Chapter 17: The Liquid's Secret: A New Pinnacle
After fleeing the forest, Duan Liyang rushed straight back to his hut, clutching the mysterious liquid he had found in the cave. There were 12 drops in total, but his eyes, with their blue particles, had told him it was extraordinarily special. Only eleven days remained until the twenty-day challenge against Wang Xiao, and he needed every resource to push his power to the limit.
He closed the door and carefully examined the liquid. It was crystal-clear, yet within it, he could sense a vortex of life force, as if cosmic energy resided within. Duan Liyang knew it was an invaluable treasure, far beyond any ordinary cultivation-enhancing herbs.
Without hesitation, Duan Liyang placed one drop of the liquid on his tongue. He didn't know what effect it would have, but he felt it was a monumental opportunity. As he swallowed it, a cold, sweet energy descended his throat.
Instantly, an explosive energy surged through his entire body like a storm! It was so immense that Duan Liyang felt as if his meridians would burst, and his bones would shatter. This energy was so powerful that no ordinary Level 0, or even a Level 4 cultivator, could have absorbed it; their bodies would have instantly exploded. Duan Liyang thought, "Am I... am I going to die like this?" He felt it was his last breath, as if his very existence was being erased.
But then, an unknown power erupted from within his body! It was his unique inner power, which suddenly perceived this overwhelming energy and sought to contain it. During this process, the locket Duan Liyang had worn since childhood suddenly began to glow, emitting a mysterious, deep light from its dull, ancient metal. This unknown power rapidly took control of the entire liquid's energy, safely containing and absorbing it into every cell within Duan Liyang.
In this process, Duan Liyang's body shook violently, his eyes glowing wildly with blue particles. The pain and the energy explosion were so overwhelming that he lost consciousness and fell unconscious.
The next day, the sun's rays had already entered his hut when Duan Liyang's eyes opened. He slowly got up, his body still feeling a little heavy, as if he had just woken from a very deep sleep. The headache was now completely gone, and there was no new sting in his eyes. He couldn't believe it. "I... I'm alive?" he whispered. He didn't know how he had survived, but he knew he had dealt with something incredibly powerful. He was astonished that he was still alive.
He examined his body. His vision was now even more acute than before, and he could perceive others' internal energy much more clearly, including their subtle flows and weak points. His speed and wind control had reached a new level, making him feel as if he had truly become a master of the wind. The power of 'Ocean Blast' was now a lethal weapon in his fist. The internal energy within him felt like a vast ocean, calm but brimming with boundless power.
Only nine days remained until the challenge against Wang Xiao. Duan Liyang stepped out of his hut and took his training to the next level.
He continued his practice in his secluded spot in the forest, but this time, there was a new dimension to his training. He tried to create an invisible vortex in the air, attempting to control it with his will. At first, it was difficult, but the influence of the mysterious liquid and his heightened insight helped him achieve the impossible. He observed that the air truly responded to his commands, forming small vortices and creating an invisible shield around him.
He knew that Wang Xiao was a powerful adversary, but now Duan Liyang had even more confidence in his own abilities. Every morning, he practiced his 'Ocean Blast' technique, compressing the air in his fist so densely that it became almost laser-focused.
Tension was rising within the Xiao family. Wang Xiao, confident in his reputation, publicly threatened Duan Liyang. He too had intensified his practice, determined to ensure that no 'Level 0' outer disciple could humiliate him.
The chubby boy continued to visit Duan Liyang's hut, deep worry in his eyes. Duan Liyang's energy felt denser than ever, but he was still afraid for Duan Liyang.
Xiang Rui also kept an eye on Duan Liyang. She sensed a subtle change in the air around Duan Liyang, a density she had never seen before. A new sparkle appeared in her eyes, gleaming as she perceived Duan Liyang's growing power. 'Little brother,' she thought to herself. 'You truly keep surprising me.'
The day of the challenge was drawing near, and Duan Liyang was engaged in his final preparations, armed with a new, unseen power.
When only five days remained until the challenge, new news spread like wildfire through the outer compound of the Xiao family. It was on every disciple's lips, and the tension in the air intensified even further.
Wang Xiao, who had challenged Duan Liyang, had achieved another breakthrough! He had made another significant leap in his cultivation. He was no longer just a Level 4 Medium Stage cultivator; he had reached Level 4 Peak Stage. And with this increase in his power, his outer compound ranking had also climbed higher – he had now reached Rank 18!
This news also reached Duan Liyang as he was going about his work. He heard other disciples whispering and panicking. Wang Xiao was now more powerful than ever, and defeating him now seemed almost impossible.
But Duan Liyang reacted differently. Upon hearing the news, no fear appeared on his face. No worry. No nervousness. Instead, a calm smile spread across his lips. The blue particles in his eyes glowed a little brighter, as if they were accepting the challenge. He knew that to truly understand Wang Xiao's power, he would have to test himself against it.
End of Chapter 17