The number of cultivation methods relating to dragons showing up was much more frequent than any other ancient heritage. Leon found this surprising.
Why was there a richer dragon heritage? Would there also be dragon carcasses hidden somewhere?
[Breath of the Dragon God Technique.]
[Dragon God Bone Forging Method.]
[Dragon God Inferno Heaven.]
The Venerable Shamans called out the names of cultivation techniques and battle skills every two minutes or so. The Dragon God Bone Forging Method had already been matched with its two volumes, while the others were still on a single volume.
Nevertheless, more dragon-related methods continue to appear more frequently amidst other methods over time.
"Roar of the Dragon King, first volume."
"Draconic Ruler of the Sky, second volume."
"Divine Empyrean Sutra, sixth volume."
"Fiery Dance of the Dragon King, seventh volume."
"Black Turtle Heavenly Guard, third volume."
"Dragon God Consolidating Viscera Method, fourth volume."
The Venerable Shamans spoke consecutively. Leon widened his eyes after hearing a familiar name within the series.
[Black Turtle Heavenly Guard]!
Nevertheless, he already had the complete version memorized after being taught by Maya. He was simply surprised to hear it elsewhere; nothing more, and nothing less.
The [Dragon God Consolidating Viscera Method] interested Leon greatly, for no other reason than it being a body forging method for consolidating the viscera.
According to the five phases of body forging mentioned within the [Godfiend Body Forging Method], consolidating the viscera was most important after flesh tempering, especially when living on the Dark Continent.
Consolidating the viscera has the benefit of fortifying the inner body, increasing one's lifespan, and granting heightened immunity against poison and diseases, leading to a healthy, strong body.
If Leon can complete the consolidating viscera phase, he would not have to worry about contracting any strange diseases from the Dark Continent and even drink poison as he wishes.
He might be hailed as a Divine Doctor and possess the method to all cures, but he was only as good as the medicine allowing him to be. If he contracted something only Tier 4 medicine and above can cure, then he would be screwed.
After the consolidating viscera phase, comes the bone forging phase. Bone forging leads to explosive growth in strength and inner body fortification after viscera consolidation, eliminating the final weakness in one's defense.
The blood refining phase comes next. Refining the blood leads to explosive improvement in one's speed, regenerative capabilities, and stamina.
The final phase was the most challenging phase within Body Cultivation, the cleansing marrow stage. The marrow cleansing heightens new blood productivity, granting more outstanding regenerative capabilities and an explosive increase in one's lifespan.
It was not farfetched to say that one can become near-immortal after completing the cleansing marrow phase. They will recover from any non-fatal injuries, including damages to the organs.
As long as the organs are not removed or utterly destroyed, they can be recovered to a perfect state even if they are damaged beyond recognition.
Generally, there is no order to completing the five phases. Any phase can be first or last, depending on the Body Cultivator's choice.
However, the cleansing marrow is usually left for last, even though completing the body forging phase would increase the difficulty of cleansing the marrow.
This is because Body Cultivators prioritize strength and defense above all else. Without strength, one would only be bullied to death by stronger opponents. On the other hand, if their defense is strong, they would not get hurt and need to heal in the first place.
Cleansing marrow would only become a priority when they are running low on lifespan.
…
While Leon and the six Venerable Shamans were transcribing in the Great Hall, things were getting heated in the Crimsonfog Tribe.
The Crimsonfog Tribe was similarly founded on a late rocky plateau.
At the tribe's center, where the colossal amphitheater was constructed, thousands of tribesmen gathered to watch two warriors battle on the Battle Arena.
One was the new chief, while the other was his challenger. Both were Extremity-rank Great Warriors of equal strength.
"Are you sure you want to do this? You can still choose to forfeit and give up now. Otherwise, neither of us will end well." The new chief, Blacktooth spoke.
The Battle Arena had no rules in fighting other than the fact that there can be no outside interference.
Due to injuries and even death was commonplace in the Battle Arena, both sides are free to employ whatever methods they wish.
The challenger pointed his Soul Weapon at the new chief and barked, "Less nonsense and let us fight! A morally lacking person like you will never be fit to be the tribe's chief!"
"And you are? You're not better than I am!" Blacktooth sneered.
The challenger's face darkened. He said with a deep tone, "What are you trying to say?!"
