In the quiet of his room, Li Wei sat cross-legged, deep in meditation. His breath was slow and controlled, matching the rhythmic pulse of energy swirling around him. The Qi in the air was thick today, almost palpable, and Li Wei's dantian absorbed it greedily. Ever since the fight between Li Jun and Jin Rui, the calm and methodical way in which Li Wei approached cultivation had been the same. But today, something was different—he could feel the energy within him surging toward the next level.
Li Wei was on the verge of breaking through to Qi Gathering Stage 3.
He knew the sensation well. After eleven lifetimes of reincarnation and countless breakthroughs in the past, the signs were unmistakable. The Qi in his dantian churned, growing denser by the second. His control over the energy was impeccable, guiding it with precision into the center of his dantian, where it spiraled and condensed into a more refined form.
To most cultivators, reaching Qi Gathering Stage 3 would have been a monumental challenge, requiring years of diligent practice. But for Li Wei, this was just another step in a long journey. His past lives had taught him the intricacies of cultivation, and with the help of his Immortal Ascension System, gathering Qi was almost second nature to him.
But he wasn't in a hurry. He allowed the Qi to build up gradually, letting it fill every corner of his dantian before slowly compressing it. Each compression brought him closer to the breakthrough, but rushing would only destabilize his foundation.
The system had been silent since his last check-in, but its presence was always there, like a guiding force in the back of his mind. Li Wei was grateful for it. Without the system's rewards, his progress would have been slower, perhaps more challenging. Yet, it wasn't just about the system. Li Wei had a profound understanding of Qi, something that came from years of experience, not shortcuts.
A knock at the door interrupted his meditation.
"Come in," Li Wei called out, his voice steady, though his concentration remained focused inward.
The door creaked open, revealing none other than Li Jun. His expression was still one of amazement from the recent duel, and his gaze was filled with newfound respect for his leader.
"Li Wei, you wanted to see me?"
Li Wei opened his eyes, the soft glow of energy dissipating as he refocused his attention. He smiled faintly and gestured for Li Jun to sit.
"You did well in the duel, Li Jun," Li Wei said, his voice calm and measured. "But there's still much more to learn."
Li Jun sat down, his face a mix of pride and curiosity. "Thank you, Li Wei. But… how did you know what Jin Rui was going to do? It was like you could see through him."
Li Wei chuckled softly. "Jin Rui is strong, but strength alone isn't enough. His attacks were predictable, and he relied too much on his cultivation level. That's why I was able to guide you."
Li Jun nodded, still trying to grasp the full extent of Li Wei's abilities. "But the telepathy… I've never seen anyone do that before."
Li Wei leaned back slightly, his eyes growing distant. "It's not telepathy in the traditional sense. It's an advanced technique, something I've mastered through understanding Qi on a deeper level. The air around us is filled with Qi, and with enough control, you can transmit your thoughts through that Qi. But it's not easy. The slightest imbalance in control, and the message could be intercepted or distorted."
Li Jun's eyes widened. "So, you used the Qi in the air to send me instructions?"
Li Wei nodded. "Exactly. It's a skill that requires precise control and a deep understanding of the flow of Qi. It's not something that can be learned overnight."
Li Jun looked down at his hands, his mind racing with the possibilities. "That's incredible. I didn't even know something like that was possible."
"It's rare," Li Wei said, his gaze sharp. "And it comes with risks. If someone else with a keen sense of Qi were present, they could have intercepted my thoughts. That's why precision is crucial."
Li Jun was silent for a moment, absorbing the information. Then he looked up at Li Wei, his expression more serious. "I want to learn, Li Wei. Teach me how to do it."
Li Wei studied him for a moment, then gave a slight nod. "In time, perhaps. But first, you need to strengthen your foundation. Focus on refining your Qi and improving your combat skills. Without a strong foundation, advanced techniques like this are meaningless."
Li Jun nodded eagerly. "I understand."
Just as they were about to continue, a loud gong echoed throughout the estate. Both Li Wei and Li Jun stood up immediately, their expressions shifting to one of focus.
"Looks like the announcement is finally here," Li Wei said.
The Li clan's central courtyard was once again filled with its young disciples. But this time, the air was thicker with anticipation. Everyone knew why they were here—the official announcement regarding the Rite of Ascendancy and the mini-tournament to select the team that would represent the Li clan.
Standing at the front, Elder Li Shun, Li Jun's father, addressed the gathered disciples. His voice was deep and authoritative, carrying across the courtyard.
"The Rite of Ascendancy will be held in three months' time," Elder Li Shun began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "As many of you know, this is a rare opportunity for our clan to showcase its strength. Only the best young cultivators from across the region will participate, and we will send our finest to represent us."
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in. "In two weeks, we will hold a mini-tournament here in the Li clan to determine who will join the team. The five strongest will be selected, and the winning team will receive rewards that will aid in their cultivation."
A murmur ran through the crowd. The Rite of Ascendancy was the most prestigious event for young cultivators, and the chance to represent the clan was something every disciple dreamed of.
Elder Li Shun continued, his voice unwavering. "This is not just about strength. It is about skill, strategy, and teamwork. Only those who excel in all areas will be chosen. So prepare yourselves. The next two weeks will be crucial."
Li Wei stood in the crowd, his expression calm, though his mind was already working. The mini-tournament was important, but it was only the first step. His eyes flicked to Li Jun, who was standing beside him, then to Jin Rui, who had just joined them.
We're ready, he thought, his lips curling into a faint smile. This will be interesting.
As the crowd began to disperse, whispers filled the air once again, but this time they were filled with excitement and anticipation for what was to come.
Li Wei, however, was focused on something else entirely. His breakthrough was imminent. Qi Gathering Stage 3 was within his grasp, and with it, he'd be one step closer to his ultimate goal.
The road ahead was long, but Li Wei was patient. He had all the time in the world.