My Infinite Cultivation System-Chapter 40: Underground battle arena

Alex’s determination had crystallized into something unshakable. The inheritance tower was no longer a distant ambition or a symbolic milestone. It was a gateway. If he wanted to expand his spirit master capacity and obtain a supreme technique worthy of standing at the peak, he would have to challenge it at his absolute strongest.

"Master, regarding the body cultivation techniques... do all Emperors practice them? Are there restrictions? And what distinguishes the different types?" Alex asked seriously.

Elyndros paused mid step and turned toward him.

"The body cultivation techniques are inheritances are obtained by Physical Masters after completing their trials," he said. "At present, there are only ten known techniques in existence. All are ranked SS. Interestingly, each was obtained through an A rank trial."

Alex listened without interruption.

"Their differences lie in their foundational principles. Each technique strengthens the body using different mediums. Some temper the flesh with rare metals. Others use elemental forces such as fire, lightning, or frost. A few rely on integrating unique substances into the body’s structure itself."

"How powerful do they become?" Alex asked.

"There are seven levels," Elyndros explained. "You may begin cultivating after breaking into the Martial Master realm. With each major realm you advance, the technique ascends one level. Upon reaching the Emperor realm, the seventh level grants an eightfold permanent amplification to your defensive capabilities."

Alex absorbed that quietly.

"A martial artist’s body is already formidable," Elyndros continued. "With a completed body cultivation technique, it becomes nearly impenetrable. The flesh transcends ordinary durability and approaches the resilience of sacred artifacts."

"Can someone cultivate multiple techniques to stack their effects?" Alex asked.

"No. Once you bind your foundation to one technique, your body rejects all others. Attempting to cultivate a second would destabilize your core and likely destroy your cultivation."

Alex nodded slowly.

"Which technique is considered superior? I won a wager against the Nightveil clan heir. Should I claim their technique or choose another?"

"You should select the Alliance’s technique," Elyndros replied without hesitation. "It is the most versatile. It uses the blood essence of powerful monsters to strengthen the body naturally. It does not embed foreign metals or elemental fragments into your flesh. It enhances durability while preserving adaptability. Arthur will send you the method along with the necessary blood essence."

Alex inclined his head.

He left the training chamber shortly after. Hunger tugged at him. He needed a shower and a proper meal.

After one more major breakthrough, he would no longer require food for survival. But for now, he remained tethered to physical needs.

Elsewhere, Elyndros contacted Arthur.

"Alex is advancing at an unimaginable speed. We must increase our investment. Assemble a dedicated team for him and send the body cultivation technique immediately. I will provide the blood essence for his first three breakthroughs. After that, he will enter the wilderness to obtain the remaining materials himself.

And when will Julius return?"

Arthur responded steadily. "The President is hunting near the outskirts of the Amazon forest. I have spoken with him. He and his squad will return within seven days. After that, it will be your turn to lead a hunting expedition. Are you prepared? And I will transmit the technique shortly."

"My team is in peak condition," Elyndros replied. "We will depart once Julius returns."

Arthur ended the call and gazed at the sky through his window.

"The sanctuary period will not last much longer," he murmured.

Back in his room, Alex showered and changed into fresh clothes. Soon he would begin practicing the body cultivation technique. Once Omni Weave completed its upgrade, he intended to venture in the wilderness.

His communicator vibrated suddenly.

"Alex," Arthur’s voice came through. "Do you require any additional techniques?"

"Yes, Vice President," Alex answered honestly. "I want the Annihilation Sword technique. However, I cannot afford it at the moment."

"Do not concern yourself with payment," Arthur said. "Repay it gradually. I am sending it now."

The call ended.

Afterward, Alex contacted his mother and spoke with her for a while. The conversation grounded him in a quiet way. Following lunch, instead of training, he lay down and allowed himself to sleep. His body and mind needed recovery.

"Alex, are you awake?" Anna’s voice called from outside.

He had just opened his eyes. With a subtle wave of his hand, the door unlocked and swung open.

Anna stepped inside.

"Hey. What’s going on?" he asked.

"Want to go out? I know somewhere you’ll like," she said with a bright smile.

"Alright. Give me a moment to get ready," Alex replied.

Anna left with an expression full of anticipation.

However, the moment she entered the drawing room, her smile vanished.

At least ten of her unmarried cousins stood there, all dressed carefully and clearly prepared to go out. Darion was present as well. Elyndros had permitted him to remain home as long as Alex stayed within the estate.

"Where is Sir Alex, Anna?" asked an older cousin with refined features and a mature aura.

"Cousin Erin," Anna replied coolly, "you do realize Alex is practically a child compared to you?"

The atmosphere tightened instantly.

"I am only eighteen," Erin said evenly. "Let him decide whether he is a child."

From Alex’s behavior so far, it was clear he had shown no romantic inclination toward Anna. None of the girls wanted to lose the opportunity.

Darion cleared his throat.

"If Alex sees you all like this, he might assume you are unhappy that he is staying with our family."

The tension eased slightly.

Moments later, Alex stepped out wearing simple casual clothes.

"Looks like the whole group is here. Where are we going, Brother Darion?" he asked.

"To the underground fighting arena," Riana answered with a playful smile. She was one year younger than Anna.

"An underground fighting arena? What is that?" Alex asked, genuinely confused.

Darion produced a mask for each of them with a flick of his wrist.

"Wear these. I will explain during the flight."

Alex chose a Batman mask. He noticed none of them wore the Celestus family crest.

They departed soon after.

"Father, should we send guardians to protect them?" Max asked after they left.

"Yes, but if only Martial Kings dare to attack them, they should interfere. Otherwise let them handle the rest of the situation even if it becomes a life-and-death situation. They need to become self-sufficient," Elyndros said calmly.

Max nodded and left.

Inside the airship, Darion explained.

The underground arena functioned as a life and death battleground for martial artists. Violent criminals were often used as opponents. Challengers could fight them without legal consequences. Victory meant survival. Defeat meant death. Responsibility rested solely on the participants.

"So that’s how it works," Alex said thoughtfully.

He glanced at the girls.

"Do you really enjoy this kind of violence?" he asked Anna.

"We are martial artists," Erin replied before Anna could speak. "If we avoid violence, we cannot grow strong enough to survive."

Alex nodded. "That makes sense."

The airship landed some distance from the arena. Beyond that point, entry required walking. It was one of the arena’s strict regulations. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

The area bustled with masked figures entering through a fortified gate.

There were twelve of them in total.

At the entrance, a guard studied them coldly.

"How many hours?"

"Full night," Darion responded.

"One hundred forty four high grade cosmic crystals."

Darion paid without hesitation. The guard handed each of them a card displaying a twelve hour countdown.

They stepped through the gate.

Inside, Alex quietly assessed the surrounding martial artists. Most were below the Martial Lord realm. A handful carried the presence of Martial Kings. None appeared stronger than that. Perhaps higher ranked experts used different entrances.

They had only taken a few steps when a rough voice called out from behind them.

"Hey, you twelve. Stop there."

Alex turned slowly.

Five broad shouldered men wearing animal masks approached, their gazes openly sweeping over the group.

"I like the figures of you girls," the speaker said with a crude grin. "Five of you come with us five brothers."

The atmosphere shifted instantly.