The legendary warrior

Once Master Lambert of Lion King Castle appeared, Harold's attempts at provoking a fight became futile.

Even if he was a high-ranking core disciple of the Snow Sect, when faced with this powerful demi-immortal, he had to behave himself. Unless he were a demi-immortal as well, or an innate spirit, he had to show respect.

It was known that the Lion King Castle was one greatest power of the Snow Sect. All this was thanks to Master Lambert, whose demi-immortal status reinforced the Castle's strength.

The young contestants who would enter the Sacred Blood Pond were announced. To no-one's surprise, they were Ricky, Heather and Agnes.

The Sacred Blood Pond, situated in the Lion King Castle, was in a secluded spot in Castle Master's stronghold.

Ushered in by Benson, the three participants arrived at a small grove inside the palace walls. In the center of this grove was a large pond of bloody water, deep maroon and thick.

The three participant's ears began to hear the sound of bubbling water become nearer and nearer, and more and more distinct. As they stood there, taking in the blood pond, they could immediately feel the immense heat emitted by its water. The heat was so intense that they knew being too near the pond could very well melt them.

'This must be the Sacred Blood Pond!' Ricky thought to himself.

His intuition told him that his cultivation would ascend to another level if he could manage to absorb the great power of the pond. There was even a possibility for him to achieve the second degree of the Nine-degree Body Refining Formula.

"If you are ready, you may begin! The energy of blood essence of the Sacred Blood Lion has been completely infused into the Sacred Blood Pond. Whether you can obtain the Sacred Blood Crystal from this pond will rest on your shoulders! It all depends on the level of your own ability!" Benson proclaimed.

After a fleeting glance at each other, Ricky and the other participants sprinted for the pond and plunged right into it.

Agnes, who had once been so prideful and haughty, hadn't thought of Ricky as a rival before this.

Aside from the staggering accomplishment of reaching the eighth grade of Skin Refinement in so short a time, Ricky had even managed to kill a beast at the first grade of Blood Purification. He had fairly won the title of champion of the trial cultivation. Considering he made all of those accomplishments without a spiritual meridian, Agnes began to feel a grudging respect for him.

The beast, even if it had been severely injured, was still considerably powerful. And Ricky's triumph at slaying it suggested at the capacity of his strength.

In addition to that, as she found out about Ricky's prior sufferings in the Snow Sect, her admiration for him continued to grow.

...

moment Ricky's body touched the waters of the Sacred Blood Pond, he an extremely searing, scorching pain. This feeling spread all throughout his body in no time, and he felt as if he would be fully roasted

energy within him, sighing with relief once

it becomes intolerable for

sweat it, father! I know I can do it!" Heather

said, pleased to see his daughter's strong will. With

such scorching conditions, their practicing was a race against

the Sacred Blood Pond, which required

bloody ball appeared on each of their palms. This was the very initial form of the Sacred Blood Crystal.

began to tremble and sweat streamed down their faces. Everyone's faces

suffering in the

top of it all, they needed all the

Agnes gave up, jumping onto the bank to catch their

in their hands. As they looked at their hard-won fruit, their eyes beamed with accomplishment

for Heather, the daughter of the master of Lion King Castle, the fruit was a little less meaningful than for Agnes. Being the daughter of the Lion King Castle, Heather would always have a share of

initial reverie, the two girls shifted their gaze onto Ricky, the only one still practicing

a crazy man! He knows he doesn't need to stay in there if he couldn't handle it. He can come out now! What a freak!" Heather muttered, pouting

know him?" Agnes asked, curious upon

beasts together." Heather replied,

Agnes

have a reputation

kind of! Agnes answered.

Snow Sect, how would I rank in the outer sect as far as you

...

Ricky. Mostly, it was Heather who asked questions while Agnes answered. The latter now didn't look as haughty as she usually did. She patiently answered every question, though in a