With the elemental essence crystals in their possession and a newfound understanding of the Demon Forest's mysteries, Reece and the disciples from the Tranquil Lotus Sect and the Tongtian Ancient Sect decided to retrace their steps and return to their respective sects. The wonders they had witnessed beyond the barrier of the forest were too significant to keep to themselves, and they knew that their discoveries had the potential to benefit their sects and the cultivation world at large.
As they made their way back through the treacherous terrain of the Demon Forest, they encountered familiar challenges and obstacles, but their journey was marked by a sense of purpose and determination. The elemental essence crystals they had acquired served as a testament to their accomplishments, and they were eager to share their findings with their fellow cultivators.
Upon returning to their sects, Reece and the disciples recounted their adventures within the Demon Forest in great detail. They shared the knowledge of the ancient demon beast, the tower filled with elemental essence, and the rich cultivation resources hidden within the forest's depths. Their accounts were met with awe and excitement, as their sect members recognized the significance of these discoveries.
The Tranquil Lotus Sect and the Tongtian Ancient Sect both dispatched teams of cultivators to investigate the Demon Forest further and to harness the newfound resources. The knowledge brought back by Reece and his companions had the potential to elevate the power and prestige of their sects and to further the cultivation world as a whole.
Reece, now regarded highly as he had achieved a new feat for the sect by successfully killing 100 demon beast and also through his discovery. His experiences in the Demon Forest had and the amount of demon beast he hunted proved useful as it was now time to elevate his level. After Reece narrated his ordeals to the sects and showed some of the elemental essence to the elder who were shocked by the purity levels of the essence.
It was now a matter rushing against time as every sect and rogue cultivator would have already heard of the treasure cove beyond the barrier. The elder sent out almost half of the authentic disciples who were supposedly always in indoor training and rarely seen outside. A few elders followed behind to provide additional manpower and suppress those who would defy them.
Reece, having shared his discoveries and adventures with his sect's elders, took his leave from the deliberations and went to the treasury pavilion to exchange the left elemental essence for spirit stones and more demon core. He knew that he needed time to focus on his cultivation and meditation to harness the power of the demon cores and refine them and forge a new body to advance into the second phase (BLOOD COAGULATING REALM). He returned to his mountain cave to go into seclusion so that he could advance into the second phase.
Inside his cave, Reece entered into a state of deep meditation. He closed his eyes, allowing his mind to be quiet and his connection to the Tao Soul to strengthen. The demon core he had obtained were placed before him, their radiant glow filling the cave with a serene and otherworldly light.
Reece's meditation was a process of refinement and enlightenment. He began to channel the energy of the demon cores, allowing their pure power to flow through him. With each passing moment, he felt his own energy aligning with the Tao soul and a harmonious pull and push between the heavens as more aura and power surged into him.
As he delved deeper into his meditation, Reece focused on the spirit stones he had obtained during his journey. It held the essence of the ancient demon beast, a source of incredible power and killing intent. Reece sought to refine this power, to integrate it with his own essence and advance to the second phase of his cultivation.
The process was intense and demanding, a fusion of his own spiritual energy with the essence of the spirit stones and the demon core. Reece's meditation became a journey into the depths of his own being, a quest to unlock hidden potential and achieve a profound understanding of the Tao.
Days turned into weeks as Reece remained in closed meditation, his presence in the cave began to shake the very foundations of the sect as signs started appearing above the cave signaling a breakthrough. His cultivation deepened, and he could feel himself growing closer to the second phase of his journey. The cave itself seemed to resonate with the power and killing intent that flowed through him.
Finally, one fateful day after months of closed training, as the culmination of his efforts, Reece felt a profound transformation take place within him. The barriers that had held him back were shattered, and he entered into the second phase of his cultivation journey with newfound power and enlightenment.
The moment Reece advanced to the second stage of his cultivation, a dramatic shift occurred in the world around him. As if in response to his newfound power and enlightenment, dark clouds gathered overhead, and the atmosphere became charged with an electrifying energy. Thunder rumbled ominously, signaling the arrival of a tribulation which was uncommon for any ordinary cultivator, but Reece was no ordinary cultivator he never cultivated in the 7 by 2-martial way. From a far everyone in the sect saw the phenomenon and headed towards Reece's cave.
