Xu Shang did not rush. He summoned a black robe and put it on.
Looking slightly up, Xu Shang asked, "What did you mean earlier when you said my constitution is special?"
"The Demon Lotus Fiendish Body is the most powerful constitution among the Demon Clan, but the most useless among the human race. Only the blood of the Demon Clan can bring this constitution to its full potential. If it appears in a human, it is nothing more than a useless shell, and almost no one realizes their own constitution is the Demon Lotus Fiendish Body," Ji Yaoming explained calmly.
Xu Shang spoke again, "You mean you drained my human blood and injected Demon Clan blood instead?"
Ji Yaoming nodded, a hint of complexity flickering in his eyes. "Your constitution was originally the Demon Lotus Fiendish Body, but within the human race, it could not unleash its proper strength. To awaken your potential, I had no choice but to take such an extreme method."
Xu Shang fell silent for a moment. He could feel that the blood flowing through his veins was different from before, brimming with an unknown power. "Then, am I considered part of the Demon Clan now?" A trace of doubt lingered in Xu Shang's voice.
Ji Yaoming shook his head. "No, you are still human, but your veins flow with Demon Clan blood, which grants you Demon Clan power. This is a rare combination, and also the key to becoming a bridge between the Demon Clan and the human race."
Xu Shang frowned slightly, beginning to realize that his identity had grown complicated. "Can I control this power?"
Ji Yaoming smiled. "Power always takes time to adapt to and master. You have already made a good start, but there is still a long way to go. I will teach you how to control this power, and how to use it to help the Demon Clan, as well as yourself."
Frowning, Xu Shang said, "When I was absorbing blood inside the lotus, I saw someone who looked just like me, but he entered my body."
"Do not worry, he is merely your divine consciousness; he will only benefit you and do you no harm," he explained.
Even though Ji Yaoming's explanation was well-grounded and logical, it was still difficult for Xu Shang to fully trust him.
Ji Yaoming sensed this as well. He wondered whether Xu Shang would truly help the Demon Clan...
Xu Shang's gaze was profound, his heart filled with doubt and unease. He knew his fate was already closely intertwined with the Demon Clan, yet he was still searching for his own place.
"Then," Xu Shang slowly began, "how should I start?"
Ji Yaoming smiled faintly, a flash of approval crossing his eyes. "First, you need to understand your own body and feel the sensation of the Demon Clan's blood flowing through you."
"If you are truly willing to join the Demon Clan, then my clan will undoubtedly nurture you with all our resources," Ji Yaoming said coldly.
After a moment of thought, Xu Shang replied, "I agree, but you cannot restrict my freedom."
Ji Yaoming hesitated slightly, but still nodded. "In a few days, I will teach you some basic cultivation methods so that you can better master this power."
Xu Shang nodded, knowing he needed time to adjust to all of this. He closed his eyes and began to feel the changes within his body. Gradually, he sensed a warm current circulating inside him, seeming to guide him and tell him how to use this power.
"Now, try to gather this power in your palm," Ji Yaoming instructed.
Following Ji Yaoming's instructions, Xu Shang slowly concentrated the power into his palm. Suddenly, a faint glow appeared on his hand—a manifestation of the Demon Clan's power.
"Good, you did very well," Ji Yaoming encouraged. "Next, I will teach you how to use this power for attack and defense. But remember, power must be used with caution; do not let it spin out of control."
Xu Shang opened his eyes and looked at his palm, feeling the surging strength within. "I will work hard to learn and master this power," Xu Shang said firmly. "For the Demon Clan, and for myself as well."
Ji Yaoming nodded, believing that Xu Shang could do it. "Then, let us begin."
Ji Yaoming led Xu Shang into a pocket world created by a Demon Clan ancestor.
Guiding Xu Shang through a patch of mist, Ji Yaoming brought him to a mysterious and ancient space. The area was filled with the aura of the Demon Clan, surrounded by rolling mountains shrouded in clouds and mist. Occasionally, bizarre creatures darted through the gaps, their eyes revealing awe toward Ji Yaoming.
"This is the sacred cultivation ground of the Demon Clan, and the legacy left behind by our ancestors," Ji Yaoming explained. "Here, you can feel the power of the Demon Clan more deeply, and the environment will aid you in cultivating and mastering new strengths."
Xu Shang looked around. He could feel that the air here was thick with a dense spiritual qi, completely different from the outside world. He took a deep breath, feeling as though even his soul had been cleansed.
"First, you must learn how to absorb and refine this spiritual qi," Ji Yaoming said, and began imparting the cultivation methods of the Demon Clan.
Xu Shang listened intently, knowing this was the key to mastering his new strength. Guided by Ji Yaoming, he began trying to absorb the surrounding spiritual qi, drawing it into his body and circulating it along specific pathways, gradually transforming it into his own power.
Time slipped quietly away in cultivation, and Xu Shang gradually felt his internal strength growing. His skin began to emit a faint glow—a sign of the Demon Clan's power circulating within him.
Days later, Xu Shang was already able to freely absorb and refine spiritual qi, and his strength continued to rise steadily. Watching Xu Shang's progress, Ji Yaoming nodded inwardly, knowing that Xu Shang's potential went far beyond this.
