The Inevitable Path

In a cultivator's journey, there are nine stages, commonly referred to as ranks in the cultivation world. At the beginning of Rank 1, a person can start cultivating and sense the spiritual energy around them. Upon reaching the peak of Rank 1, they can form their Nirvana Roots. Once these roots have stabilized and the body has fully adapted to them, the cultivator can begin breaking through to Rank 2, further growing their Nirvana Roots into a tree with Heaven Fruits. These fruits contain items born from the cultivator's experiences, understanding of life, and comprehension of their Dao.

During this phase, the Nirvana Roots extend and strengthen, spreading throughout the cultivator's body. This process enhances their defense, regeneration, and ability to absorb and utilize spiritual energy more efficiently. Once the roots have fully spread, the cultivator can begin breaking through to Rank 3, enabling body merging to nourish their Nirvana Tree. This also grants them the ability to utilize the properties of the items within Heaven Fruits. For example, if a cultivator absorbs a fire sword artifact, their fire-path spiritual energy will be strengthened, allowing them to form a fire sword using their Nirvana Roots.

Each type of spiritual energy is unique, which is why most cultivators at Rank 3 choose a specific path, ensuring that 90% of their energy flow aligns with it to prevent blockages. Additionally, at this stage, the speed at which Heaven Fruits form increases significantly.

Thud!

Lost in thought, Zhuan Ming was suddenly jolted back to reality as he collided with someone. His reflexes kicked in, and he reached out to steady himself, only to realize he had grabbed onto the arm of a young woman.

A familiar young woman.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in her features—the same inner disciple who had let him off when he raided the sect's storeroom. Her expression shifted from surprise to recognition, and then to mild irritation.

"You again?" she asked, brushing off her sleeve. "Why is it that every time I see you, you're up to something suspicious?"

Zhuan Ming smirked under his hood. "What can I say? Fate has a funny way of bringing people together."

She crossed her arms, her gaze scrutinizing him. "You're hiding your face. That means you're up to no good."

"Or maybe I just like my privacy," he countered.

She sighed, glancing around before lowering her voice. "If you're planning something reckless again, you'd best be careful. I won't always be there to turn a blind eye."

Zhuan Ming chuckled. "Noted. But since we keep running into each other, don't you think we should exchange names?"

She hesitated for a moment before replying, "Li Qingyue."

"Zhuan Ming."

Li Qingyue gave him a knowing look. "I suggest you stay out of trouble, Zhuan Ming."

He grinned. "No promises."

With that, she shook her head and walked past him, disappearing into the crowd. Zhuan Ming watched her go, a thoughtful expression on his face. Their paths had crossed twice now—he had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time.

"Should've known pushing my hair to the front was a shitty disguise. Still, for her to recognize me so easily… she's not simple." He analyzed the encounter internally.

"No more distractions. I need to stay focused."

Back at home, he unloaded all the goods he had bought, neatly stacking the ingredients.

"Old man, now everything is ready. Tell me what to do," Zhuan Ming called out to Qi Pill Ancestor.

"First, start a fire and place the metal bath on top of it. Pour in water until it fills about seventy percent of the bath. Then, wait until the water begins bubbling," Qi Pill Ancestor instructed.

Zhuan Ming followed each step carefully, his expression serious.

"Once the water starts bubbling, dump all the resources in and mix for ten minutes. When that's done, take the bath off the fire and soak in it," Qi Pill Ancestor finished explaining.

"I see, an interesting way to increase the speed at which I draw in spiritual energy," Zhuan Ming mused, nodding in approval.

He stepped into the steaming bath, feeling the heat seep into his skin. The water had turned into a murky, shimmering liquid, infused with the half-dissolved resources. Inhaling deeply, he could already sense the spiritual energy within the water being drawn into his body.

Qi Pill Ancestor's voice echoed in his mind. "Relax your muscles and circulate your cultivation technique. Let your skin absorb the medicinal properties naturally."

Following the instructions, Zhuan Ming closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. He activated his cultivation technique, guiding the surging energy through his meridians. A tingling sensation spread across his body, followed by a wave of warmth that settled deep within his bones.

Minutes passed. Then, pain.

It felt as if countless tiny needles were threading through his body, weaving deeper into his flesh. The pain was sharp and unrelenting, but he clenched his jaw and endured.

Qi Pill Ancestor chuckled. "Good. That means the process is working. Your meridians are strengthening and expanding in width. This pain is temporary—endure it, and your foundation will solidify."

Sweat beaded on Zhuan Ming's forehead, but he didn't stop. He continued to refine the energy, forcing it through his meridians. Every cycle of circulation made the pain sharper, but with it came a deeper sense of power.

The bathwater, once rich with essence, quickly began to lose its luster.

Zhuan Ming's eyes snapped open, gleaming with renewed sharpness.

Qi Pill Ancestor let out an approving hum. "Not bad. You're nearing the peak of Rank 1. Soon, you'll form your Nirvana Roots."

Zhuan Ming smirked. He could feel it—his body had changed. His meridian channels had widened, and his control over his spiritual energy had improved.

But this was only the beginning.

As the last remnants of energy were absorbed, he stepped out of the bath, shaking off the water. The night air was cool against his heated skin, and he exhaled slowly, his mind already calculating his next move.

This was a good start, but not nearly enough. If he wanted to rise above the sect's mediocrity, he needed more—stronger techniques, rarer resources, and, most importantly, knowledge others didn't have.