The sun had fully set over the Azure Cloud Sect, leaving the terrace bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Lingxuan, now a fully-fledged Nascent Soul cultivator, stood silently, his aura still radiating a faint, powerful light. The energy he had unleashed earlier lingered in the air, a subtle hum that even the city beyond the sect walls could sense.
Wei Tianyu, sixteen years old like Lingxuan, stood a few steps away, fists clenched tightly. His chest heaved as he looked at his friend and senior disciple. Lingxuan's breakthrough had left him awestruck. The sheer magnitude of his aura, the stability of his Nascent Soul, and the absolute control he displayed—it was more than Tianyu could have imagined.
"I… I can do this," Tianyu whispered to himself, his voice firm despite the lingering traces of doubt. "If Lingxuan can reach Nascent Soul at sixteen, then I can too. I must. I will."
The master, standing nearby, observed Tianyu with a careful eye. "Tianyu," he said calmly, "Lingxuan has shown what is possible. But Nascent Soul is not merely a matter of courage. You must control your qi, stabilize your Formation Core, and prepare your body. Any lapse could result in injury—or worse."
Tianyu bowed deeply. "Yes, Master. I understand the risks. I will follow your guidance and give everything I have."
Lingxuan stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Tianyu's shoulder. "Tianyu… don't focus on competing with me. Focus on yourself. Balance your body, control your qi, and let your mind remain calm. The breakthrough isn't just power—it's harmony."
Tianyu nodded, taking a deep breath. "I understand, Lingxuan. I'll do my best."
The master motioned toward the training terrace. "Begin by harmonizing your qi with your body. Meditate, align your breaths, and feel the flow of energy through every muscle, every tendon. Once your body and mind are synchronized, the path to Nascent Soul will reveal itself."
Tianyu closed his eyes, lowering himself into a cross-legged stance. The aura left by Lingxuan's breakthrough still lingered around him, a constant reminder of the immense pressure and energy he was about to face. His body shivered slightly as he felt the raw power of condensed qi surrounding the terrace. This was a challenge unlike anything he had encountered before.
Hours passed in silence. Tianyu's breathing synchronized with the pulsing rhythm of his Formation Core. His muscles flexed subtly, and his hands rested lightly on his knees, palms open to feel the energy circulate. The Nascent Soul realm required not just strength, but absolute control over every molecule of qi within his body. Any misstep could lead to failure—or physical harm.
The master watched closely, his eyes sharp yet calm. "Notice the pressure building in your dantian," he instructed. "It will test you, Tianyu. Keep your mind clear and your heart steady. Nascent Soul is not just an ascension of strength—it is a refinement of your very being."
Lingxuan remained nearby, observing his friend's progress. "You're doing well," he whispered. "Control the qi flowing into your core. Don't let it spike uncontrollably like I did when I first attempted it. Remember, every breath guides the energy."
Tianyu nodded subtly, letting the advice sink in. His body felt the familiar hum of energy circulating through his Formation Core, yet it was sharper, denser than before. The pressure on his muscles intensified, forcing him to engage every fiber of his body while simultaneously keeping his mind tranquil.
Minutes turned into hours. Sweat poured down Tianyu's face, and his breathing grew heavy, but he refused to yield. Lingxuan's aura pulsed steadily beside him, a silent encouragement, a reminder that the impossible could be achieved with focus and determination.
The master's gaze softened as he observed Tianyu's perseverance. "He has grown immensely over the past year. Physically, mentally… spiritually. If he continues like this, he may very well achieve the breakthrough, just as Lingxuan did. But he must not falter."
Finally, as night deepened, Tianyu's body shivered violently under the strain of circulating qi. Beads of sweat and traces of blood appeared at his lips and temples, just as they had for Lingxuan earlier. The terrace seemed to vibrate subtly with the tension of his energy, a silent testament to the immense pressure within his Formation Core.
The master's voice was calm but firm. "Tianyu… remember, you are not alone. Focus. Balance your energy. Harmonize your mind and body. Only then can the Nascent Soul awaken."
