Translator: CinderTL
In that instant, the heaven and earth spiritual energy seemed to find a new destination as the vortex swirling in the void began to funnel into the meditation chamber.
Xu Sanyan closed his eyes again, focusing entirely on absorbing this influx of spiritual energy.
As the dam in his Qi Sea collapsed, his sea of consciousness underwent a corresponding transformation. His divine soul expanded like a balloon, filling the entire sea of consciousness.
His body's capacity to withstand greater pressure increased, and his sea of consciousness expanded to accommodate more soul power.
The principle of "one prospers, all prosper" held true: the advancement of his cultivation level manifested not only in his spiritual power but also in the transformation of every aspect of his being.
The Nether Phoenix Fire refined his soul power, purging impurities and making it purer than that of others. This enhanced purity amplified the potency of his divine soul mystical arts.
Unfortunately, for now, the Lu Clan's Spirit Refining Force remained his sole pure divine soul mystical art, leaving his methods somewhat limited.
Lost in his inner contemplation, Xu Sanyan remained unaware of the passage of time. He was completely immersed in his breakthrough. Outside, day turned to night and back to day, repeating this cycle three times before he finally opened his eyes.
The vortex of spiritual energy that had gathered in the void had dissipated. Most of it had scattered, while a small portion had been refined into his own spiritual power.
Xu Sanyan didn't rush out. Instead, he opened his storage pouch and began sorting through the remaining soul crystals.
He had consumed five soul crystals during his breakthrough, all of which were incomplete crystals obtained from the Hundred Saints Secret Realm.
Of the ten soul crystals Zuoqiu Zhen had given him, eight remained.
These eight crystals were clearly insufficient to support his breakthrough to the Peak Stage of Soul Refinement. He would need to acquire more.
He still had a considerable number of spirit stones, but they were useless to him now. His breakthroughs didn't require refining spirit stones into spiritual power; the panel provided him with ample heaven and earth spiritual energy, allowing him to save more than half the time compared to others.
Although the panel's importance had diminished as his cultivation level advanced, it remained his primary aid on his cultivation path, even more crucial than secret realm fruits.
After sorting through the miscellaneous items, Xu Sanyan organized them neatly, setting aside the pool milk for later consumption.
He also retrieved the jade slip containing his Heavenly Dao Enlightenment. This artifact held immense significance, its true value would only become apparent when he broke through to void harmony.
As for the miscellaneous items like the Eight Directions Divine Locking Formation and various useless magic artifacts, they were now obsolete for him. He decided to leave them behind for others when he next visited the Secret Realm World.
The custom-made magic artifact he had commissioned from Wang Zixuan should be completed in about two months. The Soul-Summoning Incense he had ordered from the Chang Family Shop was also nearing its delivery date.
Xu Sanyan had never relied much on external objects. His cultivation had always focused on self-improvement, with his physical strength and divine soul as his fundamental foundations.
"Hmm..."
Xu Sanyan curiously pulled out a piece of lingerie from a corner. After a moment's thought, he recalled its origin.
"Ah..."
He brought it close to his nose and took a deep breath. The faint fragrance of a young woman lingered, though much diminished. Xu Sanyan felt a slight pang of regret. What use was it now that the scent was gone?
With that thought, he tossed it aside with a flick of his wrist, steadied his mind, and rose to leave the meditation chamber.
Creak—
The door swung open, revealing the bright moon hanging in the night sky. Xu Sanyan exhaled deeply, feeling his mind clear and refreshed.
"It's over..."
At that moment, Chunmei, Xiazhu, and several maids approached, asking solicitously, "Master, would you like to bathe and change?"
"Yes," Xu Sanyan nodded, then asked, "Has anything happened these past few days?"
Chunmei glanced at Xiazhu before replying softly, "Master, the Third Madam visited once. The First, Second, and Fourth Madams all sent inquiries. The First Madam even invited you for a brief visit, saying the Eldest Miss misses you dearly."
The Eldest Miss was Wang Mingxin.
"Hmm," Xu Sanyan acknowledged, filing the information away. He looked up at Chunmei and instructed, "The Chang Family Incense Shop has my reserved Soul-Summoning Incense. Fetch it for me these next few days."
"Yes, Master."
Soon, hot water was prepared, and a large wooden tub was carried into the room. Xu Sanyan didn't need to lift a finger; servants helped him undress.
Chunmei stood obediently nearby, holding his clothes and ready to serve. Xu Sanyan beckoned her closer. "Come, let's bathe together."
"...Yes, Master."
Moments later, the room filled with soft, sensual sounds—the splashing of water punctuated by crackling, firecracker-like pops.
The sounds gradually faded as the water cooled, only to resume shortly after, this time emanating from the bed.
The next morning, Wang Ying and Wang Yu, brothers, arrived early to pay a visit. As soon as they entered, they burst into hearty laughter and offered their congratulations.
"Hahaha! Congratulations, Brother Lin, on your continued progress in cultivation! Achieving the Great Dao is within reach!"
Xu Sanyan smiled modestly. "It was just luck. Nothing worth mentioning."
He knew the brothers were representing the First Madam, who couldn't personally visit him too frequently. She had sent them to convey her congratulations.
Wang Ying enthusiastically stepped forward and clasped Xu Sanyan's hand, acting as if they were close friends. To an outsider, it would seem they shared a deep bond.
Xu Sanyan's expression froze for a moment as he felt the warmth in his hand. A wave of discomfort washed over him; he wasn't used to holding hands with men, which felt uncomfortably like same-sex affection.
Yet to others, this scene appeared perfectly normal. In this world, it was customary for men to hold hands without any social stigma.
Wang Ying leaned in conspiratorially, his smile widening. "Brother Lin, you may not know this, but the Eldest Miss hasn't stopped thinking about you since our last meeting. Besides congratulating you on your progress, my brother and I also carry a message from the First Madam."
"Oh?"
Xu Sanyan feigned surprise and flattered delight, as if he were genuinely astonished by the First Madam's special attention. In truth, he remained unmoved, knowing she valued him solely for his high cultivation level.
The First Madam was simply making an investment.
The Wang Family's investment in him was their own affair, but the First Madam's situation was entirely different.
"Brother Lin, please visit the First Madam for a chat when you have time."
"Absolutely, absolutely," Xu Sanyan assured him repeatedly.
Wang Ying retrieved something from his robes and handed it to Xu Sanyan. "This is a congratulatory gift from the First Madam. Please accept it, Brother Lin."
"This... isn't it inappropriate?" Xu Sanyan hesitated, eyeing the storage pouch. His main concern was its contents; if it contained something worthless, he'd be indebted for nothing.
Though Xu Sanyan's debts carried little weight, since he never intended to repay them anyway.
Seeing his hesitation, Wang Ying smiled. "The First Madam understands the difficulty of the Soul Refining Realm. She specifically obtained several soul crystals as a gift, wishing you early success in achieving void harmony."
"Ah, how could I possibly accept such a generous gift!" Xu Sanyan immediately took the pouch and glanced inside. Five neatly arranged soul crystals lay within.
These were precisely what he desperately needed. The First Madam's gesture deeply pleased him.
Xu Sanyan clasped his hands in a bow, his heart brimming with joy. "I must thank the First Madam properly."
As he recalled the First Madam's graceful figure, he wished he could personally serve her, repaying her kindness with his own devotion.
Xu Sanyan secretly resolved that when the opportunity arose, he would repay the First Madam's favor handsomely!
(End of the Chapter)
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