I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

Inside the deep cave, all was silent except for Lu Zhao's soft breathing and the gurgling sound of the pills dissolving within his body. Although he was not injured in the previous chase and battle, his mental and spiritual energy were greatly depleted, especially from activating the "Taiyi Dividing Light Sword Talisman" and using the "Annihilation Slash" for the first time, which placed a considerable burden on his divine sense and dragon energy.

An hour later, Lu Zhao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and his aura calmed. He did not immediately examine the blood-red jade slips, but instead took out another item—the mysterious bone fragment he had obtained from the Xuan Tian Sword Sect's Scripture Pavilion.

The bone fragment remained ashen and cold, its patterns blurred and indistinct. Lu Zhao held it in his palm, calmed his mind, and slowly infused it with a wisp of annihilating dragon energy once more.

This time, the sensation was much clearer. When the annihilating dragon energy, imbued with the meaning of "all things return to nothingness, destruction precedes construction," touched the bone fragment, the fragment trembled slightly. The blurry patterns on its surface seemed to be infused with a trace of life, and a faint, almost imperceptible gray light flashed by. At the same time, Lu Zhao clearly felt that the wisp of annihilating dragon energy he had injected was instantly absorbed by the bone fragment, like a clay ox entering the sea. Inside the bone fragment, something seemed to have been touched, emitting an extremely ancient, desolate aura, also containing the true meaning of annihilation, but purer and more primal.

"It really is related to this!" Lu Zhao was shocked. This bone fragment not only absorbs the energy of the Annihilation Dragon, but it also seems to contain a trace of a similar source of Annihilation! This is no coincidence. The Xuan Tian Sword Sect doesn't recognize this item, perhaps because none of them have cultivated the power of Annihilation. And he himself is the one destined to possess it?

He tried increasing the input of the annihilating dragon energy. The patterns on the surface of the bone fragment began to glow faintly. The light was no longer gray, but a nearly transparent, almost ethereal color that seemed to devour all light. The light grew brighter and brighter, and the bone fragment became increasingly hot to the touch, as if holding a red-hot iron. But the desolate, pure aura of annihilation emanating from it also became clearer and clearer.

Lu Zhao realized that this bone fragment might need to be "nourished" or "activated" with the power of annihilation to reveal its true form. However, his cultivation was still shallow, and his annihilation dragon energy was far from complete. Forcibly infusing it would likely be beyond his capabilities and might even damage the object. Moreover, this place was not a suitable location for studying the bone fragment.

He decisively stopped channeling dragon energy. The light on the bone fragment quickly dimmed, and the temperature dropped, returning it to its original gray and cold appearance. However, the originally blurry patterns on it seemed to have become... extremely clear? If Lu Zhao hadn't greatly enhanced his divine sense and observed carefully, it would have been almost impossible to detect.

"It seems I'll need to nurture and explore it slowly with the power of the Annihilation Dragon Qi in the future." Lu Zhao carefully put away the bone fragment, his heart filled with anticipation. This item has a mysterious origin and is related to the power of Annihilation. Perhaps it records some ancient Annihilation inheritance, or hides other secrets. It may be of immeasurable help to his cultivation of the "Annihilation Heavenly Art".

After carefully putting away the bone fragments, Lu Zhao turned his gaze to the blood-red jade slips. The jade slips were cold to the touch, carrying a faint bloody smell and an unpleasant chill. He first carefully examined them with his divine sense to confirm that there were no sinister restrictions or tracking marks attached to the jade slips before probing the first one with his divine sense.

The jade slip did not contain cultivation techniques, but rather some scattered insights into weapon crafting, especially methods for crafting blood-path magical artifacts and bone-path puppets. Some of the techniques were cruel and bizarre, sending chills down one's spine. Lu Zhao glanced at it quickly and then stopped looking at it closely. The blood-path and bone-path were not his original intentions, and were far too contrary to the natural order.

The second jade slip contained some contact methods, secret strongholds (some of which were outdated), and basic intelligence about the Netherworld Cult. It mentioned the names and general characteristics of several Netherworld Cult elders, but remained vague about the cult leader and core secrets. This jade slip was somewhat valuable to Lu Zhao, at least giving him a more concrete understanding of this mysterious organization.

The third jade slip invigorated Lu Zhao. This slip contained a secret technique called "Blood Shadow Escape." This technique wasn't purely a blood-based cultivation method, but rather a way to burn one's essence and even a portion of one's divine soul to instantly unleash an escape speed far exceeding one's cultivation level. It could also create several indistinguishable blood shadow clones within a short time to confuse the enemy. At a high level of cultivation, one could even briefly merge into shadows and blood to conceal their presence.

