[One Month Later]
The wish is available.
I sighed, shifting slightly on my meditation mat. Ah, yes, system, thank you for reminding me for the fifth time this month. You must really think I'm forgetful—or maybe you're just lonely.
Congratulations, host, for reaching the peak of Qi Condensation Realm. Please proceed to the next stage: Foundation Establishment.
Wow, system, you don't say, I thought, rolling my eyes. I would never have figured that out on my own, what with the overflowing energy humming in my veins and all.
The past month had flown by like a dream, each day blurring into the next. Time spent in closed-door cultivation felt strange, almost suspended. It was like I was on autopilot, lost in an endless stream of absorbing Qi and focusing. And just like that, I'd reached the peak of Qi Condensation without even realizing how much time had passed. But now, a new challenge awaited.
Perfect, I thought, stretching and letting the weight of the news settle in. This calls for a little surprise visit to my friends.
A grin tugged at my lips. I could already picture Kael's raised eyebrow and Lina's look of disbelief when I revealed my progress.
I wanted to surprise them when I reached peak Qi condensation but now I just had a idea, why not surprise them when I reach foundation establishment. That would be a lot more fucking impressive.
Before any dramatic reveals, I needed to make sure I actually knew how to break through to Foundation Establishment. The last thing I wanted was to pretend I had it all under control and end up as a laughingstock—or worse, a cautionary tale.
And for that, I needed to find the new elder who'd instructed us so kindly, Come to me when you reach the peak of Qi Condensation. His words had echoed in my head for weeks, and now that I was ready, I'd take him up on the offer. No use figuring this breakthrough stuff out solo.
The training grounds were bustling as usual, filled with disciples diligently practicing. I weaved through the crowd, ignoring the whispers and glances. It was like walking around with a neon sign that read "Important Person Here, not that I dislike it."
The elder, arms crossed and posture as rigid as a spear, stood watching the disciples with a scrutinizing gaze. When his eyes locked onto me, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he quickly masked it. "Your Highness Michael," he said, voice clipped, "what brings you here?"
I bowed lightly, even though I am now a crown prince of a empire so huge that it rules an entire continent, a formality I did to show respect. "Elder, I've reached the peak of Qi Condensation and wish to proceed to Foundation Establishment."
His eyebrow twitched—just barely—but enough for me to notice. Gotcha, I thought, fighting back a smirk. "I see. That's impressive—quicker than everyone by miles, as expected from your Royal Highness." He stepped forward, crossing his arms as he began his explanation. "The path to Foundation Establishment is no simple shift. In Qi Condensation, you merely just absorb and store Qi in your body. But for Foundation Establishment, you must transform that Qi, condensing it into liquid form throughout your body."
Liquid Qi, huh? I thought, picturing my insides turning into some sort of mystical juice box. I nodded, listening intently, though my mind kept drifting to what this would feel like.
The elder's eyes narrowed as if sensing my wandering thoughts. "This is not something to be taken lightly, Michael. Condensing your Qi improperly can damage your pathways and delay your cultivation. Precision and patience are key."
I nodded, pushing aside my usual bravado. "Understood, Elder. Thank you for the guidance."
"If you still need help, come to me anytime." His eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, searching, maybe for doubt or fear. Finding none, he inclined his head and turned back to the other disciples, his job done. But as I walked away, I couldn't help but catch a whisper from a nearby group.
"Did you hear? He's already at peak Qi Condensation."
"No way! I am still learning to feel the Qi."
"Must be nice being the crown prince."
I stifled a laugh Mere peasants…. Just kidding.
Back in my room, I set up the space for my breakthrough, taking deep breaths to calm the swirling excitement and nerves. The system had suggested this a while ago, hinting that pushing forward could unlock something beyond just power. And after the whole incident with the executed elder, I needed to be stronger, not just to protect myself but to navigate this world where a word from me could end lives.
Before I sat down, a thought struck me. "System, if I succeed, do I get anything special for this breakthrough?"
Host will awaken a powerful skill upon reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm.
I blinked. "Wait, you're serious? No catch, no 'Oops, we were kidding'?"
To find more information, host will need to use a wish..
You do this on purpose huh, you @@$&$$&$$@