When Zhang Chen absorbed ten percent of the Innate Mosquito’s blood, the bud slowly opened, and a petal of the lotus flower unfurled. When Zhang Chen absorbed twenty percent of the Innate Mosquito’s blood, the second blood-red petal bloomed anew.
When Zhang Chen absorbed thirty percent of the Innate Mosquito’s blood and life force, the lotus flower reached three grades, and lotuses continuously began to spawn around the bud, forming a lotus pond of about a hundred meters in size.
The petals of the lotus flower were extraordinarily eerie, marked with layers of mystic runes which were arranged in a marvelous pattern, seemingly forming a supreme Chapter that drew one into a deep immersion.
While Zhang Chen absorbed the blood, he observed the runes, a hint of astonishment in his eyes: "Strange, it appears as if countless peculiar symbols are engraved within the lotus petals, which have formed into an article; could this be the Innate Constitution?"
Unfortunately, those runes were too bizarre for Zhang Chen to understand or comprehend.
As Zhang Chen continued to absorb the blood and life force of the Innate Mosquito, the lotus in his Sea of Blood flourished and bloomed continuously, first four grades, then five grades...
When it reached five grades, a strange fragrance wafted from the lotus, permeating the Blood Sea World within Zhang Chen’s Crystal Core. The scent was peculiar and, while less pleasant than Osmanthus, possessed a unique power to calm the mind.
When Zhang Chen absorbed fifty percent of the Innate Mosquito’s blood, the black-robed figure who had been attempting to possess the Innate Mosquito finally awoke from his state of possession. Realizing something was amiss, his mind was shaken to the core upon discovering Zhang Chen had absorbed half of the blood, disbelief filling his eyes: ’It wasn’t supposed to be like this. How has he absorbed so much blood? He is merely a mortal; how does he possess such strength?’
The Black Robed Monster could no longer sit still and urgently shouted:
"Stop! You must stop! Don’t keep absorbing!"
Why would Zhang Chen heed the words of the opponent? He continued without hesitation, greedily swallowing the blood and life force from the Innate Mosquito’s body.
"You must stop, the power of Jade Dew resides within this creature’s blood. As you draw out its blood, you draw out the power of Jade Dew. Once seventy percent is absorbed, it will awaken from its slumber, and the power of Jade Dew will no longer keep it asleep. At that time, we’ll both be doomed." The Black Robed Monster’s voice was filled with urgency, proving he was genuinely anxious.
Now he was gambling everything, having no room for regret. If Zhang Chen awakens the Innate Mosquito, his plans will surely fail.
"Ha, you’re full of tricks. Do you think I’ll believe your nonsense?" Zhang Chen didn’t believe the Black Robed Monster’s words at all.
"Kid, trust me just once. I’m absolutely not deceiving you this time, please stop." The Black Robed Monster was almost in tears, his voice full of helplessness.
Zhang Chen ignored him as he imagined the potential skills he could gain from consuming the Innate Mosquito, considering it a significant reward.
"I’ll believe your lies when I kill this Innate Mosquito and decide how to deal with you." Zhang Chen said coldly.
The Black Robed Monster was incensed and retorted: "Why are you so stubborn? Can’t you trust me just once?"
Hearing the Black Robed Monster’s words, Zhang Chen sneered: "Old guys like you always talk nice, each one sounding sincere. I’ll listen when I’ve drained this creature’s blood; then I’ll play with you."
"You fool! This is an Innate Spirit, it will not perish just from blood loss. You better stop, I don’t intend to die with you." The Black Robed Monster, seeing Zhang Chen unmoved, resorted to outright cursing.
Zhang Chen glanced at the Black Robed Monster, revealing a peculiar look, and smirked slightly: "So what you’re really afraid of is me absorbing all of the Mosquito’s blood, leaving you unable to possess and rebirth?"
I, Zhang Chen, have seen through everything already—all your schemes. If the creature were to wake so easily, it would have done so already, given how long the opponent’s possession and my absorption have lasted.