"This must be the strange escape technique that the Blood Bone Demon used at the end!" Lu Zhao thought to himself. This technique comes at a great cost, requiring the burning of one's essence, blood, and soul, and leaving one in a prolonged state of weakness afterward, potentially even damaging one's foundation. However, it is undeniable that in a life-or-death situation, it is an absolutely superb life-saving technique. The Blood Bone Demon was able to escape from the "Taiyi Dividing Light Sword Talisman" and the "Annihilation Slash" while severely injured and on the verge of death, and this technique played a crucial role in that.

"It can be used as a reference, but it should never be the main focus. It might be useful for saving one's life in a critical moment." Lu Zhao memorized the cultivation method and key points of the Blood Shadow Escape. This technique has extremely high requirements for essence blood and spirit soul. He possesses dual dragon energy, abundant essence blood and spirit soul, making him quite suitable. However, the aftereffects of burning essence blood and spirit soul need to be compensated for or alleviated.

He continued to examine the last jade slip, which was also the one with the coldest aura and the deepest blood color.

As my divine sense probed in, the first few large characters appeared in my mind: "The Blood Demon Transformation Scripture (Fragment)".

"The Blood Transformation Demon Scripture?" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and he focused his gaze. This was not a complete cultivation technique, but a fragment, mainly recording how to devour and refine the essence and blood of others to strengthen one's own qi and blood, cultivation, and even seize parts of others' bloodline talents—an evil demonic art. It also involved some vicious methods of blood curses and blood refinement.

The more Lu Zhao read, the more alarmed he became. Although the "Blood Demon Transformation Scripture" was only a fragment, the various methods recorded within were utterly terrifying, taking the harm to others for personal gain to the extreme. No wonder the Blood Bone Demon was so ruthless. But as he read on, Lu Zhao's brows furrowed.

"No... When the Blood Bone Demon used his escape technique, the mouthful of his life essence blood that he spat out was dark gold, and its aura was mixed with demonic energy... This fragment of the 'Blood Transformation Demon Scripture' doesn't mention that essence blood would be dark gold, let alone that it would combine with demonic energy... Moreover, the way he escaped as a streak of blood, although somewhat similar to the 'Blood Shadow Differentiation' recorded in the 'Blood Shadow Escape,' is even more bizarre, seemingly... mixed with some kind of demonic characteristic?"

Lu Zhao recalled the pool of dark golden blood in the cave, and the words Liu Xuanfeng said after investigating when he last arrived (although Lu Zhao had left, Liu Xuanfeng did not deliberately hide his aura and words, and Lu Zhao vaguely sensed them when he fled far away) – "The demonic energy that is of the same origin as the remnant soul of that demonic dragon!"

"Could it be... that when the Blood Bone Demon was critically injured and on the verge of death, in order to survive or to gain power, he actively... merged with, or was corrupted and polluted by, the demonic energy of the remnant soul of the demonic dragon?" A terrifying conjecture surfaced in Lu Zhao's mind.

The remnant soul of the demonic dragon coveted the dragon energy within him immensely, even going so far as to send a wisp of its original demonic thought to invade his sea of ​​consciousness. And for a cultivator like the Blood Bone Demon, who cultivated the blood path, was inherently inclined towards evil, and was already severely injured and weakened, would the remnant soul of the demonic dragon also attempt to erode, control, or even… transform him into some kind of puppet or clone?

The Blood Bone Demon's final state—his chaos, savagery, hunger, dark golden blood essence, and eerie escape techniques—all seemed to confirm this. He wasn't simply practicing demonic arts; he was very likely deeply corrupted by demonic energy, perhaps even beginning to demonize!

"If that's really the case... if this old demon isn't dead, things will probably get even more troublesome in the future. An old monster who's proficient in the blood path, cunning and treacherous, and who has fused with the demonic energy of the remnant soul of the demonic dragon and is beginning to demonize..." Lu Zhao felt a chill. The Blood Bone Demon already hated him to the bone, and now that he might be demonizing, his strength is unpredictable, and he will surely become a great threat in the future.

"I must improve my strength as soon as possible, at least to form a Golden Core, so that I can protect myself. Moreover, I must find a way to resolve the erosion of demonic thoughts in my sea of ​​consciousness. Otherwise, if the hidden dangers in my body are not eliminated, I will probably be at a complete disadvantage when facing the demonized Blood Bone Demon or the remnant soul of that demonic dragon." Lu Zhao felt even more urgent.

