The days continued in the rhythm of cultivation and training. Wei Liang, Zhang Fei, and Han Xun worked tirelessly to refine their techniques, their camaraderie growing stronger with each sparring session and shared meal. Despite the looming pressure of Lin Ziyan's presence and the distant whispers of Elder Yan's return, their focus remained resolute: to ascend the layers of the Qi Gathering Realm and lay the groundwork for their futures.
---
The Pressure of the Seventh Layer
Reaching the seventh layer of the Qi Gathering Realm had been an achievement for Wei Liang, but the climb toward the eighth was proving to be far more challenging. The Qi within his dantian churned restlessly, a sign that his meridians were nearing their limit for this stage of cultivation.
Each evening, Wei Liang returned to the Spirit Mirror Pool to meditate, the serene glow of the water a constant companion in his journey. On one particular night, as he sat cross-legged by the pool, the System chimed softly in his mind.
[Progress: Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm, 96%. Meridian Fortification: 72%. Recommended Focus: Slow Qi Compression.]
Wei Liang exhaled, steadying his breathing as he guided his Qi in smaller, more concentrated flows through his meridians. The process was painstaking, requiring absolute focus to prevent strain or imbalance.
The Lunar-Eye Lens pulsed faintly in his satchel, its presence a reminder of the many tools and challenges he had encountered since arriving in this world.
---
Han Xun's Breakthrough
During a sparring session the next day, Wei Liang noticed a change in Han Xun. His movements, usually grounded in raw stamina, had grown sharper, more deliberate. His Qi, visible through the faint outlines revealed by the Lunar-Eye Lens, flowed with greater intensity.
As Han disarmed his opponent with a well-timed strike, Elder Cai raised a hand, signaling the end of the match.
"Good," Elder Cai said gruffly. "Your foundation is improving. Another week of training like this, and you'll reach the seventh layer."
Han Xun grinned, wiping sweat from his brow as he walked over to Wei Liang and Zhang Fei. "Did you hear that? Seventh layer, here I come!"
"You've earned it," Zhang Fei said, offering a rare smile. "But don't let it get to your head."
Han laughed. "Too late. I'm already planning my victory speech for when I beat Lin Ziyan."
Wei Liang chuckled but said nothing. He was proud of Han's progress but knew that the path ahead was still long.
---
Zhang Fei's Quiet Resolve
That afternoon, Zhang Fei worked on refining her footwork, her movements a blur of precision and control. Wei Liang watched as she practiced alone, her daggers flashing in the sunlight.
"You're pushing yourself harder than usual," he said, stepping closer.
Zhang Fei paused, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. "I have to. Lin Ziyan's not going to slow down, and neither should we."
Wei Liang nodded, sensing the intensity behind her words. Zhang Fei's drive was rooted in more than just rivalry; it was a deep-seated determination to prove herself, not only to others but to herself.
"We'll get there," Wei Liang said quietly. "One step at a time."
Zhang Fei nodded, her expression softening slightly. "One step at a time."
---
Lin Ziyan's Unyielding Dominance
Across the training courtyard, Lin Ziyan continued to dominate every sparring session. His movements were flawless, his Qi radiant with power. Yet Wei Liang's brief use of the Lunar-Eye Lens continued to reveal faint cracks in his flow—flaws that grew more pronounced with each display of strength.
Despite his confidence, Lin Ziyan's aura carried an undercurrent of tension. He was aware of the growing progress of the other disciples, particularly Wei Liang's group, and it was clear he felt the pressure to maintain his lead.
"He's watching us," Zhang Fei whispered as they stood at the edge of the courtyard.
Wei Liang glanced at Lin Ziyan, whose gaze lingered on them briefly before he turned away.
"Let him watch," Wei Liang said, his voice steady. "We'll catch up soon enough."
---
One evening, Elder Lin called Wei Liang aside after training. Her jade-green robes glowed faintly in the moonlight as she regarded him with her usual calm intensity.
"You've progressed well," she said, her tone measured. "But the eighth layer is a significant hurdle. It requires more than just strength—it requires endurance and a deeper understanding of your Qi."
Wei Liang nodded. "What do I need to do?"
Elder Lin gestured toward the Spirit Mirror Pool. "Focus on compression and balance. Your shadow Qi is powerful but volatile. If you can stabilize it further, you'll find the transition to the eighth layer much smoother."
"I'll do my best," Wei Liang said.
Elder Lin's gaze softened slightly. "You've come far, Wei Liang. But remember, cultivation is not a race. The foundation you build now will determine your future."
---
Over the next week, Wei Liang dedicated himself to Elder Lin's advice. Each evening, he returned to the Spirit Mirror Pool, compressing and stabilizing his Qi with deliberate precision. The process was slow, but he could feel the difference with each session.
One night, as he meditated, a sudden surge of energy filled his dantian. His Qi, compressed and refined, flowed smoothly through his meridians, filling every corner of his body with a steady hum of power.
The System chimed softly.
[Breakthrough Achieved: Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.]
[Progress: Qi Stability Enhanced. Energy Efficiency Increased by 15%.]
Wei Liang opened his eyes, his breathing steady as a faint smile crossed his face. He had taken another step forward.
---
As Wei Liang stood, he glanced at the Spirit Mirror Pool, its surface calm and glowing faintly in the moonlight. The journey to the ninth layer of the Qi Gathering Realm was still ahead, but he felt ready for the challenge.
Returning to the dormitories, he found Zhang Fei and Han Xun waiting for him, their expressions curious.
"Another late night at the pool?" Han asked, grinning.
Wei Liang nodded. "I broke through to the eighth layer."
Zhang Fei's eyes widened slightly. "That's impressive. You're getting closer."
Han clapped him on the shoulder. "Looks like we've got some catching up to do."
Wei Liang smiled, their camaraderie a steadying force as they prepared for the climb ahead.
Strength wasn't about rushing to the top—it was about enduring the climb, one step at a time. And together, they would make it.