Sixth Level Of Qi Training

After taking a bath, Qi Yuan walked back into his room. The furnishings were simple—almost shabby—but since he lived alone, he didn't mind the simplicity.

Although Hong Fu despised him and relegated him to a menial disciple, she still maintained some connection to him. As a result, he was granted better living conditions, avoiding the crowded quarters shared by over a dozen disciples.

Standing before a bronze mirror, Qi Yuan carefully examined his new face. His features were striking—good-looking enough to remind others of Hong Fu's past. It was no wonder she resented him. Aside from his slightly dark complexion due to sun exposure, everything else about his appearance was near perfect.

Brushing aside such thoughts, he sat cross-legged on his bed, preparing to cultivate.

Qi Yuan's primary cultivation method was the *Five Elements Secret Art*, a technique encompassing thirteen levels of Qi Refining. Balanced and steady, its main feature was its formidable magical power. However, it lacked any special attributes beyond that.

Taking a low-grade spirit stone from his storage bag, he held it in his palm and began practicing. As he inhaled, wisps of white energy emanated from the stone, swirling into his nostrils in a continuous cycle.

That night passed in silent cultivation.

While a single night of training didn't drastically change his state of mind, it did improve his cultivation slightly. With a sufficient supply of spirit stones, even a pig could advance in training.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted his meditation.

"Qi Yuan, time to work!"

Startled, Qi Yuan responded, "Understood. I'll be right there."

This grueling life of endless labor needed to end. Otherwise, he'd have too little time for cultivation. After washing up, he stepped outside, ready to work.

One night of training had consumed ten low-grade spirit stones, yet it barely made a difference. The *Five Elements Spirit Root* was truly a bottomless pit for energy.

While working, Qi Yuan contemplated his future. Perhaps he could intercept Han Li's *Palm of Heaven Bottle*—a rare and powerful artifact. But at his current level—barely at the first stage of Qi Refining—venturing out alone would be suicide.

Moreover, Huangfeng Valley only allowed disciples to leave once a year. As a menial disciple, his travel request would take anywhere from three to eight days to process—far too slow compared to the inner disciples.

For now, staying in the valley and cultivating with spirit stones was the safer choice.

Rapid advancement would inevitably draw attention. To deter schemers and opportunists, he needed to reconnect with Hong Fu. Her influence would shield him from potential threats.

A cultivator at the *Jindan* stage was considered a powerhouse in the Yue Kingdom's cultivation world. Meeting Hong Fu too soon, however, would be pointless. If she saw that he was still at the first level of Qi Refining after three years, she might throw him out in disdain.

To make an impression, he needed to bring an appropriate offering—perhaps a century-old medicinal herb. Once he had established a connection, he could play things by ear.

That night, Qi Yuan left his room, slipping quietly through the valley's disciples' quarters. He scanned the old houses, recalling their occupants' cultivation levels from memory.

"Second level of Qi Refining... First level of Qi Refining... You'll do."

He approached a dimly lit house, listening closely to a man and woman conversing inside. Judging by their words, they were a Daoist couple.

Qi Yuan knew exactly how many such pairs resided in the valley. He glanced at the night sky—time was passing. Hoping they would hurry up, he found a dark corner, sat cross-legged, and concealed himself in the shadows.

Minutes dragged into an hour, testing his patience. Finally, movement stirred inside. Soft murmurs, teasing laughter—it was the most primal rhythm of life.

Qi Yuan clenched his fist, suppressing his inner turmoil. This moment was crucial.

Then, deep in his consciousness, the *Chaos Cauldron* trembled.

A mysterious suction force emerged, drawing traces of yin and yang energy from the couple's activities. The cauldron's previously dim patterns slowly began to glow.

Qi Yuan's heart pounded with excitement. Hard work had paid off—his suffering had yielded results!

But the joy was short-lived. The energy flow stopped too soon.

He silently counted the time. *Ten minutes? That's it?*

If only he could leave the valley freely, he'd head straight to a brothel to harvest a proper amount of yin and yang energy. This trickle was practically useless.

Inside, the conversation continued:

"Husband, how could you be so heartless?"

"Don't be mad, my love. Look what I've brought... the *Sky-Lifting Black Dragon Pill*."

Qi Yuan's back straightened. *So, round two is coming?*

The night passed slowly, and by dawn, Qi Yuan had discreetly slipped away.

Though it had been a long, agonizing wait, his patience was rewarded—the *Chaos Cauldron* now emitted a faint white glow, signaling the generation of new resources.

There was much to look forward to in the future.

Over the next four years, Qi Yuan steadily cultivated. He purchased a low-tier *Shanshui Pill* from a senior disciple, then refined it using the *Chaos Cauldron*.

Through relentless effort, refining countless pills and absorbing spirit stones, he finally reached the sixth level of Qi Refining.

During this time, he also mastered several spells:

- *Fireball Technique* for attack,

- *Breath-Gathering Technique* for concealment,

- *Divine Movement Technique* for agility,

- *Vajra Technique* for defense.

With his cultivation progressing rapidly, he knew he could no longer remain a menial disciple. But if he revealed his true level, suspicions would arise.

A person with *Five Elements Spiritual Roots* advancing faster than those with *Heavenly Spiritual Roots*? That would certainly draw unwanted attention.

Thus, Qi Yuan decided it was time to visit Hong Fu. He needed a patron, someone who could shield him from prying eyes.

Qi Yuan had already prepared the paperwork for leaving the valley. However, errand disciples moved at a snail's pace, ignoring his requests for approval.

Frustrated but undeterred, he waited.

Once outside Huangfeng Valley, he found a secluded spot, changed into plain linen robes, and donned a black cloak to obscure his face. After determining his direction, he took flight—his destination, the northeast region of the Taiyue Mountains.

Most of his journey was spent soaring through the sky, anticipation building as he neared his goal.

** The End**