{Myriad Thousand Demon Bodies} was a formidable cultivation technique, but it had a fatal flaw: extreme vulnerability to poison.
"Raven died because of the Rakshya Flower poison... I won't allow such an obvious weakness to exist anymore," Kaal muttered, his expression grave.
Over the next few hours, Kaal contemplated countless methods to develop poison immunity, devouring the core of a Blue Scale Snake, consuming Red Garuda Flower seeds, and many other arcane means. Yet, in the end, he rejected them all. They were merely temporary solutions easily nullified as he advanced in cultivation.
Now, however, Kaal had devised a horrifying plan, a permanent fix for the greatest flaw in the {Myriad of Thousand Demon Bodies}. A plan that would elevate him beyond all others... the only true successor of the Kilvish Clan.
"The Nine Giants... five clans and four sects," Kaal mused, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the table near his shattered chair. "This generation, each of them has a chosen successor. They are called the Young Dragons and Phoenixes. Five Dragons, three Phoenixes... and then us, the Twin Shadows of the Kilvish Clan."
His eyes narrowed, his tone turning mocking.
"For my plan to succeed, the Young Poison Dragon must die. But really, he fits the bill of a classic villain, cruel, arrogant, and backed by power. He's slaughtered countless innocents without care, hiding behind his sect's name. A textbook mob character like one of those 'level-up fodders' in Earth's cliché cultivation novels," Kaal chuckled darkly.
"As a fellow villain, I feel I have to remind him of the hierarchy; every villain has a rank. And as the final boss... I won't let some side villain outshine me."
The Young Poison Dragon was the heir to the Poison Soul Sect, infamous for its venomous techniques. As its successor, he had mastered the secret {Soul Pearl Poison} technique, rumored to bestow immunity to all poisons.
"I need that cultivation technique," Kaal said, clenching his fists. "If I can combine the {Soul Pearl Poison} with the {Myriad of Thousand Demon Bodies}, I'll become peerless in this world."
The {Soul Pearl Poison} was a secret art passed only to the direct successor of the sect master. That's why Kaal had to kill him; there was no other way.
He carefully analyzed every possibility, every point of failure, every move his enemies might make. His plan had to be flawless. One mistake could spell his doom.
Suddenly, Kaal sensed three presences just outside his door. Without looking up, he said coldly, "Come in."
Lauren, who had been trying to surprise Kaal with a dramatic reentry, froze in place.
He sensed me? But his sensing range was only ten meters before... Lauren thought in shock.
"Y-Young Master, how did you sense me?" Lauren stopped mid-sentence, noticing the broken chair, the cracked walls, and the disheveled bed.
A mischievous smile spread across his face. Narrowing his eyes, he teased, "Young Master... did your two maids keep you up all night, hmm?" He added a hand gesture every man would understand.
Outside the door, Mia and Jane had just arrived. Hearing Lauren's remark, both of their faces flushed red with embarrassment, and they instinctively looked at the floor.
Kaal's eyes twitched. He couldn't hold back and bellowed, "LIKE HELL—!!"
After a moment to calm himself, Kaal looked at Lauren with deadpan eyes and said, "I called you here to inform you: once I return to the clan and report everything to Father... I'll be going to see my mother for a while."
Lauren's smile vanished.
"You can't do that, Young Master! Without your presence, Grand Elder will exploit the situation."
"It's my final decision," Kaal cut him off, his tone resolute. "This is also a test to see whether Elder George can manage the clan's affairs in my absence and prove his loyalty."
The Kilvish Clan's famous Twin Shadows were Kaal Kilvish and Samrat Kilvish.
Grand Elder William Kilvish, Kaal's uncle, was a powerful cultivator at the 5th stage of the Sea Realm. He had once vied for the clan leader's position against Kaal's father, Charles Kilvish. Samrat, William's son, was blessed with blue-tier talent, making him a strong contender for clan leadership.
The clan's Elders were divided into three factions: those supporting Kaal, those backing Samrat, and a neutral group playing both sides.
Lauren opened his mouth to argue again but was interrupted by the loud blare of a ship's horn.
Kaal raised his hand to silence him. Without another word, he stepped outside. Mia, Jane, and Lauren followed behind.
In the sky, a massive ship hovered above them, its size so immense, a quarter of Mist Valley could fit on its deck. From the ship, figures descended one by one, flying with ease, proof of their cultivation being well above the Blessing Realm.
Among them was a man clad in green robes. His green hair, blue eyes, and green beard bore a striking resemblance to Raven, though older and more seasoned.
His presence blended seamlessly with nature, an aura unique to those in the Truth Realm, cultivators who had grasped the Dao of nature.
"I want a full explanation, Young Master," said Elder Alvin, his voice resonating through the air like thunder. Even nature itself seemed to quiet down.
The sheer force of his voice made the soldiers tremble. General Ruke broke into a cold sweat.