“I never expected a sect with so few demon cultivators to have so many techniques.” Ning said as he looked through the jade slips.

“If we didn’t have them there wouldn’t be a point in having Demon Dao Beasts.” Rinrin said as she also read a few trying to help him finds something.

Currently they were at the Inner sect’s martial library. Having presented the token to obtain the free technique Ning and Rinrin walked in. Of course she could not remove any one of them but she could help him. Unlike the outer sect, inner sect allows the disciples to remove a jade slip for 6 months to train. This is because the mysteries in the jade slip aren’t easy to memorize and they are required supplementary information to meditate on.

Finally, after an hour, Ning arrived at three Ice Demon techniques. These three are rare dragon beast techniques and they are broken into a few books with the first one ranking at High Grade Mortal rank.

‘Chaotic Movements of the Ice Dragon’, ‘Domain of the Frost Drake’ and ‘Body of the Black Ice Wyrm’.

One is a movement technique, the second is a suppression technique and the last is a body refining technique.

After reaching this point the first and third were quickly trashed because Ning already had a movement technique and he needed a support type one now.

‘Domain of the Frost Drake’ is a suppression type support demon art. The person will assume the position of the Frost Drake and within a radius of himself he will use Demon Essence to create a domain he controls which would also cause the area to change. Frost Drake are creatures of extreme cold. The domain would form creating a barren tundra with cold that would even freeze Qi and mana. Of course this is selective and Ning could choose people who would be affected.

With a nod Ning accepted this one and with Rinrin they left.

“So how much support do you think that elder will try and give us?” Ning asked.

“He will definitely try and make us the disciples of one of the pill masters.” Rinrin said and began to laugh, “I can still remember the look on his face when we started using Qi flames! I wasn’t sure he was green with envy or surprise!”

What had happened was just this, each of them had prepared a set of ingredients to make the level 9 common rank pill, Skin and Muscle Tempering pill. The same one Ning had used and would come crushed to bathe in.

This pill had a 40% success rate for both of them and so they choose to do this one after a short discussion. When they began to use the Flames the elder had already falling off his seat in shock but besides the surprise he remained quiet and focused and watched the flames. He walked over and made sure to examine the refining of the pill to make sure what was happening inside.

He watched each of them refine and finally they concluded after four hours and congealed the pills and presented the results for him to see. Ning was happy to have formed two high quality pills this batch. Sadly of the 50 pills 2 were high quality, 13 were low quality 15 were ungraded and the rest were failure. Even so Ning had a 60% success rate. Rinrin was just behind him with 55% success but she shocked them both with a peak quality one so they were tied for the most part.

He was very excited to report this to the hall-master but he did as an elder who was asked for advice and he began to tell them what was done wrong and how they should change. To their surprise, the position in location they put the cauldron in affects the final produce.

If the cauldron was split between North, South, East, West several ingredients would be placed in different directional positions when placed inside the cauldron. This actually has a huge effect on the final product. There was indeed a pill recipe of the ‘Skin and Muscle tempering pill’ in the books they had but the elder took out a blank parchment wrote down the entire recipe again and put specific instructions where several ingredients would be placed in particular directions. Of course this was as long as they would know which way to face. The best way to do this was to get a proper treasure compass so it would be easy to use and stand at the south side.

All kinds of information such as using a specific color or temperament of a flame for different herbs was quite eye opening for the children but because they had plans already they only left for the demon arts and headed back.

When they got back Ning sat down to finally read in detail the new art.

‘Domain of the Frost Drake’

Only Riders are permitted to train this due to Frost Drakes are impossible to contain. Warning, only someone with an indomitable will should even dream of attempting because the chance of demonic corruption is large.

Level 1: By mastering this level you will slowly assimilate the Demon Essence of a Frost Drake. Upon chanting a specific chant it will induce a hypnosis and you will appear in a bloody frozen land. The land is the domain of a newborn Frost Drake. A Snowy mountain. Fight and kill, beware that injuries will wear at your spiritual energy and overtaxing will injure yourself. Once you completely master this level you will form a cold and bloody killing intent.

Level 2: By mastering this level the killing intent will begin to thicken. The second level chant will begin to cause hallucinations, do not practice this if your Spiritual Energy is weak. The Demon Essence will begin to merge with the Spiritual Energy and you will find yourself in the home of a Juvenile Frost Drake and a blood unending battle will ensue.

Level 3: By mastering this level you will be able to infuse Demon Essence into the killing aura. By reaching this point a distance of 10 meters around you will form a domain where your killing intent will affect those within. From this point onwards you should not train without being a Rider of a Frost Drake. Demon Essence will slowly mix into the soul and slowly the aura of a Frost Drake will start to form from the soul to the spirit and outwards.

