Ascension: Demon Monarch System

47 Experiencing the Pains of Cultivation
'----'

'[Before you continue

allow me to explain exactly why this just happened. Most important of all

you're a fresh body. To put it differently

your pores connected to your meridians are blocked. Hence

you need to open them whether one by one or all at once. The latter isn't recommended due to it requiring extremely large amounts of Natural Essence typically warranted by reaching the Pinnacle of the Saint-Grade—which you aren't.]'

'[As a result

we'll settle for the former. It'll take much longer but time is something we have at the moment. We won't be leaving this cave. So we'll use the Demonic Essence Pellet as your substance. Not only will it assist in your change

but it'll also curb or rather sustain your satiation.]'

'"I wasn't expecting that type of pain. It felt as if sledgehammer were struck into my skin-piercing through my bones

" remarked Apollo as he relived the earlier pains. It would take quite a while for him to come to terms with it.'

'[Oh

stop your complaining. You didn't even open one channel! Utter those words again after you encounter that sensation. This'll seem like a walk in the park in comparison. If this were my heyday

I'd make your training even more hellish. Unfortunately

I'm unable to do so as you are currently confined to this garbage world.]'

'"Garbage…?" uttered Apollo nearly choking in the process. This was the second time he recalled Azridan mentioning this place as trash or garbage. Which only made him wonder

how strong was this being in him prime?'

'[Never mind that. Continue your actions but bear in mind you must power through the pain. If you always stop in the face of pain

how do you expect to advance? After you complete that task

we'll address the Essence Cores and how they'll play their part in your cultivation as well as some other important matters.]'

'"Wait

my cultivation? I remember reading in the book that the energy inside these cores is unable to be digested by a human dantian

" commented Apollo. He didn't quite understand what Azridan was getting at. Typically

they were the main ingredients used in forming weapons

talismans

and even arrays! How could he possibly use that?'

'[Exactly

you answered your own question. That pertains strictly to humans; are you a human?]'

'"No…" answered Apollo as a flash of realization passed through his eye. It was slightly overwhelming to understand the fact that he was no longer a human. In both of his lives albeit being short

that's what he knew—being a human.'

'[Alright

stop mulling over these trivial matters. Go back to perceiving the spots on the spiritual diagram and attempt to drill open your meridians. When the sensation of the spot undulating appears

then you've perfectly completed the task on the. Seeing as your inner physique has reached the full maturity of its current grade

it shouldn't be a mountainous task.]'

''When you say drill

it just makes it sound more painful

' mentally replied Apollo.'

'[That is the only way I can word it. The Natural Essence will soon drill into you

why do you think it is congregating on your skin?]'

''Oh... I see

well then

all I can say is I have to prepare myself right?''

'[Pretty much; I like that outlook. Keep it.]'

'As they conversed in Apollo's mind

the spiritual diagram began to illuminate further. At the same time

multiple tiny dots appeared. As for the number

it shocked Apollo; it continued to increase.'

''Wait what?! There's over 300? Who in the…' warily exclaimed Apollo. He was under the assumption that there were maybe 60 or so of these pores. Needless to say

that didn't turn out to be the case. The truth of the matter is there were exactly 361!'

'[Hmm? Oh

yes. I forgot to mention that. We don't need you to open them all. After all

it is directly linked to the absorption rate of your inner physique. We're aiming for at least 120. Beyond that are unawakened meridians.]'

'"Are you saying

the number of awakened meridians are also part of my inner talent?" asked Apollo while pausing his cultivation.'

'[No

I'm saying it IS your inner talent. You can try to open it

however

it'll still be in a dormant state due to it being unnourished.]'

'"I see

" replied Apollo before resuming his actions. With each passing moment

the saturation of Natural Essence on Apollo's skin continuously increased. At some point

it broke a threshold as the posture he held facilitated its next actions.'

'The Natural Essence finally began drilling into the first acupoint located within his hands. Gritting his teeth in response

Apollo tried to bear with the pain

however

it was becoming unbearable. It wasn't long before he had to cease his actions yet the remnants of the pain remained.'

'[Do not worry

this is a process that will take time. We are in no rush; continue with your actions step by step.]'

'Nodding

after a small rest

Apollo repeated the process once again. Initially

he was only able to withstand the pain for about a minute. However

as his tolerance increased

the duration did along with it.'

'Finally

2 hours later

the first acupoint on his left hand was fully awakened. In response

it seemed to cull the Natural Essence towards it to nurture it. At the same time

Apollo noticed a small difference in a few things.'

''Is this acupoint...absorbing trace amounts of Natural Essence? But...why does it burn?' thought Apollo.'

'[Foolish question! Look at the color of the Natural Essence. Clearly

it is of the fire archetype.]'

'Examining the Natural Essence with his Spiritual Vision

Apollo furrowed his eyebrows. The earlier clear essence indeed carried tints of red albeit a modicum of it at best.'

'[Of this world

the first element you'll come in contact with is fire. It is the single most potent force in tempering one's self when accompanied by another element.]'

'"Don't just stop

continue to tell me. What is that element?" inquired Apollo in a zealous tone.'

'[Nope

if I reveal all the details where is the fun in that? You'll come in contact with it anyhow. So why don't you seek it.]'

'"Tch…" scoffed Apollo before ignoring Azridan. Once again

he took up the efforts of cultivation. This time

the second acupoint appeared on his right hand. Compared to the first one

a fraction of the time was shaved off.'

'Repeating the process

Apollo's day became monotonous. However

it wasn't without its benefits. Each opened acupoint seemed to have an effect on his trait. Although it wasn't indicated in the system interface

he could feel it was so.'

'At this point

an entire day had passed. His progress was quite good. It seemed the first set of meridians were centric to the limb. Each one had opened three

however

they weren't connected; to do so would require far more.'

'[Hmm

10 percent of the number in sight of our goal has been opened. Let's add some variety to the mix. Before continuing

let's have you take a look at that «Monarch's War Path Record».]'