Xu Yao trained every day without missing a single day.
As time passed, he became stronger and stronger.
The Worm Spirit had used too much of its energy to help strengthen Xu Yao's meridians. After that, it fell into a deep sleep inside his Sea of Consciousness to recover.
No one knew why Xu Yao's cultivation was improving so quickly.
The disciples could only guess.
Maybe Xu Yao has hidden talent.
Or maybe he's just working harder than everyone else.
No one knew about the jade pendant.
And no one knew about the spirit sleeping inside it.
One day, Zhao Liang, an Inner Disciple at the Mid Stage of the Qi Foundation Realm, came looking for Xu Yao.
He wanted revenge for his younger brother.
Xu Yao had no choice but to fight.
But the difference in their strength was too great.
Bang!
Zhao Liang's fist slammed into Xu Yao, sending him stumbling back.
Blood ran from the corner of Xu Yao's mouth.
He tried to calm his breathing, but without the Worm Spirit's guidance, it was hard to control his qi.
Bang!
Boom!
Another punch forced Xu Yao down onto one knee.
His vision became blurry.
But the determination in his eyes never disappeared.
Zhao Liang raised his fist again.
Just as he was about to attack,
Someone caught his wrist.
It was Lan Xuan.
A respected Inner Disciple known for treating everyone fairly and never bullying the weak.
The whole courtyard became silent.
Lan Xuan looked at Zhao Liang and said calmly,
He's already lost.
There's no honor in attacking someone who's already defeated.
Zhao Liang frowned but slowly lowered his hand.
He didn't want to argue with Lan Xuan.
Lan Xuan helped Xu Yao to his feet.
He didn't ask any questions.
He simply looked into Xu Yao's eyes.
There was no fear in them.
Only determination.
Lan Xuan gave a small smile.
You've improved.
Maybe not as fast as others, but you're getting stronger.
Keep going.You still have three months.
Xu Yao took a deep breath and nodded.
Thank you, Senior Brother.
No one asked how Xu Yao had become stronger in such a short time.
No one noticed the strange flow of qi inside his body.
No one sensed the faint spiritual energy hidden deep within him.
Because his greatest secret was still asleep.
The Worm Spirit.
Silent.
Hidden.
Unknown to everyone.