230: The key to breakthrough

If there were no Martial Soul Realm powerhouses guarding the sect, the Red Tiger Sect in Tian Dou Province would only be considered a minor force.

Such minor forces, if they didn't rely on those major powers, would find it difficult to survive in Tian Dou Province, and it would be even more impossible to break away from Rapid Shadow Palace.

And if the disciples of the Red Tiger Sect weren't strong enough, even with a Martial Soul Realm powerhouse guarding them, the lack of powerful disciples would cause the entire sect to decline, making it difficult to grow and prosper, eventually leading to its decay.

Without a sect's trump card, once a powerful enemy is encountered, or a large-scale sect war breaks out, the entire sect could be wiped out.

Xiao Shi knew deeply.

For the Red Tiger Sect to be independent in Tian Dou Province, all three aspects must be present, and none can be missing!

However, the current Red Tiger Sect only possesses one of these conditions.

The sect's trump card.

Xiao Shi thought very clearly.

If the Azure Calamity Ancient Tree were to be used as the sect's trump card, it would undoubtedly be the most suitable choice.

Although the Azure Calamity Ancient Tree's condition was not very good, and it couldn't exert its full power, it was definitely enough to serve as a sect's trump card in Tian Dou Province.

“So, the key going forward is to improve the strength of the Red Tiger Sect's disciples, and the issue of me breaking through to the Martial Soul Realm.”

...Early the next morning.

Xiao Shi met with Cen Qingci and others under his original identity.

Although he was now the Red Tiger Sect's Old Ancestor, he had hidden his identity extremely well.

In the eyes of Guo Chengdao and others, they always believed that the Red Tiger Sect's Old Ancestor was a profound and mysterious elderly man, and they did not know that this Red Tiger Sect Old Ancestor was, in fact, an unremarkable disciple within the sect.

When Xiao Shi met Cen Qingci and the others, their eyes lit up, and they happily came forward to embrace him.

“Junior Brother Xiao, you're finally back!”

Cen Qingci beamed with joy.

When Xiao Shi left Rapid Shadow Palace last time, through Cheng Tianhao's arrangements, Cen Qingci and the others thought he had been assigned to Shield Shadow City within Five Shadow City.

The rules between the five cities of Rapid Shadow Palace were strict.

Ordinary disciples, without permission, could only stay in their respective cities and could not go to other cities.

For them, as an affiliated sect, it was even harder to go to other cities.

Therefore, they weren't surprised that Xiao Shi hadn't met them again after being assigned to Shield Shadow City.

They assumed Xiao Shi had been in Shield Shadow City all this time.

Xiao Shi observed Cen Qingci.

As the descendant of the previous Red Tiger Sect Old Ancestor, Cen Qingci held a unique status within the Red Tiger Sect.

Her figure was petite and exquisite, with her hair tied in a bun, and a finger-width jade belt cinching her waist, outlining a slender waist that could be grasped with one hand, paired with her high and full chest, instantly showcasing the most beautiful curves and proportions of a woman.

“Junior Brother Xiao, I'm about to step into the Blood Martial Realm! How about that, impressive, right?!”

Cen Qingci had no ladylike demeanor at all.

She patted her chest boldly, causing a tumultuous ripple.

Sure enough... she was still that familiar, straightforward, and somewhat naive person.

She hadn't changed at all.

Xiao Shi grumbled inwardly.

On his face, however, was an expression of admiration, returning to his persona as the junior brother.

“Too strong! As expected of Senior Sister!”

Under Xiao Shi's adoring gaze, Cen Qingci proudly lifted her head.

“Junior Brother Xiao, were you bullied in Shield Shadow City?”

Fan Li, with his long purple hair and long legs, asked in a deep voice from the side.

When Xiao Shi and Cen Qingci were still Night Watch, Fan Li was already the Team A Leader of the Night Watch.

After receiving Xiao Shi's care in Seven Stars Holy Land, Fan Li had already integrated into their small team.

“Our Red Tiger Sect people are always unwelcome by those Rapid Shadow Palace disciples. Junior Brother Xiao must have suffered a lot in Shield Shadow City…” Slit-Eyes, who used to be Team Leader Ding, said.

“Junior Brother Xiao, tell me who bullied you! When I reach the Blood Martial Realm, I'll beat them to death!” Cen Qingci said indignantly.

“I think we need to figure out a way to get Junior Brother Xiao back to Tree Shadow City. Oh, by the way, Junior Brother Xiao, you don't know yet, do you? Our entire Red Tiger Sect has already moved to Tree Shadow City! Although we are living under someone else's roof, the Sect Master has a good relationship with Deacon Cheng Tianhao from Rapid Shadow Palace. As long as you stay in Tree Shadow City, no one will dare to bully you.” Wang Luo said earnestly.

Xiao Shi could feel everyone's worry and concern for him.

As the junior brother in this team, he had always been well taken care of by everyone.

Xiao Shi immediately stated that his return this time was because he had been reassigned to Tree Shadow City.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Xiao Shi returned to Tree Shadow City, they wouldn't fear him being bullied in Shield Shadow City.

