Looking at the wolves surrounding me, I decided against using my flute. Not because I didn't want to—believe me, I did—but it would've been a waste. The flute was a trump card, not something I should burn just for some mangy beasts. Besides, I wanted the experience. A true cultivator must suffer a little, right?
I took a deep breath and calmed my heart. My mind turned eerily quiet—far too quiet, in fact—and in that stillness, I felt the world pause. Time slowed. My thoughts sharpened like the edge of my blade.
[Host has entered a state of Enlightenment for 5 seconds.]
For five precious seconds, my consciousness felt limitless. I understood things I hadn't even studied yet. The Overflowing Sword Technique—the one I'd been struggling to understand—suddenly made sense. It was like reading a manual written by the heavens themselves.
Eyes closed, my body moved on its own. The pain in my limbs subsided as if the world agreed: "Let him have this one."
With my comprehension now at the 2nd layer, I unleashed the second form of the Overflowing Sword Technique. This wasn't just a slash this was a divine judgment wrapped in a blade. The five wolves, already pouncing, were within ten meters.
I drew my sword and swung.
The earth itself split beneath the force. The mountain peak behind Me within those 10 meters Sliced cleanly. Trees, rocks, grass—nothing was spared.
The wolves?
Well, let's just say... they won't be howling at any more moons.
I exhaled slowly. My thoughts were clear, my spirit at peace—until the Leader wolf let out a furious roar. Guess it didn't like watching its buddies get turned into jerky.
It lunged at me with insane speed, unleashing a flurry of claw strikes. But I was ready. Using the second technique again, I parried each blow with lightning-fast precision, countering and slicing as I moved. Wounds appeared all over the beast's body until it was drenched in its own blood.
Realizing it was about to die, the wolf turned to flee. Not so fast.
I switched to the first technique, compressing it into a burst attack. With a single strike, its head flew off its shoulders and landed a few feet away, still wearing an expression that screamed, "This isn't fair."
I stood there panting, my body aching and trembling. I had pushed past my limits, but I could still move. Barely.
Reaching into my storage pouch, I pulled out a pill and popped it into my mouth. After a few minutes, my body recovered enough to function like a human again instead of a sack of broken bones.
I scratched my head and muttered, "If I hadn't entered that Enlightenment state, I might've had to use my intimidating aura... that Nascent Soul pressure."
I chuckled bitterly. "And I'm sure it will worked and yes I'm strong,but I'm not using my full potential. I need to strengthen my physique... or at least increase my Body Refinement level."
Pulling out another pill from my pouch, my lips curled into a grin.
The Extreme Dragonic Pill.
Designed specifically for Body Refinement cultivators, this baby was no joke. Most cultivators either focus on a single path—qi or body—because resources for dual cultivation are too expensive, or their physique just isn't compatible.
But me?
I had a combination physique. Practically custom-made for this sort of thing. Lucky, right? Or so I thought...
Without hesitation, I swallowed the pill.
That was my first mistake.
Honestly, the eight sects hunting me down? Not my biggest regret.
This pill? This cursed, malevolent, pain-inflicting nightmare of a pill? Definitely top of the list.
I didn't feel like a thousand needles pierced me. No. That would've been a blessing.
I felt like a million molten needles stabbed into every organ, every bone, every vein, every cell. Even my hair follicles hurt. I wanted to cry, but I was afraid even my tears would combust.
If not for my special physique, I'd have exploded like a badly refined pill furnace. I immediately dropped into the lotus position, gritting my teeth, swearing I'd never again underestimate a tiny little glowing orb.
"Money. Power. Beauties." I chanted to myself like a madman. "Money. Power. Beauties."
I could've slept. Could've passed out and just let the pain win. But no—I had dreams! A mountain of spirit stones, beauties tossing grapes into my mouth, sect elders begging me to join them—I held onto those images like a lifeline.
Two hours passed.
The pain finally began to fade, and I slowly opened my eyes. It was already night.
I grinned so wide I thought my face would split.
Organ Tempering.
I had broken through to the 6th Layer of Body Refinement!
The previous layers—Skin, Flesh, Blood, Marrow—were now behind me. My organs were stronger, my qi flow smoother, and I could finally access more of my physical strength. Every movement felt tighter, cleaner, more powerful.
Nodding to myself, I muttered, "Totally worth it… minus the soul-crushing agony."
Still, no system reward. "Hmph. What a pity... I just survived hell and you give me nothing? Stingy."
---
Meanwhile, in the mountain peak...
Xue Lian remained in closed-door cultivation. She was now on the verge of reaching Mid-Layer Foundation Establishment. Her current pill, a high-quality Perfect Foundation Establishment Pill, had given her a solid base—far better than the mid quality one she initially had.
Her foundation was now so strong, it could compete with the peak layer cultivators.
She opened her eyes and smiled in satisfaction. For some reason, she thought of her master. She wanted to hear his praise. Maybe even... a head pat?
Strange.
She knew he didn't choose her out of pity. No—he saw something in her. Something special. And she could feel it too.
Her physique was different. Stronger. Clearer. Purer than the average cultivator's.
Thinking back to her past—the abuse from the Li Clan—there was no hatred in her heart. Just bitterness. A quiet ache.
Now, all she wanted was to grow stronger... and to repay her master. To stand by his side, not behind him.
And maybe... just maybe, to hear him say, "You did well, my disciple."