Free Web NovelChapter 391: Chapter 182: Breakthrough
That was his only possible escape route! free𝑤ebnovel.com
He was fast, but the newcomer was faster!
The three Poisonous Demon Thunders, powerful enough to make even an Astral Force master wary, had only just flown halfway through the air. Before they could even detonate, the newcomer simply flicked his sleeve.
A formless aura instantly enveloped the three Poisonous Demon Thunders. It was as if an invisible giant hand had gently clenched around them. Not even a whisper of sound escaped as their violent energy was forcibly suppressed and annihilated into nothingness!
Meanwhile, Miao Feng’s body was just about to crash through the window lattice—
A withered hand, as if it had been waiting there all along, appeared to move slowly as it silently and tracelessly pressed down on the Baihui Acupoint at the crown of Miao Feng’s head.
Miao Feng’s forward momentum came to an abrupt halt. The look of relief at his impending escape instantly froze on his face, replaced by utter terror. The light in his eyes faded rapidly, like a candle flame blown out by a gale.
"Urk..."
A soft sound came from within his skull.
The surging True Astral energy around his body dissipated abruptly, like a punctured airbag. His body swayed, then crumpled limply to the ground, silent and still.
After destroying the body and all traces of the kill, the newcomer muttered to himself, ’I traveled thousands of miles for this paltry reward... This was a losing deal. Next time, I’ll have to get it all back from that kid, with interest.’
With that, his figure flickered and he headed straight for Miao Feng’s study.
.....
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. Chen Qing’s practice of the Cyan Wood Eternal Spring Technique progressed daily, bringing him ever closer to the Fifth Layer.
One day, he was in his courtyard, focused on his Cultivation, when he suddenly heard a knock at the door.
A Steward stood outside and said respectfully, "Chief Chen, Elder Sang requests your presence at the Internal Affairs Hall’s Council Hall." freeweɓnovel.cøm
Chen Qing finished his practice, opened the door, and asked, "Did Elder Sang say what it’s about?"
The Steward replied, "I’m not clear on the specifics. I only know that he is summoning all disciples within the Sect who are at the Late-stage Embracing Pill."
Chen Qing nodded, straightened his robes, and followed the Steward to the Internal Affairs Hall.
When he stepped into the Council Hall, Li Wang and Li Lei were already seated. Behind them stood three other disciples—one from the Li Fire Institute and two from the Kun Earth Institute. All of them had a Cultivation at the Late-stage Embracing Pill.
"Junior Brother Chen."
Li Wang waved at Chen Qing upon seeing him.
Chen Qing asked, "Senior Brothers, do either of you know why Elder Sang has summoned us?"
Li Lei shook his head, indicating he didn’t know.
Li Wang just spread his hands, completely baffled.
Soon, Yan Yaoyang and Nie Shanshan arrived one after another, also followed by four disciples at the Late-stage Embracing Pill.
The auras of Yan Yaoyang and Nie Shanshan were full and harmonious. They had clearly reached Embracing Pill Power Perfection some time ago and were in the critical phase of refining their foundations to prepare for their breakthrough to Astral Force.
"Everyone’s here."
Just then, Elder Sang’s voice came from the back of the hall. He walked out slowly, followed by three other Elders.
Chen Qing recognized the three: Yue Cheng, Zhou Yi, and Fan Yan. They were all senior Elders within the Sect at Embracing Pill Power Perfection who had rich experience from attempting to break through to Astral Force multiple times over the years.
What surprised Chen Qing slightly was that Shen Xiuyong was also among them.
"Greetings, Elder Sang and fellow Elders!"
All the disciples in the hall cupped their fists in salute.
"No need for formalities."
Elder Sang waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over every elite disciple present. In a grave voice, he said, "I have summoned you today because you are all future pillars of the Sect, and you all have the potential to break through to the Astral Force realm in the near future. Today, Elder Yue, Elder Zhou, Elder Fan, and the newly promoted Astral Force Elder, Elder Shen, will share some of their experiences and techniques for the breakthrough process. We hope this will help you avoid some pitfalls on your future paths."
As soon as he said this, a faint stir went through the hall.
A bright light flashed in the eyes of Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, Li Wang, Li Lei, and the others.
Breaking through to Astral Force was incredibly difficult; any experience from a senior was priceless.
Although Chen Qing felt that breaking through wouldn’t be difficult for him with the help of Heaven Rewards Diligence, he still wore a serious and expectant expression, careful not to appear out of the ordinary.
"Good. Let’s begin with Elder Yue."
Elder Sang gestured.
Elder Yue Cheng was the first to speak. He recounted the lessons from his own multiple failed attempts to break through to Astral Force, summarizing the dangers and key points of the qualitative transformation of True Qi. He emphasized the importance of a stable state of mind and a solid foundation.
Elders Zhou Yi and Fan Yan followed up, adding their personal insights. Someone even mentioned that breaking through the bottleneck was closely related to one’s innate Root Bone. Those with superior Root Bones naturally had a higher chance of success if fully prepared, while for others, the path was fraught with peril.
These words caused a stir among the disciples, whose thoughts now varied. Some were confident, while others began to quietly take stock of their own situations.
Finally, it was Shen Xiuyong’s turn.
He chuckled, his tone lightening. "I’m not one for complicated explanations. My True Qi was overflowing, my meridians were all clear, and my mind was unimpeded. I drew the Heaven and Earth Qi into my body, compressed and refined it, and after enduring all sorts of torment, the True Astral formed on its own. It was like a river carving its own channel..."
He recounted his breakthrough experience in a simple and fluent manner.
Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, and the others listened intently. The two of them, who had already reached the Realm of Perfection, were especially lost in thought, having clearly benefited greatly from his words.
Elder Sang concluded, "The great Dao is simple in principle, yet difficult in practice. You must all remember that accumulating deeply and releasing thinly is the proper path. Do not be greedy for quick success, nor should you sell yourselves short."
After he spoke, a Steward behind him stepped forward carrying a Cold Jade Tray. On the tray sat several exquisite Jade Bottles, inside which a misty light could be faintly seen swirling.
Chen Qing recognized it at a glance as Centennial Earth Core Milk.
"Centennial Earth Core Milk!" a disciple exclaimed in a hushed voice.
The breathing of the disciples who were not Chiefs instantly grew ragged, their eyes filled with fervent desire.
