Chapter 34: Closer
He peels off his robes swiftly, placing them neatly to the side. The air in the cave touches his skin, cool and unmoving. He closes his eyes, concentrating on the energy swirling inside him.
Li Wei feels the familiar surge of energy within him reaching its peak. He knows what's coming and braces himself. His muscles tense slightly in anticipation. The breakthrough is upon him, and with it comes a dreaded and necessary sensation.
He starts to feel it, a thick, foul-smelling liquid beginning to seep from his pores. It's more intense than anything he's experienced in his previous breakthroughs. The sensation is almost overwhelming, a physical manifestation of the internal changes. This liquid slowly covers his skin, trickling down his arms and legs.
He remains motionless. The sensation is decidedly uncomfortable. He can feel the liquid coating his skin; its presence is undeniable and somewhat disgusting.
He feels his Qi growing, expanding in waves as he focuses inward. It fills him, pushing against the limits he's known until now. He opens his eyes, feeling the change deep within. He's reached the 7th level of Qi cultivation. Relief washes over him, mixed with a deep sense of achievement.
His skin is still slick with the unpleasant residue of the breakthrough. "I need to wash this off. " Li Wei walks out of the cave and goes to the stream nearby.
The path to the stream is familiar, worn by his frequent travels. He reaches the stream and steps into the water. It's cold, a sharp contrast to his warm skin. The stream's water swirls around him, carrying away the stinky liquid. He scrubs his skin, clearing off every trace of the residue. The water turns murky, tainted by the remnants of the breakthrough.
Li Wei stands waist-deep in the stream, the water flowing around him with a constant, soothing rhythm. The stream's coolness is a welcome contrast to the intense internal heat generated by his cultivation breakthrough. Clear and calm water rushes past him, cascading over rocks and pebbles, creating a symphony of natural sounds.
He immerses his hands in the stream, feeling the water slip through his fingers.
Li Wei closes his eyes, allowing the sounds of the water to fill his senses. He focuses on the sensation of the stream's flow, the way it moves relentlessly forward, adapting and shaping itself around the obstacles in its path.
He remains there for a while, simply existing in the space between the water and the sky. The stream's gentle touch seems to wash away the remnants of his intense internal experience, leaving him feeling cleansed both physically and mentally.
After a time, Li Wei steps out of the stream. He feels revitalised, his body and spirit refreshed by the water's embrace. The experience in the stream has helped clear his mind, bringing him back to the present with a renewed focus.
After returning to his cave, Li Wei is eager to test his newly enhanced abilities.
"Time to see what I can do now."
He takes his position in the centre of the cave, a sense of purpose in his stance.
He extends a hand forward, fingers poised. The cave is quiet except for the subtle sounds of his breathing and the occasional water drip from the cave's ceiling. He channels his Qi, feeling the familiar surge of energy in his fingertips. It's more controlled now, more responsive.
He focuses on targeting a specific spot on the cave wall. He releases a bone shot. It flies across the cave, a blur of motion, and strikes the wall precisely where he intended. The impact leaves a small, neat mark, a testament to his improved accuracy.
Li Wei observes the result, his expression one of quiet satisfaction. "The 7th level," he muses. He feels the difference in his control, the way his Qi responds more keenly to his will.
He prepares for another shot. His hand moves slightly, adjusting the angle. Another surge of Qi, another release. The second shot perfectly mirrors the first, embedding itself into the wall beside the initial mark. The consistency is undeniable.
He continues, a rhythm developing in his practice. Each shot is a repetition of the last, each striking true. The marks on the wall multiply, and a pattern of accuracy and power emerges.
As he practices, Li Wei counts the shots. One, two, three... he reaches ten without feeling the drain of Qi that used to accompany such exertion. He pauses, noting this change. "Ten shots,"
"and still, my Qi holds strong." It's a significant improvement, one that not only speaks to his increased cultivation level but also to his potential for further growth.
At this moment, Li Wei's confidence in his path solidifies. "The 7th level has opened new doors," he reflects. His ability is stark compared to his time at the 6th level. His previous struggles with accuracy and the inconsistency of his shots now seem like hurdles of the past.
He resumes his practice, each bone shot reinforcing his newfound mastery. The cave, a silent witness to his journey, resonates with the sound of his progress. The echoes fill the space, a symphony of his dedication and resolve.
Li Wei's practice continues, unbroken, each shot a step forward in his journey. The cave walls, marked by his efforts, bear witness to a cultivator on the brink of greater achievements. Li Wei's determination and enhanced abilities paint a picture of a man transformed by his relentless pursuit of power.
