Qi Condensation (TL Note: A cultivation stage where practitioners absorb spiritual energy to strengthen their bodies) sixth and seventh layers mark a watershed; they can also be referred to as the mid- and late-stages of Qi Condensation.
This was precisely why Zhao Qianqian had been so astonished when her Grand Momentum Blade (TL Note: A cultivation technique or skill) was shattered by Lian Yueying.
At this moment, Lian Yueying was no longer in meditation; instead, she was entirely focused, her nerves constantly taut.
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth swiftly coursed through her meridians, converging into her Dantian (TL Note: The core energy center in a cultivator’s body), steadily expanding her Qi Sea (TL Note: The reservoir of spiritual energy within the Dantian).
Yet, upon reaching a certain threshold, no matter how she pushed, she found herself unable to break through.
As it was a watershed, naturally, breaking through would not be easy.
When Lian Yueying progressed from the third to the fourth layer of Qi Condensation, she had still been absorbing with the Ocean Convergence Art (TL Note: A cultivation technique), and had not encountered such distinct difficulty as she did now.
Fortunately, the time she spent transcribing texts had broadened her horizons considerably, leaving her well-prepared for this bottleneck.
With a flash of her storage bag, two white porcelain bottles appeared in Lian Yueying’s hands.
She poured out one pill from each, swallowing them both without a moment’s hesitation.
‘Hopefully, I won’t need to consume too many True Essence Pills and Meridian Rectification Pills (TL Note: Pills used to enhance cultivation). These cost me a significant amount of contribution points.’
After the treasure hunt in the valley, Lian Yueying had exchanged some of her surplus spiritual plants for contribution points with the sect, using them to purchase many pills, which she now found herself needing.
True Essence Pills could temporarily increase the capacity of the Dantian’s Qi Sea, while Meridian Rectification Pills aided in accelerating the absorption of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, thereby boosting cultivation speed.
Lian Yueying had to absorb as much spiritual energy as possible before the pills’ effects wore off, as this was the only way she could truly expand her Qi Sea once her Dantian returned to its normal state.
The pills’ effects lasted barely a quarter of an hour, fleeting by in the blink of an eye.
Lian Yueying mentally estimated the time, and the moment the effects passed, she immediately suppressed her Dantian, preventing any excess spiritual energy from surging forth.
The disparity in spiritual roots (TL Note: A cultivator’s innate affinity for spiritual energy, determining their cultivation potential) was also evident at this moment.
With fewer, purer spiritual roots, it was easier to suppress the spiritual energy belonging to those roots.
Conversely, with many varied spiritual roots, it was difficult to control the five-element spiritual energy, making it even harder to break through bottlenecks.
No matter how hard Lian Yueying tried, she couldn’t suppress the spiritual energy.
The excess portion surged backward through her meridians, and she quickly moved to expel this part from her body.
“Cough, cough, cough…”
Fortunately, her meridians had grown much tougher, sparing her from injury.
However, some of her originally full Qi Sea had been expelled, forcing her to return to the verge of breakthrough once more.
After a short while, Lian Yueying began her second attempt at a breakthrough.
The Tabby Cat sat on the ground nearby, a flicker of human-like emotion glinting in its golden eyes.
It watched Lian Yueying silently, seemingly lost in thought.
Unaware of this, Lian Yueying swallowed another pill and focused intently on breaking through.
She did not want to grow accustomed to failure.
Yet, ever since she embarked on the path of cultivation (TL Note: ‘Xian Tu,’ the journey of cultivating to become an immortal), failure had been her constant companion.
It seemed those burdened with ‘废灵根’ (TL Note: ‘Waste spiritual roots,’ implying very poor cultivation talent) were destined to cultivate an indomitable spirit.
If any cultivators (TL Note: Practitioners of cultivation) above the Foundation Establishment (TL Note: A cultivation stage typically following Qi Condensation) stage were to pass by this place, they would undoubtedly sense the extremely violent spiritual energy fluctuations within the room.
This was a manifestation of failed breakthroughs, yet also Lian Yueying’s silent, unyielding roar of defiance.
Failure, attempt.
Failure, attempt.
Failure…
After an unknown period, a sliver of dawn’s light, like a fish’s belly, appeared on the horizon.
Lian Yueying consumed another pill.
Having endured numerous failures, she had almost grasped the correct method.
She was seen drawing in even more spiritual energy into her Dantian, seizing the opportune moment to suppress her Qi Sea.
Relying on her half-year’s experience of ‘埋气’ (TL Note: ‘Burying Qi,’ a technique to accumulate and condense spiritual energy), the churning Qi Sea was temporarily held down.
Lian Yueying dared not show the slightest slack.
For she had managed to suppress it three times before, only for the surging spiritual energy to always break free from her suppression.
Wave after wave, the Qi Sea assaulted her suppression.
Several times it nearly succeeded, but each time it was firmly pushed back.
The fruits of her many previous breakthrough attempts were now manifesting.