"Now that you have mastered the basic cultivation methods, I will teach you some combat techniques of the Demon Clan," Ji Yaoming said, beginning to demonstrate unique offensive and defensive maneuvers exclusive to the Demon Clan.
Xu Shang observed Ji Yaoming's movements without blinking. He discovered that these techniques were completely different from the martial arts he had learned before; they were far more bizarre and unpredictable, brimming with the agility and mystery unique to the Demon Clan.
Under Ji Yaoming's guidance, Xu Shang began practicing these combat skills. He found that when applying these techniques, the power within him flowed more smoothly, and his attacks became much fiercer.
As time passed, Xu Shang not only mastered the cultivation methods and combat skills of the Demon Clan, but he also gradually came to understand their culture and values. He began to ponder his identity and mission, and how to find his place at the intersection of the Demon Clan and the human race.
During a late-night cultivation session, Xu Shang suddenly felt a strong surge of power. His divine consciousness seemed to establish a certain connection with the person who looked just like him whom he had seen inside the lotus. He felt an unprecedented epiphany, as if a door were slowly opening before him.
"Old man, I feel a different kind of power awakening within me," Xu Shang said as he opened his eyes, a strange light flashing in his gaze.
Ji Yaoming looked at Xu Shang, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes. "It seems you have begun to touch upon the deeper power of the Demon Lotus Fiendish Body. This strength will grant you an even more unique standing between the Demon Clan and the human race."
Xu Shang nodded, knowing his journey had only just begun, but he was ready to face future challenges. With his own strength, he would carve out a brand-new path for the Demon Clan and for himself.
Under Ji Yaoming's watchful eye, Xu Shang immersed himself in the newly awakened power within his body. He felt his connection to the Demon Lotus Fiendish Body grow even closer, as if he could hear its voice guiding him to explore unknown realms.
"This power—it is calling to me," Xu Shang said softly, determination and curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Ji Yaoming nodded. "This is the instinct of the Demon Lotus Fiendish Body, guiding you toward a higher realm. But remember, with greater power comes greater responsibility. You must learn to control it, rather than let it control you."
Xu Shang took a deep breath, understanding the meaning behind Ji Yaoming's words. He began trying to communicate with this power, feeling its fluctuations with his heart. Gradually, he discovered that he could guide this power and make it flow according to his own will.
As his cultivation deepened, Xu Shang's strength grew increasingly formidable. Every attack of his brimmed with destructive force, while his defense became impregnable. He began attempting to combine the combat skills of the Demon Clan with his own power, creating a fighting style uniquely his own.
Witnessed by Ji Yaoming, Xu Shang's strength gradually matured, and he had truly become a warrior of the Demon Clan. Yet he had not forgotten his original aspiration: to become a bridge between the Demon Clan and the human race, using his own methods to safeguard peace between the two peoples.
"Old man, I am ready," Xu Shang said as he stood up, his figure appearing exceptionally resolute in the moonlight.
Ji Yaoming looked at Xu Shang, a hint of satisfaction showing in his eyes. "Very well, you are ready to face the challenges ahead. But remember, the outside world is fraught with danger; you must remain vigilant at all times."
Xu Shang nodded. He knew the outside world would not be as peaceful as this sacred cultivation ground. Yet he was already prepared, and no matter how many difficulties and challenges lay ahead, he would face them bravely.
Ji Yaoming walked over to Xu Shang and produced a jade slip: "This jade slip contains a divine art called the Demon Lotus Divine Art, which is also the divine art I use. Not only does it provide defense, healing, and speed, but when you are in danger, you can unleash the ultimate mystery of the Demon Lotus Divine Art. Although its power is immense, the toll it takes is equally severe; do not use it unless absolutely necessary."
Xu Shang accepted the jade slip, feeling the profound power contained within it. He knew this was not merely a divine art, but also Ji Yaoming's trust and expectations in him.
"I understand, old man," Xu Shang said earnestly. "I will use this power with caution and not let it become a shackle I rely on."
Ji Yaoming gave a slight nod. "Go, Xu Shang. The outside world awaits you. Go fulfill your goals and prove your strength."
Clutching the jade slip tightly, Xu Shang took a deep breath and slowly pressed it against his forehead. The power within the jade slip surged into his mind like flowing water, and he began to comprehend the mysteries of the Demon Lotus Divine Art.
As time passed, Xu Shang gradually mastered every aspect of the Demon Lotus Divine Art. He learned how to use the power of the Demon Lotus for defense, constructing an indestructible blood-red lotus barrier; how to use it for healing to mend his own wounds; and how to enhance his speed to make himself more agile in combat.
Yet the most crucial part was the ultimate mystery of the Demon Lotus Divine Art—the Demon Lotus Blooming. This was a technique that could only be used at the threshold of life and death, capable of unleashing overwhelming power at a tremendous cost. Deeply aware of this, Xu Shang decided he would invoke this move only in the most critical moments.
Throughout the process of cultivation, Xu Shang also kept reciting Ji Yaoming's teachings in his heart, reminding himself of the true meaning of power. He knew that true strength did not lie in how many enemies one could destroy, but in how many lives one could protect and how much peace one could uphold.
Finally, Xu Shang felt that he was ready. He bid farewell to Ji Yaoming, stepped out of the sacred cultivation ground, and embarked on his journey toward the outside world.