Level 4: By mastering this level your domain will begin to carry a demonic cold and the ground will begin to freeze. The range is as far as 25 meters and within a 5 meter radius the ground will freeze and a cold hellish air will exist in the domain. People with a weak will will begin to hallucinate and their bodies will start to freeze. The movement of all energy will slow down as the cold enters their body and the body will start to freeze if they are not of the fire attribute.

Level 5: By mastering this level a bridge between the soul and spirit will form. The Demon Essence will perfectly mix. One must possess an indomitable will greater than the Frost Drake to suppress the Demon Essence when in use. At this point it is possible to activate the domain at will and the Demon Essence will not reach for the spirit or soul without your choice but the effect it will have when used will be many times greater. The domain reaches 100 meters and the entire ground is frozen and a blizzard will form. Only those regarded as ally can come within. Frost Drake are immune to this unless they are weaker than the caster.’

Ning read it and felt a foreboding feeling from what he read. He had seen several techniques already that perfectly fit his Dao Beasts. The Sword arts which represent Tora was similar.

‘Flying Fish Saber Fin blade arts’

‘This sword art is for those who have Flying Fish who develop sharp fins with cutting edges.

Level 1: By mastering this alongside, Initial mastery of the sword arts can be found. Initial Mastery of Natural Law of Wind is needed to obtain 100% of this art’s power. First technique: Funnel blade

Level 2: By mastering this level, Low Success Mastery of the sword arts will be acquired. Initial Mastery of the Natural Law of Wind is needed to obtain 100% of this art’s power. Second Technique: Twin Fin Dancing Wind Blade.

Level 3: By Mastering this level, High Success Mastery of the sword art will be acquired. Low Success Master of the Natural Law of the wind is needed to perform 100% of the power of this technique. Third technique: Tail Spikes Whip Pierce.

Level 4: Perfect Mastery of the sword art is acquired. Low Success Master of the Natural Law of the Wind is needed to perform this technique. Understanding of a Flying Fish’s attack pattern is necessary. 4th Technique: Sky Dance.’

The only difference is that the one for the Frost Drake was incredibly morbid and profound. It directly affected his soul by having Demon Essence refine it. It cause hallucinations and if he was swallowed by them it could injure his spirit or even soul. This wasn’t even anything to grand and only a support ability but it was incomparably dominating. To meet a wild Frost Drake who learned the race’s abilities would be a true nightmare.

Rinrin seemed to notice the look, “What’s wrong? Is the description on the demon art too morbid?” She asked.

“How do you know?” He asked.

“The ice demon sword i got to match Kala said i had to flush my spirit and soul to be able to get the proper killing intent and bloodlust. Demons are in general bloodthirsty but you must always find a crutch to maintain your mentality. It's quite easy, just think of an important person to yourself and say, “I can’t die here!” For them?” She said light hearted.

“If you got a swords art for Kala then what about the Harpy?” Ning asked.

“Talie? I got the movement art, ‘Twelve Windy Currents of Heaven and Earth.’” She said.

“That seems profound?” He said.

“It's a technique with 3 volumes and i have only 1.” She said shrugging and turned towards the pile of deposited herbs. Some were already a bit withered and a few were still good. She sighed as she gathered the withered ones to experiment with the new formula. Even if she used the best ones it would waste materials if she did not know the effectiveness of the elders instructions.

“I’ll be refining some pills so just look over it yourself. Afterwards you can talk with me about it.” She said.

Ning looked at her and seemed to think a while before storing the jade slip. He needed preparations for this anyway so he joined her in making pills.

***

“Elder Zhao, i know this is your Zhao Clan’s princess genius. Her talent in pill making is indeed impressive but you should know, most of the elders already have direct disciples and caring for more would burden them further.” The hall master said

“Sir, by no means do i mean to disrespect but would you not nurture to genius pill refiners when they are in our mitts?” The elder said.

“Elder Zhao, they are simple children, they have talent, yes, but how many pill refining genius do we have at this moment, Dai Ming, Meng Bei, Bo Shi, Yun Gia. Besides elder Guo and Elder Huo even obtained legacy disciples. The number of high ranking elders interested in obtaining more disciples are few, the resource needed to train one is already astronomical and you suddenly bring out two more. Unless they are peerless to the point of refining unique flames in under a year then i will agree that they are worth nurturing. If not you can speak with your Zhao Clan, there are indeed many good pill refiners, yourself included, who can teach them.” The Hall Master said.

