Tian Ling returned to his palace, resolute in refocusing on his cultivation. As the grand doors closed behind him with a soft echo, he was sealed off from the outside world. The stillness of the palace was disturbed only by the gentle rustle of wind drifting through the empty halls. He was on the verge of reaching the Soul Perfecting Realm and had decided to enter seclusion until he could reach the pinnacle of the True Soul Realm. A fierce yearning for power and guidance burned in his heart.
Entering his meditation chamber, Tian Ling took a deep breath, inhaling the subtle aroma of spiritual herbs burning in the incense holders. He sat in a lotus position atop a jade pedestal, closed his eyes, and began channeling spiritual energy into his core. "I'm so close," he thought, feeling the energy pulse through his veins. "Just one more step, and I'll break through to the next realm."