Chapter 326: The Cultivator

Crack!

The oak door splintered. An unkempt old man appeared, looming over a nearly naked Renee. [Remove the unnecessary detail of her undergarments. It's implied.]

Startled by the noise, Dorieus spun around to see a young stranger at the door. His bushy eyebrows furrowed.

“Jared, save me!” Renee cried, hastily pulling a blanket around herself.

“Who are you, boy? Do you know the consequences of intruding on the Phantom Monastery?” Dorieus growled menacingly.

“I killed your grand-disciple and stole the Starry Compass. Take it back if you can!” Jared taunted, displaying the compass.

Dorieus’s eyes lit up. “You have guts! Since you’re here, I’ll end you!”

His words still hanging in the air, Dorieus’s robes billowed—though there was no wind. He lunged at Jared with a punch.

Jared’s eyes glinted coldly. A menacing aura swirled around him.

“Shameless criminal! In the name of Heaven, you will pay!”

Spiritual energy surged from Jared’s core, engulfing his fist in golden light.

Dorieus was stunned, but his punch continued, fueled by increased internal energy.

Bam!

A deafening boom rocked the room.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Dorieus staggered back three steps, his arm numb. Jared remained untouched, regarding him with contempt.

Dorieus’s astonishment was evident. He hadn't expected such power from a young man.

“You’re a cultivator?” Dorieus asked, his eyes narrowed. “No wonder you dare challenge me!” The blow had revealed Jared's training.

Jared, too, was surprised by Dorieus’s perceptiveness. Had Jared not reached Level Nine Energy Cultivation, the attack might have ended in a draw.

“Knowing my power, why don’t you beg for mercy?” Jared quipped impassively.

“Arrogant boy!” Dorieus cackled. “You’re merely a cultivator, and I’ll absorb your energy!”

Dorieus’s laughter ceased. He leaped, his fingers transforming into claws as he slashed at Jared.

Jared dodged and seized Dorieus’s wrist. Surprisingly, the old man didn’t resist, as if anticipating the move. Dorieus mirrored Jared, gripping his wrist. They grappled, each striving to overpower the other with internal energy.

A smug smile touched Dorieus’s lips. Soon, Jared felt his spiritual energy surging towards his arm, flowing through Dorieus’s fingers as the older man absorbed it.

Concern crossed Jared’s face. He hadn’t anticipated such a skill.

“Such pulsating spiritual energy! I’ll savor this!” Dorieus guffawed.

As his spiritual energy drained, Jared had an epiphany: Since the Focus Technique lets me absorb the cultivation of all things, can I steal a person’s spiritual energy?

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