Chapter 7: Ninth level of body refining realm

Arriving at the bustling mission hall, the group disembarked from the carriage. Liu Haoyu and Shi Yun stepped down gracefully, their serene demeanor a stark contrast to the lively commotion around them. Before parting ways, Liu Haoyu handed the mercenary captain a small pouch, his calm gaze acknowledging their gratitude. Despite the mercenaries' clear reluctance to let him go and their offers to show him around the city, he politely declined and walked away with Shi Yun.

Curiosity overtook the mercenaries as they watched his retreating figure. The captain opened the pouch, and everyone crowded around, eager to glimpse the mysterious gift. The moment the seal was broken, a rich, invigorating aroma wafted out, sending waves of vitality through their bodies. Inside lay an assortment of exquisite alchemy pills, each one gleaming with a perfect luster. Just the scent alone made them feel the rush of energy coursing through their veins.

"These pills…" the captain whispered, awe-struck. "They're of unparalleled quality. This is exactly what we needed to break through to the Foundation Building Realm." The group buzzed with excitement, their faces alight with hope and elation. Still, the captain composed himself and said with a smile, "Let's divide these later. First, we need to settle our mission report." With that, the group headed inside the mission hall to claim their rewards.

On the road, Shi Yun looked up at his master and asked, "Master, where are we going now?"

Liu Haoyu replied calmly, "To buy a courtyard."

"A courtyard? Does that mean we're getting a new home?" Shi Yun's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Hmm. We'll be here for a while," Liu Haoyu said, his tone steady and thoughtful.

"Alright, Master," Shi Yun chirped, eager to see their new dwelling.

They soon purchased a modest courtyard nestled at the foot of a serene mountain. Though small, it was picturesque, surrounded by lush greenery and distant from the bustling city, offering peace and quiet. Unable to cook, they resorted to buying meals from nearby stalls. Liu Haoyu spent his days sipping tea, napping, and enjoying the tranquility, while Shi Yun busied himself with studying. The boy was also eager to take on the house chores, energetically cleaning and sweeping the yard. Liu Haoyu watched his disciple's enthusiasm with silent amusement, letting him indulge in his new responsibilities.

A month later, Shi Yun approached his master, his face glowing with pride. "Master, I've finished all the books. I can read everything clearly now!"

Liu Haoyu regarded him with quiet approval. Shi Yun's intelligence and exceptional memory had allowed him to breeze through the lessons, finishing five books in record time.

"Good," Liu Haoyu said, his praise lighting up the boy's face. Fidgeting slightly, Shi Yun hesitated before asking, "That… Master…?"

"I know," Liu Haoyu interrupted, a faint smile playing on his lips. "We'll start tomorrow."

The boy's laughter echoed through the courtyard as he ran off to water the flowers, his joy infectious. Watching Shi Yun hum a childish tune with a silly grin, Liu Haoyu shook his head, his eyes filled with indulgent affection.

The following morning, Shi Yun woke at the crack of dawn, diligently tidying the house and yard. Liu Haoyu emerged from his room and sat on the rocking chair, his eyes closed as he waited. When he sensed Shi Yun nearby, he tossed a bamboo slip to the boy. "Go collect these herbs from the garden."

"Huh?" Shi Yun blinked but quickly caught the slip and ran off. He returned with the required herbs, handing them over with a triumphant, "Here, Master!"

Liu Haoyu stood, examining the herbs critically. "The quality is lacking," he murmured. With a slight motion of his hand, a green aura enveloped the herbs. Before Shi Yun's astonished eyes, the herbs transformed, their appearance shifting to that of centuries-old specimens. "These will do," Liu Haoyu muttered, his voice low. "More potent herbs would harm your body. You are still weak and your body can't handle too much."

He crushed the herbs and added them to a heated barrel of water. The liquid turned a deep crimson, swirling with vibrant energy. "Remove your outer clothes and get in," Liu Haoyu instructed. "This will hurt, but the more pain you endure, the stronger you'll become."

Shi Yun clenched his fists. "Master, your disciple is not afraid of pain."

Liu Haoyu's lips curved into a faint smile. "As expected of my disciple. Good."

Shi Yun climbed into the steaming barrel, letting out a surprised, "It doesn't hurt at all!"

Liu Haoyu chuckled softly. "Not yet."

With a wave of his hand, Liu Haoyu summoned a colossal dragon from his space ring. Its entire body was black and enormous. The creature's eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom. "Master, you've awakened?" it asked in a gravelly voice. Shi Yun was surprised and looked at the dragon with twinkling eyes. Though curious, he kept quiet so as not to disturb his master.

"Yes. I need three drops of your blood," Liu Haoyu replied. The dragon complied without hesitation. After receiving the dragon blood, Liu Haoyu kicked it back inside the space ring. the dragon felt wronged thinking, 'call me when needed and throw me away immediately after use, hmph! master really uses me like a dustbin.'

The dragon's blood merged with the barrel's contents, intensifying its energy. Shi Yun's serene expression contorted and he closed his eyes tightly as searing pain surged through him. His body trembled, his face pale, and sweat poured down in streams. Teeth clenched, he bore the agony, refusing to succumb to the overwhelming sensation. Hours passed like lifetimes, but finally, the pain subsided. Shi Yun opened his eyes, his gaze resolute and his spirit unbroken.

Shi Yun clenched his fists, feeling an unprecedented surge of strength coursing through his veins. His eyes sparkled with exhilaration as he turned to Liu Haoyu, nearly bursting with excitement. "Master! I've directly broken through to the ninth level of the Body Refining Realm. I'm just one step away from the Qi Refining Realm!"

Liu Haoyu regarded him with a faint, knowing smile but said nothing. To him, this outcome was inevitable. The rare, centuries-aged herbs, once extinct in the natural world, combined with the essence of dragon's blood—one of the rarest and most potent resources in existence—made such a breakthrough a foregone conclusion. Yet, seeing the boy's joy brought a flicker of warmth to his otherwise calm demeanor.

Shi Yun flexed his fingers, marveling at the newfound resilience in his body. The Body Refining Realm was the cornerstone of cultivation, a stage dedicated to fortifying both the internal and external aspects of the body. Each level refined the bones, muscles, and even the organs, creating an unshakable foundation. Only when the body was robust and the meridians well-prepared could the introduction of qi flow seamlessly, allowing for higher realms of cultivation.

Liu Haoyu's gaze turned thoughtful as he observed Shi Yun basking in his accomplishment. "A strong physical body is crucial for any cultivator," he finally said, his tone calm but firm. "It forms the foundation not only for channeling qi but also for enduring future tribulations. Do not grow complacent, Shi Yun. This is only the beginning."

"Yes, Master!" Shi Yun replied enthusiastically, his voice brimming with determination. He bowed deeply before standing tall again, his youthful energy practically radiating from his being.

Liu Haoyu turned, his robes flowing elegantly as he walked toward the courtyard's open space. "Rest today. We will continue your training tomorrow."

Shi Yun nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. As Liu Haoyu retreated, Shi Yun couldn't help but punch the air, the strength in his strikes leaving faint ripples that distorted the surrounding air. He grinned. This was just the start of his journey to becoming stronger, and he was ready for whatever came next.