Zhang Xin walked back to Master Han Lingxiu's secluded dwelling with a sense of purpose in his step. He held tightly onto the three rare items he had fought so hard to obtain—the Soulfire Essence, the Moonlight Dew, and the Dragonroot Herb—the ingredients that would help Master Han create the powerful pill to hide the aura of the ancient map.
Master Han Lingxiu greeted him with a nod, a faint smile curling on his lips as he eyed the precious items. "You have done well, Zhang Xin. You have braved dangerous paths, fought battles that most would have crumbled under, and brought back these rare treasures. It is time to prepare the pill, but before we begin, you must rest and cultivate. It will take me a month to refine the ingredients into a pill that can mask the aura of the map."
Zhang Xin nodded, exhausted but resolute. "I understand, Master. I'll begin cultivating right away."
A Month of Cultivation
Master Han Lingxiu led Zhang Xin to a simple, well-lit room that seemed to hum with quiet energy. The walls were lined with ancient scrolls, and the air felt thick with wisdom and power. Zhang Xin settled onto a mat in the center of the room, his body aching from the recent battles, but his heart still burning with determination.
As he sat down, ready to enter a deep state of cultivation, a familiar voice echoed in his mind—the voice of the Golden Dragon in his Sea of Consciousness.
Golden Dragon: "Zhang Xin, it is time to absorb the Golden Dragon Blood."
Zhang Xin's eyes widened. He had been waiting for this moment. He had already given the Golden Dragon Blood to Dragon Zhu Wei, the golden dragon he had helped unseal during the competition. Now, with the Golden Dragon's power unlocked, Zhu Wei had sworn to lend Zhang Xin his true strength when the time was right.
Zhang Xin concentrated, and in his mind, he saw the golden dragon's immense form rising before him. Zhu Wei, now in his full golden dragon form, spoke, his voice powerful and filled with regal authority.
Zhu Wei: "Today, I will lend you my true power, Zhang Xin. With my blood, you will surpass your limits. Prepare yourself."
Zhang Xin felt the surge of energy as the Golden Dragon Blood poured into his body, merging with his very essence. His entire being was consumed by an overwhelming force, his veins glowing with golden light. The power was unlike anything he had ever felt before—it was ancient, primal, and awe-inspiring.
The sheer strength of the golden dragon blood felt like it was tearing through his body, forcing every muscle, every fiber of his being to transform. Pain coursed through his veins as his Light Attribute and the Golden Dragon power collided, amplifying his cultivation. His body burned with energy, and he felt the power of the dragon surge within him, fusing with his soul.
For a long moment, Zhang Xin felt as though he were drowning in power, his body unable to fully contain the force. But then, it began to settle, the golden energy dissipating into his form, grounding him in a way he had never experienced before.
The Breakthrough to Light Level 4
As the golden light faded, Zhang Xin opened his eyes to see the familiar blue skies of his Sea of Consciousness. The pain was gone, replaced by a profound calm and strength. He could feel the changes within him—his energy now coursed through his body faster, more fluidly, and with a sense of mastery that had eluded him before.
He was no longer just a cultivator with potential—he was now a Light Master at Level 4.
Zhang Xin's heart raced with excitement as he realized what he had achieved. With the Golden Dragon's blood in his veins, he was stronger than ever, and this power would allow him to protect the people he cared about, pursue his goals, and confront the dangers that lay ahead.
In the distance, the Golden Dragon's voice spoke once more, its tone filled with pride.
Zhu Wei: "You have taken the first step into your true potential, Zhang Xin. With this power, you will not be defeated easily."
Master Han's Progress
Meanwhile, in the other room, Master Han Lingxiu carefully mixed the rare ingredients, performing his ancient techniques with utmost precision. His hands moved gracefully, weaving magic into the air as the Soulfire Essence, Moonlight Dew, and Dragonroot Herb slowly began to meld together. The pill he was crafting was not just any ordinary medicine; it was a masterwork that would hide the ancient map's aura, making it impossible for others to track its power.
As the days passed, Zhang Xin remained deep in meditation, cultivating his newfound power. Each day, he felt himself growing stronger. He could sense the changes within his body, the newly unlocked energy coursing through him, making him more attuned to the world around him. The golden dragon power had heightened his senses, allowing him to perceive the smallest shifts in the air and the most subtle fluctuations in energy.
The Final Pill
One month later, Zhang Xin awoke from his meditation, feeling refreshed and more powerful than ever. He left his room and made his way to where Master Han Lingxiu had been working. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and energy. Master Han Lingxiu was standing over a small pedestal, where a gleaming pill sat, radiating an ethereal glow.
Master Han Lingxiu turned and looked at Zhang Xin, his eyes sharp but approving. "You've made progress, Zhang Xin. And now, this pill is ready." He handed the pill to Zhang Xin, who took it carefully in his hands. The pill was perfectly round, with a crystalline sheen to it, and it seemed to hum with power.
"This pill," Master Han Lingxiu explained, "will mask the aura of the map for a long time. Use it wisely, and no one will be able to track its energy."
Zhang Xin nodded, taking the pill from Master Han Lingxiu's hands. He felt the weight of the moment, understanding the significance of the task ahead.
"Thank you, Master Han," Zhang Xin said respectfully.
Master Han Lingxiu gave a small, approving smile. "It is only the beginning, Zhang Xin. There will be many more trials ahead, but now you are ready for them. You have power—use it wisely."
Zhang Xin looked at the pill in his palm, his mind filled with thoughts of the road ahead. With the pill, he would be able to protect the map and the treasures it held. But there were many dangers still waiting for him in the world, and he would need every ounce of strength he had just to survive.
With a determined look on his face, Zhang Xin placed the pill in his mouth and swallowed it, feeling a surge of energy ripple through him. The aura of the ancient map, which had been pulsating in the background of his consciousness, faded completely.
He was ready for whatever came next.