Reece, standing outside his cave, understood the significance of this tribulation. It was a test of his cultivation and a crucial step on his path toward greater mastery of the Tao. With unwavering resolve, he prepared to face the formidable forces of nature that would descend upon him, he wanted to stand tall and fight head on with the heavens and emerge victorious.
As the first lightning bolt struck down, Reece's body became enveloped in a blinding flash of light. The raw power of the tribulation stage surged through him, threatening to overwhelm his physical form. However, Reece remained steadfast, his willpower acting as a shield against the onslaught of energy. At this point, both elders and disciples a like had arrived to witness the making of a genius who summoned a tribulation with only a second stage cultivation into the Nascent soul realm.
In this moment of extreme trial, Reece made a pivotal decision. He knew that the tribulation was not just a test of his strength but also a chance to try and cultivate himself further using the thunderous lightning. With extraordinary focus, he closed his eyes and entered a state of deep meditation.
Deep within his consciousness, Reece's spirit descended into the depths of his being. He reached out to touch his Tao soul, a profound essence that resided within him, representing the core of his existence and connection to the Tao. As he made contact with his Tao soul, it stirred to life with a brilliant radiance.
The tribulation above intensified, unleashing a barrage of lightning strikes and thunderclaps. But within the sanctuary of his inner consciousness, Reece's Tao soul responded with its own power. It radiated a brilliant light that harmonized with the elemental forces of the tribulation.
Reece's entire being became a conduit for the convergence of his Tao soul and the tribulation's energy. The harmony between the two was awe-inspiring, as if he had tapped into the very essence of the Tao itself.
As the tribulation continued to rage, Reece's Tao soul expanded, embracing the lightning and thunder as if they were part of his own existence. The power flowed through him, filling every fiber of his being with an unparalleled energy and clarity. His very own sea of consciousness rumbled and the waters surged like an endless tsunami the barriers with holding him back shattered and his sea of consciousness expanded too in order to accommodate the endless surging thunder energy.
The tribulation, unable to overcome this extraordinary harmony, began to dissipate. The thunderclouds receded, and the lightning ceased its assault. Reece stood unscathed, having not only survived the tribulation but transcended it.
With his Tao soul now fully awakened and empowered, Reece emerged from his meditation with a profound sense of accomplishment. He had not only advanced to the second stage of his cultivation but also forged a deeper connection with his inner self and the boundless power of the Tao. He had now advanced into the second stage of the Tao Soul, and it was time to select a new set of techniques from the Tao soul book.
As he looked up at the clearing skies above his cave, Reece knew that his journey was far from over. The tribulation had been a defining moment, a testament to his determination and the limitless potential. The elders who watched from a far were glad to see him survive and more so glad they managed to recruit such a young genius into the sect. It was a feat like no other and an unprecedented one that a nascent soul realm cultivator could cause a tribulation to happen during a breakthrough.
However, amidst the cheers and congratulations, there was one person who couldn't hide his jealousy and discontent—Lian. Reece's continued success only served to intensify Lian's bitterness and desire to eliminate him from the sect.
Lian's jealousy festered like a poison within him, and he was determined to find a way to rid himself of Reece once and for all. He believed that Reece's presence posed a threat to his own aspirations within the sect, and he was willing to go to great lengths to secure his own position.
Lian knew that direct confrontation with Reece would be futile, especially after his recent breakthrough. Instead, he sought to undermine Reece's standing within the sect through subtler means. He began to spread rumors and half-truths about Reece, casting doubt on his integrity and loyalty to the Jao sect.
He also attempted to manipulate other disciples and even some elders, sowing discord and division within the sect. His goal was to isolate Reece, making him an outcast and weakening his influence.
Furthermore, Lian sought allies among those who shared his jealousy and resentment toward Reece. He was determined to assemble a group of like-minded individuals who would assist him in his plot to discredit and ultimately remove Reece from the Jao sect.
Lian's actions, however, did not go unnoticed. Some discerning sect members grew suspicious of his motivations and the discord he was sowing. They recognized the importance of unity within the sect and were unwilling to let Lian's personal vendetta disrupt the harmony that had long prevailed.
As Reece continued to thrive and demonstrate his dedication to the towards his cultivation, the battle of influence and integrity within the sect escalated. The seeds of discontent had been sown, and the conflict between Reece and Lian would come to a head, threatening not only their individual destinies but also the future of the Jao sect itself.