The bottleneck had loosened considerably.
Lian Yueying gritted her teeth, and at last, broke through to the seventh layer of Qi Condensation.
Her Qi Sea expanded significantly as her Dantian grew.
Amidst her joy, Lian Yueying did not stop.
Instead, she continued to breathe, allowing more spiritual energy to surge into her Dantian to stabilize her new realm.
When she opened her eyes again, sunlight streamed in through the window; the day had fully dawned.
Lian Yueying sprang from her meditation cushion, picked up the cat, which had been startled awake, and spun around several times before finally stopping.
The spiritual stones (TL Note: Stones containing spiritual energy used in cultivation arrays) in the Spirit Gathering Array (TL Note: A magical formation used to gather spiritual energy) had dimmed considerably.
They could last one more night at most.
In the past, Lian Yueying would feel a pang of heartache whenever she was about to replace spiritual stones.
Now, however, she felt an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.
The feeling of good things coming in pairs made Lian Yueying feel a little lightheaded.
She cleared her throat and murmured to herself, “Lian Yueying, you mustn’t grow arrogant.
The path of cultivation is vast and boundless.”
Yet, Lian Yueying, who had just been speaking with a feigned air of profundity, suddenly spun around several times on the spot.
The Tabby Cat, witnessing this, didn’t even bristle with fright.
Instead, it merely looked utterly helpless, turning its head away with a hint of disdain to lick its ruffled fur.
At this moment, Lian Yueying finally displayed the liveliness appropriate for her age.
However, the changes brought by reaching the seventh layer of Qi Condensation, a significant milestone, pulled her back to reality.
After her breakthrough, Lian Yueying’s five senses were far more acute.
Now, if she deliberately listened, she could not only hear the faint footsteps of a few disciples outside, but also discern that one person’s steps were heading towards her own room.
Even with a faint, charming smile still lingering on her lips, Lian Yueying immediately reverted to a blank expression and headed straight for the door.
Having just entered the seventh layer, Lian Yueying was unaccustomed to these heightened senses.
She waited by the door for a moment, only to hear that Zhao Qianqian was also standing at her door.
Separated only by the door, they were barely half a zhang (TL Note: A traditional Chinese unit of length, approximately 3.3 meters or 10 feet) apart.
‘[Why did she stop?]’
Just as Lian Yueying pondered this, a knock sounded at the door.
Upon opening it, Zhao Qianqian’s pretty face came into view.
“Why were you standing behind the door? Neither coming out nor going back in.”
These words stunned Lian Yueying.
Immediately, her eyes widened, and an expression of sudden realization dawned on her face.
‘[This overly regular life recently has truly stiffened my brain.
We’re both above the seventh layer, so if I can hear, she naturally can too.]’
With this thought, Lian Yueying understood more clearly.
She immediately moved to close the door and return inside, but Zhao Qianqian blocked it, frowning as she said, “Hey, hey! How can you be so ill-mannered? You’re just going to go back in without a word!”
“Anyway, you’re trapped in mortal affections, constantly repeating the same few phrases.
It’s utterly boring.”
“You!”
Zhao Qianqian was choked into silence by that single remark.
She could only step forward, blocking the doorway, and declare, “Do you dare to fight me again?”
“If it’s just an ordinary spar, I’m not interested.
Unless…”
Lian Yueying looked at Zhao Qianqian with ill intent.
Seeing her pause, Zhao Qianqian warily stated, “I don’t have that many spiritual stones!
I just finished paying back what I borrowed from a friend last time.”
At these words, Lian Yueying looked at Zhao Qianqian.
In her heart, she gained a certain understanding of the financial power of this young lady from a mortal merchant family, Zhao Qianqian.
“Are you challenging me again because of Zhou Yan?”
“Yes.
Hmm? You even know the news that Brother Yan (TL Note: A term of endearment for Zhou Yan) has broken through?”
‘[Zhou Yan?
Didn’t he only break through to the eighth layer half a year ago?
Such rapid progress in such a short time… it’s most likely due to the Earth-Flowing Spiritual Spring (TL Note: A natural spiritual energy source).]’
One must understand that the amount of spiritual energy required for cultivation from the sixth to seventh layers, and from the eighth to ninth layers, was not at all on the same scale.
From the seventh layer of Qi Condensation onwards, cultivators needed to begin accumulating the vast Qi Sea necessary for Foundation Establishment.
Each subsequent layer demanded an amount roughly equivalent to all previous stages combined, causing most people to slow down.
‘[No wonder I haven’t seen that scoundrel in half a year.
So, he settled down to cultivate diligently.
But even so, a dual spiritual root (TL Note: Possessing two spiritual roots, which is considered a rare talent) is just too unfair!]’
Lian Yueying stood frozen in the doorway.
Her small hand gripping the doorframe tightened slightly.
Her subtly furrowed willow eyebrows, paired with her solemn peach blossom eyes (TL Note: A term used to describe eyes that are long, slightly upturned, and often considered alluring), no longer held their usual charm.
