Chapter 18: Breaking through to Dou Shi, Revival in Sight!
On the summit of the back mountain, Xiao Ze's breakthrough seemed to happen effortlessly.
He absorbed vast amounts of natural energy, along with speckled Dou Qi, circulating through his meridians and converging into his lower abdomen.
However, unrefined Dou Qi, once mixed with one's own refined Dou Qi, could contaminate it, posing a risk. An influx of large amounts of Dou Qi also carried risks, potentially damaging one's Dou Qi vortex and causing a drop in rank.
But faced with this speckled Dou Qi, the Dou Qi vortex within Xiao Ze's body consumed it without any hesitation.
The pale blue Dou Qi vortex spun rapidly, akin to a whirlpool, exuding terrifying attraction.
All the Dou Qi that entered the vortex, whether refined or speckled, was compressed equally.
Impurities were removed, and essence was condensed.
With each rotation, some impurities were expelled through his pores and breath.
After a frenzy of consumption for some time, the Dou Qi within the vortex became extremely pure, as if it had reached a critical point.
Drip!
A drop of liquid Dou Qi slowly emerged, eventually falling into the vortex. Unlike the pale blue Dou Qi, this liquid Dou Qi had a deeper, more profound color.
As the first drop of liquid Dou Qi appeared, more followed, converging into the vortex like a gentle rain.
As these liquid Dou Qi accumulated, they began to circulate throughout Xiao Ze's body, nourishing his blood, meridians, and bones.
His physical quality skyrocketed at an astonishing rate, and he felt a sense of relief permeating his entire body.
Even his soul felt nourished and strengthened.
Moreover, Xiao Ze keenly sensed that the texture of this liquid Dou Qi seemed different. Though in liquid form, it felt as solid as a rock, dense and weighty!
As time passed, the rain within the vortex gradually diminished.
While the pale blue Dou Qi vortex continued to spin rapidly, emitting a sense of unfulfilled desire.
"Not satisfied yet?"
Xiao Ze inwardly questioned.
After feeling a significant increase in the strength of his meridians, Xiao Ze released the suppression on the Dou Qi vortex.
A more terrifying attraction erupted from the vortex, and natural energy converged outside his body, forming a huge vortex.
Large amounts of natural energy entered his body through every pore, and Xiao Ze calmly integrated it using his breath, directing it into the Dou Qi vortex.
The rain within the vortex, which had gradually diminished, began to intensify once more.
Xiao Xuner watched in astonishment as a vortex of natural energy formed around Xiao Ze's body.
Beside her, a figure slowly appeared, concealed in darkness, like a phantom.
"Miss, Master Xiao Ze's talent is rare even among the ancient clans. Just breaking through to Dou Shi exhibits such power, something I've never seen before."
Ling Ying exclaimed in amazement.
As an advanced Dou Huang, he had seen many grand scenes, but this was unprecedented!
"Yes, Master Xiao Ze's talent is truly unparalleled. Perhaps he may even become a Saint in the future!"
Xiao Xuner looked at the center of the vortex with anticipation.
Hearing Xiao Xuner's high praise for Xiao Ze, Ling Ying couldn't help but marvel.
Dou Zun was already an unattainable existence in the Dou Qi continent.
As for a Dou Saint, they were terrifying beings who could create small worlds from endless void!
However, Ling Ying didn't remain silent this time as he did before. Instead, he nodded in agreement.
Perhaps Master Xiao Ze could indeed break through numerous obstacles and restrictions, reaching the level of a Saint, or even glimpsing the path of sanctification!
During their silence, only the roaring wind echoed in their ears. Suddenly, Xiao Xuner looked toward the foot of the mountain.
"It seems that Xiao Ze's breakthrough phenomenon has also attracted the attention of the Xiao family. I'll go explain."
Xiao Xuner said to Ling Ying, somewhat worried.
"Ling Lao, please take care of Master Xiao Ze. In case of any mishap, please inform me."
"This is natural, Miss!"
Ling Ying nodded. He concealed himself once again in the darkness, observing Xiao Ze's progress.
Meanwhile, Xiao Xuner went to the foot of the mountain and coincidentally met Xiao Zhan, who had come to check on the situation.
"Xuner, you're here. Is Ze'er up there?"
Seeing Xiao Xuner, Xiao Zhan immediately thought of Xiao Ze.
Although Xiao Ze was low-key, as his father, Xiao Zhan still paid attention to his son's situation.
Where Xiao Ze appeared, Xiao Xuner was sure to be there. The two were almost inseparable, so Xiao Zhan made this inquiry.
"Yes, Uncle Xiao Zhan, Xiao Ze is currently at a critical moment of breakthrough. So please don't disturb him to avoid any mishaps."
Xiao Zhan was taken aback.
Breakthrough?
Isn't Ze'er already at the ninth stage of Dou Qi?
Suddenly, Xiao Zhan realized something and asked with difficulty.
"Breakthrough... to Dou Shi?"
"Yes." Xiao Xuner smiled and nodded.
Xiao Zhan sucked in a cold breath. If this breakthrough succeeded, it meant that Ze'er would become a Dou Shi at the age of eleven!
"Hahaha, good, good, good! There's hope for the revival of the Xiao family!"
After the initial shock, Xiao Zhan finally burst into hearty laughter.
He repeated "good" several times, chanting to himself: there's hope for revival!
"Very well, breaking through to Dou Shi is crucial. We can't let others disturb him. I'll have the other family members who intend to come and check on him turn back!"
Xiao Zhan said decisively, "Xuner, please help watch over Ze'er. If anything goes wrong, please inform me."
"Of course, Uncle Xiao Zhan!"
Xiao Xuner smiled gently and replied.
This was Xiao Ze's father. In the future, she might have to change how she addressed him.
After receiving Xiao Xuner's response, Xiao Zhan hurriedly rushed back.
He intercepted other clan members who intended to come and investigate, blocking their path at the critical intersection leading to the back mountain.
Even after turning the clan members away, Xiao Zhan could still see the peculiar phenomenon on the summit of the back mountain.
"A breakthrough to Dou Shi causes such phenomena. Ze'er is truly gifted!"
Xiao Zhan thought that in a few years, Xiao Ze would surpass him and lead the Xiao family to an even more brilliant future.
He patted his chest with relief, silently vowing, "Before Ze'er grows up, I must protect him well!"
...
The surging natural energy gradually subsided, and Xiao Ze slowly opened his eyes.
Feeling the pale blue Dou Qi vortex within him shrinking by half, along with the solidified liquid Dou Qi within the vortex, Xiao Ze felt a sense of contentment.
Looking at the two additional notifications from the system, Xiao Ze decided to study them later when he had some free time.
These were notifications that appeared after Xiao Xuner broke through to One-Star Dou Zhe.
For now, he should share the good news with Xuner.
(End of this chapter)