Chapter 36: Strength in Secrets

The journey back to the city was quiet, with the group still processing the events at the ruins. Tang Xiu walked ahead, the Soul Nourishing Crystal wrapped carefully in a cloth and tucked into his coat.

Xu Liang broke the silence first. "Boss, what now? We've got the crystal, but how do we use it?"

Tang Xiu glanced back at him. "The crystal holds immense energy, but we can't rush its use. If handled carelessly, it can cause more harm than good."

Lei Xian scratched his head. "Then what's the plan? Are we heading straight into seclusion or something?"

Tang Xiu shook his head. "Not yet. The Shadow Sect won't stay quiet for long. They'll be hunting us after the humiliation we gave them. We need to prepare for their retaliation while we strengthen ourselves."

Old Hu, who had been walking silently, spoke up. "You've got a plan, don't you?"

Tang Xiu smirked. "Always."

That night, they gathered in the abandoned warehouse that had become their temporary hideout. Tang Xiu laid the Soul Nourishing Crystal on a table and took a deep breath.

"This crystal has enough energy to help us all take a significant step forward in cultivation," Tang Xiu began. "But it must be done in stages. Using it all at once would destroy your bodies."

Lei Xian frowned. "Why not just use it for yourself, Boss? You're the strongest. Wouldn't it make more sense?"

Tang Xiu's eyes flickered with a mixture of gratitude and resolve. "If I wanted to walk this path alone, I wouldn't have brought you with me. We rise together—or not at all."

Lei Xian grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "Alright, I get it. You're too noble for your own good."

Old Hu chuckled. "The boy's got more honor than most cultivators I've known. Let's trust his judgment."

Tang Xiu spent the next hour carefully explaining how to use the crystal's energy. It would require each of them to focus entirely on absorbing the qi it released, allowing it to circulate through their bodies and refine their meridians.

"Start small," Tang Xiu advised. "Take only what your body can handle. Push too far, and it'll tear you apart from the inside."

Xu Liang nodded. "Got it. No shortcuts."

They each took turns sitting in front of the crystal, guided by Tang Xiu's precise instructions.

Lei Xian went first, his body trembling slightly as he absorbed the faint glow emanating from the crystal. After several minutes, he stood, his face red but his aura noticeably stronger.

"I feel… lighter," he said, flexing his arms. "Like my body just got a major upgrade."

Old Hu smirked. "Good. Let's hope it's enough to stop you from complaining every time we climb a hill."

Xu Liang went next, his process smoother and more controlled. By the time he finished, his daggers seemed to hum with energy, their edges sharper than before.

Old Hu followed, his experience showing in the way he handled the energy flow. When he stood, his presence felt steadier, like an unshakable mountain.

Tang Xiu watched each of them with satisfaction. They were improving, step by step.

Finally, it was Tang Xiu's turn. He sat before the crystal, his breathing steady as he activated the cultivation technique from his past life.

The crystal pulsed in response, releasing a surge of energy that wrapped around Tang Xiu like a cocoon. His body absorbed it hungrily, refining it into pure qi that flowed through his meridians.

For hours, Tang Xiu remained motionless, his mind focused entirely on the process. Memories of his past life resurfaced—his rise to power, his betrayal, his death. But he pushed them aside, channeling all his emotions into his cultivation.

When he finally opened his eyes, the room felt different. The air seemed heavier, his presence commanding. His strength had taken a significant leap forward, and his aura now radiated an undeniable sense of authority.

Lei Xian whistled. "Boss, you look… terrifying."

Tang Xiu stood, rolling his shoulders. "Good. That's how it should be."

The next morning, Tang Xiu called a meeting.

"The Shadow Sect won't wait for us to grow stronger,"