Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 373 The same spirit connects branches
Besides its inherent spiritual treasure rank, the Nine Dragon Lock's greatest function is to bind and suppress.

Moreover, at its peak, it was bound by a law of restraint; otherwise, it could not have been specifically used to bind the essence and blood of true dragons.

Once Li Ji'an is able to fully unleash its power, its ability to lock down and bind enemies will be astonishing.

After storing the Nine Dragon Lock in his dantian and completely enveloping it with his magic power, Li Ji'an looked at the single drop of true dragon essence blood in the center of the stone platform, which remained motionless.

"Nascent Soul..." Holding his breath slightly, Li Ji'an's blood and qi erupted, and the crimson blood materialized, enveloping the True Dragon's essence blood.

At the same time, the Qiankun Ring on his hand manifested, ready to pull it in and seal it away at any moment.

He was worried that the true dragon's essence blood would put up a strong resistance, so he went all out. However, even after his crimson blood formed a giant hand that completely covered the drop of true dragon's essence blood, it still did not react at all.

Even when Li Ji'an's blood and qi touched it, it felt a strong desire.

After a slight pause, he no longer hesitated and immediately wrapped it up, intending to pull it into his Qiankun Ring.

The process went very smoothly; the true dragon's essence was captured by its own blood without any resistance.

However, just as it was about to be placed into the Qiankun Ring, the True Dragon Essence Blood suddenly showed resistance, with the True Spirit Power rebelling for the first time.

"Hmm?" Li Ji'an's heart stirred, and he unleashed his full power to try and shake it off.

However, that drop of true dragon blood tightly bound his crimson blood hand, which was formed from his own blood essence, and refused to let go.

"Congratulations, Master. It seems that this drop of true dragon blood has recognized your blood essence." The Blood Spirit Saintess was equally surprised to see this, but considering Li Ji'an's level of blood essence as a third-tier body cultivator, she was relieved.

"You acknowledge my Qi and blood?" Li Ji'an frowned slightly.

"Indeed, according to ancient records, a true dragon that attains enlightenment is immortal and indestructible. This drop of essence blood is its life source. After the Immortal Lord killed it, the essence blood separated from the dragon soul, and it became a new life entity. After millions of years of wear and tear and suppression by the Nine Dragon Lock, it is extremely weak and in dire need of nourishment. Normally, the blood and qi of ordinary cultivators cannot meet its needs, so they all need to be forcibly refined. But you, Master, are incomparably brave and your blood and qi are thick and strong, which made it willingly acknowledge you. This will greatly reduce the difficulty and increase the efficiency when you absorb its essence in the future," the Blood Spirit Saintess said excitedly.

Li Ji'an's lips curled up slightly, and he was delighted. This was an unexpected surprise.

With a "whoosh," he withdrew all his energy and blood.

Sure enough, the drop of true dragon blood also entered his body and flowed with his blood and qi.

In an instant, he felt that his physical strength and blood energy had become much stronger.

Furthermore, it was quite obvious that while the drop of essence blood was circulating in his body, it was also slowly absorbing his essence blood. However, just like the little fire spirit absorbing magic power in his dantian, the process of absorption and feedback was also a process of refinement.

Over time, his essence and blood will surely become even purer.

However, this is on the premise that one's own Qi and blood are constantly increasing; otherwise, the total amount of Qi and blood will inevitably decrease.

Sensing the changes within his body, Li Ji'an immediately sat cross-legged on the ground, using the Thousand Machine Blood Guide to control the drop of true dragon essence blood, and imprinted a mark on it to prevent it from turning into a backlash when it becomes powerful in the future.

Two days later, Li Ji'an opened his eyes again, having already tamed the drop of true dragon blood and avoided any future worries.

"They're here!" Just then, Ning Sujin's primordial spirit transmitted her voice.

Li Ji'an immediately stood up and looked at the Blood Spirit Saintess: "Everything is as usual, do not expose anything."

