Sun long continued his cultivation during his training with Li Jun and on one night Sun long sat cross-legged in his room, his eyes closed in concentration as he focused on his cultivation. He had been practicing for hours, trying to draw in as much spiritual energy as he could through the black ring on his finger. The ring had always been a mystery to him, but he had come to rely on it as a source of cultivation energy.
As he reached the peak of his concentration, he felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through his body. It was almost as if the ring was giving him a boost, and he could feel his cultivation breaking through to the next level.
Eyes flashing open, Sun long gasped as he realized he had reached the second stage of Qi Condensation. He had made more progress in a single night than he had in months of cultivation before.
The process of cultivation was one of constant growth and improvement, as practitioners sought to increase the size and purity of their qi lake. Each stage of qi condensation represented a significant increase in power and ability, and Sun Long was thrilled to have reached this milestone so quickly. He knew they would be just as surprised and proud of his achievements as he was.
But as he stood up and stretched, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the ring's sudden burst of energy. Was it just a coincidence, or was there something more at play here?
Sun long made a mental note to ask Wei Ying about it the next time he saw her, but for now, he was just happy to have made such rapid progress in his cultivation.
As sun long and li jun sat in the courtyard of the li family's home, discussing their plans for the future, sun long couldn't help but mention his recent breakthrough in cultivation.
"I reached the second stage of qi condensation last night," he told li jun excitedly. "It was strange, I was cultivating as usual and suddenly the ring provided me with a burst of energy. I could feel my qi lake expanding and my cultivation rising to the next level."
Li jun was surprised by the news. "That's amazing, sun long. It normally takes at least a few years to reach the second stage. How did you do it so quickly?"
Sun long shrugged. "I have no idea. I just followed the techniques in the qi condensation manual and the ring seemed to help me along the way."
Li jun nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, whatever the reason, it's a great achievement. You have a lot of potential as a cultivator."
Sun long smiled at the compliment. "Thanks. So, what are your plans now? Are you still set on joining the shallow water sect?"
Li jun nodded. "Yes, I think it's the best option for me. I'm already at the third stage of qi condensation and I'm confident that I'll be able to make a name for myself there. But the shallow water sect isn't one of the great sects. Have you heard of them?"
Sun long shook his head. "No, I haven't. What are the great sects?"
"They are the top three sects in the cultivation world," li jun explained. "The Profound Sky Sect, the Universal Sect, and the Heavenly Sword Sect. They are constantly vying for power and resources, and only the best cultivators are accepted into their ranks. But getting into one of the great sects isn't easy. You have to be very talented and have a lot of potential."
Sun long nodded, taking in the information. "I see. Well, I'll have to work hard and see if I can get into one of the great sects someday."
Li jun smiled. "I'm sure you will, sun long. You have the potential to go far in the cultivation world. Now, let's go say our farewells to the li family and set off on our journey to the shallow water sect."
With heavy hearts, Sun Long and Li Jun bid farewell to the Li family as they set out on their journey to the tournament of the Shallow Waters Sect. Li Hua couldn't hold back her tears as she hugged her brother tightly, knowing that if he were accepted into a sect, he may never return.
"Take care of yourself, Jun," Li Hua sobbed as she released her hold on him. "I'll miss you so much."
Li Chen patted his son on the back and handed him a small bag containing twenty lesser spirit stones. "These are all I have," he said with a sad smile. "I wish I could do more for you, but I know you'll make us proud."
Li Jun's mother, Liang Mei, hugged both Sun Long and Li Jun tightly and wished them luck on their journey. "You two are like sons to me," she said, tears streaming down her face. "I'll be praying for your success."
Sun Long felt a lump form in his throat as he took in the emotional scene. He had only known the Li family for a short time, but they had already become like a second family to him.
"Thank you for everything," Sun Long said, his voice choked with emotion. "I'll make sure to bring honor to your family."
With a final round of hugs and goodbyes, Sun Long and Li Jun set off on their journey, determined to make the most of this opportunity and bring pride to the Li family.