In the most secluded corner of the forest behind the sect, Li Xiuwen sat on a rock in the middle of a dried-up stream once more. He was surrounded by a small defensive formation that he had secretly created to prevent anyone from disturbing him while he cultivated.
In his hand was the "Thousand-Year Blood Root," a miraculous herb that was faintly glowing with a pinkish-red light and giving off a dreamy, fragrant scent. This root was incredibly potent and filled with immense life energy. He did not hesitate to put it in his mouth and swallow it.
The moment the Thousand-Year Blood Root flowed down into his stomach, a massive energy exploded from within his body, making him feel as though he was being consumed by a billion fires. The pain was unbearable.
"Ugh..." Li Xiuwen gritted his teeth, trying to endure the agonizing pain. He knew that this pain was necessary. If he could overcome it, he would be able to enter the "Foundation Establishment" stage, which would grant him true power.
He used his mind to control the energy that was erupting from the Thousand-Year Blood Root, making it circulate through every meridian in his body and slowly merge into one, so he could forge a strong "foundation" within his spirit.
Many hours passed in pain. Li Xiuwen felt as if he was fighting a fiery hell within his mind. His Qi was reaching its breaking point, but he did not give up. He continued to control it tirelessly.
Finally, the fiery Qi was compressed into a solid, white energy orb the size of a chicken egg, and it slowly began to form in the center of his body. This was a sign that he had successfully reached the "Foundation Establishment" stage.
Li Xiuwen opened his eyes once more. His face was covered in sweat, but it was also full of a triumphant smile. He could feel his Qi was many times stronger than before. He tested his power by sending out a stream of Qi from his palm.
Fwoosh!
The Qi chain that was once a dark gray now glowed with a silver light. There was not just one chain, but three! Each chain was longer than before, stronger than before, and looked so much more powerful than its previous form that they could not be compared.
"This is..."
Li Xiuwen stared at the Qi chains in his hands in shock. He felt that the Qi chains had a direct connection to his power.
"The higher my cultivation level, the stronger my Qi chains become."
He had now understood the true principle of the technique he had created. It was not just a simple technique, but one that grew stronger along with its user without limit.
He retracted the Qi chains back into his body before standing up with newfound confidence. The world outside, which once seemed frightening, now looked exciting and challenging to him.