Inside Thunder Peak, the atmosphere was no longer desolate. The air vibrated with faint frequencies of golden lightning. Elia, who just days ago was a beggar without a single wisp of Qi, was now surrounded by dancing sparks of blue and gold.
Eric watched her through his Eye of Insight, and he was staggered.
[Name: Elia]
[Cultivation: Qi Refining - Stage 4 (Peak)]
[Status: Imminent breakthrough to Stage 5]
"Only three days..." Eric whispered to himself. "She went from zero to the peak of Stage 4. Even in my prime, it took me months. The 'Nine Heavens Purifying Thunder Scripture' I received from the multiplication is truly a forbidden treasure."
Suddenly, a bright glow erupted from Elia's body, and a soft crackling sound echoed in the air. She snapped her eyes open, a flicker of lightning passing through her pupils.
"Master! I did it!" Elia jumped up in joy, feeling the power coursing through her once-blocked meridians. "I feel as light as a feather, and I feel like I could shatter a rock with my fist!"
Eric smiled with dignity, but in his mind, the System chimed:
[Ding! Disciple successfully reached Qi Refining - Stage 5!]
[Side Mission Accomplished!]
[Rewards: 'Soul Restoration Pill' (Grade 9) + System Shop Unlocked!]
Without hesitation, Eric summoned the pill. A purple medicinal pill appeared in his hand, emitting a fragrance that made his very soul tremble with refreshment. He swallowed it instantly, feeling his shattered Golden Core heal completely. It became firmer and stronger than ever before.
[Ding! Cultivation Restored: Foundation Establishment Realm - Peak Stage!]
[Warning: You are now one step away from returning to the 'Golden Core' Realm!]
At that moment, the peace of the peak was shattered by a commotion from below. A group of disciples in official academy robes arrived, led by an arrogant youth named Kai, a direct disciple of Pharos.
"Where is that broken old man and his filthy brat?" Kai shouted, kicking the gate of the outer courtyard. "Elder Pharos sent me to inform you that the 'Peak Inspection' is being held now. No need to wait three days—trash is trash!"
Eric walked out of the hut slowly, with Elia hiding her fear behind his back.
Kai looked at Elia with disdain. "Oh, look! You dressed the beggar in cultivator robes. Do you think the clothes make the cultivator, Eric? Step aside; I'll toss this girl off the mountain myself to end this farce."
Kai lunged forward, reaching for Elia's shoulder. But before his hand could touch her, Eric moved. He didn't use any complex technique—just a simple flick of his sleeve, but it was loaded with the pressure of a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.
BOOM!
Kai was sent flying back ten meters, crashing into a large boulder and spitting blood. He looked at Eric in terror. "You... how? We were told your core was shattered!"
Eric looked at him coldly. "Go back to your master. Tell him Thunder Peak is no longer a place for dogs to bark. If he wants an inspection, let him come himself."