Chapter 2: Return To Martial Arts

Words : 2024 Updated : Feb 26th, 2025

The spiritual dragon swooped down and was instantly entirely absorbed by the Flame Dragon Meridian. The spiritual energy contained within the Flame Dragon Meridian was immense, like an overflowing river. The Flame Dragon Meridian suddenly twisted, and the spiritual energy circulated, permeating throughout the limbs. With a loud crack, Abel's body advanced to the first stage of the Body Refining Realm. Abel had returned to martial arts. Before being crippled, Abel had been at the first stage of the True Essence Realm with a strong physique, so there was no need to refine his body again. As long as there was sufficient spiritual energy, he could easily break through. At that moment, Abel discovered an anomaly. A small, crystal-clear white dot about the size of a bean appeared on the Flame Dragon Meridian. It was the seed of true essence. Abel was overwhelmed with joy. For ordinary martial artists, the seed of true essence only appeared after reaching the ninth stage of the Body Refining Realm as preparation for the True Essence Realm. Once the seed of true essence was shattered, the spiritual energy would transform into true essence, marking the formal entry into the True Essence Realm. True essence would enter the body, enhancing combat power. It could even be projected outward, killing enemies from a distance with terrifying power. More advanced martial artists would refine their true essence to the extreme, producing Truefire for more formidable combat power. Abel was now at the first stage of the Body Refining Realm. He possessed the seed of true essence, which typically only appeared at the ninth stage. He could sense true essence, making him far superior to martial artists on the same stage. The spiritual energy of the Flame Dragon Meridian continued to be released, not refining the body but instead pouring endlessly into the seed of true essence. Crack! Another loud crack came from within Abel's body. He had reached the second stage of the Body Refining Realm. The seed of true essence grew larger. Unbeknownst to him, a day had passed. The spiritual energy of the Flame Dragon Meridian was exhausted, and the Nine Dragons Unified Technique ceased to operate. Abel opened his eyes, and his eyes shone like brilliant stars. He had reached the fifth stage of the Body Refining Realm. The seed of true essence had absorbed a large amount of spiritual energy and grew significantly, like a peanut. At that moment, Abel realized his wounds had healed, and he was overjoyed. He got up to stretch his muscles. His strength was formidable as he spread his arms. Although only at the fifth stage of the Body Refining Realm, he possessed the strength of five thousand pounds. Ordinary martial artists at the first stage of the Body Refining Realm had a strength of five hundred pounds. In the second stage, they had a thousand pounds. By the ninth stage, their strength reached four thousand five hundred pounds. This wasn't the only rule. Those with powerful martial meridians or natural strength could have much greater power, reaching six to seven hundred pounds at the first level of the Body Refining Realm. Abel, in the first stage, had a thousand pounds of strength. At the fifth stage, five thousand pounds, surpassing the strength of ordinary ninth-stage Body Refining Realm martial artists. As his realm advanced, one could only imagine how monstrous his strength would become. Abel wasn't naturally strong, indicating the unparalleled nature of the Flame Dragon Meridian created by the Chaos Pearl. The Nine Dragons Unified Technique, which cultivated the human dragon meridian, was incredibly powerful and defied the rules. Abel was filled with confidence. He was determined to return to his peak as soon as possible. "In a month, at the recruitment, I'll shatter that venomous woman's dreams!" Remembering Victoria's deceit, Abel's anger flared, and he slammed down with his palm, leaving a dent in the sturdy black iron table beside him. Bang! The door opened, and a delicate-looking young woman rushed in nervously. "Mr. Abel, you... you're awake!" The woman, seeing Abel standing in the room, was initially pleased, but upon seeing the dent in the black iron table, she couldn't help but be alarmed. "This..." "I accidentally dented it." "That's black iron! You managed to dent it. Doesn't that mean..." The young woman, seeing Abel revitalized and his aura surging, entirely unlike a martial cripple, couldn't help but brighten her eyes. Her name was Anna. She was a year younger than Abel, and she was his servant. Abel lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his father, Julien Letherdale. Julien embarked on a long journey five years ago, leaving Anna to serve Abel. Julien had been gone for five years without returning, his fate unknown. In the harsh Letherdale Family, Anna and Abel shared hardships, supporting each other without a hint of complaint. If Abel hadn't awakened the Paragon Martial Meridian and caught the attention of elders in the Letherdale Family, their lives would have been miserable. "Indeed, I regained my cultivation, just not at my peak," Abel said, not hiding anything from Anna. She was the only one in the Letherdale Family he could trust. "Thank goodness, Mr. Abel, you still have your cultivation. That's such a relief," Anna said, clasping her hands joyfully. "Mr. Abel, when are we leaving the Letherdale Family?" "Leaving the Letherdale Family?" Abel looked around, only then noticing two large bundles in the corner, frowning. "You've already packed?" Anna nodded but didn't reply. "Speak, what's going on?" Sensing Abel's slight anger, Anna hesitantly explained. Last night, the Letherdale Family held an emergency meeting and decided to depose Abel and establish a new young lord. Trey Letherdale, the second elder, even suggested that since Abel offended Luca, he should be killed to quell Luca's wrath. Other elders, considering the missing Julien, disagreed with killing Abel but wanted to sever ties with him to avoid implicating the family. The elders unanimously decided to expel Abel from the Letherdale Family within three days. Anna had to pack their belongings, waiting for Abel to wake so they could leave together. "They're expelling me, not you. You can still stay with the Letherdale Family." "I'll stay with you. If you leave, I'll leave too." Anna paused, then said softly, "Actually, I've already thought it through. I'll take you to my hometown. Although life is tough there, it's safer than staying in Sunway City. When Mr. Julien returns, finding you and reuniting will be easier." Abel suddenly reached out, gently holding Anna's delicate hand, his gratitude beyond words. Anna's face flushed, and she quickly lowered her head, not daring to meet Abel's gaze. Abel knew the danger would be everywhere once he left the Letherdale Family. Luca hadn't killed him then, only because of Abel's status. If Abel were no longer part of the Letherdale Family, Luca would kill him to silence him. Moreover, Trey wanted his son George Letherdale to be the young lord and always saw Abel as a thorn in his eye. Once Abel was expelled, Trey might eradicate him. Anna was aware of this, and staying with Abel was extremely dangerous. Yet, Anna remained loyal and willing to endure the hardships with Abel. Abel was overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply moved. "Mr. Abel." A voice dripping with sarcasm rang out. A figure stepped through the door. The man wore a mocking smile, his sinister eyes leering at Anna's slender form, filled with malice. "Rowan, what do you want?" Anna's face showed a hint of panic upon seeing him. Rowan Letherdale was a member of the Letherdale branch family, always following George's lead and bullying others. "I'm here to see you. Surely, you don't think I'm here to see this worthless young lord?" Rowan glanced at Abel and Anna's clasped hands, his face darkened. "In broad daylight, you're engaging in such indecent acts. Have you no shame?" "No, we're not," Anna protested, her face blushing as she quickly pulled her hand from Abel's, eager to explain. "You'd rather be with this rascal than with me? What a b*tch!" Rowan's face twisted in anger as he reached out to grab Anna. "Since you don't like me, I'll deal with you here and now. I'll make your worthless young lord watch as I defile you." "If you come closer, I'll kill myself!" Anna held a pair of scissors, trembling as she pointed them at her neck. "Pulling this trick again?" Rowan snorted, his expression turning fierce. "That won't work today. Even if you're a corpse, I won't spare you!" Smack! A slap echoed through the room. A red handprint appeared on Rowan's face, and a tooth fell from his mouth. "Bastard!"

Chapter 2: Return To Martial Arts

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