“Now that Junior Brother Xiao is back, we must celebrate properly.” Yang Zhen suggested.

They found a good winery.

While drinking, they chatted freely.

Xiao Shi enjoyed this long-lost gathering of friends.

His heart was filled with peace.

In this chaotic world, he rarely had such peaceful moments.

For him, the cruelty of this world pushed him to continuously improve his strength, unwilling to stop for a moment.

Especially now, after foreseeing future crises from the fragment of the celestial compass, he was even more eager to improve his strength.

The crises he faced, the independence of the Red Tiger Sect... all needed him to handle.

“Perhaps what I pursue is not the peak of martial arts, but rather, after reaching the peak of martial arts, when I can dominate this world, I will be able to enjoy the peace I desire.”

“At that time, I won't have to fear for my own safety, and I will have enough power to protect my closest friends and family.”

Xiao Shi picked up the wine pot.

He drained it in one gulp.

His mind was clear... Tree Shadow.

Inside a luxurious treehouse.

Cheng Tianhao sat at his desk, his brows tightly furrowed.

“According to the news received so far, not only our Rapid Shadow Palace was attacked by powerhouses this time, but Sky Trace Pavilion, Extreme Fire Sect, and Lei Miao Temple were also attacked.”

“Among them, Sky Trace Pavilion was even breached by external powerhouses, its Pavilion Master died in battle, and the entire Sky Trace Pavilion was almost plundered clean, with heavy casualties…”

“As a result, Sky Trace Pavilion will inevitably fall from the ranks of the four first-tier forces, and the entire landscape of Tian Dou Province will undergo a major reshuffle.”

“At that time… will our Rapid Shadow Palace still be able to maintain its status as a first-tier force?”

Cheng Tianhao pinched his brow.

As he now held a high position in Rapid Shadow Palace, many high-level issues that he previously didn't need to consider now required his serious thought.

“Your cultivation has improved quite a bit, not bad.”

Just then, a suddenly appearing voice interrupted Cheng Tianhao's thoughts.

He abruptly looked up and saw Xiao Shi sitting in the chair opposite him.

Of course, Xiao Shi's identity in Cheng Tianhao's eyes was Nie Jie.

“Master? You're back!”

Cheng Tianhao stood up in surprise.

Ever since Xiao Shi left Rapid Shadow Palace, Cheng Tianhao had been very worried.

Especially with more and more powerhouses gathering in Tian Dou Province, the turmoil outside made him very concerned about Xiao Shi's safety.

Now, seeing Xiao Shi return safely, Cheng Tianhao felt deep joy and couldn't help but sigh with emotion once again.

His Master… was truly unfathomable.

Even in such a dangerous environment outside, he could return safely, and his entire strength and cultivation seemed to have greatly improved again.

Xiao Shi observed Cheng Tianhao.

After some time apart, Cheng Tianhao had changed quite a bit.

He had shed his youthfulness, matured a lot, and faintly exuded an aura of a superior.

Earlier, through Cen Qingci and the others, Xiao Shi had already learned that Cheng Tianhao was now an elder in Rapid Shadow Palace.

His status was second only to the five elders of Rapid Shadow Palace.

At the same time, in terms of cultivation, he had also reached a level close to the peak of the First Blood Realm.

It probably wouldn't be long before he would be able to condense his second Natal Martial Blood.

This speed was already quite fast.

“I need your assistance with something.” Xiao Shi said straightforwardly.

“Please speak, Master.” Cheng Tianhao said respectfully.

No matter how much his status or strength improved, his attitude towards Xiao Shi would not change.

Xiao Shi immediately told Cheng Tianhao his plan.

Before coming, he had already thought of a way to improve the Red Tiger Sect disciples.

However, this required Cheng Tianhao's cooperation.

Cheng Tianhao listened carefully, committing Xiao Shi's instructions to memory.

“Your subordinate will surely complete Master's orders.”

Xiao Shi nodded.

“If you have any ideas regarding the second Natal Martial Blood, you can tell me anytime.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Cheng Tianhao bowed and thanked him excitedly.

He knew the meaning behind Master's words: that he could help him condense his second Natal Martial Blood.

Currently, he indeed had some ideas about condensing the second Natal Martial Blood, but due to his own strength, it was difficult to achieve.

If Xiao Shi assisted him… Cheng Tianhao felt that condensing his second Natal Martial Blood would surely no longer be difficult.

“Also,” Xiao Shi said, “I need the method for breaking through to the Martial Soul Realm.”

He believed that with Cheng Tianhao's current status in Rapid Shadow Palace, obtaining Rapid Shadow Palace's Martial Soul Realm breakthrough method wouldn't be too difficult.

“Understood.” Cheng Tianhao nodded… The next day, Cheng Tianhao began to act according to Xiao Shi's instructions.

This time, Xiao Shi mainly used Cheng Tianhao to help him improve the strength and cultivation of the Red Tiger Sect's Qi Martial Realm disciples, so they could reach the Blood Martial Realm sooner.