"This... as you command." The Blood Spirit Saintess didn't react for a moment, then paused to understand what she meant and hurriedly agreed.

However, even with her full consciousness activated, she sensed nothing.

It wasn't until half an incense stick later that she finally sensed the approaching presence of Lin Xiuzhu and the Yin Ghost Saint.

At this moment, Li Ji'an stood to one side, his initial weakness and severe loss of energy returning to their original state.

Her gaze shifted slightly; she couldn't help but admire Li Ji'an's acting skills.

Before she could think any further, a ghost controlled by the Holy Son of Yin Ghosts rushed over.

"What happened? Did you find some kind of opportunity?" The voice of the Yin Ghost Saint came from the mouth of the Yin spirit.

The next moment, Lin Xiuzhu's figure also suddenly appeared outside the blood cave.

"Blood Kite, what's going on here? Hmm? What's he doing here?" He first looked at the Blood Cave with surprise and suspicion, then glanced at Li Ji'an, becoming even more suspicious.

The Blood Spirit Saintess resumed her usual demeanor: "I unexpectedly discovered a hidden stone door in this place that absorbs blood and qi, so I invited Fellow Daoist Chang'an over. He finally opened the hidden stone door after expending most of his blood and qi, which caused a huge tremor in this place."

However, this is the scene I found upon entering; I discovered no opportunity whatsoever.

"Hmph! Blood Maiden, do you think we're three-year-old children? The blood energy here is so rich, and the marks on this stone platform are so obvious, you..." The Yin Ghost Saint Son had already arrived in front of the stone platform and was carefully examining the place, not believing the Blood Spirit Saint Maiden's words at all.

"Hey, our four sects are of one mind and advance and retreat together, we must not doubt each other." Lin Xiuzhu immediately stopped Yin Gui Shengzi from speaking further, but a hint of contemptuous smile also appeared in his narrowed eyes.

The Yin Ghost Saint was surrounded by ghostly energy, as if he was ready to make a move at any moment, but after his eyes swept over Lin Xiuzhu and the Blood Spirit Saintess, he forcibly suppressed his attack.

Of the three, Lin Xiuzhu possessed the most profound magical power and the deepest foundation, theoretically capable of fighting either of the other two alone. However, he had been injured by the Ghost King and had also used up his most powerful Thunder Talisman Treasure trump card, resulting in a significant drop in his strength.

The Holy Son of Yin Ghosts was even confident that he could fight him alone.

But if the Blood Spirit Saintess is involved, he naturally won't be able to succeed.

"Hmph! Since we're of the same blood, we should be honest with each other." He finally snorted coldly.

Blood Spirit Saintess's expression was slightly unnatural, after all, the traces and aura at the scene were too obvious.

She knew she couldn't fool Lin Xiuzhu and the Yin Ghost Saint.

He knew perfectly well that Lin Xiuzhu's words were not well-intentioned and that he might want to join forces with him to deal with the Yin Ghost Saint Son first, and then kill him to seize the treasure.

However, this is precisely why she is least worried.

After all, with the hidden powerhouse Li Ji'an around, she was a little worried if Lin Xiuzhu and the Yin Ghost Saint joined forces. She was more confident if she faced one of them alone.

Based solely on Li Ji'an's third-tier physical cultivation power, he might even be able to instantly kill Lin Xiuzhu if he were to strike unexpectedly.

“Brother Lin, you’re right. Our four sects are of one mind and should trust each other.” The Blood Spirit Saintess deliberately moved closer to Lin Xiuzhu, seemingly preparing to join forces against the Yin Ghost Saint.

Lin Xiuzhu smiled and asked, "Blood Kite, how did you discover this place?"

Upon hearing this, the Blood Spirit Saintess replied without hesitation, "After separating from Brother Lin, I used the Blood Guiding Technique to explore the area. However, I sensed that the blood energy here was very strong, so I came here."

"I see." Lin Xiuzhu nodded.

