his Blood Energy Domain, the pressure on him was significantly reduced. However, it wasn't that the pressure was gone, On the contrary, the pressure of the ninth level of the Gravity Tower remained unchanged. It's just that the pressure from the tower was entirely countered by his blood energy.

Yet, Lin Fei's blood essence continued to bear the brunt of the tower's pressure.

"Yes, this kind of pressure. Continue."

Lin Fei's blood essence was robust, but still, it was being suppressed. Bit by bit, the essence within was being compressed to its limits.

Initially, Lin Fei's blood essence had already reached its peak. It couldn't elevate any further. Even the Blood Essence Nine Transformations had reached its pinnacle.

However, with the current gravitational pressure of the tower's ninth level, Lin Fei's blood essence was further compressed. He faintly felt that he might actually be able to enhance his blood essence again.

"Let's try."

Lin Fei fetched the century Flood Dragon's flesh from the Sky Reaching Tower. Although he had almost completely refined the three Century Flood Dragons, there was still some left.

"Refine!"

Activating the Blood Essence Nine Transformations, Lin Fei consumed the Flood Dragon. An enormous amount of flesh was gradually transforming into blood essence.

Feeling the increase in his internal blood essence, Lin Fei remained calm. His goal had been achieved!

Watching Lin Fei meditate on the ninth floor of the Gravity Tower, outside the Gravity Tower, everyone was silent, unsure of what to say.

Others who entered the Gravity Tower did so with caution, mustering all their strength, trying every method to resist the gravitational force. But what about Lin Fei? He was cultivating! Moreover, he was cultivating on the most challenging ninth level of the Gravity Tower. How immense could that pressure be? It was beyond their imagination. No one below the realm of the Limit Martial Saint could probably resist such intense gravity. But Lin Fei managed. He was even consuming the flesh of exotic beasts, constantly cultivating, and enhancing his blood essence.

Many were silent. After a while, a disciple with a complicated expression looked at Lin Fei on the ninth floor of the Gravity Tower and bitterly commented, "Elder Lin was able to condense the Qi Flower so quickly. Now his physical body has reached such a terrifying level. The chances of him condensing the Energy Flower are high."

"There is absolutely no fluke here. Who can surpass such a determined will?"

Many martial artists remained silent. Indeed, they couldn't match Lin Fei's willpower. While others viewed the Gravity Tower with trepidation, Lin Fei saw it as an excellent place for cultivation. If such a person doesn't reach the pinnacle of martial arts, then who else is worthy?

Lin Fei was unaware of the discussions outside. Even if he knew, he wouldn't care. At the moment, he was wholly engrossed in refining the flesh of the century Flood Dragon. Inside him, the blood essence was slowly but steadily increasing. The growth was slow, But it was gradually reaching its limits.

An hour, two hours, three hours...

"Hmm?"

Lin Fei opened his eyes. He surprisingly found that no matter how much the Flood Dragon flesh he consumed, his blood essence couldn't increase anymore. Furthermore, upon sensing the blood essence within, he finally felt a sense of "completeness". His blood essence had truly reached its limit!

"Now that my blood essence has reached its limit, there's nothing to hesitate about. I'll condense the Energy Flower right here..."

With a thought, Lin Fei immediately mobilized the blood essence within his body.

"Boom."

The next moment, Lin Fei's internal blood qi surged again. Simultaneously, a vast amount of blood essence erupted like a volcanic explosion, raging and torrential.

Following the methods detailed in Blood Essence Nine Transformations, Lin Fei meticulously began the process of condensing the Energy Flower.

"Energy Flower, condense!"

With a low shout from Lin Fei, streams of bloody luminescence above his head began converging together. Ultimately, it faintly took the shape of a blood-colored flower.

At this juncture, the blood essence within Lin Fei roared anew. The external blood energy skyrocketed, covering the entirety of the ninth level of the Gravity Tower in an instant!

"Whoosh."

Lin Fei abruptly raised his head. The entire ninth level was engulfed in the tumultuous surge of blood energy. The Energy Flower was formed!