Tianyu gritted his teeth, closing his eyes and centering himself. He felt the flow of energy tighten and expand within him, each pulse synchronized with his heartbeat. The sensations were overwhelming—the pressure of condensed qi, the heat of energy coursing through his veins, the subtle tug of spiritual resonance within his soul.
Lingxuan placed a hand lightly on his shoulder again. "You can do this," he said softly. "I believe in you. Trust yourself."
Tianyu exhaled slowly, centering his mind. His fists clenched, his muscles flexed, and the pressure built into a tangible force. Slowly, he began to sense the first faint outlines of his Nascent Soul forming within his dantian—a bright, pulsating sphere of spiritual energy, delicate yet powerful.
The terrace was silent, except for the rhythmic hum of Tianyu's circulating qi. The master, standing nearby, could feel the latent potential emanating from him, a signal that the young cultivator was about to attempt a breakthrough of his own.
Outside the sect, the faint glow of Lingxuan's Nascent Soul still lingered, and murmurs began to spread among the city's cultivators. "Another one… could someone else be attempting Nascent Soul so soon?"
The master smiled proudly, placing a hand on Lingxuan's shoulder. "He has the heart and resolve… just as you did. This is what teaching prodigies feels like."
Tianyu's energy pulsed steadily, a bright sphere beginning to form inside him. One step closer to Nascent Soul… one breath, one focus, one perfect alignment away from ascending to a realm few had ever touched at such a young age.
And with that, the stage was set for the next breakthrough—a challenge, a test of willpower, and a demonstration of talent, courage, and the unyielding determination of the young genius Wei Tianyu.
The terrace was quiet, except for the soft hum of circulating qi emanating from Wei Tianyu. His body trembled under the immense pressure, but his mind remained focused and unwavering. After countless hours of meditation, physical training, and mental refinement, Tianyu's Formation Core finally reached its limit.
A faint, radiant sphere began to form in his dantian, glowing steadily, a tangible sign that his Nascent Soul was awakening. Though smaller and less intense than Lingxuan's energy, it was stable, pure, and controlled—proof of Tianyu's talent and perseverance.
The master's eyes shone with pride. "Tianyu… you have done it. You've successfully broken through to Nascent Soul."
Tianyu exhaled sharply, a mixture of relief, exhaustion, and joy washing over him. Beads of sweat dripped down his face, and a thin line of blood at his lips told the story of the immense effort he had exerted. Yet despite the physical strain, a smile broke across his face. "I… I did it…" he murmured, awe in his own voice.
Lingxuan, standing nearby, smiled broadly, clapping Tianyu on the shoulder. "Well done, Tianyu. You've worked hard, and it shows. Your Nascent Soul is strong and controlled. This is just the beginning of your journey."
Tianyu's eyes brightened. "Thank you, Lingxuan… I couldn't have done it without your guidance and encouragement. Seeing you succeed first… it gave me the resolve to push myself further."
The master stepped closer, nodding approvingly. "Your breakthrough is a testament to your diligence and determination. Nascent Soul is a realm many cultivators strive for their entire lives, and you've reached it at sixteen. You should be proud."
The terrace seemed to vibrate gently with Tianyu's newly-formed aura, not as overwhelming as Lingxuan's, but still undeniable. Fellow disciples watched with awe and respect, whispering among themselves.
Lingxuan glanced at the faint glow surrounding Tianyu. "You've surpassed what I expected, Tianyu. Your control is excellent, and your stability at this level shows true potential. Continue on this path, and you will reach heights even I cannot yet foresee."
Tianyu's face flushed, a mixture of pride and humility. "I'll continue to work hard. I'll become even stronger."
The master's eyes sparkled with joy. "This… this is why teaching is so rewarding. To witness the rise of prodigies like Lingxuan and Tianyu is to see the future of our sect, and perhaps even the cultivation world itself."
Outside the terrace, the energy of both Nascent Souls lingered faintly in the air, a reminder to the city below that two young prodigies had achieved something few could dream of. Lingxuan's energy still radiated far and wide, while Tianyu's glimmered with promise, steady and controlled.