"Good progress," Li Wei thinks, pausing after the intense practice session. He looks around the cave, the marks on the walls evidence of his improved Bone Shot technique. He feels satisfied, recognising his hard-earned advancement to the 7th level of Qi cultivation.
He sits down on the cool stone floor of the cave beneath him. "I'm closer to the 8th level now," he muses, the thought bringing excitement and a hint of urgency. "But time... it's not on my side." He recalls the agreement with Senior Huo, the deadline looming like a shadow over his accomplishments.
"I need to push harder," he resolves, his determination firming. He reaches into his robe, fingers searching for the special pill the inner disciple gave. The pill represents a gamble, a potential boost to his cultivation. "It's time to take this risk," he decides, his gaze fixed on the small, potent object in his hand.
"I can't afford to slow down, not when I'm this close."
He looks at the pill with a mix of anticipation and caution. "This could be what I need to reach the 8th level ."
"Consolidating this breakthrough is crucial before pushing further."
He considers the pill's potential to propel him to the 8th level clear in his mind. Yet, he remains cautious. "Rushing now could backfire. I need to be at my peak before taking it."
"Soon, but not yet," he decides. "Once I've fully harnessed this level's strength, I'll be ready."
With a sense of resolve, he stores the pill safely away, focusing on stabilising his current state of cultivation. The journey to the 8th level beckons, but he knows the importance of a strong foundation. "Patience now will pay off when the time comes."
Li Wei's eyes grow heavy. The cave around him fades into a blur as his body demands rest. He yields to the tiredness, lowering himself onto his simple bedding. The ground is hard and unyielding, but he hardly notices.
He stretches out, his muscles aching slightly from the day's intense cultivation. The cave is silent, save for the soft whisper of his breath. The air is cool, a stark contrast to the warmth of his body, still radiating the energy from his cultivation.
He closes his eyes. Darkness envelops him, a welcome respite from the constant focus and strain of training. His breathing deepens, becoming rhythmic, a natural lullaby coaxing him into slumber.
The worries and plans, the techniques and breakthroughs, all drift away. For now, there's nothing but the stillness of the cave and the steady beat of Li Wei's heart. Li Wei's mind gradually quiets, thoughts dissolving into the tranquil emptiness of sleep.
In this state, There's only rest, deep and undisturbed, a rare moment of peace in the life of a cultivator. His body recovers, muscles relax, and his Qi settles, a gentle ebb and flow within him.
The night passes in silence, the cave a solitary cocoon sheltering Li Wei as he rests.
The cave's darkness gradually gives way to the faint light of dawn, seeping through the entrance and casting a dim glow on the stone walls. Li Wei stirs from his sleep, his body languid as it emerges from the depths of rest. He blinks slowly, adjusting to the morning light, his mind transitioning from the realm of dreams to the waking world.
Sitting up, Li Wei stretches his arms, feeling the stiffness in his muscles ease. He stands, his movements unhurried, and walks towards the cave entrance. The cool air of the morning brushes against his skin, a refreshing contrast to the cave's stale atmosphere.
He takes a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp air, and exhales slowly. There is a quietness in the air, the sect still in the clutches of early morning tranquillity.
Li Wei glances at the torn remnants of the Bone Shield manual. He tosses the shredded pages into the charred area he's used for fires. The paper lands with a soft rustle.
He then gathers a few dry twigs and branches. Each piece he picks up is added to the pile, building a modest but adequate structure for a fire.
With the twigs in place, Li Wei sits back on his heels, looking at the small pile. He retrieves a flint. Striking it sparks a leap towards the tinder. It takes a few attempts, but a small flame eventually catches, the fire's birth a tiny spectacle in the dim cave.
The flames grow, licking at the edges of the torn manual. The paper catches fire quickly, the flames consuming the pages with a quiet ferocity. Li Wei watches the flames dance, the fire casting flickering shadows on the cave walls. The sound of the fire, a soft crackling and popping, fills the cave.
As the fire consumes the manual
He adds a few more twigs to the fire, maintaining its size.
Li Wei surveys the aftermath of his intense practice sessions. The walls bear the marks of his Bone Shot technique, punctured with small, precise holes.
"It's just a cave," he reminds himself, "nothing more than a temporary stop."
As the fire dwindles to embers, Li Wei stands up. He looks at the cave entrance, the growing light indicating the start of a new day. He leaves the fire remnants behind, ready to face whatever the day brings.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone