After returning to Qiyun Cave, Wu Tian devoted all of his energy to the two superior-grade incantations he had just obtained.
These two techniques could be cultivated even by mortals, but without true qi, progress was painfully slow, making it extremely difficult to reach any advanced level.
The Fire Eye Mantra required facing the rising sun, using one hundred and eight ancient sounds to resonate with the fire essence of heaven and earth, nourishing the eye apertures.
The Thunder Resonance Mantra was even more demanding—one hundred and twenty-two ancient sounds, paired with eighteen illustrated postures for walking, standing, sitting, and resting. Its structure was profound and obscure.
Wu Tian contemplated the essence of both techniques with his mind.
The runes Zhu Yeshuang had bestowed were extraordinarily refined. The moment his consciousness touched them, their meanings became self-evident. Whenever he encountered something unclear, immersing his mind deeper into the runes allowed gradual comprehension.
It was more effective than any master's explanation—almost like a direct enlightenment.
Since the Fire Eye Mantra could only be cultivated at sunrise by absorbing a trace of violet dawn essence, Wu Tian could only begin practicing it the following day.
The Thunder Resonance Mantra, though complex, had no such restriction.
With the system panel, once a technique was recorded, as long as he practiced it, progress was guaranteed—no deviations, no risk of backlash.
Lying atop a stone chair, Wu Tian activated the Thunder Resonance Mantra.
A dull thunderous rumble erupted from within his body.
It felt as if a bolt of lightning exploded through his organs, sending numbing waves through his entire being.
Before he could fully adapt, another thunderous vibration followed.
One hundred and twenty-two thunder sounds struck in succession, like lightning refining his internal organs, washing away impurities, and tempering both body and spirit.
After barely more than a dozen breaths, Wu Tian had to stop.
He felt utterly drained—as though struck repeatedly by lightning—both mind and body pushed to their limits.
Superior-grade incantations were never easy.
After sufficient rest, he resumed cultivating the Thunder Resonance Mantra.
At midday, he switched to the Nether Communion Mantra.
The next morning, Wu Tian began by circulating the Nether Communion Mantra, drawing in streams of azure radiance, his snow-white fur growing ever more lustrous.
When the first rays of sunlight appeared, he activated the Fire Eye Mantra, absorbing a strand of violet dawn essence into his eyes.
After cultivation, he went to the Mess Hall to eat.
Wu Tian was naturally steady and resilient.
Day after day of cultivation, feeling himself improve little by little, was deeply intoxicating.
With the system panel recording every ounce of progress, there was no room for laziness.
Time flowed on.
Before he realized it, a full year had passed since Wu Tian entered Skull Mountain.
That night, Wu Tian circulated the Nether Communion Mantra once more.
Azure radiance enveloped his entire body, hazy and indistinct.
Standing nearby was a tall, burly figure—Man Xiongmu, who had emerged from seclusion a month earlier.
His gaze lingered on Wu Tian in surprise.
"This White Dragon pup's talent is even better than I expected," he murmured."In just over a year, he's brought the Nether Communion Mantra to completion."
Such speed already rivaled those with high-grade spiritual roots.
Supreme-grade roots were said to achieve Foundation Establishment in a hundred days.
High-grade roots usually took over a year.
Mid-grade roots required three to five years, while low-grade roots needed over a decade—if they succeeded at all.
The gap was enormous.
In truth, Wu Tian's aptitude was only comparable to mid-grade roots, but with the system eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring steady progress, his results rivaled high-grade geniuses.
As Man Xiongmu watched, Wu Tian's breathing slowed.
Eighteen ancient sounds circulated soundlessly, like whispers of ghosts and gods, passing straight into the nether realm—audible only to spirits.
With each breath, radiance flowed naturally.
Then—
A deep, shadowy aura slowly formed within Wu Tian's body.
Like dark water.Like a coiling black serpent.
The moment this aura took shape, the surrounding heaven and earth essence surged wildly, gathering at more than twice its former speed.
Streams of radiant mist poured into Wu Tian's mouth and nose, only to be devoured by that dark aura.
Wu Tian felt a profound change.
The Nether Qi felt like a new limb—something he could control as naturally as his own body.
Previously, he could only absorb essence while circulating the mantra.
Now—even without any incantation—he could naturally draw in heaven and earth essence.
This was a fundamental transformation.
A leap in life itself.
A white dog… had become a Spirit Creature, condensing Nether Qi.
At this point, Wu Tian had truly stepped beyond the mundane.
Ding!System Notification: The Nether Communion Mantra has reached Perfection and may awaken as a talent. Please choose one.
Option One: Qi Consumption — You can absorb trace amounts of heaven and earth essence through breathing.Option Two: Yin Eyes — You can see evil spirits, ghosts, and baleful energies, gaining slight suppression against ghostly beings.Option Three: Spirit Communication — Your soul aptitude increases slightly, allowing you to sense and communicate with spirits.
All three were basic-level talents, yet their quality far surpassed ordinary awakenings.
Wu Tian immediately ruled out the first option.
"I already have Qi Consumption, and it's evolved into Feasting on Radiance and Dew."
His gaze lingered between the other two.
Yin Eyes was powerful—especially against ghosts, a major advantage within Skull Mountain.
But…
Spirit Communication enhanced the soul itself.
After a moment's thought, Wu Tian made his choice.
"I already have the Fire Eye Mantra. More eye-related abilities can come later."
"But soul aptitude… that's rare."
Selection confirmed: Spirit Communication.
The system panel updated instantly.
Name: Wu TianAge: 4Bloodline: Southern Border White DogRealm: Nurturing Qi – First Layer (1%) (Spirit Creature)
Talents:• Poison Immunity 10% (Intermediate)• Thousand-Mile Divine Movement 12% (Intermediate)• Fortune Avoidance 10% (Intermediate)• Feasting on Radiance and Dew 15% (Intermediate)• Spirit Communication 1% (Basic)
Skills:• Fire Eye Mantra 5% (Superior)• Thunder Resonance Mantra 6% (Superior)
Note: Perfected skills are hidden.
Wu Tian exhaled deeply.
"Foundation complete. I've officially entered the Nurturing Qi Realm."
Over a year of relentless cultivation—without a single day of slack—had finally borne fruit.
Though advancement had slowed significantly at the intermediate level, Wu Tian remained satisfied.
"This is normal. Others struggle their entire lives just to improve a fraction."
"With this opportunity, I should already be grateful."
His gaze lifted.
Man Xiongmu was smiling at him.
"White Dragon, congratulations. Your foundation is complete, and clear qi has entered your body."
"From today onward, you are truly a spirit creature."
Wu Tian wagged his tail excitedly.
"Woof!"
Man Xiongmu laughed heartily.
"Come with me."
"Today, I'll teach you the next stage of cultivation."