Demonic Monkeys

He settled back into his meditative stance, reactivating the array.

The remaining vials of beast blood floated to the center, merging into a swirling, potent mass of energy.

Ling Tian focused his inner flame, refining the blood with meticulous precision.

The air around him vibrated with power, the array humming louder as the process intensified.

The energy flowed into him, his body absorbing it greedily.

The transition from the 8th to the 9th level was even more intense, the surge of power almost overwhelming.

Ling Tian's muscles expanded and ripped, his bones reinforced with an unyielding strength.

His skin became as tough as steel, his entire being radiating with raw power.

Finally, the process reached its climax.

Ling Tian felt a final, massive surge of energy as he broke through to the 9th level of the Strength Awakening stage.

His body was a fortress of unparalleled strength, his qi and physical power perfectly harmonized.

"I've done it," he said his voice barely a whisper, filled with confidence and satisfaction at his own achievement.

"The 9th level of the Strength Awakening stage."

Ling Tian stood up, feeling the immense power coursing through him.

With the Tianwu Sword at his side and the Heaven Devouring Codex guiding him, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The Inner Zone held no fear for him now; he welcomed its dangers, knowing that each battle would only make him stronger.

After cultivating, Ling Tian felt an insatiable urge to test his current strength.

His recent breakthroughs had significantly enhanced his abilities, and he needed to gauge the extent of his newfound power.

Ling Tian sought out a demonic beast known to be at the 5th level of the Foundation Establishment realm.

The Inner Zone was teeming with such formidable creatures, each encounter was a true test of his capabilities.

He ventured deeper into the forest until he came upon a Thunderstrike Ape, a beast notorious for its incredible strength and lightning-fast reflexes.

As the ape roared and charged at him, Ling Tian activated his qi, feeling it surge through his meridians.

He engaged the beast using only his 9th level Qi Refining strength, his movements a blur as he dodged the ape's powerful strikes.

The Tianwu Sword flashed with each precise strike, clashing against the ape's thick hide.

The battle was fierce, but Ling Tian's control over his qi allowed him to match the beast blow for blow.

Sweat trickled down his forehead as the fight dragged on, but his resolve remained unshaken.

With a final, powerful swing, he slashed his head apart, bringing it down.

Breathing heavily, he took a moment to marvel at his accomplishment.

"Even at the 9th level of Qi Refining alone, I can take on a 5th-level Foundation Establishment beast," he muttered to himself, his voice filled with calmness.

Eager to push his limits further, Ling Tian sought out an even stronger opponent.

He ventured into a part of the forest known for its high concentration of peak Foundation Establishment beasts.

It wasn't long before he encountered a Dark Flame python, its dark scales shimmering ominously in the dim light.

This time, Ling Tian decided to use both his 9th-level Qi Refining and Strength Awakening cultivation.

As the python lunged at him, he felt his inner flame flare to life, his body becoming a conduit of raw, unadulterated power.

He covered his sword with his inner flame to protect it from the beast's flame.

The python's venomous fangs and blazing fire attacks were formidable, but Ling Tian's enhanced strength and qi control allowed him to counter each assault with precision and power.

He moved with a speed and agility that left the python struggling to keep up.

His strikes were swift and deadly, the Tianwu Sword cutting through the python's defenses with ease.

The battle was intense, the python's roars echoing through the forest, but Ling Tian remained focused, his determination unwavering.

With a final, devastating slash, he decapitated the python, its massive body collapsing to the ground.

Ling Tian stood over his fallen foe, his chest heaving with exertion, but a triumphant smile on his face.

"Using both my qi and physical strength, I can fight on par with a peak Foundation Establishment realm beast with a lower-level bloodline," he said aloud, his voice filled with satisfaction. "This power... it's incredible."

Ling Tian's eyes glinted with a mix of excitement and determination.

He had proven to himself that his recent breakthroughs had truly elevated his strength to new heights.

Even without a bloodline or special physique, he was able to fight nearly a major realm above him without intent or high-level technique.

But he knew that this was just the beginning.

The Inner Zone held even greater challenges and opportunities, and he was eager to face them, knowing that each battle would only make him stronger.

"This is merely the beginning," he declared, a confident smile spreading across his face. "I will continue to grow, continue to push my limits until I am the strongest."

Ling Tian started exploring the forest again, his senses heightened as he fought demonic beasts and collected herbs.

Anything he deemed worthy was carefully stored away, his collection growing steadily. As he ventured closer to the limits of the Outer Zone, he stumbled upon a peculiar scene.

A group of demonic beasts that resembled monkeys were gathered around a large, concealed pit.

Ling Tian's curiosity was piqued as he observed their unusual behavior.

Just then, an enticing aroma wafted through the air, tickling his senses and drawing him closer.

Following the scent, he realized the monkeys were involved in something extraordinary—they were brewing wine.

The realization hit him like a thunderbolt.

This wasn't just any wine; it was a special type of spiritual wine called Monkey Wine.

Ling Tian had heard of it in his past life.

The low-level version of this wine could significantly aid cultivation and a higher-level version can enhance a cultivator's talent.

Judging by the quantity, there was an abundance of it.

He carefully assessed the situation.

The monkeys were guarding the wine, which seemed to be organized into various tiers.

The lowest level of wine was at the Foundation Establishment realm, divided into four distinct tiers: low, mid, high, and peak.

Inside the monkeys' lair, deeper within, lay the core formation level wine, an even more potent and valuable resource.

Ling Tian's mind raced with possibilities.

Securing the Foundation Establishment wine would be a significant boon to his cultivation, but he needed to be cautious.

The presence of core formation realm demonic beasts deeper in the lair posed a considerable threat.

He couldn't afford to alert these more powerful guardians.

He formulated a plan, deciding to move with precision and stealth.

First, he needed to gather more information.

Observing the monkeys, he noted their patterns and routines, identifying the leaders and the guardians of the wine.

Ling Tian spent several days studying them, memorizing their movements and behaviors.

"Patience and caution," he reminded himself, his voice a soft whisper in the dense forest. "I need to be strategic about this."

During this time, Ling Tian continued his training and cultivation, his abilities further sharpening.

He engaged in skirmishes with nearby demonic beasts, honing his skills and maintaining his readiness.

Each encounter was a step toward strengthening his resolve and perfecting his plan.