----

?Demonic Conduct Multiplier applied! Total Experience received from the kill of Zul Warriors: 43,380.?

?Demonic Conduct Multiplier applied! Total Experience received from torture endeavors: 27,000.?

.

.

.

?Congratulations, you have reached Level 90. .5 Attributes and 5 Stat Points have been rewarded.?

?System Alert! Changes have taken place due to you reaching a late threshold. For more information, look to the Foundational Chart.?

"Ugh...are you serious? This is the limitation? Then...isn't combat useless?!" groaned Apollo as he finished collecting his spoils. After which he fled the area without erasing any signs of battle. First and foremost, it was far too distant from the inner ring. He didn't want to risk any run-ins with Rank 3 Spirit Beasts.

'I should've known something like this would happen. After all, it is far too big of a jump to receive .5 Attributes from the previous .2,' thought Apollo as he looked at the temporary restrictions placed upon him by the system.

As for the limitations it was as such:

[?Foundational Chart?]

(Mortal-Grade Talent)

(Earth-Grade Talent) - Liberation of stats.

[Requirement Breakdown]-

.

.

.

?Level 90? - Experience required to level up is set to 150,000.

Reward: .5 Attributes and 5 Stat Points.

?Level 91? - Experience required to level up is set to 200,000.

Reward: .5 Attribute and 6 Stat Points.

(Spirit-Grade) - Vital Thresholdhistorical

?????

?Limitation: Until further notice—once you complete certain tasks—the ability to receive experience from the kills of Spirit Beast will be disabled. To continue your rapid growth, accomplish the grand objectives.?

..

[Before you complain you should assess the situation. The limitation doesn't mean you need to stop combat altogether. It simply states that the act of killing the beasts won't grant experience. However, take a moment and think. Does this mean all your paths to experience are cut off?]

"No.. there's still their core I can rely upon," uttered Apollo in deep thought as he maneuvered through the forest trees glancing at his arm frequently. Soon after, he continued voicing his thoughts, "It seems as if the system wants me to focus on cultivating."

[You're also forgetting about their meat. You can still intake the essence stored within. As for your thoughts, that may be correct. It goes without saying, you possess combat awareness beyond your years. What you need to do now is cultivate incessantly. Don't you feel it?]

"Feel what?" questioned Apollo with a blank look. He was unsure what Azridan meant by this question. It was so ambiguous; it could mean a myriad of things.

[A small barrier, do you not feel it? As if your body has come in contact with something?]

Taking a moment, Apollo assessed himself before his eyes gleamed. Now that Azridan mentioned it, he could indeed note a difference within himself. His meridians felt like they were on the brink of a metamorphosis!

"Are you saying I'm close to achieving the next state? Perhaps, that's why the system has increased the requirements so? If that's the case, does it mean it gets increasingly difficult to advance in inner physique?" a stream of questions escaped Apollo's mouth.

[Hmm, unfortunately, I can't disclose that as I'm unaware. Apparently, it depends upon your actions. Nevertheless, hurry back to the cave so I can seal it and allow you to seclude yourself.]

"En," nodded Apollo before blitzing into the distance turning into a black shadowy blur. At the same time, he found himself wondering how long before this skill leveled up or if it required something else to do so?

----

Landing before the cave, Apollo's momentum fell to a crawl. The look in his eyes changed to that of when Azridan temporarily controlled him. Purplish black wisps escaped his fingers soon sealing the entrance once again.

Sitting down, before cultivating properly, Apollo focused on healing the gruesome wound on his shoulder. The process was a snail's place. The energy inside the wound had to be cleansed first. 'This technique he used, it's weird. It possesses a faint corrosive process. If I wasn't undergoing my change, I fear this arm would have been lost.'

Layers of dead flesh fell as new vibrant appeared in place. Meanwhile, Apollo roasted some Spirit Beast. To his surprise, after reaching Rank 3 and beyond the decay rate of their flesh slowed to a crawl. Especially so for the lynx's meat.

'Is this a property of Natural Essence? No wonder the lifespan of cultivators continues to increase with their attainments in cultivation,' thought Apollo as he tore into the meat. The increase in comparison to his large experience bar was trivial. However, every small increase counted as he was preparing to make large strides.

'During this year of being in the wild, I've approached death multiple times and even had unfortunate events with the mercenaries. What else lies in wait? I don't have much hope for this world but I seek to become stronger. This won't break my will to seek that,' thought Apollo as his ominous violet eyes shone in the darkness.

As such, time passed continuously. It wasn't until he had repeated his actions for over a month that the wound returned to a state allowing him to cultivate. It went without saying he began with the cultivation method. It continued to hone the conditions of his meridians. A trial by fire if you will. Of course, the hellfire had yet to be conjured.

Continuing his actions, he grasped a handful of Essence Cores as well as tossed a few pills into his mouth. He wouldn't be leaving this area until he had accomplished his tasks. His eyes closed as he soon found himself in a state oblivious to his surroundings.

[I wonder...just how long it will take you until you can reach that place? I know I am preparing him but they are not to be taken lightly. I don't think even the strongest existence on this planet can match them.]

----

"Huuu...huuu..." a youth with a determined look in his eye stood unwavering against a training post as a light gleam emanated from his sword. If one looked closely, they'd witness tendrils bearing into the wooden sword in his palms.

"Not enough, this sword technique. I've yet to grasp it. I've poured more time into cultivating than sleep yet it doesn't show signs of increasing in mastery. Is my metal affinity too lacking? I must enter the Zul Warrior Realm to condense it! At that time, perhaps they'll allow me to venture along."

Repeating these actions, he retreated until at least 15 yards from the training post and thrust the sword after. A silver gleam fired from the tip of the weapon. However, the frown remained plastered across his face. It had failed to puncture the post!

'I will grasp this technique. The first form of the Quicksilver Sword Forms, I will learn it!'

At that moment, a matured velvety voice called out, "Aaron, that's enough. Come eat and allow your body to recuperate."

"Okay," he replied, however, his eyes looked into the distance before shifting away. The resolution in his eyes didn't dim in the slightest!