The legendary warrior

There were only three people who remained in the forest. There was Ricky, who was using the infernal power to refine his body in the Sacred Blood Pond. The other two were Heather and Grace, patiently waiting beside him.

The process of body refinement took an entire day and night, sometimes even longer.

Of course, Agnes Shui had already left.

Ricky was currently focusing all his attention on battling with the searing, intense burning pain.

Through his new spiritual meridian, Ricky absorbed that strong infernal power in the Sacred Blood Pond, letting it flow within his meridians and blood circulation. He then channeled it into refining his flesh and bones by making them even more reinforced.

These minutes seemed like an unbearable eternity. Ricky's consciousness trembled in the blinding blurriness of the world. The burning pain had penetrated deep into his bones, now dully numbing them.

The expression on his face was one of pure exertion. The fingernails on his fingers had sunk deep into the flesh of his palms. Blood was oozing out from the wounds as streams of perspiration ran in rivers down his arms, dripping rapidly into the pond water.

The excruciating pain could make Ricky fail any minute and lose control.

But he had to persevere. He had to endure this suffering, because this was an opportunity to breakthrough into the Second Degree of the Nine-degree Body Refining Formula.

The infernal power in the Sacred Blood Pond was inherently perfect for the refinement of the Second Degree of the Nine-degree Body Refining Formula.

....

Under the ceaseless blaze of the infernal fire, after an entire day and night had passed, Ricky finally regained consciousness. Slowly, he opened his tightly shut eyes.

He looked down at himself. A layer of black mucous surfaced, coating his skin. They were the impurities expelled from his system during the refinement process. The skin underneath the black mucous had turned clearer, almost glowing.

"Using the infernal blaze to refine is indeed amazing. This time around, not only have I opened the door towards breaking through the Second Degree of the Nine-degree Body Refinement Formula, I've fixed the defects caused from using the Blood Zone to a very large extent!" Upon realizing the changes that had taken place with his body, Ricky exclaimed with satisfaction.

"Ricky, you rascal, you've finally completed the refinement process!" Heather said begrudgingly, yet with shining admiration in her eyes.

Blood Crystal, Ricky laughed as he leaped triumphantly out of the pond.

refinement using the infernal power, you can almost make it to the Second Grade of the Nine-degree Body Refinement Formula!" Grace said with satisfaction, seeing the renewed strength in

as I'm able to withstand the refinement process using the frosty power, I feel confident that I'll really manage to conquer the Second Grade

assimilate the Sacred Blood Crystal you created only when you're ready to

I know!" Ricky nodded.

stay here any longer. Let's go back to the Snow Sect now. You know, it's also time to prepare for the Outer Competition,"

her whistle to her lips and blew, the pure high note summoning the Snow Vulture, who came swooping down

only for now," Ricky said quietly, turning towards

Ricky, it's still too early to say goodbye! From now on, you have to address me as senior!" Heather smiled

not object and leapt onto

on?" Ricky was perplexed. "Are... Are you also coming to the Snow Sect? With

course! Why wouldn't I? Master Grace has already formally received me as her formal disciple." Heather said, mischievously pouting her lips. She held Grace's arm

true?" Ricky asked

with a slightly nod of

me just fine. It looks like I have another junior!" Accepting this new development, Ricky hung his

said, a hint

...

the entire atmosphere

riled up. They strove to deliver their very best during training, wanting to stand out in the

disciples worked for the sect's rewards, some wanted to prove themselves in front of girls they were wooing. Others hoped to

the Outer Competition my stage!" Ricky vowed firmly to himself, feeling the intensity of

the eighth grade of Skin Refinement, he had already mustered enough confidence to call out to any outer disciple, even the top ten outer disciples. After

is the Snow Sect..." Heather mused aloud, landing into the

other parts of the Snow Sect right now!" Grace said, seeing the curiosity on Heather's face. She led Heather away

a stark contrast between how she deals with a male and a female disciple!" Ricky curled his