Both young cultivators, exhausted but exhilarated, stood side by side, feeling the power within them and the immense potential yet to be realized. Together, they had reached a new stage of strength—a milestone that would shape their destinies and leave a lasting mark on the world of cultivation.
As the sun set completely, casting the terrace in a serene twilight, the master's gaze softened with pride and hope. "Rest for now, both of you. You've earned this moment. But remember… the path of cultivation never ends. Greater challenges, greater realms, await."
Lingxuan and Tianyu nodded, their spirits buoyed, knowing that their journey had only just begun—but with each other and their master by their side, they were ready to face whatever the cultivation world would throw at them.
The evening settled over the Azure Cloud Sect, casting long shadows across the training terraces. Lingxuan and Wei Tianyu stood before their master, still feeling the lingering hum of their Nascent Soul breakthroughs. Their bodies were exhausted, their muscles sore from the immense strain, but their minds were sharp and alert, waiting for their master's words.
The master's face, usually calm and composed, now carried a solemn gravity that immediately caught their attention. "Lingxuan, Tianyu," he began, his voice steady but tinged with unspoken emotion, "there is something I must tell you… something I have long kept to myself."
The two disciples exchanged uneasy glances. A foreboding feeling settled over them.
"I…" the master paused, taking a deep breath, "my time is not as long as I once thought. My body and spirit are waning faster than expected. I may not have more than two years left to live."
The words struck Lingxuan and Tianyu like a bolt of lightning. Silence fell over the terrace, broken only by the soft rustle of wind through the leaves. Both young cultivators struggled to process the gravity of the statement.
"You… you may pass away in two years?" Tianyu finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper, a mixture of shock and disbelief.
The master nodded solemnly. "Yes. And I intend to teach you everything I know before that time comes. Every martial art, every secret of combat, every technique I have learned in my lifetime… you must absorb it. You must be ready for the world beyond this sect."
Lingxuan's heart clenched. The thought of losing his master, the one who had guided him through countless trials and breakthroughs, was almost unbearable. "Master… we… we can't accept this. There must be a way to… to prolong your life, to find another solution!"
The master shook his head gently. "Lingxuan… some things cannot be changed. But what can be done is this: I will pass on everything I know to you, so that when I am gone, the legacy of the Azure Cloud Sect will live on in the strength and wisdom of its disciples."
Tianyu's eyes glistened with unshed tears. He had always respected and admired the master, and the thought of losing him weighed heavily on his young shoulders. But beneath the sorrow was a burning determination. "If this is what you want, Master… we will not refuse. We will learn from you, no matter how hard it is."
Lingxuan nodded firmly, his gaze resolute. "We will not let you down. Teach us, Master. Every secret, every technique… we will master them."
The master's lips curved into a faint, proud smile. "Good. That is the spirit of true disciples. Then from this day forward, you will train tirelessly, day and night. There will be no rest, no excuses. Only through relentless effort can you hope to absorb what I have to teach."
And so, the following days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. Lingxuan and Tianyu trained without pause. Dawn found them meditating and controlling their qi; noon found them sparring tirelessly on the terrace; dusk found them perfecting martial techniques under the watchful eye of their master; and night found them studying the ancient scrolls, learning the subtleties of combat and strategy.
Their bodies ached, muscles screamed, and sweat soaked their clothes. Yet neither faltered. The thought of their master's impending passing fueled their determination. Every punch, every kick, every motion of their qi-controlled bodies carried the weight of their promise: to learn all he could teach, to honor his legacy, and to ensure that his teachings would live on.
Even as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm them, Lingxuan whispered to Tianyu during a brief pause between sparring rounds: "We can do this… for Master. No matter how hard, no matter how long, we will not disappoint him."
Tianyu nodded, his jaw set firmly. "Yes… we'll endure everything. Day and night, until we've mastered everything he teaches. We won't fail him."
The master watched silently, pride and sorrow mixing in his gaze. Though his body was frail, the determination of his disciples gave him strength. He saw the potential within Lingxuan and Tianyu, a promise that the future of the sect, and perhaps the cultivation world, was secure in their hands.
