Zhen returned to his cave abode and started attempting to comprehend the manual he chose. That wooden piece gave him quite a good amount of boost, without it, he would never reach where he is currently. But, it wasn't game breaking power.
Zhen opened the manual, he hoped this could teach him a monster-type domain or an energy attack, or even at least the fabled Impeachable Spirit Fortress Domain—an invincible formation that grants absolute Defense to its host. As long as one is inside that domain, he will experience no damage.
What he saw was.. disappointing.
There were three techniques.
1. Flame Spirit Palm, an Energy Technique.
2. Elemental Qilin Domain; Monster-type, summons and elemental Qilin.
3. Comprehension of 3 Paths technique; minimal comprehension of the Dao. Minimal access to the legendary techniques: Taiyin, Taiyang, one defensive, one offensive.
(3 Paths are a nod to the trifecta that is the Dao; Yin, Yang, Man.)
It wasn't bad. It wasn't bad at all. First, he has to fully comprehend them. And how to do that? Use them, of course!
He would destroy his cave abode if he tried to practice it here..
"Well. Time to get beaten up again!"
———
He challenged a fellow outer disciple at the 2nd Stage of Domain Awakening, similar to his. That kid turned out to be an elder's grandson and had a legendary technique given by his grandfather; Immortal Emperor's Fist.
He got beaten up again after challenged Bai Jin, hey, at least he was able to damage Bai's Heavenly Loong... Still far from there.
—5 hours later—
Zhen was hyperventilating as sweat beaded down his forehead. His cave abode was full of expelled Domain Energy, a scent of sulfur noticeable in the air.
His palm pained, injured, burned.
"Finally.. huff.. I managed to comprehend the Flame Spirit Palm and.. huff.. Elemental Qilin domain.. huff."
Finally.
He could stand a chance to the disciples now.
He decided to make use of this moment of epiphany to breakthrough.
He relaxed into a relaxed breathing, no more huffs and puffs. He was trying to breakthrough now.
Dominion Energy slowly but surely was moving towards him in a gentle breeze of movement. Calm settled over him as he began pulling Dominion Energy inside his body.
The gentle breeze of air moved around him in a cyclone, a calm mind is what an immortal soul needs to be nurtured in.
Minutes turned into hours turned into days..
And after 4 days.
He finally broke through to the next stage.
Though.
Now he faces a new problem.