Chapter 19: Power Surge
Chapter 19: Power Surge
Jiang lei took his first step.
"BOOM"
Instantly, an overwhelming force hit his body, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. This time, the force not only assaulted his physical body but also his very soul.
"Crack... Crack... Crack..." The sound of his bones cracking rang in Jiang Lei's ears as he staggered back, collapsing onto the ground. Pain ripped through every part of his being, trying to overwhelm all of his senses completely.
"This is insane! How can I go on like this? It seems like that they don't want anyone to get close to it." Lying on the ground, he could hardly summon the strength to stand, he could now understand that the pressure around the monument was intently created to keep anyone from reaching its peak. It's not like what he thought, by no means, this could be a test. It is so terrifying.
The physical pain was unbearable, but even more terrifying was the relentless assault on his soul. It felt as if an unforgiving force sought to erase his very existence. This time the target was not simply his body, but his mind and spirit as well.
Mustering every ounce of courage and strength he had left, Jiang Lei muttered, "After coming this far, it would be a waste of this opportunity if I turn back without trying my best. I can feel that next breakthrough is very close. Let's do this for the last time."
Gritting his teeth, Jiang Lei struggled to his feet.
With shaking legs, he pushed himself up and took another step, slow and unsteady. Using all his willpower, he managed to sit on the tenth step, enduring the agony of his soul tearing, muscles ripping, and bones fracturing.
In this moment, he couldn't even use his energy to heal himself. First, he needed to adapt to the immense pressure and bear the pain. Only then would he be able to use his power to mend his battered body.
Closing his eyes, Jiang Lei focused on his breathing, trying to push the pain to the back of his mind. He sought to calm himself and endure, knowing that this was the only way forward.
After a long while when the pain became somewhat bearable, he finally summoned the energy to start healing his battered body.
....
Meanwhile, back in the village, the sun had set, and the moon had risen. The villagers continued to wait anxiously for Jiang Lei's return.
"Village leader, do you think Brother Jiang will come back safely? Will he be able to break the barrier for us?" Zhang Wei's voice trembled with concern.
Bai Zheng placed a reassuring hand on Zhang Wei's shoulder. "Of course. Jiang Lei is brave and strong. He saved us from that monster. If anyone can break this barrier, it's him. Have faith."
Bai Zheng saw towards Jiang lei, he said firmly, but no one saw his deep worry in his eyes.He knows better than anyone the horror of that monument, because when he was young, he had tried once to go near the monument.
But let alone ninety step, he couldn't even cross two steps,he knew very well that if he had taken one more step ,he would have become piece of mud by now
"Jiang Lei, return unharmed. If not, my soul will never find peace," He murmured, his eyes searching the darkness for the familiar figure he so desperately hoped to see again.
....
Jiang Lei stood up once more, having grown accustomed to the immense pressure at this level.
"Come on, Only nine more steps to go. I have already made it past ninety. I can do it," he encouraged himself. Taking a deep breath, he took another step forward. The pressure increased, but not as drastically as the transition from step ninety to ninety-one. It was still within his ability to withstand.
"I can take this amount of pressure. Let's give it one more step," he thought in his mind as he prepared for his next step. However, he soon realised how wrong he was.
"BOOM!" The sudden surge in pressure sent him crashing to the ground once more. In that Instant, he felt like a mountain was pressing down on him, and simply breathing became very hard as if a heavy weight was put on his chest. Gritting his teeth, he sat down, focusing on acclimating to the crushing force and allowing his injuries to heal.
He repeated this process until he reached the fifth step. Along the way, his cultivation had already broken through to the eighth level of the mortal realm. This progress excited and motivated him, pushing him to continue despite the hellish pain he endured.
However, as he approached the fifth step, something felt different. Even without taking the step, he could sense an overwhelming force awaiting him. He knew that proceeding could lead to a miserable end.
"Forget it. It will be just a little more painful. Atleast I will not die." He muttered and took the step firmly.
