—-

Closing his eyes, Apollo ingested an Essence Gathering Pill entering a state which allowed his body to attune Natural Essence with less effort. Nevertheless, he had yet to open a Dantian so what he could manipulate was small in amount. Hence, both time and the healing process moved at a slow pace. ​​

5 minutes later, the state elapsed, however, the gash on his shoulder had barely healed. Its state was even worse than first imagined. Most of his muscles and tendons had been ripped apart. In other words, a new set needed to be built. But the human body was a complicated thing and this would take time.

[If you had become a Demon already, this process would be hastened! Our healing factor is simply unmatched. Not to mention, our resilient physiques are resistant to such damage. Well… that’s only true if the opponent isn’t leagues above us.]

Closing his eyes again, Apollo frowned for a moment but then his expression relaxed as he relinquished his thoughts; the exchange was worth it. Although he inflicted large amounts of damage on his body, the item he received in return more than made up for it.

Trace amounts of Natural Essence flowed toward the wound on his shoulder. At this time, the bleeding has already ceased. All that was left was the restoration process. Ingesting another one of Essence Gathering Pills existing in a large number, Apollo once again quickened the process.

For many hours, this took place. In fact, he became ignorant of the numerous days passing. He sat in this position unmoving for over 14 days! Naturally, during this period his body made suitable progress. The shocking part was the fact that no Spirit Beast came in and interrupted this scene.

But that was understandable seeing as Azridan interfered with things slightly.

[It is time. Although the wound isn’t fully healed. You should have returned to a state suitable for my plan. We’ll take your body to the next level! At the same time, all of your injuries should be treated as well. Heh…]

“What is that chuckle for?” inquired Apollo as he slowly opened his eyes. In these 2 weeks, his hair had grown past his eyebrows. Hence, he moved it aside as he redirected his gaze to the wall. Unlike before, he scrutinized his surroundings attentively.

[Chuckle? That is a simple acknowledgment of you soon coming into power. What else could it be?]

“Why… do I get the feeling I shouldn’t believe you. It sounds to me as if you’re hiding something. Don’t be so cryptic. Come on, tell me,” stated Apollo with a highly curious and coercive undertone.

[Sure, if you’d like to know my plan–we’ll be demolishing your physique. I’ll need to prepare you for the future. If you are to succeed in my path of cultivation then the first step will be the most horrendous. Hence, let’s get you acclimated to torturous levels of pain. You nearly losing an arm will feel like child’s play in comparison.]

Azridan’s tone sounded both spirited as well as serious. Within his serious message, seemed to be a desire laced within. Only, he didn’t directly voice it.

“E-excuse me. But did you just say losing an arm will seem to be child’s play? If that’s the case… then I think I’ll need to reevaluate our relationship. I think you just seek to abuse me,” muttered Apollo in a slightly joking manner as afire blazed within his eye before continuing, “What do you suggest?”

[Excellent lad! I love the heart. That vial you possess… we’ll be improving upon it. The Blood Tempering Ginseng retained nearly all of its efficacy so we’ll be drawing out all of its essence. Place it between your hands and allow me to do the work for you.]

“Okay,” replied Apollo as he removed the spiritual herb from his pouch. Placing it between his hands, 2 dark black embers ejected from his palms and coated it. Surprisingly, he didn’t feel any heat emitting from it yet the ginseng was being refined to dust!

“What… how is this possible?” questioned Apollo with an incredulous expression. He believed he should have felt some type of discomfort yet that wasn’t the case. But how could that happen when the one utilizing these flames was the one lauded as the Demon Monarch? A title which insinuated a lifetime of struggle as well as accolades.

[Do you doubt my skill? This is but a basic utilization. If you don’t achieve at least this attainment in the future… I’ll be disappointed in you. You must learn to wield both inner and outer flames in any fashion.]

[It is ready, withdraw that vial and open it. Afterward, we’ll begin the process. Brace yourself and do so meticulously for I fear you may want to pray to the Death Deity himself.]

“I thought there’s no Go-” voiced Apollo only to be interrupted by Azridan’s next words.

[The mention of God doesn’t exist. The one we revere is the sole entity who gave birth to the Demons the Death Diety. However, his true identity is unknown.]

“Oh…” replied Apollo as he opened the vial of the Purple Mercury Blood Elixir. However, it still wasn’t done as Azridan gave him another set of orders.

[Retrieve all of the Demonic Essence Pellets as well. It’ll help in this process.]

‘That help…it had too much emphasis. This…’ thought Apollo while doing so. 8 Demonic Essence Pellets appeared in his hand. In an instant, they were vaporized into dust that flowed into one another. At the same time, the 12 drops of liquid inside the container joined the mixture.

Widening his eyes, Apollo glanced at the thing being refined before him. It was at least twice the size of a typical pill! Entirely crimson in color, it gave off an overbearing feeling. Just the faint aroma bestowed a dreadful sensation.

[Open your mouth.]

Blinking blankly, Apollo nodded and opened his mouth after much difficulty. His mind went through copious amounts of deliberation in an instant. A moment later, the large pill shot into his mouth and remained. Its outer shell dissolved but just that alone made Apollo feel as if magma was coursing through his insides.

Black veins protruded all throughout his body as his eyes bulged. Any screams of pain were stuck in his throat. It had transcended the realm of enabling him to respond to the stimulus—the pain was beyond debilitating at this point.

The pill continued to dissolve causing Apollo to writhe in pain. His pupils became unfocused while his body twitched trying to grasp something to alleviate the pain. With each passing second, the pain grew worse. Until finally, it reached an unbearable level that caused him to blackout.

[He lasted longer than I estimated. Perhaps his mental and physical fortitude is higher than I predicted. Hmm… it seems he is indeed one capable of doing so.]

Meanwhile, continuous changes took place inside Apollo. That makeshift concoction Azridan fed him would give birth to something that would soon enough defy reason.