Two months had passed since Lian Yaling had successfully awakened his blood qi under Lin Yulan's guidance. In those two months, his cultivation had progressed steadily each day marked by hard work, focused meditation, and rigorous training. Now standing in the tranquil clearing of the training field, Lian Yaling felt the undeniable pull of the next step in his journey. He had cultivated his blood qi to its fullest extent but today he stood at the threshold of a greater breakthrough to the Qi Refining Realm.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grass, the warm glow of the dying day offering a sense of peace. But beneath the surface of this stillness, there was an electric tension in the air. Lian Yaling could feel it his body, mind and spirit all poised waiting for that pivotal moment when his cultivation would reach new heights.
Lin Yulan, ever watchful, stood beside him, her eyes sharp and calculating. She had observed his progress over the past two months with quiet satisfaction. Lian Yaling had worked tirelessly, his dedication clear in every movement every breath. His posture had become steadier, his energy more refined, and now, as he prepared to break through she could sense his energy vibrating with potential.
"You're ready," she said softly, her voice a calm anchor in the midst of the rising energy. Her gaze softened slightly as she held out one Meridian Strengthening Pill it's translucent capsules glimmering in the fading light. "Take this pill. It will help you break through to the Qi Refining Realm and also strengthen your meridians allowing your body to absorb spiritual qi faster."
Lian Yaling, his heart racing with anticipation he takes the pill without hesitation. He could feel the power within it, the promise of a new level of cultivation. The moment the pill touched his tongue, a wave of warmth spread through his body the medicinal energy infusing his system. He swallowed hard trying to steady his breathing as he prepared himself for the breakthrough.
Lin Yulan swallowed her own Meridian Strengthening Pill at the same time feeling the medicinal energy's heat spread through her body. The warmth surged within her circulating through her meridians pushing them further open, amplifying the energy in her body. Lin Yulan closed her eyes, allowing the energy to move through her, feeling the flow of qi as it aligned with the power of the pill. Her cultivation had already reached impressive heights, but the pill would help her refine her foundation further, ensuring her body could withstand even greater levels of power.
Lian Yaling's body began to grow warmer, the heat intensifying as the pill's energy worked its way through his system. He focused inward, centering himself, feeling the bottleneck that had held him back for so long. He could sense it now the resistance, the wall that had kept him from advancing to the next stage. But now, with the pill's power coursing through him, he felt it loosening.
The heat in his body intensified, and he could feel the power of his blood qi stirring, reacting to the pill's energy. It was as though something deep inside him was awakening, a surge of strength flooding his body. His meridians expanded, his circulation quickened, and he felt a distinct shift an opening, a release. Lian Yaling's qi began to compress into a swirling mass, a qi sea forming in his dantian.
His breath hitched as the energy pulsed outward, a shockwave of power vibrating through his body. It was as though the very air around him trembled in response. The shockwave expanded, pushing outward from his body in a violent burst. The ground beneath him trembled as the air rippled with the force of the release. A deafening boom echoed through the clearing, the sound carrying through the forest as if the heavens themselves had acknowledged his breakthrough.
Lin Yulan's eyes flickered open at the sound, her expression calm yet filled with approval. She had felt the wave of energy that accompanied Lian Yaling's breakthrough, a clear sign that he had achieved the first stage of the Qi Refining Realm.
Lian Yaling, breathless and trembling, opened his eyes. His body felt light, as though the very air around him had changed. He could sense his qi flowing more freely now, no longer hindered by the resistance of his previous stage. The world around him seemed more vibrant, the spiritual energy in the air more tangible, as though he could reach out and draw it into himself at will.
"Master…" His voice was hoarse, filled with awe and exhaustion. He had done it he had broken through to the first stage of the Qi Refining Realm. But he could feel that there was more, so much more, to this path.
Lin Yulan, seeing the dazed expression on his face, approached with quiet steps, her face softening. She placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him. "You've done well, Lian Yaling. The first stage is a crucial step, but this is only the beginning. You have much to learn, and your true cultivation journey starts now."
At that moment, the system's voice echoed in Lin Yulan's mind. **"The host's blood qi foundation will be strengthened by 100 times. The integration will occur automatically to prevent any adverse effects."**
Lin Yulan closed her eyes, feeling the surge of power that followed. It was subtle at first, but then, the energy began to flood through her body, amplifying her already considerable strength. The power from the system merged seamlessly with her cultivation, reinforcing her foundation, making her even stronger. Lin Yulan could feel the changes as they happened her meridians expanding, her spiritual qi becoming more refined. She took a deep breath, feeling her power stabilize as the transformation completed.
The system notified her of another change. **"Host has successfully broken through to Core Formation, Second Stage."**
Lin Yulan smiled inwardly. It had been a long journey, but her cultivation had reached the second stage of Core Formation, a significant step forward. She was now closer to the ultimate goal, but she knew the path ahead would be challenging.
Lian Yaling, recovering from the intense shock of his breakthrough, stood up with newfound strength. His exhaustion lingered, but there was a fire in his eyes, a burning desire to continue pushing forward. He bowed deeply to Lin Yulan, gratitude filling his heart. "Thank you, Master. I could not have done this without your guidance."
Lin Yulan nodded, her expression softening. "You've earned this breakthrough, Lian Yaling. But your journey is far from over."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and purple, Lin Yulan began preparing their evening meal. The scent of roasting meat filled the air, a comforting and familiar aroma. She handed Lian Yaling a bowl of steaming stew, watching him take the first bite with quiet satisfaction.
As they ate, Lin Yulan spoke, her tone more serious now. "Now that you've reached the Qi Refining Realm, it's important you understand the stages of cultivation ahead. There are ten recorded mortal stages of cultivation, each with ten minor stages. The Blood Qi stage is not counted among them, as it is not a necessary step for everyone. Some cultivators with greater talent skip it entirely."
Lian Yaling listened intently, his attention fully on his master as she continued.
"The main stages of cultivation are as follows: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, Void Refining, Unity Formation, Transcending Tribulation, and Great Ascension." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle before continuing. "Each stage is a significant milestone, and each requires intense effort and focus. When you reach Unity Formation, that is when the true journey begins."
Lian Yaling nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I will reach Unity Formation, Master. I won't let anything hold me back."
Lin Yulan's eyes softened with pride. "Your master is currently at the second stage of Core Formation. When you reach Unity Formation, I will begin teaching you about the Immortal Stages. But for now, focus on consolidating your cultivation. Tomorrow, your real training begins."
As the last of the evening light faded, the two of them sat in silence, enjoying the comfort of their shared meal and the warmth of their growing bond. They knew that the road ahead would not be easy. There would be challenges both external and internal but they were ready to face them, together.
Tomorrow marked the beginning of a new chapter in Lian Yaling's journey. His cultivation had begun in earnest, but it would take more than strength to succeed. It would take patience, perseverance, and, above all, an unshakable will to push forward, no matter the cost.