The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 313 Bandits

Cain found himself submerged within an immense cauldron filled with seething blood, its temperature soaring high enough to melt the massive amount of metal suspended within it. A typical Wave Champion would have their flesh scorched within minutes, yet Cain bore not a single wound.

The Biometal Herculean Techniqueʼs training involved altering oneʼs bloodʼs chemical composition, replacing iron with another element. The process began at the Bronze Infusion level.

Initially, at the Bronze Infusion stage, the practitioner commences the transformation by consciously introducing bronzy elements into their bloodstream. This initiation typically hinges on an advanced mastery over their blood and their Rebirth Blood Stage.

Following this is the intricate biological interaction, where bronze elements gradually assimilate into the practitionerʼs bloodstream, engaging with their biology at a cellular level. This initial fusion of bronze enriches the practitionerʼs physical endurance, fortifying their muscles and rendering them more resilient against physical stresses and impacts.

Upon reaching the pinnacle of this initial level, the practitioner starts to develop fundamental Blood Skills. These include temporarily fortifying their muscles, rendering them more resistant to harm, and the ability to transmute their blood to form a thin protective barrier over minor injuries, which expedites the healing process.

A person with great talent would typically require a week to complete this level, while superb geniuses might manage it in just a day or two. Astonishingly, Cain progressed from the beginning to the end of the Bronze Infusion level in a mere four hours. His approach was meticulous; he did not rush or undertake the technique half-heartedly.

Instead, he dedicated time to mastering it while consuming as many Bronze Level Metals as possible.

Bronze Infusion did not enhance Cainʼs constitution, given that it was already at a superb level for a Wave Champion. Nevertheless, it was a prerequisite for advancing to the second level, Silver Integration.

The metals suspended within the blood were all Silver Level Metal used in the creation of Silver Artifacts, the same grade of armor that he currently wore.

Silver Integration was vastly more intricate than Bronze Infusion as the transformations in the practitionerʼs blood advanced from the cellular to the molecular stage.

The process began by deepening the fusion of the biometal within the blood, emphasizing silver-like properties. This integration of silver attributes into their biology further heightened the practitionerʼs endurance, providing them with a body capable of enduring severe conditions and withstanding more formidable blows.

Subsequently, the Blood Skills evolved, incorporating the solidification of the blood into a flexible, metallic layer beneath the skin. It reinforced their defenses and laid the foundation for more advanced techniques.

It took Cain two months to reach this level, and he was making significant strides toward the limits of the second stage of the Biometal Infusion technique. His progress was staggering, but even with his extraordinary talent, he could not simply transition to the Golden Resilience level.

To enter the third level, a cultivator first needed to elevate his Blood Rebirth Stage to the Peak Golden Blood Stage. Attempting to infuse Golden Level Metal into his bloodstream before this point would result in toxicity and severe harm.

Cain currently employed Embryonic Breathing to heighten his body and mindʼs functionality, thus accelerating his cultivation speed and allowing for multiple trains of thought. He wasnʼt exclusively practicing the Biometal Herculean Technique but also advancing his overall cultivation. His objective was to attain the Middle Wave Champion Rank before arriving in the capital in a month.

Despite his state and Ego Waveʼs sole focus on enhancing his bodyʼs wave control, Cain was not letting his guard down. It wasnʼt like someone as vigilant as him to neglect security, especially with the threat in the shadows with the name of Blood King.

[Warning!]

The [A.I. Chip Module], connected to the Star Cruiser, sent a signal that jolted Cain awake.

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A Star Cruiser was a massive warship designed for high-speed travel in the Aether, equipped with protective force fields to counter potential threats. Given the perils of the Aether, it should have been able to swiftly neutralize any incoming dangers. However, an unusual turn of events unfolded as the ship suddenly decelerated, and even more perplexing, a minor breach appeared in its force field.

Following this breach, a group of ten individuals entered the Star Cruiser through the hole in its force field, manifesting on its surface.