He then added, "In the ancient times, after the immortal lord killed the true dragon, its essence and blood were also suppressed here. Judging from the level of blood energy here, this place is very likely the place where the true dragon's essence and blood are suppressed."

After speaking, he looked at Xue Yuan and carefully observed the subtle changes in Xue Yuan's aura.

As expected, although Xue Yuan concealed her true feelings well on the surface, Lin Xiuzhu still noticed the subtle changes in her aura. At this moment, Lin Xiuzhu was completely certain of his guess.

"She obtained the true dragon's essence blood so easily. It seems that this is the day when the True Dragon Burial Ground will be completely destroyed, and the dragon soul will no longer have much power!"

After confirming that the Blood Spirit Saintess had obtained the True Dragon's Blood Essence, Lin Xiuzhu was not angry at all; on the contrary, he was delighted.

After all, it was the essence blood and soul of a true dragon. Even before they decided to enter this place, they were worried that the time was not right and that they might not be able to obtain the essence blood and soul of a true dragon.

At that moment, he felt a great sense of peace.

The only problem now is how to deal with the Blood Spirit Saintess and the Yin Ghost Saint Son.

However, since the five fragments are still in his hands, he has to take action himself if he wants to leave the Burial Dragon Cave. So he is not afraid that the Blood Spirit Saintess will escape first.

"True dragon essence blood has endless effects, which can increase the chance of Nascent Soul transformation. Moreover, even the three of us cannot use up a single drop of true dragon essence blood. Are you sure you didn't get it?" The Yin Ghost Saint Son saw the two chatting enthusiastically, but the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

This is also giving the Blood Spirit Saintess one last chance.

"Old ghost, still doubting me? In that case, then come and search me!" The Blood Spirit Saintess retorted without any politeness, while opening her mind and letting the other party sense her.

The Yin Ghost Saint Son was not swayed by her reaction. He immediately focused his divine sense and searched through the Blood Spirit Saintess's storage bag and body.

"Really not?" He was also surprised and doubtful.

There was even some wavering.

"Old devil!" Lin Xiuzhu immediately rebuked again.

The Holy Son of Yin Ghosts had a gloomy expression and ultimately said no more.

"I was just saying that this place might be where the true dragon's essence blood is suppressed. However, the true dragon's essence blood, like the dragon soul, is immortal and indestructible, and may even have a true spirit remaining. Perhaps it has already broken free during this period and is hiding in other places," Lin Xiuzhu said again.

The Yin Ghost Saint Child also felt a glimmer of hope.

"Blood Kite, your Blood Fiend Technique is most sensitive to blood and qi. Why don't you lead us to find the hiding place of the True Dragon Essence Blood? Just as Old Ghost said, a drop of True Dragon Essence Blood is enough for four people to transform their bloodline and enhance their Nascent Soul stage. There's no need for one person to keep it all to themselves. What do you say?" Lin Xiuzhu turned to look at the Blood Spirit Saintess.

"That's only right!" Blood Spirit Saintess nodded with a smile.

"Since there's nothing left here, let's search elsewhere?" Lin Xiuzhu suggested.

"Then stop dawdling," the Yin Ghost Saint urged impatiently.

The Blood Spirit Saintess had no objections. However, Lin Xiuzhu then looked at Li Ji'an, who was sitting cross-legged and recuperating, with a very low profile.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a flash of inspiration.

The fact that the Blood Spirit Saintess was able to bring him here and have him expend a large amount of his essence to open the Blood Cave stone wall suggests that the place that suppresses the Dragon Soul also requires some kind of sacrifice, such as a divine soul.

Li Ji'an still had some value to him.

"Fellow Daoist Li, since we've come here together, let's go together. I was worried about the dangers here and didn't bring you along, please don't take offense." Lin Xiuzhu smiled gently at Li Ji'an again, but her voice carried a hint of threat.

Yin Gui Shengzi glanced coldly at Li Ji'an, puzzled, but meeting Lin Xiuzhu's gaze, he held back from saying anything more.

