Juanxiu watched as Mao Wenlin and Du Hong sat down in a meditative state, eagerly absorbing the energy flowing within the mystical space. He understood the significance of this moment for the two and refrained from disturbing their cultivation. In just a couple of hours, their aura skyrocketed, signaling a breakthrough in their cultivation.
"Congratulations, Alchemist Mao Wenlin and Du Hong Ge," Juanxiu congratulated them with a smile.
Juanxiu beamed with pride as he congratulated the two alchemists who just achieved a breakthrough. Mao Wenlin and Du Hong looked dazed as they absorbed the newfound power that flowed through their veins. They had just reached a new level of cultivation and the aura around them was a testament to that.
"This is truly amazing," Mao Wenlin said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I never thought I would break through the shackles of my realm in just a few hours."
Du Hong nodded in agreement, a look of wonder on his face. "A miracle," he said. "I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity."
"Now, let us get back to work," Juanxiu said, his tone turning serious. "We still have much to do, and there is still much knowledge to be gained."
"Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the bounds of the mortal cultivation realm?" Juanxiu asked as Mao Wenlin and Du Hong gazed in wonder at their surroundings. "Well, you need not wonder anymore, for you are now standing in a place that is beyond what you could imagine. This is a place of pure energy, where mythical creatures and plants roam freely and the concentration of spiritual energy is so thick you can feel it with your closed eyes."
Juanxiu continued, "This place was gifted to me by my Master who resides within the tower over there. I must warn you, entry into the tower is strictly forbidden and those who dare to do so will face severe consequences. However, just being here is already a blessing, and I will occasionally come by to bring you sustenance."
The two cultivators listened in awe as Juanxiu spoke, and they couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity they had been given.
With her artifact fan tightly gripped in her hand, Mao Wen Lin smeared her blood onto it and summoned the Jiu Wei Hu to her side. The fan glimmered with an eerie light, as if it was alive. She twirled it with a flick of her wrist, causing the air to stir and the surrounding energy to condense into a vortex.
The moment the beast felt the pulsing energy of this realm, it let out a deafening howl that echoed through the air. Its form began to glow, shimmering with the power of the Primordial energy it was absorbing. It then encased itself in a sphere of radiant energy, as if undergoing a powerful rebirth. "Incredible," Mao Wenlin breathed in awe.
Du Hong also took out his spiritual beast, an Erawan, a white elephant with multiple trunks and heads. The majestic creature was usually kept hidden, for it was still relatively young at 20 years old and not yet ready for the battles it might face. But here, in this realm of pure energy, the Erawan was undergoing an incredible transformation. Its body glowed, growing larger and more powerful by the second, until it was a shining beacon of strength and power.
With the light of the moon illuminating the clearing, Juanxiu stepped forward, his voice ringing with authority as he addressed Mao Wenlin and Du Hong. "I present to you the sacred teachings of the Breath of the Thunderous Dragon," he declared, holding out a scroll bound in silk. "This breathing technique is unlike any you have ever encountered before. It harnesses the power of sound and the forces of the sky to fortify and empower your spirit."
Next, he approached Mao Wenlin, pressing the Thunderous Roar scripture into her hands. "This martial technique is a perfect complement to your mastery of the wind and your artifact fan," he explained. "Use it to unleash devastating sonic attacks and defend yourself against your foes." Juanxiu toiled day and night outside to draw these scriptures.
Du Hong was next, and Juanxiu handed him the Ethereal Blade scripture. "Your senses are already sharp and precise, my friend," Juanxiu said. "With the power of this technique, your attacks will be even more deadly. You will strike at the very heart of your enemies, exploiting their weaknesses and striking them down."
As Juanxiu stepped back, the two of them eagerly unrolled the scrolls and began to study the techniques contained within. They could already feel the power surging through them, and they were eager to put these newfound abilities to the test.
Juanxiu gathered the two trainees in front of him and spoke in a serious tone.
"Your training here will not be easy. It will take 30 long years and you may miss your loved ones. But remember, you are here to gain strength to protect those you love from the empire's clutches. Your determination must not waver," he warned them. The words struck a chord with the two, who stood resolutely before Juanxiu.
He continued, "Your sustenance will be provided by this place. For some reason, the realm understands your needs. I will also check on you from time to time and bring you something,"
Juanxiu noticed that in their short time here, something had changed in them. He couldn't put his finger on what changed, but he is sure that there is something different.