The elder narrowed his eyes, something was fishy about this situation. A man like the Hall Master doesn’t usually let pass genius disciples like this. This made the elder feel something was up, “If that is what Hall Master believes that i see no point in leaving the children here, i shall see with the clan and have them provide some resource to nurture them.” The elder said.

“Elder Zhao…” The Mall Master as the elder stepped past the threshold but looked back. “Sometimes there are people who should not interfere, please keep that in mind.” The Hall Master said before ignoring him completely.

The elder narrowed his eyes and left.

***

“So we had to leave.” Ning finished explaining to his mother.

“You learned the basics?” She asked. They both nodded, “Good, while you were training, i took a trip to the outer sect and met your brother Ning, i trained him in pill refining, never expected him to be so good but oh well. He was accepted as a Legacy disciple of a big influential elder already. I just never expected that doing this would block you. Still that doesn’t matter, since no elder will take you I will just teach you myself.” She said and looked at the elder at the door. “I thank elder for taking my children from that situation.” She said.

“No need miss Bo. I am just curious though as to where you learned pill refining and even how to spark Qi flames.” He asked.

“Sorry but women have their secrets. Mine are a bit bigger than most but it shouldn’t affect the sect in any manner what so ever and instead would improve it. Let me ask, does elder Zhao possess any good treasures maybe a High grade mortal rank one or maybe peak grade.” she asked.

“I indeed have one, i have my claws which are high grade mortal rank, why do you ask?” He asked narrowing his eyes.

“No need to be so cautious, i am too weak to do anything to you elder and you are part Rinrin’s clan and you saved my little boy. I simply wished to gift elder with something small but i hope you will keep quiet about this gift because it would cause a bit of headaches if it got out.” She said in a low tone and gifted a small jade slip.

He raised a brow and looked at her before he sent his spiritual sense inside and a moment later he opened his eyes wide. “So that is why they hav…” As soon as he saw the look in Bo Rei’s eyes he understood and nodded, “Alright i will look after them if i can. I’ll try to have the clan to supply materials to help them train.” He said.

“I thank elder Zhao for his understanding.” She nodded and smiled.

She lead him out before returning, “Alright, what that problem solved, let’s get you children learning about Spirit runes.” She said.

The sudden change caught them off guard. “Mother… what about pills?” Ning asked.

“Practice that when you have time. Ask mama if anything pops up and i will help you don’t worry. Now spirit runes. Unlike the Qi and mana, spirit runes are an entire different system that use spiritual energy. Anyone from any race can learn it though only demons and Qi practitioners do so in this massive region we live in. Magi have magic runes which are similar to spirit runes but spirit runes use spiritual energy while magic runs use mana.” She said.

“Why do we need to learn?” Rinrin asked.

“Do you remember when i pulled out the spirit veins?” She asked. The two nodded, “Right, i pulled out the Spirit vein.” She said once more and after a moment they seemed to realize. “Good it seems you realize. Spiritual energy, in nature, is incredibly difficult to locate normally but one does not need to locate because it is the soul which produces spiritual energy. Instead in nature it is the spirit veins which contain the largest concentration of spiritual energy and it is through the learning of spirit runes and becoming what is known as a Spirit runemaster that one can eventually tap into and even pull out a spirit vein. This mountain we sit on is a spirit mountain as everyone knows but the cultivating rooms where the vein exits can contain the energy because a spirit runemaster came and used spirit runes to make a rune formation in the room to contain the energy.” she said.

“How will we learn it then?” Ning asked.

Bo Rei smiled and reached into a small pouch and pulled out a scroll. “I’ll teach you a few tricks to train spirit runes without wasting good materials.” She grinned and pulled out countless spirit scrolls with enchantments.

Spirit scrolls and spirit runes are a unique type of enchantment. The runes can be added to armor to increase defense, added to weapons to give a unique attack, something like in one move all the Qi is gathered and explodes out in one burst, or adds an elemental damage to each swing as long as energy is supplied.

Besides enchantments which are produced by those regarded as apprentice the Spirit Runemaster on the other hand can use runes to attack. They make rare attack runes and attack scrolls. Many of them walk with many attack and defense spirit scrolls ready to be used simply by ripping it but anyone who focuses solely on spirit runes will obtain large attack power after going beyond Spirit Runemaster but their body will be weak.

***

Returning to his compound the elder Zhao who had helped Ning and Rinrin sighed and went into his room with a migraine and began to settle it with some meditation. After a bit he stuck his hand out and a low grade mortal rank cauldron appeared. This was one of his spare cauldrons but even though it was a spare he had long since made it from Black Alloy. When he makes low grade pills he uses this since his best cauldron, which is a Low grade Earth Rank cauldron, would be overkill.

