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.

...

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

energy within him, sighing with relief

form. So you must be extremely careful during the whole course of cultivation. If it becomes intolerable for you to withstand the heat, just leave and don't force yourself to undergo this!" Benson advised, smiling as he watched the

I know I can do it!"

news of your success!" Benson said, pleased to see his daughter's strong will. With that, he strode out of the grove, leaving

refining stage. Given such scorching

energy of the blood essence in the Sacred Blood Pond, which required

palms. This was

bodies began to tremble and sweat streamed down their faces. Everyone's faces began to contort in ferocious grimaces.

were suffering in the

they needed all the powers of concentration to practice.

Heather and Agnes gave up, jumping onto

already, with the fist-shaped Sacred Blood Crystals in their hands. As they looked at their hard-won fruit, their eyes beamed with accomplishment and excitement.

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 the blood essence

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

doesn't need to stay in there if he couldn't handle it.

asked, curious upon

beasts together." Heather replied, deciding not to conceal anything. Agnes didn't strike her

see!" Agnes nodded.

the way, does Ricky have a reputation in the Snow Sect?" Heather

kind of! Agnes answered.

member of the Snow Sect, how would I

...

began to chitchat while waiting for Ricky. Mostly, it was Heather who asked questions while Agnes answered. The latter now didn't look as haughty as she usually