Months had passed since Liang entered the relentless world of the spirit. His progress in developing his abilities was notable, but the challenges were many. Managing the growth of his "inner world" within his body was an exhausting task, while the outside world was rapidly descending into chaos. Spiritual beasts roamed across China, and news reached him sporadically, offering only fragmented truths about the unfolding events. China had lost 70% of its land, and major cities had fortified their walls, yet these defenses proved insufficient to protect the masses.
Liang's mind was often preoccupied with one question: "How can I help my family in this situation?" The realization of his inability to act in the real world left him in a state of turmoil. He wondered whether he could truly use his growing spiritual powers to survive in a world that was changing at an alarming rate. The spiritual beasts grew more formidable by the day, and everything seemed to be on the verge of collapse.
Yet, despite the external threats, Liang recognized that the greatest danger might be found within himself. His spiritual abilities were escalating rapidly, but he struggled to control them. The more his powers expanded, the more complicated it became to harmonize the five elements within his body. He knew he needed balance, not just within his abilities but within his very essence.
"If I can't control the elements, I will become a burden instead of a protector," he thought, standing amidst the vastness of his inner world, where energy pulsed from the earth beneath him. His inner world, which had once been a small area barely measuring a square meter, was now expanding slowly, but this growth wasn't enough for him.
Liang knew the key to growing stronger was to cultivate the balance between the five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Metal. He focused on each element individually, seeking to master their interplay and unlock his full potential.
1.Earth Element:
Liang began with the Earth. He focused his mind on the soil, sensing its fertility. The energy within it resonated with him, and for the first time, he felt as if the earth itself responded to his call. He could feel the roots of the spiritual plants begin to grow.
2.Water Element:
Next, Liang turned to Water. Though the waters in his inner world were clear, they lacked interaction with the other elements. He meditated deeply, using ancient breathing techniques taught by his master, You Feng. As he synchronized his breath with the flow of water and air, the waters started to ripple in harmony, moving in ways he had never experienced before.
3.Fire Element:
The Fire element was a challenge. While Liang had a natural affinity for it, feeling an inexplicable surge of energy from within, it was also the most difficult to control. The fire burned brightly, clashing with the calmness of water, creating an imbalance. Slowly, through trial and error, he learned to temper the fire, blending it with the air around him, allowing it to stabilize.
After a long day of training, Liang was exhausted, but a new ambition had started to emerge within him. It was clear to him now that his power wasn't limited to just his spiritual abilities—it was his understanding of the harmony between the elements that would allow him to reach new heights.
It was then that the system sent a new notification:
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[System]:
Level 4: Life Creation
Requirements: 200 Units of Spiritual Energy
Newly Discovered Abilities:
*Expand internal territory to 10 square meters.
*Modify terrain within the inner world.
*Ability to create a sustainable environment for living creatures.
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"I've reached level four… this means I am ready to create life within my world." For the first time since beginning his journey, Liang felt a surge of purpose. He could see a true path forward—he could create a world where he and his family could be safe, away from the chaos outside.
However, there was still one major hurdle. To make his inner world truly habitable, Liang had to plant the spirit in the earth—an act that would require vast amounts of energy. The spirit was the essence that gave life to everything, and he needed to find the best way to summon it from the heart of the five elements.
Liang knew that greater challenges awaited him—not only in his inner world, but also in the external world. As the spiritual beasts continued to spread across China, the city defenses remained ineffective. The world outside was descending into chaos, and if he wanted to protect his family and his community, Liang needed to grow stronger.
As he continued his spiritual cultivation and expanded his inner world, Liang realized that his goal had become clearer than ever. He had to race against time to grow stronger, for the world was not waiting.
End of Chapter Eight