As the monstrous Grade 3 beast crumpled to the ground, its life force slipping away with a final, earth-shaking tremor, Li Wei's system screen appeared in his mind:
**[You have delivered the final blow to a Grade 3 beast. You have earned 30 LP.]**
The bold notification glowed, pulsating in his mind's eye as if to celebrate this victory. Thirty LP – a solid addition to his reserves and a confirmation of the life force he'd gained by overcoming such a formidable creature. Silently acknowledging the system's reward, Li Wei dismissed the screen and looked to his teammates, who were all standing around, their chests heaving, exhilarated but visibly drained.
The remains of the creature shimmered on the forest floor, its thick, mottled hide reflecting hues of deep indigo and silver, a rare coloration seen only in Grade 3 beasts. The beast's essence still lingered in the air, its residual energy mingling with the mist, filling the clearing with a sense of primal strength and untamed power.
"Let's take a moment here," Li Wei said, his voice calm but commanding. "This is a rare opportunity. Use it to cultivate and fully absorb the power from the orbs."
With a collective nod, they each found a spot in the clearing, sitting cross-legged in a circle. The energy from the beast, mixed with the lingering effects of the Whispering Shadows' trial, seemed to fill the air, settling into them as they prepared to cultivate.
Closing his eyes, Li Wei focused inward, feeling the orb's energy waiting, simmering within him like a caged storm. He could sense that his current Qi Gathering Stage base wasn't fully attuned to this newfound power; it was as if his body needed to evolve, to rise to a new level that would properly house this strength.
Following his lead, his teammates also turned their attention inward, each sensing the pulsing energies in their own bodies. Mei Chen's breathing steadied, her hands glowing faintly with a blue light as she drew out the essence of her orb, letting it flow through her meridians. The energy coursed like a river through her veins, its rhythm powerful and calm, reinforcing her agility and precision.
Jin Rui's crimson aura began to shimmer as he focused, his cultivation absorbing the orb's potent strength. His usually calm expression transformed, intensity flashing in his eyes as the energy from his orb coursed through him, amplifying his Qi and pushing him toward a breakthrough. He could feel a new level within his grasp, as though his inner strength was shattering its old constraints.
For Zhou Wei, the emerald energy from his orb radiated outwards, aligning with the earth beneath him, his senses expanding to feel the hum of life all around. He breathed deeply, drawing in this unity with the world, his connection to the earth deepening with every pulse.
Li Jun's mixed colors orb sparkled like starlight as his cultivation increased, illuminating him from within. His presence grew more defined, as though his spirit was melding with his surroundings, an ethereal quality settling into his aura as he absorbed the power of his orb.
For Li Wei, the process was nothing short of transformative. The energy surged within him, lighting up his core like a blazing sun. He felt his meridians expand, his spirit rising as his cultivation base pushed beyond the previous boundary. It was as though his very soul was adjusting to house a greater power, like a blade being reforged to withstand even stronger strikes.
The clearing glowed faintly, each of them radiating with the colors of their individual energies as they felt the moment of breakthrough draw closer. One by one, they each hit a peak, their bodies and souls resonating with newfound strength, and then – as though answering a silent call – they broke through.
A wave of Qi burst forth from each of them, rippling outward, sending gentle tremors across the forest floor. The air felt electrified, vibrating with their combined energies. The night was silent, as if the forest itself had stopped to witness their transformation.
Li Wei opened his eyes, feeling the energy stabilize within him, a refined power now flowing in harmony with his cultivation base. This was different from anything he had felt before – his previous cultivation base, once so familiar, had been completely reshaped, realigned to his current strength.
As he looked around, he saw the same look of astonishment mirrored in each of his teammates' eyes. Mei Chen was flexing her fingers, feeling the heightened sensitivity in her movements, her body responding with an agility and precision that far surpassed what she had known before.
Jin Rui stood slowly, his muscles rippling with a newfound power. He raised his staff, giving it a light swing, feeling how effortlessly it cut through the air. "This… this is unreal," he said, awe coloring his voice. "I feel like I could shatter boulders with a single strike."
Zhou Wei pressed his palm against the earth, his connection to the ground so deep he could feel the heartbeat of the forest. "It's as if I've become one with nature," he murmured, his voice reverent. "Every step, every breath… the world itself feels clearer."
Li Jun, his spear now an extension of his will, could feel the clarity in his movements, each strike perfected in his mind before it even left his hand. "This strength… it's as if the path to the next level is clearer than ever," he said, eyes glinting with determination.
Li Wei's gaze was steady as he observed them, pride swelling in his chest. They had come so far, but he knew this was only the beginning. With this new strength, they could face even greater challenges ahead, the Endless Forest's secrets awaiting them with even more intensity.
"We've all taken a huge step forward tonight," Li Wei said, his voice filled with conviction. "But remember, this strength isn't just for us. Together, we're stronger, and we'll need to rely on that unity as we continue."
They each nodded, their expressions solemn but brimming with excitement. The Endless Forest had tested them, forcing them to confront their limits, but it had also rewarded them, gifting them with a power that would carry them through the trials that lay ahead.
As they settled back to rest for a brief moment, Li Wei looked up at the star-studded sky, feeling a sense of purpose harden within him. His journey to immortality, and his ambitions for the Li clan – they were no longer just distant dreams. With every trial, every battle, he was closer to realizing those goals, his path sharpened by every challenge he overcame.
Tomorrow, they would continue deeper into the Endless Forest, their new strength a beacon against whatever darkness lay ahead. But tonight, they rested, each of them stronger, more resolved, and bound by an unbreakable trust forged in the fires of adversity.