By IMERPUS RELUR
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Stonepath Ascension: I Upgrade the Dao With Spirit Stones!
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The silence of the ruin pressed down on Liang Chen, but his mind burned with everything the jade slip had shown him.
Ashen Dust World.
One of countless Lower Thousand Worlds under the Crimson Domain.
A world where even Golden Core Realm was a miracle few achieved.
He clenched his jaw. "Then I'll be one of the few."
He stepped away from the shattered murals and toward the crumbled bones of long-dead cultivators. Most had nothing left, but one wore a talisman-wrapped pouch.
Inside, he found:
– 7 Low-Grade Spirit Stones
– A cracked ring
– A broken pill vial
Not a fortune. But a foundation.
> [System Interface Stable]
[Detected: Spirit Stone Input]
[Qi Refining Level 2 → Level 3]
[Consumed: 1 Low-Grade Spirit Stone]
[Current: 6 Spirit Stones Remaining]
His qi surged—faster than before. His body no longer resisted the refinement. The Fire Spiritual Root he had awakened was still low-grade, but it pulsed slightly now with each breath of spiritual energy.
> [Fire Spiritual Root – Low Grade]
[Upgrade Cost: 10 Low-Grade Spirit Stones → Middle Grade]
He considered it.
Ten stones. A better root. Faster progress.
But only six remained.
> "No. Cultivate first. Root later."
Suddenly—footsteps.
He turned, lifting the reinforced bronze spear from the floor.
A figure emerged from the corridor—tattered scavenger robes, soot-lined face, and a wicked grin.
> "No sect badge. Alone. Weak," the stranger sneered. "Let me relieve you of your burden."
Liang Chen didn't speak.
He took one step forward.
> [Combat Status: Active]
[Enemy: Qi Refining Level 2]
[Host: Qi Refining Level 3]
[Weapon: Mortal Grade – Damaged]
[Advantage: Confirmed]
There was no hesitation.
Only forward.
The path of stone did not accept fear—only progress.