And so, from that day forward, the trio continued their grueling training. The sun rose and set upon the Azure Cloud Sect terraces, witnessing the tireless dedication of the young geniuses and the final teachings of a master determined to leave nothing behind. Every movement, every technique, every lesson became a testament to the bond between teacher and disciples, a bond that would endure even beyond the span of two short years.
The first rays of dawn painted the Azure Cloud Sect terraces in soft gold, yet Lingxuan and Wei Tianyu were already in motion. Their bodies ached from the previous day's relentless training, muscles screaming under the strain, but neither showed any sign of slowing.
The master watched from the pavilion above, his expression a mixture of pride and worry. "Remember, every movement must be precise," he instructed. "Perfection is forged through repetition, but overexertion can be dangerous. Push yourselves, but control your qi."
Lingxuan and Tianyu nodded silently, already resuming their exercises. Lingxuan focused on strengthening his muscles further, performing advanced physical drills that tested the limits of endurance. Push-ups, squats, meditative stances while holding weights, and lifting heavy stones became part of a routine that never seemed to end.
Tianyu, slightly smaller in frame, matched him step for step. Every motion of his body was deliberate, every strike calculated. He practiced forms of martial arts the master had imparted: punches that flowed like water, kicks that cut through the air with precision, and stances that grounded him against the forces of qi flowing within him.
Hours blurred into one another. The sun rose high, then descended slowly toward the horizon. Their sweat soaked robes clung to their bodies, their muscles bulging from effort. Even as exhaustion threatened to overtake them, Lingxuan's eyes burned with determination.
"Focus your qi into your limbs!" he shouted to Tianyu during a break, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Every strike must carry your energy. We aren't just training our bodies; we're harmonizing ourselves with the power within!"
Tianyu nodded, sweat dripping into his eyes, yet he obeyed instantly. He channeled his qi, feeling the subtle energy flow into his fists and feet, amplifying the impact of every strike.
The master observed silently, noting the precision of each movement, the control of their qi, and the resilience of their bodies. "Even the finest technique is meaningless without discipline," he murmured. "These two… they have embraced the path fully. They will surpass what most cultivate in a lifetime."
By midday, the young disciples had moved on to sparring drills. Lingxuan and Tianyu clashed in a dance of martial prowess, each attack and counterattack demonstrating their growing strength and refined skills. Shadow Step maneuvers, Iron Palm strikes, precise blocks, and swift evasions filled the terrace with motion. The rhythmic pounding of feet and the swish of air created a symphony of disciplined combat.
Even the older disciples watched in awe. Whispers spread: "Lingxuan and Tianyu… they never stop training. Even after reaching Nascent Soul, they continue tirelessly!"
"You've never seen such dedication," another murmured. "They push themselves beyond reason… but their skill is unparalleled."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the terrace, Lingxuan and Tianyu finally paused for a moment, both breathing heavily. Sweat poured down their faces, their muscles stiff and aching, yet their eyes gleamed with determination.
Lingxuan wiped the sweat from his brow. "One day… we'll master every technique Master has taught us. No matter how hard, no matter how long it takes."
Tianyu clenched his fists, nodding. "We won't stop. Day or night, pain or exhaustion… we train for Master, and we train for ourselves. There is no limit we cannot overcome."
The master's eyes softened, pride and sorrow intertwining. "They are young… but already, they have the resolve of the greatest warriors. I see the future of the Azure Cloud Sect in their strength, and it fills me with hope. But they must be careful… the body has limits, and the path of cultivation is long. Balance… always balance."
Night fell over the terraces, yet Lingxuan and Tianyu remained. Moonlight illuminated their determined faces, muscles tense, qi flowing smoothly but intensely. Even as the chill of night crept in, they continued their drills, striking, moving, and meditating with unwavering resolve.
Every dawn and dusk, the cycle repeated. Day turned into week, week into month, and the terrace witnessed the tireless growth of two young prodigies, shaping their bodies, refining their techniques, and preparing themselves for the challenges of higher realms.
The path was grueling. The pain was relentless. But neither Lingxuan nor Tianyu wavered. For their master, for their own destiny, and for the strength they sought, they would endure the endless training—day and night, without pause.