‘[No, I can’t be affected.
Seeking immortality and the Dao is my own journey; what others’ talents are is none of my concern.]’
Although Lian Yueying momentarily failed to conceal her expression, Zhao Qianqian, with Zhou Yan on her mind, focused solely on speaking about him.
“Brother Yan is praised as a rare genius; he’s now just a step away from Grand Perfection (TL Note: The highest possible achievement within a cultivation stage), and he needs Harmonizing Breath Fruits (TL Note: A type of spiritual fruit used in cultivation) even more.”
Lian Yueying’s recently stabilized composure grew vexed once more by Zhao Qianqian’s words.
She quickly stated, “Zhou Yan is full of lies; you’ve been deceived by him.
I truly don’t have Harmonizing Breath Fruits.”
Zhao Qianqian only trusted Zhou Yan and paid no mind to Lian Yueying’s words.
“What? Are you scared now?”
Hearing this, Lian Yueying rolled her eyes dramatically and asked, “Since you don’t have spiritual stones, why would I spar with you?”
Lian Yueying no longer wanted to deal with this fool.
Just as she was about to close the door, Zhao Qianqian relentlessly continued, “Brother Yan is kind and gentle and doesn’t wish to quarrel with you, but I can’t stand by!
I must make you return the Harmonizing Breath Fruits you owe him!”
“It’s still the same: without enough spiritual stones, I will not spar with you.”
Hearing this, Zhao Qianqian became somewhat flustered and at a loss, making her very easy to read.
‘[At least Zhao Qianqian is relatively foolish and easy to send away, though she is a bit annoying.]’
Just as this thought crossed her mind, footsteps approached from not far away.
Zhou Yan’s voice immediately followed.
“So Qianqian was here all along.
We went to your dwelling just now and couldn’t find you.
It was Junior Uncle Qi who saw you coming this way, allowing us to find you.”
‘[Zhou Yan… that scoundrel!]’
Half a year had passed, yet Lian Yueying had never forgotten her grudge against Zhou Yan for stealing her spiritual plants.
Moreover, he had spread rumors, his intentions truly despicable.
“Brother Yan!”
Zhao Qianqian skipped towards Zhou Yan.
Upon nearing them, she first paid her respects to the other white-robed woman (TL Note: A woman dressed in white cultivation robes) before standing beside Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan smiled gently and stroked her head.
‘[What a two-faced villain.
It’s laughable that I was once fooled by his outward gentleness.
If I hadn’t been careful and deliberately slowed my attitude to test his true intentions, I really would have been completely deceived.]’
Of course, Zhou Yan had also once been fooled by the lingering childishness on Lian Yueying’s face and her innocent smile, believing her to be even easier to trick than Zhao Qianqian, and had carelessly revealed his true colors.
Now, looking at Lian Yueying, he found her still wearing that amiable and kind expression.
As the group drew closer, they exchanged greetings.
Zhou Yan then looked at Lian Yueying and smiled, “After half a year, Junior Sister Lian has grown even more captivating.”
‘[And you’ve grown even more shameless, to be able to say such things in front of so many people.]’
In truth, a superficial compliment would have been harmless.
However, both Zhou Yan and Lian Yueying knew their relationship was extremely hostile, and his ability to utter such words with a smile completely redefined him in Lian Yueying’s eyes.
Lian Yueying, for her part, simply couldn’t do it; she felt sickened.
Thus, Lian Yueying offered a faint smile, then turned her gaze to the unfamiliar Junior Uncle.
‘[I didn’t expect her to look so young, yet already be at the Foundation Establishment stage.]’
The woman possessed a composed demeanor, her white robes accentuating her pure and unblemished appearance, with subtle purple stripes adding a touch of mystery.
Moreover, the white-robed woman appeared to be in her early twenties, perhaps having not yet experienced the complexities of the world, her features not fully matured, her delicate melon-seed face (TL Note: A term for an oval-shaped face, often considered beautiful) exuding youthful vitality.
Given it was their first meeting, Lian Yueying’s observation lasted barely a breath.
She looked into the white-robed woman’s beautiful eyes, noticing that they held more curiosity than anything else.
However, as the two did not know each other, and Lian Yueying had no desire to form new acquaintances, she simply bowed and greeted her with “Junior Uncle.”
Seeing the white-robed woman nod, she turned and returned to her room.
Among the trio, with Zhou Yan present, Zhao Qianqian no longer cared that she had been shut out.
She happily chatted and laughed with Zhou Yan, who responded with a few words.
The white-robed woman, meanwhile, glanced at Lian Yueying’s dwelling, a faint golden light flickering in her beautiful eyes, indicating she was likely using her divine sense (TL Note: A spiritual perception ability used by cultivators) to probe.
A few breaths later, without knowing what she had seen, she stepped forward, and in an instant, a streak of light transformed into a flying sword, carrying her towards the mountain peak.