That cauldron took more than two hundred years of refining to reach this stage by absorbing the medical energy as well as merging part of a unique flame that the elder had refined. The elder trained the Natural Law of Lightning and many lightning techniques along with fire techniques so as he refined his Qi flame, his natural affinity towards lightning merged into it and so when he improved his best cauldron he used Thunder ore and Fire ore alongside Black gold as Profound Silver.

With his Lightning Fire he melted and created the alloy of duel fire lightning element and improved the cauldron mixing it with the other materials and eliminating the impurities and low grade materials. Finally he merged part of his flame into the cauldron where it would naturally inhabit and could be used through the cauldron instead of his own Qi flame simply needing to feed the Qi.

Looking at the Black alloy cauldron he suspended it and shot a small flame out and slowly it heated up and became almost red before the runes appeared.

He sensed the jade slip and began to form the hand seals and begin the chant in sync with the hand seals.

His five Dao beasts appeared and each took a place around the cauldron and looked up. Long ago he had completed a full set of the five basic element of Dao beasts. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning.

With just these five he did not need any other dao beasts to match up with his wives for dao couple cultivation.

At this moment from all five energy waves began to appear. The fire and lightning beasts were Profound while the earth was a Demon beast and the other two were magic beasts.

It was because of this that he was able to form a Lighting Fire flame. Merging the flames once it had an element makes it incredibly high strong but only by training both your beasts and yourself can it grow to possess the element mixing it slowly with it.

As the five energies flowed into the cauldron it began to shake.

BANG!

Unrelenting medical energy burst from the metal of the cauldron and began to run along with the energies from the Dao beasts. He slowly guided the energy to remove impurities using the energy itself and to his surprise he was able to use the energy to more perfectly mix the metals which were starting to form faults in the metal due to the difference.

The medical energy was the first to be used up and it was a massive river of energy which washed over not only the cauldron by it also refined the energies of all of them as the energy returned to the body carrying the medical energy that was unused during that wave and flow back out purer.

This cycle continued for a long time because of the naturally high amount of energy each creature has. The elder’s entire martial foundation was completely solidified as he refined the cauldron as for the cauldron. The metals were perfectly mixed, and every last bit of damage or impurity was removed. The Black alloy was at the highest grade and without a fault. The medical energy made it even better and the five element balance further improved the refining process.

When it was finally done the energy returned to them and he opened his eyes and looked up and spread his spiritual sense and narrowed his eyes.

“Ungraded Earth rank, that woman is a mystery. It would be best to not anger such a person and leave her to train those two children. It would indeed make the sect shake at its foundation. If anyone could make a treasure like this.” he said and stored the cauldron before another one came out. This was his favorite and best cauldron which was at the Low Grade Earth Rank. Slowly a wide grin appeared as he wondered how much he could pull out of this.

***

Huff! Huff! Huff!

“Why are you so tired after one night of using only the Void Draw Rune Skill.” Bo Rei asked.

“Why do we need to learn?!” Ning complained.

“You will find out.” Bo Rei said.

“NO!” Ning finally broke down and began to throw a childish tantrum. “Why do we need to do this when we just want to train to cultivate!” He complained.

Bo Rei sighed, “How will you reach the top with a shallow foundation? Will you mindlessly cultivate all your life? Will you use pills of another and let your body fill with pill poisons? At this moment i use acupuncture to clean your bodies of the poison but how will you do it yourself?! Will you fight with the toothpicks other make for you? Fine you want to know what i want from you? I am training you two to be the best treasure makers.” She said.

“Treasure makers?” Rinrin asked.

“What is a treasure? Something at least Earth realm and above? A treasure is an item with unbelievable qualities! Refining a simple tower into a mobile fortress, make a boat and refine a spirit vein into it and combine countless spirit runes and make a high speed flying treasure. Refine a medical garden into a secondary world filled with all the world's greatest herbs and every condition to birth and raise these herbs while still making it easy to reach. You understand, these are treasures. Your cauldrons, your swords, you garden, they are simply the embryo for a future treasure or even the prototype. Refining a treasure is a time and resource consuming thing but the results that come from it aren’t just a treasure but also the cultivation boost, the improved quality of your energies. Even your little Qi flames can be refined given time.” She said.

“Does mother have a reason for this?” Ning asked.

“Yes but it is something you do not need to worry about at this moment. For now you will learn the basics of Spirit Runes and after you can make up to level 7 scrolls we will move on.” She said.