He memorized the valuable information from the several blood-red jade slips, especially the information about the "Blood Shadow Escape" and the Netherworld Cult, and then completely destroyed the jade slips without leaving a trace. These demonic artifacts would only cause harm if kept.

Having done all this, Lu Zhao didn't linger. He got up and left the cave, determined his direction, and embarked on his return journey once more. This time, he was even more cautious, doing his utmost to conceal his aura, maximizing the concealment properties of the "Concealing Breath and Hidden Shadow Technique" and the Annihilation Dragon Qi. He avoided areas where cultivators might gather or where spiritual energy was abnormal, choosing instead to take desolate paths.

The journey home was uneventful. Perhaps it was Liu Xuanfeng's final appearance that cleansed the traces and deterred any potential eyes in the shadows, or perhaps the Blood Bone Demon was too badly injured to cause any further trouble. A dozen days later, Lu Zhao returned safely to the gates of the Earth Origin Sect.

Gazing at the familiar, mist-shrouded mountain ranges and the three ancient and powerful characters "Di Yuan Zong" at the mountain gate, Lu Zhao felt a sense of déjà vu. When he left, he was an unknown inner disciple who had just broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage. When he returned, he had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, possessed dual dragon energy, his divine soul had greatly increased, his swordsmanship was just beginning to take shape, and he had experienced life-and-death battles with Golden Core demonic cultivators and the remnant soul of a demonic dragon. He had witnessed the supreme demeanor of a Golden Core True Person, and had also made formidable enemies such as the Netherworld Sect and the Blood Bone Demon. Furthermore, the hidden danger of demonic corruption still lingered within him.

"Earth Origin Sect... I'm back." Lu Zhao took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and revealed his late Foundation Establishment cultivation (he deliberately concealed his true level) as he flew towards the mountain gate.

After verifying his identity token, the gatekeeper respectfully allowed him to pass. Lu Zhao didn't disturb too many people and went straight back to his cave dwelling—Qingming Peak, Tingzhu Xiaozhu.

The small dwelling remained unchanged, the bamboo grove rustled, and the spiritual spring murmured, as if he had never left. Activating the cave's protective barrier and feeling the familiar, pure earth elemental energy, Lu Zhao's tense nerves finally relaxed slightly. This was currently his only safe haven.

He first sent a message talisman to his master, True Person Cangming, briefly reporting that he had returned safely and mentioning that he had encountered some difficulties while traveling, resulting in a slight improvement in his cultivation. He needed to go into seclusion to consolidate his progress and would report back in detail after emerging from seclusion. He knew that his changes this time were too great, his cultivation had improved too quickly, and he carried a secret that he needed to explain to his master. However, many details, such as the dual dragon energy, the remnant soul of the demonic dragon, and the treasure given to him by Liu Xuanfeng, were not convenient to elaborate on.

Soon, Master Cangming's reply arrived, consisting of only a short sentence: "It's good that you've returned. Focus on your cultivation, stabilize your realm, and come see me after you emerge from seclusion." His tone was calm, yet it revealed a hint of concern.

Lu Zhao felt a warmth in his heart. Although True Person Cangming did not often inquire about his nominal disciple, he had not lacked the necessary protection and care.

Next, Lu Zhao began a long period of seclusion.

His goal for this retreat was clear:

First, thoroughly digest the medicinal power obtained from Blackrock City, especially the remaining medicinal power of the ten-thousand-year-old stalactite, and push your cultivation to the peak of the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, making the most thorough preparations for Core Formation.

Secondly, comprehend and cultivate the first three forms of the "Sword of Nirvana and No Life" and the "Dragon Soaring Steps," combining them with your own skills and dragon energy to form even stronger combat power.

Third, study that mysterious bone fragment, and try to nurture and activate it with the Qi of the Annihilation Dragon to explore its mysteries.

Fourth, constantly use the extinguishing dragon energy and your own dragon energy to nourish and cleanse the sword intent seal in your sea of ​​consciousness, eradicate the wisp of demonic thought that is eroding you, and find a way to cure it completely. At the same time, try to collect the materials needed for the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill", especially the main ingredient, the "Soul-Stabilizing Flower".

Fifth, be vigilant about the movements of the Blood Bone Demon and the Netherworld Cult, and secretly gather relevant information.

Cultivation knows no time. Inside the Listening Bamboo Cottage, Lu Zhao devoted himself to cultivation, detached from worldly affairs. Under the operation of the "Silent Annihilation Heavenly Art" and the "True Dragon Hundred Transformations," the dual dragon energies within his body continuously grew stronger and merged. The Silent Annihilation Dragon Energy became increasingly condensed and restrained, and the True Meaning of Silent Annihilation became increasingly profound; the Dark Golden Dragon Emperor Energy became increasingly pure and vast, with its imperial majesty subtly revealed. The two, like yin and yang fish, slowly rotated in his dantian, achieving a delicate balance.

