After the harrowing experience at Bhangarh Fort, Subham returned to Vidur's mansion with a renewed sense of purpose. The revelation of the powerful soul's domain had left him both shaken and determined to grow stronger. The next few days were a blur of intense cultivation and soul refining, each moment spent honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the Soul Refinement art.
Vidur watched Subham's progress with a mixture of pride and caution. He knew the dangers that lay ahead and the importance of mastering the Soul Refinement art. Under Vidur's watchful eye, Subham's soul grew stronger and more resilient, absorbing the essence of countless low-level souls.
Several days passed in this manner until one quiet morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the windows of Vidur's mansion, Subham felt the threshold of a significant breakthrough approaching. He had been cultivating at the Pulse Condensation stage for some time, and now the next stage beckoned him, like an unattainable horizon finally within reach.
Subham settled into his meditation chamber, a simple room with only a mat and a few candles for light. The air was thick with the scent of incense, helping to calm his mind and focus his energy. He sat cross-legged on the mat, his eyes closed and his breathing steady, beginning to draw in the spiritual energy from his surroundings.
The first step in breaking through to the Xiantian stage was to consolidate his internal energy. This involved refining the spiritual energy within his body, purging any impurities, and aligning it with the pure essence of the universe. Subham visualized the energy as a flowing river, washing away imperfections and leaving behind only the purest, most potent power.
As the energy in his dantian grew denser and more refined, Subham began to experience a sensation of expansion. It was as if his very soul was growing larger, reaching out to connect with the infinite cosmos. This was a crucial part of the breakthrough process, as the Xiantian stage required a deep and harmonious connection with the natural world.
Next came the process of opening the Xiantian meridians. These special channels within the body allowed for the free flow of Xiantian energy. They were normally sealed off, and opening them required immense power and precise control. Subham focused his mind on each meridian in turn, guiding his energy to break through the barriers and allow the Xiantian energy to flow freely.
The sensation was both exhilarating and painful. As each meridian opened, Subham felt a surge of power coursing through him, filling him with almost unbearable energy. His body trembled with the effort, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to maintain control. He knew that losing focus now could be disastrous, potentially causing irreparable damage to his meridians and his cultivation.
Vidur watched from a distance, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and admiration. He knew that this was a crucial moment for Subham and silently offered his support and guidance through their spiritual connection. "Stay focused, Subham. You can do this," Vidur's voice echoed in his mind, providing a steadying influence.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Subham succeeded in opening all of his Xiantian meridians. The energy within him began to flow more freely, moving with a grace and power that was almost beyond his comprehension. He felt a profound sense of harmony with the universe, as if he had become one with the very fabric of existence.
But the breakthrough was not yet complete. The final step was to form the Xiantian Core, a concentrated nexus of energy within his dantian that would serve as the foundation for his future cultivation. This required drawing in a massive amount of spiritual energy and compressing it into a dense, stable core.
Subham took a deep breath and focused his mind on this final task. He visualized the energy within him coalescing into a single, powerful point, drawing in more and more power until it reached a critical mass. The process was incredibly taxing, both physically and mentally, but Subham pushed through the pain and exhaustion, driven by an unwavering determination.
As the Xiantian Core began to form, Subham felt a surge of power unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was as if the very essence of the universe was converging within him, filling him with limitless energy. He could feel his body and soul transforming, becoming stronger and more resilient with each passing moment.
Finally, with a final burst of effort, Subham succeeded in forming the Xiantian Core. The energy within him stabilized, settling into a steady, powerful rhythm. He opened his eyes, feeling a profound sense of clarity and enlightenment. He had done it. He had broken through to the Xiantian stage.
Vidur approached him, a proud smile on his face. "Congratulations, Subham. You have achieved a significant milestone in your cultivation journey."
Subham nodded, still trying to process the incredible sensation of power and harmony within him. "Thank you, Master. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Vidur placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Remember, this is only the beginning. The Xiantian stage is a significant achievement, but there is still much to learn and many challenges to overcome. Stay focused and continue to refine your skills."
Subham nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I will, Master. I won't let you down."
Vidur smiled, pleased with his student's progress. "Now that you've broken through to the Xiantian stage, let me explain what it means. The Xiantian stage is a crucial turning point in your cultivation. It marks the transition from merely accumulating energy to truly understanding and harmonizing with the natural world. Your connection with the universe will become deeper, allowing you to draw on its power more effectively."
Subham listened intently, absorbing every word. "So, how do I use this newfound power?"
Vidur continued, "With your Xiantian Core formed, you will find that your spiritual energy flows more smoothly and with greater potency. This will enhance all your abilities, from physical strength to spiritual perception. You'll also be able to cultivate more advanced techniques that were beyond your reach before."
Subham's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "What should I focus on next, Master?"
Vidur thought for a moment. "Now that you've stabilized your Xiantian Core, it's time to explore its potential. Continue refining your soul, but also start working on advanced martial techniques and spiritual arts. Remember, the Xiantian stage is about balance and harmony. Don't rush; let your understanding deepen naturally."
Subham nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I understand, Master. I'll continue to train diligently."
Vidur smiled, placing a hand on Subham's shoulder. "I have no doubt you will. You've come a long way, Subham. Keep pushing forward, and you'll achieve even greater heights."
With Vidur's guidance and his own determination, Subham felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He had broken through to the Xiantian stage, but his journey was far from over. The path to mastery was long and arduous, but he was prepared to walk it, one step at a time.