Last time, with Golden, Ethan obtained the top-tier holy-grade secret technique—the Infinite Ten Thousand Beasts Technique.

Logically, this time should be similar.

Ethan couldn't help but hope.

"An artifact… or a divine-level secret technique would be ideal."

The golden fish can finally shattered with a crisp crack.

Boom—!

Golden radiance surged out like a miniature sun erupting in front of him.

When the light faded, a three-foot sword floated quietly before Ethan.

[Top-tier Holy-Grade Weapon: Desolation-Annihilating Sword]

[The sword is like the dark moon, eradicating all desolation]

Ethan reached out and brushed his fingers along the blade.

The sword was an elegant black, cold to the touch, with a faint texture of swirling clouds and crescents engraved along its body.

It was simple yet sinisterly beautiful—a weapon made with utmost craftsmanship.

When Ethan injected a trace of golden energy into it—

Buzz—!

The sword vibrated with a sharp hum, as if resonating with his intent.

"The top-tier holy-grade weapon truly lives up to its name. This alone nearly doubles my sword intent combat power ."

A rare, satisfied smile spread across his face.

He flicked his wrist and stored the weapon away.

Next—five translucent jade bottles materialized in his hand.

Inside each bottle were two pills—ten in total.

Star Pills.

[Pill refined from ancient formulas, allowing cultivators to absorb the power of the sun, moon, and stars.]

Ethan's heart trembled slightly.

This was exactly what his current cultivation required.

"To cultivate the Nine Emperors Dao Body… I need the power of the sun, moon, and stars. These Star Pills couldn't have arrived at a better time."

He already understood the Celestial Jade Physique Scripture from top to bottom.

Now, with the Nine Emperors Dao Body technique and Divine Flame Body Building Method in hand, the only way forward was continuous refinement and breakthroughs.

If he could cultivate the Nine Emperors Dao Body to perfection… he would awaken the legendary supreme holy physique—the Nine Emperor Dao Physique.

Once that physique awakened, his combat strength would skyrocket beyond imagination.

"Well done."

Ethan smiled, stored everything away, and vanished from the lakeside.

Outside Heavenly Lake, Ethan flew at high speed, following the directional pull of Asher's blood-colored jade pendant.

Soon, he arrived at a mountain range to the north.

The pendant tugged his hand toward a narrow cave entrance.

A gust of air blew from within—moist, salty, with a faintly fishy undertone.

Ethan scanned the cavern carefully, his eyes settling on a smooth stone wall to the right. A circular formation was carved into it, delicate and ancient.

"This should be the place."

The jade pendant suddenly floated from his hand toward the stone wall.

Ethan infused it with energy.

Hum—

The pendant flashed brilliantly, and space rippled like water.

A thin crack in reality opened—

Then widened into a swirling vortex.

"So this is the place Senior Asher mentioned."

Ethan examined it. The space around the vortex was stable, the structure firm. Only then did he step through.

After about a minute, he emerged from the other side.

The place was clearly deep underground.

Massive stalactites hung from above, dripping molten droplets onto glowing rivers of lava below. The heat was intense—enough to melt ordinary cultivators.

Ethan's mental energy spread outward in all directions.

"The area above should be Heavenly Lake… this must be the true depth beneath it. But where is the place marked on the stone tablet?"

A familiar voice answered from below.

"Brother Ethan, come quickly!"

Zeon's excited shout echoed through the cavern.

Ethan leaped down and landed in a flat, artificially carved area.

Asher, Zeon, and Magnus were already seated cross-legged.

Asher opened his eyes and addressed them.

"You are all the pride of my Blood Tavern. This place is a treasure land I discovered by chance. Cultivators who practice here receive a tremendous boost. It's extremely rare."

He looked at each of them meaningfully.

"You three are geniuses—each with comprehension and talent unmatched by most. After all these years of training, you should have sensed it: our world is wrapped by an unseen power that hinders our cultivation."

Ethan and the others nodded.

"And here," Asher continued, "that obstructive force is much weaker. Practicing here will yield results beyond your expectations."

Magnus immediately closed his eyes and entered cultivation.

Ethan, however, continued observing the surroundings.

Asher's gaze fell on him.

"Ethan, bringing you here to cultivate is only one of the benefits I promised."

He lifted his hand—

A scroll appeared.

"This is something I acquired during my training in ancient lands. I don't use scythes, but you… you are a rare master of the scythe. It suits you perfectly."

Ethan accepted the scroll and unrolled it.

Lines of intricate script appeared.

"Nurture the scythe's will… condense the soul of the scythe… reach Nirvana to enter the realm of unity between scythe and wielder…"

Ethan's pupils contracted.

"It's a holy-grade secret technique!"

He hadn't expected Asher to give him something so valuable.

"Senior Asher, this technique—"

Asher waved him off.

"I, the Blood Marquis, keep my promises. And you… are worth this secret technique."

Ethan cupped his hands. "Then I will accept it."

"Good. No need to thank me."

Asher pointed toward the far end of the cavern.

"There is a door over there. I haven't fully deciphered it yet. Focus on cultivating—I'll protect you while I continue studying."

In a flash, Asher vanished.

Reappearing dozens of feet away, he stood before a gigantic stone wall covered in glowing lines.

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

The aura coming from the stone wall—

"So familiar…"

His heartbeat quickened.

"It's the same aura as the stone tablet!"

He immediately vanished and reappeared beside Asher.

"Huh?" Asher glanced at him.

"Why aren't you cultivating?"

"I grew curious," Ethan said honestly.

"So I came to take a look."

Asher gestured at the stone gate.

"The material is extremely hard, reinforced by a powerful formation. Even I can't force it open. There must be a mechanism."

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

...

Thanks for the Magic Castle: @DaoistKryQyc

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