The Void Temple pulsed faintly, its ancient energy flowing through the air like a steady heartbeat. Xiao Tian sat cross-legged within the cultivation chamber, his body illuminated by the glowing runes etched into the floor. The chaotic energy of the Dominion Core coursed through his Void Core, demanding to be refined and controlled.
Despite having recently advanced into the Middle Foundation Realm, the sheer magnitude of the Dominion Core's power tested the limits of his cultivation. Every attempt to tame it felt like trying to capture a storm within a bottle.
He wasn't just preparing for the next breakthrough into the Core Formation Stage—he was battling to stabilize his cultivation within the Foundation Establishment Stage.
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Foundation Establishment Sub-Realms
In the Foundation Establishment Stage, cultivators ascend through sub-realms, each representing a higher level of mastery over their Qi and Void Core.
1. Initial Foundation Realm: The foundation is built, and Qi flow is stabilized.
2. Middle Foundation Realm: The Void Core begins to expand, increasing energy reserves and control.
3. Peak Foundation Realm: The Void Core becomes dense and potent, preparing for Core Formation.
Xiao Tian had recently broken into the Middle Foundation Realm after stabilizing the energy of the Void Compass Fragment. But the Dominion Core's chaotic power pushed his limits, making even small progress feel like a monumental effort.
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The Struggle Within
The Dominion Core's energy surged violently, threatening to destabilize his Void Core. Xiao Tian's silver eyes remained closed, his breathing steady as he guided the wild currents within him. His meridians trembled under the pressure, and beads of sweat rolled down his face.
"This is no ordinary breakthrough," he thought, his focus unwavering. "If I can't stabilize this energy, I won't survive the next trial."
The energy pushed harder against the boundaries of his cultivation, like a tidal wave threatening to crash through a dam. Xiao Tian visualized his Void Core as a stormy vortex, chaotic currents spinning uncontrollably. Slowly, he began to guide the energy toward the vortex's center, forcing it into a tighter, more controlled rotation.
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The Barrier to Peak Foundation Realm
As Xiao Tian tamed the energy, the boundary between the Middle Foundation Realm and the Peak Foundation Realm became clearer. He could feel the barrier—it was like a thin yet unyielding wall, separating him from the next level of mastery.
The Dominion Core's chaotic energy pressed relentlessly against this barrier, seeking release. Xiao Tian clenched his fists, his body trembling as he directed all his focus toward breaking through.
"I've come too far to stop now," he muttered, his voice low but resolute.
The surrounding runes began to glow brighter, their light reflecting the intensity of his struggle. The pressure inside him grew unbearable, every fiber of his being screaming in resistance. Yet Xiao Tian remained steadfast, pushing harder, his will unshaken.
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The Breakthrough
Finally, the barrier began to crack. A sharp, searing pain shot through Xiao Tian's body as the chaotic energy surged forward, threatening to overwhelm him. Gritting his teeth, he directed all his strength into his Void Core, compressing the energy into a dense, radiant sphere.
With a final, explosive pulse, the barrier shattered.
Void Qi erupted from Xiao Tian's body, flooding the cultivation chamber with a blinding light. The chaotic energy of the Dominion Core stabilized, its currents now flowing harmoniously within his Void Core.
Xiao Tian opened his silver eyes, their glow sharper and more intense than before. "Peak Foundation Realm," he murmured, his voice calm yet filled with an undeniable sense of power.
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The Compass's Call
Before Xiao Tian could fully stabilize his newfound strength, the Void Compass flared suddenly, its runes spinning rapidly. The artifact pulsed with urgency, casting the cultivation chamber in a chaotic glow.
Elder Taixu's spectral form appeared beside him, his expression grave. "The Void Compass has detected a collapsing dimension," he said. "Its core is fractured, and an unknown force is accelerating its destruction."
"What's causing the collapse?" Xiao Tian asked, standing to his feet.
"The dimension's Nexus Core is being siphoned by an external force," Taixu explained. "If left unchecked, it will destroy the entire realm."
Xiao Tian's silver eyes narrowed. "What must I do?"
"You must stabilize the Nexus Core and stop those responsible for the collapse," Taixu said. "This mission is unlike anything you've faced before. The dimension's chaos will test you at every step."
Xiao Tian nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Then let's begin."
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The Collapsing Dimension
Xiao Tian stepped through the portal created by the Void Compass, emerging into a realm teetering on the brink of annihilation. The ground beneath him was fractured, glowing rivers of molten energy cutting through jagged cliffs. Above, the sky churned with black and crimson clouds, crackling with unstable lightning.
The air was thick with the oppressive weight of chaotic energy, its pressure pulling at Xiao Tian's Void Core. "This realm is on the edge," he muttered, activating Void Steps to navigate the unstable terrain.
In the distance, he spotted a group of dark-robed cultivators standing near a massive rift. They channeled energy into a glowing artifact, accelerating the dimension's collapse.
"They're feeding off the instability," Xiao Tian realized.
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The Confrontation
Xiao Tian approached silently, activating Shadow Veil to blend into the shadows. The cultists were too focused on their ritual to notice his presence until it was too late.
With a flicker of Void Steps, Xiao Tian struck, his blade slicing through two cultists before they could react. The others turned, their leader barking commands as they surrounded him.
"You dare interfere with us?" the leader snarled, his aura flaring. "This dimension's collapse will fuel our ascension!"
Xiao Tian's silver eyes gleamed coldly. "You won't live to see it."
The cultists attacked in unison, their strikes coordinated and deadly. Xiao Tian moved like a shadow, evading their attacks and countering with precision. Activating Void Chains, he bound several cultists, cutting them down swiftly.
The leader lunged at Xiao Tian, his blade crackling with chaotic energy. Their weapons clashed in a burst of light, the force shaking the ground beneath them.
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Stabilizing the Nexus Core
With the cultists defeated, Xiao Tian turned his attention to the Nexus Core. The massive artifact pulsed violently, its fractures threatening to tear the dimension apart.
Activating the power of the Dominion Core, Xiao Tian extended his Void Qi into the Nexus Core, binding its chaotic energy into a stable flow. The process was grueling, the pressure immense, but Xiao Tian's mastery over the Void held firm.
Slowly, the fractures in the Nexus Core began to heal, its chaotic energy calming. The dimension's collapse ceased, the once-chaotic landscape stabilizing around him.
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A Warning in the Shadows
As Xiao Tian stood near the now-stable Nexus Core, a chilling presence emerged from the shadows. A hooded figure watched him silently, their aura dark and oppressive.
"You've meddled in forces beyond your understanding," the figure said, their voice low and menacing. "This is only the beginning."
Before Xiao Tian could respond, the figure vanished, leaving behind a lingering sense of unease.