Chapter 9: Breakthrough

Dao Wei dedicated himself entirely to cultivation in the six days leading up to the coronation, pushing his body and mind to the brink in a relentless pursuit of mastery. He informed Liu Xu of his plans, and despite her initial concern, she understood the importance of his training.

"Liu Xu, I need to spend these next six days focusing solely on my cultivation. It's crucial for our sect's future," Dao Wei said, his voice steady with resolve.

Liu Xu was worried, but she agreed, "I understand, My Prince. But please, don't push yourself too hard."

Dao Wei smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

Dao Wei's training regimen was grueling. From dawn to dusk, he practiced the Supreme Chaos Sword Technique and the Dragon Palm Technique of Buddha, each session pushing him closer to his limits.

Each morning, Dao Wei would unsheathe his celestial steel sword and move through a series of complex forms. His strikes were precise, each one cutting through the air with a hum that resonated through the creek. He practiced the Void Sword Technique relentlessly, transitioning through each level with seamless fluidity.

"Shadow Slice!" Dao Wei commanded in a low tone.

His sword created multiple afterimages, making it appear as if he were attacking from several directions at once. The ethereal blade sliced through shadows and tangible substances alike, each strike leaving a shimmering trail of energy.

"Void Step!" he continued.

In an instant, Dao Wei would vanish, reappearing a short distance away. His movements were not just physical but a spatial shift, allowing him to evade imaginary attacks and reposition himself unpredictably.

"Ethereal Slash!" he called out.

Invisible energy waves launched from his sword, cutting through the air and solid objects alike. These slashes were silent, nearly undetectable, making them extremely difficult to block or dodge.

"Dimensional Rift!" Dao Wei declared.

He created small rifts in space, his sword striking through these rifts from seemingly impossible angles. These strikes bypassed any physical defenses, aiming directly at the opponent's weak points.

Finally, "Void Sword!" he shouted.

His sword phased in and out of existence, striking from the void with unpredictable precision. Each strike created small voids that destabilized the footing and balance of an imaginary opponent.

After hours of sword practice, Dao Wei transitioned to the Dragon Palm Technique of Buddha. His hands moved with the precision of a master calligrapher, tracing intricate patterns in the air. Each palm strike sent ripples through the surrounding Qi, the force palpable and intense. The ground beneath him trembled slightly with each impact, a testament to the sheer power he wielded.

"Heavenly Palm!" Dao Wei whispered.

He struck the air, his palms glowing with golden light. The force of his strikes created shockwaves that radiated outward, causing the ground to crack and trees to sway.

Liu Xu watched from a distance, her heart aching at the sight of Dao Wei's relentless training. She could see the strain in his movements, the sweat pouring down his face, and the intense focus in his eyes. Despite her worries, she admired his dedication and strength.

"Is this truly how he protects us? He's pushing himself so hard... I wish he could take a break," Liu Xu whispered to herself.

But Dao Wei did not stop. For five days straight, he continued his rigorous training, pushing his body to its limits. His muscles ached, and his mind was exhausted, but his resolve never wavered. He knew that this was necessary to reach the next level and protect Qingling.

On the sixth morning, Dao Wei's hard work finally paid off. As the sun rose, casting a golden glow over the creek, Dao Wei sat cross-legged, his body enveloped in a golden halo. He focused all his energy, channeling the blood and cores of the savage beasts he had killed and the divine herbs he had consumed.

Suddenly, a powerful surge of energy coursed through his body. His aura intensified, and his constitution became more profound. Dao Wei felt a shift within himself as he reached the Initial Stage of Mid Stage Nascent Spirit.

"I've done it..." Dao Wei whispered, his eyes closed in deep concentration.

He opened his eyes, his gaze steady and powerful. A golden dragon soul emerged from him, standing imposingly behind him. The level 5 and below savage beasts in the vicinity fled in fear, while others hid, paralyzed by his aura.

Liu Xu, who had been watching anxiously, rushed to his side, her eyes wide with amazement. "My Prince, you've done it! You've broken through!"

Dao Wei smiled at her, "Yes, Liu Xu. Thanks to the blood and cores of the beasts and the divine herbs, I've advanced in my cultivation."

"This is wonderful news! We must celebrate. Let me prepare a meal for you." Liu Xu spoke with her eyes flashing with admiration.

Dao Wei kept his smile, "Thank you, Liu Xu. A good meal sounds perfect right now."

Liu Xu busied herself preparing a meal, her culinary skills top-notch. The aroma of the food wafted through the air, reaching Dao Wei's nose and making his mouth water. Despite not needing to eat anymore, he couldn't resist the delicious smell.

As Liu Xu cooked, the subdued savage beasts gathered around, drawn by the divine fragrance. They sat around like obedient puppies, watching Liu Xu with interest.

Dao Wei laughed, "It seems even the beasts are eager to taste your cooking, Liu Xu."

Liu Xu blushed, "I'm glad they appreciate it. Here, my Prince, your meal is ready."

She presented him with a plate of food, her face flushed with pride and embarrassment. Dao Wei took the plate, thanking her sincerely.

"Thank you, Liu Xu. This looks and smells amazing," Dao Wei said.

Liu Xu's face turned a deeper shade of red, and she quickly moved away, her heart pounding with admiration and affection for Dao Wei.