Chapter 36: The Cost of Power

The trio rested in a dense forest several miles away from the southern caves. The artifact, still glowing faintly, rested in Lin Yun's lap as they regrouped. Its pulsating energy radiated a strange warmth, almost as if it were alive.

Lin Yun sat cross-legged, his breathing steady as he tried to absorb the artifact's residual energy. He was still in the **Body Refining Realm**, the 1st cultivation realm, but the recent battle had forced him to confront the limitations of his realm. Defeating opponents in the **Qi Gathering Realm**, the 2nd realm, had pushed him to his limits, but his superior martial techniques and strategic thinking had given him the edge.

"Lin Yun," Yu Xian said, breaking the silence, "you've been staring at that thing for hours. What's the plan now?"

Lin Yun opened his eyes, his calm gaze meeting hers. "This artifact is more than what it seems. It contains a vast amount of energy, but it's not something we can use carelessly. I saw visions—warriors from an ancient era wielding techniques far beyond anything in our world. This artifact is tied to something much bigger."

Mei, who was sharpening her daggers nearby, glanced at him skeptically. "Bigger doesn't always mean better. If it's dangerous, we should destroy it before the Crimson Wolf Sect comes after us again."

Lin Yun shook his head. "Destroying it would be a waste. It's not just a weapon—it's a guide. If I can unlock its secrets, it might help us gain the strength we need to fight back."

---

At the Crimson Wolf Sect, tension was palpable. In the grand hall, Sect Leader Han Jiao sat on his throne, his piercing gaze fixed on Elder Su. Han Jiao was a fearsome figure in the **Foundation Strengthening Realm**, the 5th realm, his aura suffocating.

"Explain to me," Han Jiao growled, "how a mere child in the Body Refining Realm managed to infiltrate our stronghold, kill our disciples, and escape with the artifact."

Elder Su, a powerful cultivator in the **Soul Cultivation Realm** (4th realm), bowed deeply. "Sect Leader, this was no ordinary child. His martial techniques were precise, and his movements suggested training in ancient arts. Even with his low cultivation, he fought as if he were in the Qi Gathering Realm."

Han Jiao's eyes narrowed. "Ancient arts? That boy is more dangerous than I thought."

He turned to Elder Su. "Take our strongest disciples—those in the Core Formation and Soul Cultivation Realms. Bring me the artifact, and make an example of this boy."

Elder Su's expression hardened. "As you command, Sect Leader."

---

In the quiet valley where they had taken refuge, Lin Yun decided to take the next step in his cultivation journey. With the artifact before him, he began meditating, channeling its residual energy into his body.

"This is reckless," Yu Xian said, her concern evident. "What if it backfires?"

Lin Yun smiled faintly. "I've been reckless from the start. If I don't push forward, I'll always be a step behind."

The energy from the artifact was unlike anything Lin Yun had ever felt. It was wild and unrefined, but as he absorbed it, his Qi pathways expanded. His muscles ached, and his body burned as if being tempered by fire.

The process was grueling, but Lin Yun's mind remained sharp. He visualized the flow of energy, guiding it to his Qi Core. Slowly but surely, the barrier that had kept him in the Body Refining Realm began to crack.

---

Just as Lin Yun was on the verge of breaking through, Mei's voice rang out. "We have company!"

Lin Yun's eyes snapped open, his focus shifting to the incoming threat. A group of Crimson Wolf disciples emerged from the forest, led by a figure in the **Core Formation Realm**. Their leader's aura was oppressive, and his confidence was evident.

"You've got guts, stealing from the Crimson Wolf Sect," the leader sneered. "But your luck ends here."

Lin Yun stood, his body still aching from the breakthrough process. "You're early. I was hoping for more time to prepare."

The leader smirked. "Time won't save you. Hand over the artifact, and I might let you live."

Yu Xian stepped forward, her spear ready. "Bold words for someone who doesn't know what they're up against."

Mei slipped into the shadows, her daggers gleaming. "Let's see if you can back them up."

---

The fight was swift and brutal. Lin Yun, still stuck at the peak of the Body Refining Realm, relied on his martial techniques to compensate for his lower cultivation. His strikes were precise, targeting weaknesses in his opponents' stances.

Yu Xian and Mei fought alongside him, their teamwork seamless. Yu Xian's spear danced like a serpent, while Mei's daggers struck from the shadows, sowing chaos among their enemies.

The Core Formation leader, however, was no easy opponent. His aura shield deflected most of their attacks, and his strikes carried the weight of his advanced cultivation.

"You're strong," the leader admitted, his tone grudgingly respectful. "But you're not strong enough."

Lin Yun smirked. "That's what they all say."

In a daring move, Lin Yun activated a technique he had learned from the artifact's visions. His blade, infused with Qi, cut through the leader's defenses, leaving a deep gash across his chest.

The leader staggered, his confidence shattered. "Impossible…"

Lin Yun pressed his advantage, forcing the remaining disciples to retreat.

---

As the last of the disciples fled, Lin Yun collapsed to one knee, his body trembling. The breakthrough attempt had drained him, and the battle had pushed him to his limits.

"You're insane," Mei said, offering him a hand. "But I'll admit, it's effective."

Lin Yun chuckled weakly. "Insanity is just another word for determination."

Yu Xian frowned. "We need to move. That was just the beginning. They'll send stronger fighters next time."

Lin Yun nodded, his gaze falling on the artifact. "Let them come. I'll be ready."