Max, once a mere orphan, had transformed into a formidable individual within a few short years. Not only had he reached cultivation level 3, but he had also awakened a bloodline previously unseen among humans.
Curiosity burning within him, Max questioned the elder, "Elder, if snatchers are considered the weakest, why they would target others' bloodlines or constitutions?"
The elder, Willie, explained, "Snatchers may be deemed weak in comparison to other talents, but when measured against regular cultivators, they still possess considerable power. However, the act of snatching is frowned upon by the heavens, leading to a diminishing of their power when stealing others' bloodlines or constitutions. Unless someone willingly bestows their attributes, turning the recipient into a chancer, snatching requires significant resources, the right environment, and potent cultivation techniques to avoid succumbing to backlash."
Max absorbed this revelation, gaining insight into the motivations behind bloodline snatching.
Elder Willie continued, "There's a distinction in power between different bloodlines and constitutions. Some may prove more potent than others. A natural talent might be born with a more formidable bloodline or constitution than an awakened one, making them stronger. While awakened individuals are generally considered powerful talents, it's essential to recognize that there exist weaker and stronger bloodlines and constitutions. Traveling the world will expose you to those who, despite not being natural or self-made talents, surpass others in power due to their experiences, techniques, or various other factors."
Max found himself astonished by this new perspective, realizing the complexity of the power dynamics at play.
Elder Willie concluded, "Remember, being an awakener doesn't automatically make you the most powerful. Exceptions exist everywhere, and you might encounter individuals who, despite not being natural talents, outshine others through their unique strengths."
"Now, you may be wondering why I'm sharing all this information," Elder Willie questioned Max.
Max nodded in agreement. Although Elder Willie had delved into bloodlines and constitutions, he hadn't yet connected the dots to the impending tribulation Max was about to face. Perceiving Max's confusion, Elder Willie smiled and continued his explanation.
"Humans also possess bloodlines, albeit not special ones," Elder Willie clarified, responding to Max's evident confusion.
Perplexed, Max sought clarification, "Elder, didn't you just mention that the human race doesn't have bloodlines but instead has constitutions?"
"Let me clarify. The human race doesn't have special attribute-based bloodlines, but they do have bloodlines," Elder Willie explained, unraveling the complexity for Max.
Max's confusion dissipated as he realized there was more to the situation than he initially comprehended.
"In your journey, you might encounter individuals with attributes in their bloodlines. This occurs when someone chances upon a drop of a special bloodline from another race and integrates it into their own, creating a partial special bloodline. The human race's bloodline is attribute-less, lacking any specific qualities. Some people enhance their bloodlines by adding those from other races, forming partial bloodlines. However, such individuals can only access certain superficial abilities, not the complete set. Due to the lack of attributes, human bloodlines are primarily used to trace lineages," Elder Willie elaborated.
Max was astonished by this revelation. Now he understood why, despite reaching level 3, he couldn't utilize vital qi for attacks. His bloodline lacked attributes. However, this newfound knowledge heightened Max's concerns.
Observing Max's worry, Elder Willie addressed it, saying, "Due to the attribute-less nature of the human bloodline, your awakened bloodline is currently useless. It can neither attack nor defend. Your options are to obtain a special bloodline and integrate it into your own, creating a partial bloodline, or to acquire an attribute for your existing bloodline."
Hearing this, Max was taken aback and blurted out, "I can have an attribute for my bloodline?"
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"In theory, it's possible, but in practice, I know of no man in history who has achieved it," Elder Willie replied, tempering Max's sudden enthusiasm.
Despite the shattering of his expectations, Max trusted Elder Willie and believed that there had to be a reason behind the elder's statement.
As anticipated, Elder Willie explained the plan, saying, "Obtaining an attribute is more challenging than we can imagine. In most cases, it would be impossible, but the tribulation you are about to face presents an opportunity. Tribulation is a punishment from heaven, connecting the one undergoing it with the laws of the world. However, due to the life-threatening nature, few seize this opportunity. Some rare geniuses utilize tribulation to realize unique abilities, have epiphanies, or gain enlightenment on stuck techniques. It could be anything. For you, this is a chance to realize something significant, but it's also difficult as you must preserve your life."