Soon, the four of them headed deeper into the cave again.

The Blood Spirit Saintess used her blood essence to guide her through the cave.

However, she felt helpless at this moment, because the blood energy was most concentrated in the blood cave just now. At this moment, her blood energy technique had no guidance and she was just leading the group around aimlessly.

After five days, the four of them gained nothing and encountered no opportunity whatsoever.

Gradually, Lin Xiuzhu began to show impatience.

"Blood Kite, what exactly happened? Judging from the blood energy in that Blood Cave, since you didn't get that drop of true dragon essence blood, you must have already escaped and are hiding here right now. Your Blood Fiend Technique shouldn't be unable to sense it." Lin Xiuzhu pondered for a long time before finally uttering these words that he had been planning for a long time.

These words seemed to have hit the nail on the head for the Yin Ghost Saint, who immediately agreed.

The Blood Spirit Saintess secretly groaned, as Lin Xiuzhu's words had put her in a dilemma.

“This won’t do. Let’s split up. I’ll go with Xue Yuan, and Old Ghost will go with Fellow Daoist Li. We’ll keep in touch,” Lin Xiuzhu suggested again before Xue Ling Saintess could respond.

"No!" The Holy Son of the Yin Ghosts objected without hesitation.

Even if the true dragon's essence blood wasn't collected by Xue Yuan at this moment, it could definitely be sensed by him. Therefore, he was now keeping a close eye on Xue Yuan.

Lin Xiuzhu frowned slightly, his face grim as he looked at the Yin Ghost Saint: "Why not? What do you want?"

Facing the oppressive questioning from Lin Xiuzhu, the Yin Ghost Saint was fearless, a sinister smile appearing on his sickly pale face: "Hmph, you and this Blood Woman are already on good terms, who knows if you will join forces with her to bully me? If you want to split up, fine, but I must go with her!"

Lin Xiuzhu suddenly unleashed his magical power, radiating boundless fighting spirit.

"Others may fear you, but I don't!" The Yin Ghost Saint not only showed no fear, but even unleashed an even stronger killing intent.

Blood Spirit Saintess was overjoyed and quietly took half a step back, intending to sit back and watch the tigers fight.

"Hmph! For the sake of the Yin Ghost Sect Master, this Holy Son will not hold it against you this time. Fellow Daoist Li, let's go together!" Lin Xiuzhu took the initiative to back down, said to Li Ji'an, and turned to leave without looking back, seemingly having lost the upper hand in the contest with the Holy Son of Yin Ghost.

A cold smile crept across the lips of the Yin Ghost Saint.

"As expected, his injuries were probably more serious than I had imagined! Otherwise, given his character, why would he have backed down so easily?"

Upon hearing Lin Xiuzhu's call, Li Ji'an followed without hesitation, never once glancing at the Blood Spirit Saintess.

When Guagua first started tracking Lin Xiuzhu, it discovered that Lin Xiuzhu seemed to have a clear goal and a plan. Now, it is likely that Lin Xiuzhu is deliberately provoking Yin Gui Shengzi to go away in order to seek an opportunity.

The Blood Spirit Saintess was inwardly groaning.

She has no chance of winning against the Yin Ghost Saint in a one-on-one fight, mainly because she doesn't have an effective way to control Yin spirits.

Moreover, the Holy Son of Yin Ghosts is very suspicious, and she is unsure when the other party will turn against her.

However, the moment her gaze swept over Li Ji'an's back, she felt slightly relieved.

Based on her understanding of Lin Xiuzhu, she knew that his summons of Li Ji'an was not without ulterior motives. However, it was also clear that he still underestimated Li Ji'an.

If Li Ji'an were to launch a sneak attack, Lin Xiuzhu would be severely injured, if not killed.

The only uncertainty is whether Li Ji'an has any powerful trump cards left; otherwise, it might be difficult to completely eliminate Lin Xiuzhu.

(End of this chapter)