"Don't think that just because you are acting righteously that you will fool me! I know you wanted to be chief just as badly! However, you are more insidiously than I am! You waited for me to challenge Chief Baskara first and gather the tribe's hatred before you challenge me! You are just a hypocritic! At least I am upfront in my actions!" Blacktooth said contemptuously.
The thousands of tribesmen in the crowd began to whisper amongst themselves while pointing fingers in the challenger's direction. All sorts of disdainful remarks and jeers were hurled at him.
The challenger's face immediately flushed red with both rage and embarrassment before he roared, "You are talking nonsense! You are just trying to drag my reputation down with you!"
"Am I? Considering how quick you showed up to challenge me, you were definitely hiding nearby for the opportunity! Or am I wrong? Do you dare say that you weren't?!" Blacktooth accused.
The challenger was immediately livid. He had no way to refute because that had indeed been the case. He would be seen as someone untrustworthy if he denied it while admitting it would get him scorned.
Neither of the choices benefited him!
"Go, die!"
The challenger immediately lunged at Blacktooth with his Soul Weapon, an insidious-looking black scythe made of bones!
Blacktooth's gaze turned solemn.
He received the attack with his own Soul Weapon, a large, heavy sword made of bizarre red bones. It looked like crystals but felt like cold metal.
Boom!
The two exchanged blows with equal strength and repelled each back several large steps on the Battle Arena. Despite the fact that their strengths were comparable, the challenger ended up taking a single step further than Blacktooth.
Evidently, Blacktooth had a more robust foundation—or rather, his body was more formidable due to refining other areas in his body that were not covered by their tribe's body forging method.
"Impossible! I don't believe you are stronger than me!"
The two people began to lunge at each other to exchange another round of blows. At the same time, the crowds were cheering loudly!
A small group cheered for the new chief, while another small group cheered for the challenger. However, the most significant portion of the crowd was actually cheering for both sides to f*ck each other up!
That's right!
Once the two warriors are grievously wounded and exhausted, another person will step up to challenge the winner regardless of who won!
Not many had the galls to be the first to slight Chief Baskara.
However, once someone committed the deed, everyone would not mind joining in and having a crack at becoming chief, even if it is only for one day!
On the Battle Arena, the two Extremity-rank Great continue to fight. Sparks emitted from their clash of Soul Weapons.
After exchanging dozens of strikes, shallow wounds began appearing on both their bodies. Once injuries occurred, it starts becoming more frequent!
Even so, both Extremity-rank Great Warriors were veteran fighters. Despite going at each other's necks, they were able to avoid lethal blows, albeit narrowly.
Suddenly, the situation changed drastically.
Blacktooth kicked the scythe-type Soul Weapon out of the challenger's grasp from an uncanny angle!
At the same time, the challenger's expression plummeted and immediately broke past Blacktooth's guard and grappled him, putting him into a chokehold from behind!
Shortly after that, the heavy sword-type Soul Weapon was also kicked away from Blacktooth's grasp while they tussled in close quarters!
Both Soul Weapons flew into the out-of-bound area outside Battle Arena, becoming usable for their ensuing battle. Stepping outside the Battle Arena was an automatic forfeit!
"Argh! You sneaky bastard!" Blacktooth roared after the other Extremity-rank Great Warrior jabbed at his open wounds.
He immediately delivered a punch to the person's face, resulting in a swollen black eye. Afterward, they began targeting each other's faces and wounds alternatively.
A victor was not decided until both contestants had their bodies battered with bruises and their faces swelled like pigs. They were both beaten black and blue.
In the end, the challenger lost in a contest of stamina.
After his strength was exhausted, Blacktooth took the chance to kick the person out of the Battle Arena. He spat an arrow of blood before wiping his mouth and raising his hand victoriously to the crowd.
However!
There were no cheers. Just hundreds of challenge requests from both Peak-rank Great Warriors and other Extremity-rank Great Warriors!
"I want to challenge you, Blacktooth!"
"No, I challenged him first!"
"Piss off! I did!"
Listening to their challenge requests, Blacktooth snorted, "I've already completed my compulsory challenge! I don't need to accept any more challenges for the day. Come back and try again another day if you want to challenge me!"
"Hmph!"
Blacktooth dragged his battered body and left the Battle Arena amidst the crowd's jeers and taunts. He paid no need to it.
Now that he was chief, he needed to make every second count and cultivate all he can with the resources reserved for chiefs!