Wu Zheng reached the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm five days before his planned seclusion period ended. Standing tall in his cave, he began his morning stretches, feeling the familiar rush of energy surging through him. After a while, he employed the Qi Limit Technique to suppress his cultivation to the early fifth stage of the Qi Condensation Realm.
Once satisfied, he closed the independent space and set about tidying up as he had done previously. This time, however, he did not leave immediately; instead, he settled onto the mat, contemplating his next move. With five days remaining in his seclusion, he did not want to rush his breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm, resolving instead to wait for the next seclusion period.
Eventually, his curiosity prompted him to check the notice board. He accessed his personal panel in the system:
---
[Wu Zheng]
Lifespan: 16/120
Potential: 24%
Cultivation: 9th stage of Qi Condensation
Cultivation Technique: Heaven Origin
Techniques:
Sword Serpent Technique (Mortal)
Swift Sword Technique (Mortal)
Two Bull Sword Technique (Mortal)
Spirit Wall Technique (Earth)
Qi Limit (Heaven)
Song of Inferno (Earth)
Moon Step (Earth)
[System Functions: Notice Board]
---
He clicked on the notice board function.
Do you want to open the function 'Notice Board'?
[Y/N]
Wu Zheng clicked Y.
---
[Notice Board]
Wu Yao has successfully completed her seclusion, breaking through to the 6th stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Wu Rui has successfully completed his seclusion, breaking through to the 1st stage of the Golden Core Realm.
Wu Da found a rare spirit herb.
Wu Fu found a rare spirit herb.
The 5th Elder found a rare spirit herb.
Wu Chen has started cultivating a cyan rank cultivation technique; his cultivation has increased.
---
As he scanned through the messages, a few significant points stood out.
First, Wu Fu, Wu Da, and the 5th Elder had discovered a rare spirit herb during their travels.
Second, Wu Yao had advanced to the 6th stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, marking a noteworthy achievement.
Third, Wu Rui's ascent to the Golden Core Realm meant that a banquet would be held in celebration, as was customary for the Wu family. The family traditionally celebrated whenever a new Golden Core cultivator emerged. Wu Zheng calculated that the banquet typically occurred about a month after the breakthrough, allowing the new cultivator time to consolidate their power.
Lastly, Wu Chen acquiring a cyan rank cultivation technique was a significant development that could dramatically enhance his cultivation speed.
Is this the trump card of the Jiang family?
---
Before he could ponder further, the five days of seclusion came to an end, and Wu Zheng emerged from his cave. As usual, he found himself outside his mother's house, where he displayed his cultivation to her. Wu Hua, thrilled and astonished, was eager to embrace her son.
Yet, amid her excitement, she shared news that Wu Zheng had been dreading.
"Wu Zheng, the banquet will be held in six days. Your brother Wu Rui has stepped into the Golden Core Realm," Wu Hua said, her smile brimming with pride.
"Mother, can't I skip it?" Wu Zheng frowned, struggling to hide his reluctance.
"No, you must attend. You know the clan rules," she insisted, her tone firm. "If you're not on a mission or in the midst of a critical breakthrough, you have to go. And besides, he is your brother."
Wu Zheng bit back his frustration. He did not want to embark on a mission, nor could he claim he was preparing for a breakthrough when he had only just reached the fifth stage.
After a moment of silence, he finally said, "Mother, at the banquet, the Golden Core cultivator who has just broken through becomes the center of attention and can arrange duels for anyone below the Golden Core for entertainment. Wu Rui doesn't like me, and he will surely make things difficult."
"So what? Wu Zheng, you're worrying for nothing. Yes, he can set up a duel, but only against cultivators of equal realm. You have Earth rank techniques; why fret? I know my son won't lose," Wu Hua said, her excitement unwavering.
With no way to sway his mother's determination, Wu Zheng reluctantly left her house. After a long absence, he finally returned to his own home, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming banquet, where challenges and confrontations awaited.