"BOOM"
Without a moment to process what was happening, Jiang Lei felt a sudden wave of force knocked him down instantaneously, and everything around him went black. The pain from his breaking bones, tearing muscles, and even the tearing of his soul had become so overwhelming that he had grown numb to it.
He just felt a strange calmness surrounding his body, but when his eyes were about to shut, it shone fiercely.
"Ah!" Jiang Lei tightened his palm into a fist, a low groan escaped his lips. He gradually closed his eyes, the force just know drew all the strength out of him. He couldn't even move his body so he lied there just like that, for an unknown period of time.
Maybe, few hours had passed, when Jiang Lei once again opend his eyes, he can't feel the physical pain anymore, the only pain that is hurting him is the pain of soul.
The pain of the soul was a hundred times, no, a thousand times more painful than the physical pain, it was a pain that even a foundation establishment realm practicner won't be able to withstand.
But now he is bearing this, his will was much more powerful than an ordinary person. It could be because he had just faced a near death experience.
As Jiang Lei's vision cleared, he slowly sat up and crossed his legs in a mediating position.
He began the arduous process of healing his ravaged body. Although his injuries were healing at a frustratingly slower speed from the previous steps, but at the same time his cultivation speed was increasing way faster than the previous steps.
It took him just one hour to make breakthrough and he reached ninth level of mortal realm.
After what felt like hours, he finally managed to heal the worst of his injuries. His breathing became steadier, and he could move without feeling like he was going to collapse.
While he was cultivating, a sudden thought crossed his mind.
This pressure around him could help him in his cultivation, he wondered if it could also help him understand the skill. He did not the answer, so he decided to give a try to this idea.
"System, teach me the Fire Burst
technique."
This is the second time he is using Insight Mode, but Jiang Lei knows very well that this is the best opportunity to use the insight mode.
[System: "Master, Insight Mode is activating."]
A holographic screen appeared before him, displaying intricate diagrams and patterns of flames.
Jiang Lei studied the diagrams and patterns, feeling an endless well of flame energy within him.
The interface displays the intricate movements and energy flows of the Flame Burst technique. Each step is broken down into simple form, making it easier for Jiang Lei to understand. He watches as the flames are manipulated, controlled, and then burst forth with power.
Jiang Lei's mind starts to grasp the technique. He replays certain parts, trying to absorb the details. With each repetition, he feels like he's getting a clearer picture of how the flames should behave under his command.
When he felt that he has understood a part of the skill, he stands up and begins to practice the technique in real life. The holographic interface disappears, but the visual cues and muscle memory remain. He tries to mimic the movements he saw, focusing on the specific energy flows he learned.
Becaus of the pressure at the beginning in outside world, his attempts were not stable, and the flames didn't cooperate. But Jiang Lei kept repeating the moves, learning and also improving in the process.
He remembers the movements in his mind and adjusts his moves. Gradually, the flames around him starts burning with more intensity. He practiced relentlessly, repeating the technique over and over. With each repetition, he identified his mistakes and worked to correct them, gradually improving his control over the flames. He could feel a deepening connection between his movements and the fire, as if they were becoming one.
As Jiang Lei continued to practice, his mind entered a state of complete absorption. The world around him faded away, and he moved as if possessed by an unseen force. His eyes remained closed, yet he executed the technique with the fluidity and precision of second nature.
Time lost its meaning, and the pressure of his circumstances melted away. Jiang Lei's entire being was focused solely on the mastery of the Fire Burst Technique. He practiced tirelessly, pouring every ounce of his concentration into each movement.
After some time.
"Boom"
Jiang Lei felt a surge of fire energy coursing throughout his body. His strength grew exponentially, and for a fleeting moment, he felt like he could shatter mountains with a single punch.
But all of this was hallucinations because of sudden rise in his strength, he slowly started to adjust him with his current power.
Jiang Lei knew that he had grown stronger than ever before. He may not have been able to gauge his exact power, but he was certain that it had surpassed his previous level when he was at the seventh level of the Mortal Realm with his intermediate fire talent.
His Fire Burst Techniques has finally brokethrough to the Advanced stage.