Morning light filtered through the small window of the storage room as Gù Tiānháo methodically organized his belongings. He laid out his possessions on the floor, taking inventory of what he had accumulated during his time in the Black Mist Forest and his stay at Lin Xiao Yue's cottage. His hunting knife, cleaned and sharpened; the iron cauldron, now bearing the subtle energy residue of successful alchemy; various beast cores and materials he had kept from his hunts; and most precious of all, the three remaining Meridian Opening Pills, glowing with ruby radiance even in the daylight.
He carefully wrapped each pill in a small cloth before placing them in a secure inner pocket of his storage pouch. These three pills represented enormous potential—the ability to open perhaps sixty percent more of his blocked meridians, accelerating his cultivation speed to levels that would be considered miraculous. Such treasures needed to be protected and used at optimal moments. He would save at least one for after the sect examination, assuming he passed, to give himself an advantage over other new disciples.
As he continued organizing, Tiānháo mentally reviewed his journey so far. From the moment of his transmigration into this world, he had moved with singular purpose—to survive, to understand the rules of this reality, and to grow stronger. The God and Demon Slaying Bead had been an unexpected advantage, providing knowledge and techniques that would have taken years to acquire otherwise. His recent success with alchemy had opened yet another path to power. And now, with the sect examination approaching, he stood at the threshold of the next phase of his journey.
He heard movement outside—Lin Xiao Yue was awake and preparing for their morning training session. He finished packing his belongings and joined her in the clearing, noting the eager anticipation in her eyes. She had grown accustomed to their daily routine and clearly looked forward to each new lesson. Today, however, Tiānháo found himself slightly distracted, his thoughts repeatedly turning to his impending departure and the preparations still needed.
"Your stance is too wide," he corrected automatically as they moved through a series of basic forms. "Remember to keep your weight centered. When you shift, move from your Dantian, not just your limbs.
" She adjusted immediately, her body responding with increasing precision to his instructions. Her progress continued to impress him—in less than two weeks, she had advanced further than many would in months.
Throughout the day, Tiānháo continued to train her, but his instructions were more concise, his demonstrations briefer. Lin Xiao Yue noticed the change but didn't comment, perhaps sensing that something had shifted in his demeanor. As evening approached, they concluded their training earlier than usual. "Rest well tonight," he told her. "Tomorrow we will focus on practical applications of what you've learned so far.
"After a simple dinner, Tiānháo returned to his room and sat cross-legged on the floor. The time had come to attempt another breakthrough. He was currently at the peak of the 3rd Level of Body Refinement, and with the opening of forty percent of his meridians, he had a solid foundation for advancement to the 4th Level. He retrieved one of the Meridian Opening Pills from his pouch, its glow illuminating the small room with a soft crimson light.
Without hesitation, he placed the pill on his tongue, allowing it to dissolve. The now-familiar cascade of sensations followed—warmth spreading through his body, transforming rapidly into intense, needle-like pain as the pill's energy targeted his meridians. This time, he was better prepared, his mind remaining calm and focused despite the agony. He guided the energy with practiced precision, using the Nine Cycles technique to distribute it evenly through his system.
Black impurities seeped from his pores as another twenty percent of his meridians were forcibly opened and purified. His muscles spasmed, his body trembling with the strain of containing and directing such potent energy. Yet through it all, he maintained his focus, his will unshakable. The pain was a necessary step on the path to power—a price willingly paid.
As the pill's energy continued to work through his system, Tiānháo sensed a qualitative shift occurring. The newly opened meridians weren't just enhancing his existing foundation; they were pushing him to a new threshold. He felt his Qi growing denser, more potent, accumulating in his Dantian until the pressure became almost unbearable. Then, with a sensation like a dam breaking, his energy surged through his entire meridian network, settling into a new equilibrium at a higher level.
The 4th Level of Body Refinement. He had broken through.
As the pain subsided and his awareness expanded to encompass his enhanced state, Tiānháo allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. His body felt stronger, more responsive, his senses sharper. His Qi had not just increased in quantity but in quality—more refined, more potent, capable of greater feats. With sixty percent of his meridians now open and his cultivation at the 4th Level, he was well-positioned for the sect examination. Few candidates would possess such a solid foundation.
He spent the next hour carefully circulating his Qi through his newly expanded network of meridians, ensuring that the energy flowed smoothly and that his recent advancement was stable. Satisfied with his progress, he finally allowed himself to rest, his mind already turning to tomorrow's tasks. It was time to inform Lin Xiao Yue of his departure. The thought brought an unexpected twinge of regret, but he pushed it aside. His path was clear, and sentiment could not be allowed to interfere with his advancement. Still, as sleep claimed him, his dreams were filled with images of the small cottage, the peaceful clearing, and a pair of earnest eyes watching his every movement with admiration and trust.