Under Cheng Tianhao's arrangements, Xiao Shi provided these Qi Martial Realm disciples with a large amount of Spirit Tree Qi through the Azure Calamity Ancient Tree, allowing their strength and cultivation to rapidly improve.

The advancement of the Qi Martial Realm was inherently achieved by absorbing aura and unlocking Qi Vortex after Qi Vortex.

With this Spirit Tree Qi, they would progress much faster in breaking through the Qi Vortex.

In addition, among the few disciples who were close to breaking through to the Blood Martial Realm, Xiao Shi selected two disciples with good aptitude and prepared to give them second-generation Crimson Tiger Blood Source.

This included Cen Qingci.

Whether out of friendship between them or Cen Qingci's own aptitude in martial arts, Xiao Shi would definitely give her second-generation Crimson Tiger Blood Source.

However, Xiao Shi did not personally appear as the Red Tiger Sect's Old Ancestor to bestow it.

Instead, he handed the second-generation Crimson Tiger Blood Source to Guo Chengdao, letting him bestow it.

Currently, Xiao Shi temporarily did not want others to know that the Red Tiger Sect now had a profound and mysterious Old Ancestor.

These matters were mainly handled by Guo Chengdao.

Just like that, under Xiao Shi's arrangements, the Red Tiger Sect disciples in Tree Shadow City enjoyed great cultivation convenience.

The strength of numerous Qi Martial Realm disciples advanced by leaps and bounds in a short period.

Cen Qingci and their small team, in particular, made rapid progress under Xiao Shi's special care.

In less than a month, they successively entered the Blood Martial Realm, and all received Xiao Shi's second-generation Crimson Tiger Blood Source.

However, Xiao Shi did not teach them the Deviant Blood Tiger Transformation Scripture, considering that it was not yet the right time.

At the same time, under Cheng Tianhao's arrangements, the series of astonishing improvements among the Red Tiger Sect disciples did not attract the attention of Rapid Shadow Palace.

Guo Chengdao also restrained these disciples, allowing them to develop discreetly.

“According to this progress, I believe it won't be long before the Red Tiger Sect forms a group of Blood Martial Realm disciples!”

“At that time, when I teach them the Deviant Blood Tiger Transformation Scripture and give them the Natal Martial Blood I possess, I believe the Red Tiger Sect, at the Blood Martial Realm level, will directly surpass Rapid Shadow Palace!”

Xiao Shi knew deeply that although Rapid Shadow Palace had many Blood Martial Realm martial artists, ninety percent of them used Mortal Blood as their Natal Martial Blood, and they were all Mortal Blood from dozens of generations later.

On the Red Tiger Sect's side, the worst was still third-generation Crimson Tiger Blood Source!

And second-generation Crimson Tiger Blood Source could be comparable to other first-generation True Blood.

It could be said that these Blood Martial Realm disciples of the Red Tiger Sect, one of them could fight two or three Blood Martial Realm martial artists of equal strength.

Of course, in addition to the improvement in the strength of the Red Tiger Sect disciples, Xiao Shi's own cultivation was also very important.

He had originally thought that with Cheng Tianhao's current status in Rapid Shadow Palace, obtaining Rapid Shadow Palace's Martial Soul Realm breakthrough method would surely not be difficult.

However, he didn't expect that even with Cheng Tianhao's status, he couldn't obtain Rapid Shadow Palace's Martial Soul Realm breakthrough method.

According to Cheng Tianhao, the Martial Soul Realm breakthrough method was already a crucial foundation within Rapid Shadow Palace.

It was not something that could be easily accessed.

One had to have the permission of an elder or the Shadow Master to access Rapid Shadow Palace's Martial Soul Realm breakthrough method.

And with Cheng Tianhao's current First Blood Realm cultivation, even if he were to apply to an elder, the other party would not agree.

After all, his strength was still far from the Martial Soul Realm.

“That's right…”

“From the perspective of Rapid Shadow Palace, the Martial Soul Realm is most likely their highest limit, representing their peak. The cultivation method for breaking through to the Martial Soul Realm is naturally their most important foundation and cannot be casually revealed to others.”

Upon realizing this, Xiao Shi felt it was tricky.

If he couldn't obtain the Martial Soul Realm breakthrough method from Rapid Shadow Palace, he would be completely clueless.

During this time, he had also been continuously studying the Crimson Tiger Totem, trying to see if he could research some subsequent things from it.

But after research, he could basically confirm that the Crimson Tiger Totem had already reached its limit.

The limit of the lower three martial arts realms.

This Crimson Tiger Totem could at most only provide methods for breaking through the lower three martial arts realms, unless he pushed the Crimson Tiger Totem to a higher level of the middle three realms, only then would it possess the breakthrough methods for the middle three realms.

Otherwise, it would certainly be impossible to obtain breakthrough methods for subsequent realms through the Crimson Tiger Totem.

And to enhance the Crimson Tiger Totem, or to understand the subsequent cultivation under this system, one would need to know more related secrets behind the Crimson Tiger Totem.

Xiao Shi couldn't help but think of a mysterious force… the Four Symbols Divine Martial Sect!