The first three forms of the "Sword of Annihilation and No Life" gradually took shape under his constant study and the stimulation of the Annihilation Dragon Qi. Although he was limited by his cultivation level and could not unleash its true power, the sword intent had been initially condensed. When he made a move, there was an annihilation sword intent of returning all things to nothingness, and its power far exceeded that of ordinary Foundation Establishment sword cultivators.

He also mastered the "Dragon Soaring Step" more and more. His movements were as graceful as a dragon soaring in the sky, agile and elusive, and extremely fast. Combined with the "Dragon Soaring Step", he could move around at all distances, complementing each other perfectly.

Under Lu Zhao's daily nurturing with a trace of the Annihilation Dragon Qi, the patterns on the surface of that mysterious bone fragment seemed to become slightly clearer, though its core secrets remained elusive, like trying to see flowers through a fog. Lu Zhao wasn't in a hurry; nurturing it daily had become a habit.

As for the demonic thoughts eroding his consciousness, they were firmly suppressed in a corner by the sealing of the "Taiyi Dividing Light Sword Intent", the continuous nourishment of the ten-thousand-year-old stalactite, and the constant scouring of Lu Zhao's own annihilating dragon energy and powerful divine soul. Although they were still like maggots clinging to bones and difficult to eradicate, at least they could not cause trouble for the time being.

In the blink of an eye, a year has passed.

On this day, in the secluded meditation room of Tingzhu Xiaozhu, Lu Zhao's aura suddenly fluctuated violently. Pure and powerful spiritual energy surged out like a tide, forming a small vortex of spiritual energy in the meditation room. Within his body, the Annihilation Dragon Qi and the Dark Gold Dragon Emperor Qi had reached their peak. In his dantian, the liquid spiritual energy had reached its limit, showing a faint tendency to condense and solidify.

Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, Peak!

Lu Zhao slowly opened his eyes, a flash of brilliance in them, and his aura immediately subsided, returning to its original simplicity.

"My cultivation has reached a bottleneck, the sword intent of annihilation is beginning to take shape, my movement technique has made some progress, my bone fragments have made no progress yet, and my demonic thoughts are temporarily suppressed... It's time to prepare for core formation." Lu Zhao muttered to himself, his eyes filled with determination and a hint of anticipation.

The formation of the Golden Core is a crucial watershed on the path of cultivation. Once the Golden Core is formed, lifespan increases significantly, supernatural powers begin to manifest, and one can begin to utilize the power of heaven and earth, thus truly stepping into the threshold of a high-level cultivator.

However, forming the Golden Core is as difficult as ascending to heaven. Not only does it require reaching the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, possessing pure spiritual power, a powerful soul, and a stable foundation, but it also necessitates the assistance of a spiritual object for Core Formation to resist inner demons and condense the Golden Core. The higher the grade of the spiritual object, the greater the success rate and the higher the quality of the resulting Golden Core.

Lu Zhao possesses dual dragon energy and cultivates top-tier techniques, making his foundation, spiritual power, and soul far superior to others of the same level. However, correspondingly, the accumulation he needs to form his core is far greater than that of ordinary people, and the requirements for the spiritual materials needed for core formation are also higher. Moreover, he also has the hidden danger of demonic influence within him, so the power of the inner demon tribulation during core formation will likely be amplified.

"Core Formation spiritual items... the sect may have reserves, but with my contributions and aptitude, I'm afraid it will be difficult to exchange for the top-tier ones. Moreover, what I need is a spiritual item that can simultaneously resonate with the Annihilation Dragon Qi and the Dark Gold Dragon Emperor Qi, and can help me resist or even utilize my inner demons..." Lu Zhao pondered.

"It seems it's time to go out and explore. Firstly, to gather information about Core Formation spiritual objects; secondly, to inquire about the 'Soul-Stabilizing Flower,' the Blood Bone Demon, and the Netherworld Sect. Staying indoors all the time isn't a long-term solution."

He rose, straightened his robes, removed the protective barriers from the cave, and pushed open the stone door to the meditation room. Sunlight streamed in, the bamboo grove swayed, and the air was fresh.

Lu Zhao walked out of Tingzhu Xiaozhu and looked towards the depths of Diyuan Sect, towards Cangming Peak.

"First, go and pay your respects to your master, and then... go and visit the sect's Hall of Merit."