Upon hearing Zhang Chen’s words and observing his demeanor, the Black Robed Monster knew exactly what Zhang Chen was thinking.
At this point, the Black Robed Monster was inwardly cursing, having encountered such a reckless individual. Zhang Chen was unyielding and brave beyond reason, leaving him completely powerless.
Helpless!
At that moment, Zhang Chen wore a triumphant expression, having deciphered everything, which infuriated the Black Robed Monster to no end, yet he was in the crucial stage of possession, unable to halt Zhang Chen. Realizing forceful tactics were ineffective, he could only lower himself to plead: "Young master, if you’re willing to cease this, I can guide you to a mystic place where you can find the Yifeng, aiding you in mastering Divine Techniques. What do you think?"
Completely lost, he resorted to humble supplication.
Yet, despite the old monster’s entreaty, Zhang Chen felt greed stir in his heart, but his hands didn’t stop, speeding up blood absorption: "Didn’t you say you didn’t know where to find Yifeng earlier? Trying to deceive me again for your possession? Which words are true and which are false? How can I trust you?"
"Things are different now compared to before, aren’t they?" The Black Robed Monster spoke with resignation, internally cursing his luck for encountering such a strange creature.
Though a mere mortal, he was able to break through the Innate Spirit’s defenses and absorb its blood; what else could he be if not a freak?
The worst part was, he actually had to grovel, pleading like a grandson to an ant. How could he not feel aggrieved?
"First tell me where the strange wind location is. If it’s verified, then I’ll consider whether to relent and spare you." Zhang Chen responded testily.
"This strange wind is unique to the Netherworld, born in the depths of the Six Paths of Reincarnation and is best at restraining Soul Bodies, known as: Yin Wind. Now that the extraordinary has fallen, Yin Wind might soon disappear as well. If you wish to seek it, you must venture to the depths of Yin Mountain within the Netherworld, and you may capture a wisp of its essence." The Black Robed Monster stopped being cryptic, directly providing Zhang Chen detailed information.
Meanwhile, as Zhang Chen’s lotus progressed to five grades, his Crystal Core grew increasingly powerful, quickening the pace of absorbing blood and life force, such that by the end of the conversation, his Crystal Core had already reached seven grades.
"You must stop, don’t absorb anymore! I beg you, continue on this path, and once the monster awakens, it will consume us both." The Black Robed Monster continued his plea.
Hearing this, Zhang Chen scoffed: "How can I tell if you’re being honest? If you’re lying to manipulate me, how bad would it be? If I let go to pursue the Yin Wind, you might possess the creature and then hunt me down. Wouldn’t I be doomed?"
Zhang Chen then mocked: "You old fogeys have done such things before, haven’t you? I, Zhang Chen, am clever enough to avoid being fooled by you twice!"
"You little... how can you say you’re clever? If you’re clever, then I must be a genius! Your so-called cleverness is misplaced!" The Black Robed Monster was so enraged that he cursed, his voice loaded with agitation, even including profane words.
Never before had he dealt with someone so foolish, so resistant.
"How dare you curse at me? Amused, huh? Are you nervous? I knew it, you old fool are trying to trick me." Zhang Chen, hearing the opponent’s cursing, mocked, "Old monster, just wait for death! After almost killing me, you still want to possess and rebirth? Dream on."
"Please, can’t you trust me this once? Any more and real trouble will ensue." The Black Robed Monster was near tears.
His mind was crumbling!
What could he do?
He felt so hopeless!
He regretted it deeply! He shouldn’t have tricked Zhang Chen earlier, as it backfired spectacularly.
Knowing this now, peace would have been a better choice, yet he ended up in this mess, a classic case of hoisting one’s own petard.
"You old monsters consider your extraordinary wisdom and Supreme Divine Techniques so superior that you treat mortals like ants, manipulating them at will. I’m telling you, I, Zhang Chen, am too clever to fall for your tricks again!" Zhang Chen declared defiantly.