章 24: Chapter 24 – Eighth Level of the Spiritual Core

Tian Ling closed his eyes and, in an instant, transported himself directly into the simulation arena. He could feel the weight of power coursing through his entire body. Reaching the eighth level of the Spiritual Core Realm was a monumental achievement, and he was more confident than ever. The arena had always served him as a testing ground where his abilities were pushed to their limits.

"This time, I'll defeat him much more easily," he muttered, as his fingers hovered over the simulation selection panel, choosing the sect master as his opponent.

The imposing figure of the master of the Misty Cloud Sect materialized before him. Without hesitation, Tian Ling assumed his combat stance, the air around him thick with palpable tension. He knew that the master would not hold back and would attack him with full force right from the start. Moreover, the arena simulated with precision all the treasures carried by the opponents, and the master's protective cloak had always been a formidable barrier, making it difficult for Tian Ling to claim victory in their previous duels.

But this time would be different.

Tian Ling took a deep breath, channeling his Qi with precision. He activated the Celestial Light Steps, infusing Wind Qi to increase his speed. The air around him rippled as if the atmosphere itself responded to his presence. Then, he covered his body with Ice Qi, feeling the intense cold quickly grow. In a strategic move, he combined Fire Qi with Magma Qi, raising the temperature to extreme levels. The intense heat began melting the Ice Qi, and in seconds, a thick cloud of steam filled the arena.

Within the dense fog, Tian Ling moved like a phantom, his steps silent, his eyes locked on the sect master. With each battle, he became more adept at manipulating elemental Qi, refining his combinations.

"Stormy Sky Sword!" he shouted, as his arm swung in a precise arc, wielding the sword with destructive power.

The sharp sound of the sword cutting through the air reverberated in the arena. The master's Qi barrier, fortified by his protective cloak, was shattered in an instant. The sect master staggered back, his eyes widening briefly in surprise.

Tian Ling saw an opportunity. His mind was focused, his determination unwavering. There was no room for hesitation. He lunged forward, murmuring:

"Celestial Light Steps!"

In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of the sect master again, a swift shadow within the fog. He extended his palms, channeling a massive amount of Qi.

"Celestial Palm!"

The strike was devastating. Tian Ling's palm glowed with immense power, and the moment it made contact with the master's body, the arena filled with blinding light. The master's body and soul disintegrated instantly, turning to dust before Tian Ling's eyes.

He stood there, shocked by the outcome. His heart raced. He had never expected the strike to be that powerful.

"What... what was that?" he murmured, still stunned by his own strength.

Before he could process his thoughts, the familiar voice of the system echoed in his mind:

[Simulation complete: Victory. Time elapsed: 2 minutes and 16 seconds.]

Tian Ling opened his eyes, back in his meditation cave. His heart was still racing, and his hands clenched into fists.

"I haven't even broken through to the True Soul Realm yet, but I can already defeat someone at the peak of that realm. Not instantly, because of their treasures, but... I can still beat them easily. What will it be like when I break through?"

He allowed himself a small smile. The excitement of achieving such power was undeniable, but at the same time, something bothered him. He couldn't let the euphoria cloud his judgment. "I can't be satisfied with this. The True Soul Realm is powerful, but only in the Nine Star Region. There are many more powerful cultivators in the world... I still need to grow stronger."

With renewed motivation, he dove back into the simulation arena. He was determined to push his limits as far as they would go.

Meanwhile, in the outer area of the central island, a young man practiced his sword art. His movements were graceful and calculated, the gleam of his blade cutting through the air with precision. He was completely focused, but something weighed on his mind. Sitting at a distance, the sect master observed him with a cup of tea in hand, his eyes carefully watching the disciple's progress.

"You're doing very well. Your swordsmanship is sharp," the master praised, taking a small sip of tea.

"Thank you, master, but..." Jiang Zenhai hesitated, his voice low as his sword halted in the air. "Why do I feel like I'm falling behind? I put in the effort, but... can I really be considered a talent? I've just consolidated my cultivation in the Spiritual Core Realm, while my fellow disciples are much further ahead..."

Jiang Zenhai, once chosen by the sect master as one of his direct disciples, carried the weight of high expectations. But his progress seemed too slow.

"You're right. Your cultivation speed may not be as fast as theirs, but your lineage is superior. When the time comes, you'll reach new heights. Don't underestimate yourself," the master replied calmly, while a thought lingered in his mind: "How could I have been wrong? His lineage is superior, but the others' talents seem greater... where did I go wrong?"

"I understand, master. I'll focus solely on my cultivation." Jiang Zenhai said, with a hint of discouragement in his voice.

The master shook his head, looking at the young disciple before him.

"No, Jiang Zenhai. I believe the time has come for you to go out and train. Cultivators need to experience the world, to learn from the unexpected. Experiences are essential for growth."

"Go out to train?" Jiang Zenhai frowned, surprised by his master's sudden decision. "Why do I need to leave now, if the others haven't yet?" he wondered.

"Yes. You need to seek out opportunities. Your lineage will serve you well in adversity," the master spoke with confidence.

"I understand, master. I'll leave to train in a week." Despite his hesitation, Jiang Zenhai agreed, though he didn't fully understand the reasoning behind his master's decision.

Meanwhile, Tian Ling emerged from his meditation cave, feeling satisfied after the intense training sessions in the simulation arena. His gaze was more determined than ever. "There's still a long way to go," he thought. But one thing was certain: he was becoming increasingly prepared to face any challenge that lay ahead.

As the gentle breeze of the central island brushed against him, a new thought crossed his mind. He knew he needed to continue advancing in his elemental Qi cultivation, and the next destination was clear in his mind: the Thunder Mystic Realm. The destructive power of Thunder Qi was known for its intensity and difficulty to control, but Tian Ling felt a palpable excitement at the challenge.

"It's time to take the next step."

Without wasting any more time, he headed to the teleportation formation that connected the islands of the Misty Cloud Sect to the various Mystic Realms. The vortex leading to the Thunder Mystic Realm spun chaotically, sparking with pure energy, as if the thunder itself was waiting for him.

With a determined smile, Tian Ling stepped into the vortex without hesitation.

The power of thunder awaited him.

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