The weeks following Wei Liang's sparring match with Lin Ziyan were grueling. The Abyssal Core Shard had undoubtedly accelerated his growth, but the path to the ninth layer of the Qi Gathering Realm was as much a test of will as it was of ability.
No one in the sect, not even Lin Ziyan, had reached the ninth layer. Wei Liang realized this wasn't because they lacked talent but because Qi Gathering wasn't just about Qi absorption—it was about refining the foundation of their cultivation. Rushing would be catastrophic, possibly crippling their dantian or fracturing their meridians.
The sect elders had made it clear: no disciple could advance to the Body Tempering Realm until their Qi foundations were flawless. And perfection was a slow, arduous process.
---
Pushing Through the Fifth Layer
In the quiet of the Spirit Mirror Pool, Wei Liang focused on circulating his Qi. The System's appraisal ability had been invaluable in identifying blockages, allowing him to refine his flow with precision. The shadow affinity he'd gained from the Abyssal Core Shard gave his movements a fluidity that felt almost unnatural, but he remained cautious, balancing it with his Earth Root's natural endurance.
[Qi Stability: 85%. Progress to Sixth Layer: 62%.]
His progress was slow but steady. As he meditated, he felt the faint hum of nearby disciples practicing their own techniques. Among them, Lin Ziyan's Qi flared brightest, an almost blinding aura of sharp, aggressive energy that seemed to dominate the area.
Wei Liang opened his eyes, shaking off his distraction. He couldn't afford to compare himself to Lin Ziyan—not yet.
---
A New Mission
A few days later, Elder Cai gathered the outer disciples in the courtyard. His expression was as harsh as ever, his weathered face stern under the rising sun.
"You've all been making progress," he began, his gravelly voice cutting through the crowd. "But progress without application is meaningless. The sect requires another mission—one that will push you beyond comfort."
The disciples murmured among themselves, their excitement mixed with unease. Wei Liang tightened his grip on his sword hilt. Missions in the Verdant Wastes had been dangerous enough. What could be worse?
Elder Cai gestured to a map unfurled on the ground before him. It depicted a sprawling forest bordered by jagged mountains. "This is the Obsidian Ridge," he said. "Its caves contain high-Qi ores vital to the sect's weapon forging. You are tasked with mining these ores and returning them here."
Lin Ziyan scoffed. "Mining? Isn't that a task for mortals?"
Elder Cai's eyes narrowed. "The caves are not unguarded, disciple Lin. Spirit beasts make their lairs there, and the Qi saturation itself will test your limits. If you think this is beneath you, you're welcome to sit here and stagnate while others grow stronger."
The words shut Lin Ziyan up, though the glare he gave Elder Cai did not go unnoticed.
"Gather your gear," Elder Cai ordered. "You leave at dawn."
---
The Obsidian Ridge
The journey to the Obsidian Ridge was shorter than the trek to the Verdant Wastes, but the terrain was far harsher. Steep inclines and jagged rocks slowed their progress, and the oppressive Qi in the air made it hard to breathe.
Wei Liang, Zhang Fei, and Han Xun stuck together, their bond strengthened by their previous missions. Lin Ziyan and his entourage remained ahead of them, the arrogant disciple exuding confidence even as the harsh environment tested them.
As they neared the caves, Wei Liang activated Appraisal, his vision shifting to reveal faint glowing outlines.
[Environment: Obsidian Ridge Caves]
[Qi Density: High. Risk of Qi Overload: Moderate.]
[Known Threats: Rock Serpents, Ironfang Wolves.]
"Careful," he muttered to his team. "The caves are crawling with spirit beasts."
"Great," Han Xun said, hefting his spear. "Another day, another beast trying to eat us."
Zhang Fei smirked. "At least we're getting used to it."
---
The group entered the caves cautiously, their torches casting flickering shadows on the uneven walls. The air was thick with Qi, and faint glimmers of black-and-silver ore lined the walls.
"This must be the obsidian ore," Zhang Fei whispered, running a hand over the jagged rock.
Han Xun began chipping at the wall with a pickaxe provided by the sect, while Wei Liang and Zhang Fei kept watch. The oppressive silence of the cave was broken only by the faint echo of picks striking stone.
That silence didn't last.
A deep, guttural growl echoed from the shadows, sending chills down Wei Liang's spine.
"Something's coming," he said, drawing his sword.
From the darkness emerged a Rock Serpent, its body massive and covered in jagged, stone-like scales. Its glowing yellow eyes fixed on the group, and its tongue flicked out, tasting the air.
Han Xun cursed, dropping his pickaxe and grabbing his spear. "Why is it always snakes?"
The serpent lunged, its enormous jaws snapping inches from Zhang Fei as she dodged to the side. Wei Liang reacted instinctively, channeling his shadow-enhanced Qi into his blade. He slashed at the serpent's flank, leaving a shallow cut across its stony hide.
"It's tough!" he shouted. "Aim for the joints!"
Zhang Fei hurled a dagger, her aim precise. The blade struck the serpent's neck, drawing a hiss of pain as the creature reared back. Han Xun followed up with a powerful thrust, his spear driving into the softer underside of its jaw.
The serpent writhed violently, its tail sweeping across the cave floor and knocking Wei Liang off his feet. He rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow, and sprang back up, his sword ready.
The System chimed softly in his mind.
[Weak Point Identified: Base of the Neck.]
"Zhang, aim for its neck!" Wei Liang called.
She nodded, her movements fluid as she darted forward. Her daggers struck true, piercing the serpent's weak spot. The creature let out a final, pained hiss before collapsing, its body dissolving into faint wisps of Qi.
The group stood panting, their weapons slick with the serpent's black ichor.
"That was tougher than I expected," Han Xun said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"We're not done yet," Zhang Fei replied, glancing deeper into the cave. "Let's grab what we need and get out of here."
---
As they worked, the sound of distant combat echoed through the cave. It wasn't long before they encountered Lin Ziyan and his entourage. The arrogant disciple was standing over the body of a slain Ironfang Wolf, his sword glowing faintly with residual Qi.
"Still alive, farmer?" Lin Ziyan sneered as Wei Liang's group approached.
"Not everyone needs an entourage to survive," Wei Liang shot back, surprising even himself.
Lin Ziyan's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. "You should focus on surviving this mission, Wei Liang. You wouldn't want to hold your friends back."
Before Wei Liang could respond, Zhang Fei stepped between them, her tone icy. "Enough. Let's just finish the mission."
Lin Ziyan scoffed but turned away, leading his group deeper into the cave.
As Wei Liang watched him go, the System chimed once more.
[Progress Update: Qi Gathering Realm, Sixth Layer: 12%. Continue refining Qi for optimal growth.]
Wei Liang exhaled slowly, his resolve hardening. The journey to the ninth layer would be long, but every challenge brought him closer. And one day, Lin Ziyan would see that strength wasn't something handed down by talent alone—it was earned, layer by layer.