Max fell into deep thought, considering Elder Willie's words. He realized that if others could use tribulation to gain insights, he could attempt the same. Otherwise, the alternative was pursuing a partial bloodline.
Contrary to Max's contemplations, Elder Willie's concern lay with the tribulation itself. The plan he proposed to Max was theoretical, and the challenge lay in Max's bloodline being attribute-less, rendering him powerless to attack or defend. Unlike those who could use martial skills for self-preservation during tribulation, Max could only rely on sheer willpower and his body for defense.
After Elder Willie laid out the plan, both of them sat down, awaiting the impending tribulation. Dark clouds gathered, casting an ominous atmosphere. Fear began to creep into Max's heart as he observed the foreboding clouds, and his expression turned solemn, tinged with a hint of fear. Elder Willie, sensing Max's apprehension, decided to offer words of encouragement.
"Little friend, if you can't realize anything, then focus on surviving. After all, a partial bloodline is better than being dead," Elder Willie advised, offering his last words of wisdom.
With that, Elder Willie conjured a shield in his hands and handed it to Max. As Max received the shield, he examined it—a palm-sized salamander skin shield. Elder Willie explained, "This salamander skin shield will expand in size when infused with vital qi. It should protect you from some attacks."
Following Elder Willie's instructions, Max infused vital qi into the shield, witnessing its transformation into a three-meter-tall and one-meter-wide protective barrier.
"I must go, or I'll be entangled in the tribulation, which is dangerous for both of us. Little friend, remember to survive," Elder Willie urgently declared.
"Thank you, Elder. If I come out alive, I'll be forever indebted to you for saving my life and providing guidance," Max expressed his gratitude.
With those parting words, Elder Willie departed, positioning himself at a safe distance from the impending tribulation. The sky darkened, and lightning hints began to appear.
As Max stood to face the impending lightning, Elder Willie's salamander skin shield offered some reassurance. Soon, turbulent lightning illuminated the sky between the clouds.
As the first lightning struck Max, he felt an intense burning sensation on his skin, the pain threatening to make him lose consciousness. However, he knew that succumbing to unconsciousness meant certain death. With sheer willpower, Max endured the extreme pain, determined to survive.
Amidst the lightning, Max sought opportunities, focusing on the plan. Contrary to his expectations, he couldn't sense or find anything. The first lightning eventually ceased, allowing Max a few breaths of reprieve.
However, despair set in as the second lightning began gathering in the sky. Max, visibly injured with blood oozing from the side of his mouth and charred skin, felt a sense of hopelessness. The lightning had struck his left shoulder directly, piercing through even the tiger skin he wore.
He could only consume some raw exotic plants, but before their effects took hold, the second lightning struck. Without hesitation, Max swiftly brought out the shield, simultaneously urging the exotic plants to accelerate their healing properties. The plants began their work, albeit at a slow pace. The shield, now bearing cracks from the powerful attack, protected Max, and the fractures rapidly expanded throughout its structure. With a resounding bang, the shield exploded, coinciding with the end of the second lightning, sparing Max from severe injuries.
Following the second lightning, the third, more potent bolt started gathering energy. Max, witnessing this, hastened the refinement of the exotic plants. As the third lightning descended, Max, without the protection of the shield, braced himself for the impact.
"AAAAAAAAA!" Max's cry echoed through the tribulation, the pain more excruciating than before.
The power of the lightning exceeded five times the combined strength of the previous two bolts. Max's skin tore apart, blood streaming from his wounds. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he understood that if this continued, survival was uncertain, let alone seizing the tribulation's opportunity.
With no apparent solution, Max explored different ideas. After careful consideration, he decided on a bold move. Instead of guiding the wisp of tribulation lightning towards his core, as is conventionally done, Max directed it toward his heart. As the lightning made contact, a searing pain surged through his chest, akin to thousands of needles piercing his heart. Despite the agony, Max endured it and initiated the Blood Breathing technique. Previously used to infuse vital qi directly into his blood, Max adapted the technique to incorporate the lightning. Unbeknownst to him, this daring maneuver proved successful, triggering a mutation in his bloodline.