81: Refining essence blood

His consciousness slowly sank back into his Inner Space, his gaze falling upon the crystal-clear drop of blood suspended in mid-air.

In that instant, Ji Mo inexplicably felt a strange fragrance assault his nostrils, and an uncontrollable urge surged in his heart, making him eager to refine it.

Action followed thought; as Ji Mo began to attempt refining it, the drop of blood suddenly erupted with an Aura of supreme dominance.

Immediately after, a conscious entity emerged. The outline of this entity was somewhat blurry, but the Aura it exuded was extraordinary, filled with dominance, and its majestic bearing was even more imposing than that of the emperor.

“What petty scoundrel dares to kill a descendant of this Venerable One and now even attempts to refine this Venerable One's Essence Blood!

I'd like to see how you, a mere Mortal, will refine this Venerable One's Essence Blood.

This is simply an ant trying to shake a tree, not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth! Do you know that such an act has already violated heavenly laws and is punishable by death ten thousand times over!”

Upon hearing this, Ji Mo couldn't help but be startled. Could this be Pang Ban's ancestor?

Judging by this Aura, it was like a supreme emperor.

Yet, after such a long separation of Bloodline, to still be able to awaken such a consciousness was truly terrifying!

But after the initial shock, Ji Mo instantly became excited.

If he could successfully refine it, the benefits would be immeasurable.

Ji Mo decided to ignore the conscious entity's furious reprimand; if he truly provoked this supreme powerhouse, the trouble would be immense.

Immediately, more than 2300 heaven and earth furnaces instantly gathered around this drop of fresh blood and began to refine it with all their might.

As time slowly passed, although the process was slow, that drop of fresh blood was eventually absorbed and refined.

During this process, the heaven and earth furnaces once again underwent Fusion and decomposition, their number directly skyrocketing to 4500, nearly doubling. This was truly a great harvest!

When Ji Mo slowly opened his eyes again, the drawing of lots had already begun.

Seeing Ji Mo appear, the remaining four Disciples all looked at him with complex expressions.

Their gazes held solemnity, fear, apprehension, and some even subtly revealed excitement.

The Old Eunuch announced in a loud voice that one “lucky person” would get a bye in this round.

At this moment, the remaining contestants on the stage were Qi Tian, Moon Shadow, Ji Mo, Hu Feng, and Yang Kun.

Ji Mo didn't pay much attention to the gazes of the crowd and walked straight up, taking the last lot. Upon opening it, it was a bye; Ji Mo became the lucky star of this round.

Next up was Qi Tian versus Yang Kun.

As a leader of a Sect, Yang Kun's strength naturally could not be underestimated.

However, when he met the powerful Qi Tian, the disparity became apparent.

After an intense battle, Yang Kun ultimately lost and was killed by Qi Tian, who smoothly advanced.

Moon Shadow and Hu Feng then began their match.

The two had similar cultivation bases and were evenly matched in strength, falling into a stalemate as soon as they engaged.

They exchanged blows, entangled in battle, with various Spells and Martial Skills emerging endlessly, making it difficult to determine a victor for a time.

This fierce battle lasted for nearly an hour and a half; both sides had used all their abilities and were greatly depleted.

Finally, Moon Shadow, relying on a more refined Cultivation Technique operation, gradually exhausted Hu Feng's Protective Aura, barely securing victory and successfully advancing to the top three.

After the two were teleported off the stage, His Majesty the Emperor personally rose, smiling, and stepped forward to congratulate the three:

“Congratulations to the three of you for successfully advancing to the top three. Next, you will receive the most generous rewards of this Martial Arts Gathering.

Now, the three of you will continue to draw lots to determine the subsequent match arrangements. The one who draws a bye will directly advance.

Don't think this is unfair; after all, luck is also a part of strength. Alright, let's begin the drawing of lots!”

The three stepped forward one by one to draw lots.

Qi Tian reached out and drew lot number 1, followed by Ji Mo who also drew lot number 1.

Thus, the outcome was self-evident: Fairy Yueying received a bye.

This result made her extremely excited, as it meant she was guaranteed at least second place.

On her beautiful face, like an immortal descended to the mortal world, an angelic, brilliant smile bloomed.

Under the sunlight, her curvaceous and graceful figure appeared even more captivating, drawing exclamations from the crowd below the stage.

Qi Tian's gaze was like an eagle's, filled with murderous intent as he looked at Ji Mo, coldly saying:

“Kid, you do have some skill, but unfortunately, you've met me, and you're destined to have no connection with second place.”

Below the stage, Ji Mo and Qi Tian were still exchanging 'meaningful glances' filled with killing intent, while on the stage, the discussion was also lively.

“Hiss! This scene, I'm afraid it's the final being staged early! Miss Moon Shadow's luck is truly good; no matter who wins between them, her second-place reward is surely in hand.”

Someone couldn't help but exclaim.

Hearing this, the Sect Master of the Jade Maiden Sect couldn't hide her smile, as joyous as spring flowers blooming.

“The upcoming battle will undoubtedly be the most exciting and the Peak showdown of this Martial Arts Gathering; it's truly something to look forward to!”

Another person said excitedly.

“Why don't you all guess who among Ji Mo and Qi Tian will claim the championship?”

Someone suggested.

“I guess it's Qi Tian.

You know, Qi Tian, by chance, obtained the Legacy of the Ancient Demon Sage overseas and is very famous in that sea area.

It is said that he once slaughtered hundreds of thousands of people in a major battle, truly a powerhouse who climbed out of a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, with unfathomable strength.” Someone analyzed.

“Tsk, measuring a powerhouse isn't just about how many people they kill.

Ji Mo's trump cards are endless; who can guarantee that those before were his last ones?”

Someone immediately retorted.

“What's the use of having many trump cards! Although Ji Mo's Sword Intent is indeed unmatched, his Realm is ultimately too low to fully utilize this advantage.

His body tempering Physical Body is indeed formidable, but it's far from reaching a level that could achieve an overwhelming advantage.

And what about his mysterious big bell? At most, it's equivalent to a Heaven Rank low-level Martial Skill; how much use can it be?”

Another person said disdainfully.

“Right! I think so too. Ji Mo indeed has many trump cards, but he lacks an overwhelming core skill.

In contrast, Qi Tian, from the beginning of the competition until now, has appeared calm and at ease when facing the seeded contestants from other Sects. No one has yet made him truly go all out and take a match seriously.”

Someone echoed.

“I think so too. Ji Mo's journey has been too difficult, while Qi Tian has been very relaxed. It feels like he doesn't even take this Martial Arts Gathering seriously.”

Another person joined the discussion about who between Ji Mo and Qi Tian would win the championship.

At this time, the Emperor, Prime Minister, and God of War were eagerly discussing who would ultimately win the championship. After some analysis, they concluded:

Qi Tian has a greater chance of winning.

After all, Qi Tian is nearly ten years older than Ji Mo, and the experience accumulated over those extra years of cultivation should not be underestimated. Moreover, Qi Tian's mysterious Demon Sage Legacy has yet to be fully revealed, and it must contain astonishing techniques.