”We donʼt have much time. Find the metal and take it with us. Remember, do not take the Golden Level Metals and above, only those at the silver and bronze grade.”

A middle-aged man bearing a sword on his back issued these instructions to the nine Wave Champions, who acknowledged his command with nods before proceeding deeper into the Star Cruiser.

Within an astonishingly brief five seconds, the group reached their destination, clearly displaying an in-depth understanding of the cruiserʼs layout and resource distribution. However, bewilderment and concern surfaced on their faces when they discovered that nearly a third of the Bronze Level Metals were missing, and over half of the Silver Level Metals had suffered the same fate.

”Captain, this is less than the amount reported. Was the information flawed?”

One of the Peak Wave Champions inquired of the middle-aged man, a hulking figure with an ax on his back.

The individual referred to as Captain furrowed his brows upon hearing the question and observing the cruiserʼs condition. The data they had acquired, along with their access codes, had not come easily, but it appeared that something had gone amiss.

Despite everything, he wasnʼt willing to risk going for the Golden Level Metals.

The Imperial Lightning Fort might overlook low-level metals going missing from their inventories from time to time. Of course, they would investigate, but it was far from a priority.

However, everything changed when it went to the rank resources meant for Wave King, and any shortage of armor would undermine their combat capabilities. The Collapsing Lightning Duke and the authorities in the capital wouldnʼt tolerate such negligence.

After a brief moment to assess the situation, the Captain issued an order.

”Take all the Bronze and Silver Level Metals, and letʼs go.”

The middle-aged man had an unsettling feeling, prompting this command. He sensed that something was amiss, and although there would likely be issues upon their return, his instincts were telling him that this place was not safe.

The Wave Champions nodded and were preparing to act when it occurred. A crimson force field surged from the Star Cruiserʼs bow, rapidly engulfing the entire ship within seconds. The Captain and the Wave Champions found themselves submerged in it, and as they felt its power, fear and dread overcame them.

Each of them had already attained the First Realm of the Ego Eternal Path of Power, allowing them to perceive the magnitude of that willpower. It filled their hearts with despair.

”CLOMP!” ”CLOMP!”

Footsteps echoed through the Star Cruiser, and it didnʼt take long for the middle-aged man and the other Wave Champions to spot a figure. A young man wearing a red robe moved gracefully through the ship. His eyes emitted a crimson light as he fixed his gaze on the middle-aged man and the bandits.

However, encountering such a young man did nothing to alleviate the banditsʼ fears. With each step, they could sense the overwhelming pressure of his willpower, and the only word that came to mind was ”monster.”

People fear the unknown, and right now, this young man was an enigma. How could someone so evidently young possess such monstrous willpower?

In the face of paralyzing fear, people typically react in one of three ways: freeze, flee, or lash out. The burly man with the ax chose the third option.

”¡AHHHHHH!”

With a roar, his muscles bulged, and his Astral Wave surged. His power rose to the limit of the Wave Champion Rank.

”Donʼt do it!”

The Captain attempted to intervene, but it was too late. The bulging man had already leaped forward, channeling all his strength into his ax as he swung it toward the young man.

As the ax hurtled toward his chest, the young manʼs eyes narrowed. He didnʼt budge an inch, opting to trigger his Wave Cloak without bothering to unleash Wave Burst or employ his armor.

”¡BOOM!”

An explosion reverberated throughout the Star Cruiser, leaving the bandits in a state of shock and disbelief. They all witnessed the heavily muscled Astral Cultivator swing his ax with full force at the young manʼs exposed torso, yet the outcome was beyond their comprehension.

”Itʼs... impossible.”

The burly Astral Cultivator could only utter that word as he observed a tiny stream of blue blood seeping from the young manʼs chest. The ax had barely managed to make a two-centimeter cut.

The young man glanced at his chest wound before gently placing his hand on the bulging banditʼs chest. He then turned his gaze toward the others before speaking.

”Sonic Cannon.”

”¡BOOM!”

In the next moment, a massive cavity appeared in the bulging Astral Cultivatorʼs chest, sealing his fate.