Amid the Alchemy Room, a sudden, violent surge of energy crackled around Chen Ying as he fought against his limitations, refusing to remain at the Peak of Qi Condensation. The air seemed to thicken, the very space around him shuddering under the weight of his willpower. Sweat beaded on his brow, his fingers trembling slightly as he formed the necessary hand seals, his breath coming out in sharp, uneven gasps.
"I must break through... I cannot stay at this level. I need more!" Chen Ying's thoughts echoed like a distant thunderclap, his body seething with determination.
His hands clenched into fists, the residual Yin energy writhing like serpents in his meridians, attempting to drag him back into stagnation. But he gritted his teeth, a trickle of blood staining his lips as he fought against it with every ounce of his strength.
The struggle was palpable—his body swayed, barely holding together as the remnants of the Yin energy fought back. His veins pulsed, and the air around him shimmered with tension, as if the very world held its breath.
With one final, desperate shout, Chen Ying thrust his palms forward, as if breaking through an invisible barrier, and a burst of energy exploded outward.
BOOM!
The waves of energy shot toward the sky like a comet, ripping through the Alchemy Room's ceiling, leaving a vortex of spiritual power that crackled with chaotic energy. The roar of the explosion echoed throughout the compound, rattling the windows and shaking the walls.
Even those watching from a distance could feel the tremors, and the Alchemist Hall disciples instinctively took several steps back. The overwhelming wave of energy was so intense that even those of higher cultivation were pushed backwards, struggling to maintain their footing against the force of the spiritual outburst.
Outside the Alchemy Room, the sky darkened briefly, as though bowing to the might of his breakthrough. A second later, Chen Ying's aura stabilized, and a serene yet powerful energy surrounded him, signaling that he had reached the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment.
"I've done it…", Chen Ying thought quietly, panting heavily as he stood, the remnants of the Yin energy finally vanishing from his body. His heart raced with excitement, but he kept his expression composed, even as spiritual energy swirled around him.
"This should be enough. I must conceal this cultivation for now… To avoid attracting unwanted attention," he reflected, his mind calm despite the chaos around him. With a slow exhale, he stood tall, the spiritual energy around him coiling like a serpent before fading back into his body.
Chen Ying took a deep breath, his senses slowly returning to normal as he straightened himself. The aura that had once flared violently around him now settled into a serene glow, and with a single wave of his hand, he dispelled the remaining energy, returning the room to relative calm.
Yan Mei continued her rigorous cultivation, surrounded by swirling ice energy as she honed her Ice Body Constitution. Her concentration was absolute, her every movement fluid, as she shaped the icy elements with unmatched precision, her eyes closed in deep focus.
But then—a ripple in the air.
A wave of energy so intense that it shuddered the earth beneath her caused her to open her eyes suddenly. Her gaze turned skyward as the energy from Chen Ying's breakthrough surged again—a third wave of power, far stronger than the previous two.
The energy was palpable, an overwhelming force that stretched across the heavens, and for a brief moment, a projection of a Lotus flower bloomed in the sky, glowing with ethereal light. Its petals seemed to pulse with the same rhythm as Chen Ying's cultivation.
Yan Mei gasped softly, her eyes narrowing as she felt the energy, her heart skipping a beat.
"Ah Ying...?" she whispered, her voice soft yet filled with concern and a hint of admiration. There was something about this breakthrough, something that felt different, as if his cultivation had touched something beyond the ordinary.
For a moment, the wind around her stilled, and she could only stare at the glowing lotus in the sky, wondering how far Chen Ying would rise in his path—her heart both anxious and proud for him
The Patriarch rushed to his side, his face breaking into a smile, his eyes twinkling with joy. He placed a hand on Chen Ying's shoulder, his voice shaking with excitement. "Ying'er! You broke through... so soon!" The Patriarch's chuckle was filled with pure pride as he looked at the young man.
Meanwhile, Huo Ye stroked his long beard, nodding slowly in approval. "Not bad… Young Master Chen. To break through the Peak of Qi Condensation in such a short time… impressive." His voice was filled with admiration, though his eyes remained sharp, studying the young cultivator.
Chen Ying, still trying to catch his breath, bowed deeply. "It's all thanks to you, Master Jing," he said, his eyes shining with respect as he turned to the alchemist. His hands rested at his sides, but there was a slight tremor of excitement in his fingers, the flow of spiritual energy in his body still pulsing rhythmically.
Jing Yi, his face calm and serene as ever, gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "It is your own will and effort that brought you here," he said, his voice carrying a quiet strength. "You need the Meridian Forging Pills to stabilize your foundation."
But Chen Ying waved his hand in gentle refusal, his expression serene and confident, though there was a trace of determination in his gaze. "The Meridian Forging Pills are unnecessary for me. They'll be kept for someone who truly needs them at our home…" He lowered his hand slowly, the air around him settling into an almost peaceful stillness. His voice carried the weight of someone who had already seen beyond mere tools, who had reached a higher understanding of his cultivation.
Jing Yi's eyes narrowed slightly in contemplation, but he accepted the young man's decision without further argument. "Very well," he said, bowing his head politely. "I'll take my leave now. May your path be smooth, Young Master Chen."