Spiritual Cave

The night sky began to cast its dark mist, enveloping the entire Qinlin Sect in a sacred silence. Jade lamps that were fixed in the corners of the sect emitted a soft greenish light, illuminating every corner without really disturbing the tranquility of the night. In the underground prison, the guards remained on guard even though their eyelids were starting to droop heavily with sleep. They sat leaning against the stone wall with spears beside them, taking turns watching the silent prison corridor.

In one corner of the cell, Lu Xian sat quietly in a meditation position. But his eyes did not close. He stared at the guards with calculation. He had been waiting for hours. Patience was part of cultivation.

"I have to take advantage of the moment when they are off guard." he muttered softly.

As the clock struck midnight and the atmosphere became quieter, the guards' breathing began to sound heavy—a sign that they were almost asleep. Lu Xian did not waste the opportunity. He reached into a small pouch under his shabby robe, taking out a bluish pill that emitted a faint aura. This was the Sedimentation Pill, a gift from Qin Chang'er.

With one swift movement, he swallowed the pill.

His body's aura slowly faded, like mist being absorbed into the void. The light in his eyes began to soften, and his body seemed to merge with the darkness of the prison. It is now invisible to the naked eye—except to its creator.

With careful steps and controlled breathing, Lu Xian walked closer to the prison door. He had hidden the key a long time ago, and he nimbly opened the iron gate without a sound.

As he walked right in front of one of the guards, the guard's eyes opened slightly.

"Hmm? It's like there's someone... But it's impossible, there's no one. Maybe this is just my feeling." he muttered while rubbing his eyes.

Lu Xian barely held his breath. But he still walked with light steps, and finally managed to get out of the dungeon without attracting any further attention.

On the roof of the sect library, a person's silhouette appeared to stand majestically under the moonlight. The night wind blew the hem of her robe, making her look like a celestial being who had descended to the mortal world. It was Qin Chang'er, waiting patiently while reading a book.

As soon as Lu Xian appeared in front of her, she immediately descended from the roof.

"You're finally here." she said calmly.

Lu Xian raised an eyebrow. "You can see me?"

Qin Chang'er smiled faintly. "The sedimentation pill only makes you invisible to ordinary people. However, the maker can still see you."

Lu Xian nodded, impressed. "Excellent. Then what should we do now?"

"You have to absorb spiritual energy first, at least until one-third of your body is filled. After that, concentrate it all in your Dantian."

Lu Xian frowned. "But... where can we get that much energy?"

"There is one place." Qin Chang'er replied. "The Qinlin Sect has a spiritual cave filled with natural spiritual energy. But that place is heavily guarded. We must be careful not to be discovered by the Sect Leader."

Lu Xian nodded firmly. "Then let's go now."

They slipped through the sect grounds, using the roof paths and the shadows of the buildings to avoid the guards' sight. After a while, they arrived at the entrance of the spiritual cave. Jade lamps flashed brightly, and several guards stood guard with solemn faces.

Without saying anything, Qin Chang'er took out two precipitation pills from her pouch. "Swallow these. We'll go in now."

After swallowing the pills, their bodies were once again enveloped in an invisible mist. They slowly walked in past the guards, who were completely unaware of the two intruders.

As soon as they entered, the atmosphere inside the cave felt different. The room was filled with dense spiritual mist that was as bright as golden fog. Jade stones were scattered on the walls and floor, flowing a torrential energy throughout the room.

"This is… incredible." Lu Xian sighed.

"That's right. Even this is my first time here." Qin Chang'er said. "The sect master is very strict. Only the elders and the highest core disciples are allowed to enter this place."

They walked deeper, looking for a safe place. However, in one of the rooms, they heard heavy breathing.

Lu Xian peeked in. An old man was sitting cross-legged, a powerful aura enveloping his body. His gaze narrowed.

"I feel… someone here." he muttered suspiciously.

Qin Chang'er whispered. "Not good! That person is at the fifth level of the Soul Refinement Stage. We better leave and not have any dealings with him!"

They slowly retreated, taking care not to make any noise. After walking a bit further in, they found an empty room that was safe enough.

"Here. You can start absorbing energy." Qin Chang'er said as she stood guard at the door

Lu Xian nodded, then sat cross-legged on the stone floor that felt warm from the spiritual energy. He regulated his breathing and began to draw energy from the surroundings. A golden yellow aura began to envelop his body, swirling around like a gentle whirlwind.

Qin Chang'er stared from afar, her gentle eyes observing Lu Xian's cultivation progress. "Xiao Xian is almost at the fourth level of Qi Creation. This is called the half-perfect Qi stage… truly incredible, such rapid progress."

Meanwhile, Lu Xian felt a surge of spiritual energy entering his body, opening up one after another of his remaining meridians. His dantian began to expand, and the flow of Qi now flowed smoothly like an unstoppable river.

After a while, he slowly opened his eyes, his face glowing with spiritual light.

"It's done… I've successfully reached the fourth level of Qi Creation or the half-perfect Qi stage."