Juanxiu said his goodbyes to Mao Wenlin and Du Hong as they embarked on their challenging training journey. He was driven by his own pursuit of strength and knowledge, knowing that it was the only way he could support and protect his people.
The thought of unlocking the secrets within the Intermediate section of the library and accessing its wealth of resources filled him with excitement. However, the mysterious disappearance of his father weighed heavily on his mind. Juanxiu was determined to uncover the truth and find him, but he knew that he could only do so once he was stronger and more powerful.
Upon his return to the tower, Juanxiu was greeted by the voice of Xiannu Yindao. The guide informed him that the time was perfect for his return, as the Curse Striker was about to be born within the next twenty years.
Despite the long incubation time of over thirty thousand years, the flow of time within the tower was different, making the wait seem shorter. Xiannu Yindao marveled at the sheer power and potential of the Curse Striker, requiring the purest form of Primordial energy before it could even be awakened.
He also asked Xiannu about the changes in Du Hong and Mao Wenlin after their stay in the tower. He explained that the environment had an effect on those who entered, instilling an unbreakable loyalty to the tower's owner. Juanxiu sighed in relief, knowing that these two individuals would never betray Juanxiu.
As Juanxiu devoted himself to his cultivation, he felt a burning determination to reach the 5th stage of the Soldier rank. He pushed himself day and night, knowing that his weak foundation was his greatest obstacle. But as he struggled, his Dantian seemed to consume all the Qi that he absorbed, leaving him with no progress.
Despite the difficulties, Juanxiu did not give up. After five years of non-stop cultivation, he finally reached the 4th stage of the Soldier rank. And with another ten years of hard work, he finally reached the 5th stage, his initial goal.
While Juanxiu may have struggled to make progress, Mao Wenlin and Du Hong, flourished outside the tower. Mao Wenlin was on her way to becoming a Master Swordsman. Meanwhile, Du Hong had broken through the 6th stage of the General class.
But it wasn't just their cultivations that had improved. Their spiritual beasts had also undergone remarkable transformations. The Erawan, once small and unremarkable, had now grown in size, its tusks now gleaming like diamonds. The end of its tail was now covered in a deadly mineral buildup, while the Jiu Wei Hu was truly a sight to behold.
After achieving its tenth tail, purple clouds gathered in the sky and a rain of lightning descended, a sign that the beast was on the brink of reaching the next stage. Xiannu Yindao explained that this is a standard occurrence on beasts that carry divine blood. The Jiu Wei Hu may carry the Divine White Wold Blood and it was awakened after being bathed by the Primordial energy.
As soon as Juanxiu reached the 5th stage of the Soldier rank, Xiannu Yindao informed him that he was now eligible to take the Basic Alchemy test. Despite only having completed the basic studies, this was the only test available to him. When
Juanxiu asked what would happen if he failed, Xiannu explained that there was no punishment, but it would simply mean he would not be able to progress further in Alchemy. Upon passing the test, he would have access to the Intermediate section of the Alchemy study.
Juanxiu was filled with excitement as he heard the news that he could take the basic Alchemy test. He has been studying and practicing Alchemy for years now, and this was his chance to prove himself and advance further in his studies. Xiannu Yindao informed him that the test would be separated into three sections, each designed to test his understanding and mastery of Alchemy.
The first section would be a theoretical examination, where Juanxiu would be tested on his knowledge of the basics of Alchemy. This would cover the principles, theories, and concepts that he has studied, as well as his ability to apply them in practical situations.
The second section would be a practical examination, where Juanxiu would be tasked to perform a series of Alchemy procedures. This section would test his ability to perform the procedures accurately, efficiently, and safely. He would also be evaluated on his ability to identify and solve any problems that may arise during the procedures.
The final section would be a challenge examination, where Juanxiu would be given an Alchemy problem to solve. This section would test his critical thinking skills, as well as his ability to apply his knowledge and skills in new and unexpected situations.
Juanxiu knew that this exam would be difficult, but he was determined to give it his best shot. He spent the next few weeks studying and preparing for the test, determined to show Xiannu what he was capable of. On the day of the exam, he was ready and confident, eager to showcase his skills and knowledge of Alchemy.