As soon as all the outer disciples gathered, the instructor made a loud sound that silenced the entire crowd. "Is everyone here?"
The crowd responded, "Yes, Instructor Oh."
"Today, we will focus on refining our Qi. Do not forget the great favor of the sect, which has allowed you, the riffraff, to practice the 'Star Gathering' technique."
The crowd responded with excited voices, "Oh, finally, we will strengthen our Qi."
Instructor Oh began reciting the contents of the scroll, which the crowd could only describe as deserving of its name, except for Yang Kai. As soon as the instructor started reciting the first lines of the technique, Yang Kai saw many flaws that would prevent them from transcending the Absolute Realm.
Yang Kai began to mentally revise the content and method of the refinement and started refining with great calmness. His refining speed was extraordinary, allowing him to gain more than a year's worth of refinement in a short time.
Instructor Oh approached Yang Kai. "It seems you are making significant progress. I believe you will break through to the Second-Grade Disciple level within no less than two months."
Yang Kai started laughing. "Two months?"
"I will achieve it in a week."
Instructor Oh replied, "A week???"
"If I manage to reach that level in a week, I will give you a Ten Thousand Fighters Pill."
Yang Kai smiled. "Once I consume this pill, I will be very close to reaching the First Grade. Then, I will punish that foolish instructor."
"Alright, I want you to provide me with a spear technique to build upon."
(In the world of martial arts, you cannot ascend the ranks solely through refinement. You need to refine Qi and advanced skills.)
Instructor Oh handed over the Plum Blossom Spear Technique Scroll *Second Grade*. "Take this; it will be sufficient for your advancement."
Yang Kai smiled. "Thank you, Master."
The crowd looked at Yang Kai with envy. "I wish I were in his place."
"Such a lucky guy."
Yang Kai took the spear book and went to his residence, where he informed Instructor Oh that he would not be able to join the training because he would enter seclusion.
Instructor Oh replied, "Remember, you will be punished if you do not become a Second-Grade Disciple within a week."
Yang Kai arrived at his hut and began training on the Plum Blossom Spear Technique.
Two days passed as Yang Kai trained on the spear technique, but he could not master it perfectly. He only had five days left to transfer his Qi. However, he had high hopes for the future. To build a strong foundation, he needed to refine the technique he wanted to breakthrough with to perfection.
Therefore, Yang Kai decided to continue refining the spear skills.
After two days, Yang Kai finally achieved perfection in the spear technique. Even though it was only a Second-Grade technique, achieving perfection typically took geniuses months.
Yang Kai sighed with relief. "Phew, finally. Now I will attempt to refine my Qi. I already have 10 years of Qi, and I only need to add 5 more years."
Yang Kai continued refining with the 'Star Gathering' technique until he reached 15 years of Qi within two days. His speed was astonishing, but he still could not break through to the Second Grade. Everyone knew that mastering a Second-Grade technique and reaching 15 years of Qi typically allowed a breakthrough to the Second Grade, but Yang Kai could not manage it.
Yang Kai began to worry, "Can I really not do it? Is it because of my training speed or do I need more Qi? There is only one day left, and I won't have enough Qi."
Yang Kai sighed and left his seclusion after six days.
"I will go get some fresh air."
Yang Kai began wandering within the sect until he overheard some inner disciples talking. "Have you heard about the medicinal herb found on Mount Huo?"
"I heard it is guarded by a powerful mysterious beast."
1. Third-Grade Martial Artist ~ Demon Follower (5 years of Qi)
2. Second-Grade Martial Artist ~ Demon Commander (15 years of Qi)
3. First-Grade Martial Artist ~ Demon Captain (35 years of Qi)
4. Pinnacle Level ~ Demon General (75 years of Qi)
5. Beyond Pinnacle (Ascendant Realm) ~ Demon King (155 years of Qi)
6. Absolute Realm (Qi amount unknown)