The first light of dawn filtered gently over the Eternal Blossom Sect, casting long, golden streaks across the quiet courtyards and polished stone pathways. The air was crisp, carrying the faint fragrance of blooming flowers that surrounded the sect grounds. Inside the inner chambers, Qingyue stirred, her white hair catching the morning light as she slowly opened her eyes. The warmth of sleep still lingered, but the emptiness beside her made her heart ache. Lingxuan was gone—or so she thought.
She pushed the blankets aside and quickly rose, her bare feet brushing against the cool wooden floor. Her mind was filled with a single thought: Where is Lingxuan? She hurried through the corridors, her robe trailing softly behind her, her eyes scanning every corner, every shadow, seeking him.
Lingxuan, who had been meditating quietly near the edge of the courtyard, heard the soft footsteps and the familiar voice calling his name. He opened his eyes and stood, sensing the urgency in her tone. Quietly, he walked toward her, letting her find him on her own, not wanting to startle her.
"Lingxuan… don't leave me," Qingyue whispered as soon as she reached him, her voice trembling slightly. Her hands reached out instinctively, gripping the edge of his robe. Her blue eyes were wide, a mixture of relief, longing, and worry reflecting in their depths.
Lingxuan knelt slightly, bringing himself to her level, and gently held her hands. "Qingyue," he said softly, his voice calm and reassuring, "I won't leave you. Not now, not ever. But I must go… for a while."
Qingyue shook her head vehemently. "No! I want to go with you! I don't want to be apart from you for six months!" Her voice cracked slightly as tears threatened to spill, her heart aching at the thought of being separated from the one she loved.
Lingxuan cupped her face gently with his hands, his gaze steady and tender. "I know, my Qingyue… I know how you feel. But this training is important. You must stay here, safe, while I strengthen myself. Only then can I truly protect you and those you care about."
Qingyue looked down, her lips quivering. She knew he was right, yet the thought of the long months ahead without him by her side made her heart heavy. She leaned into his touch, seeking comfort in the warmth of his hands.
Hours passed quietly as the morning sun climbed higher into the sky. The sect was slowly coming to life; disciples moved about the grounds, exchanging greetings and preparing for the day. Lingxuan and Qingyue walked together toward the main gate of the sect, where disciples had gathered to offer their farewells and blessings for safe travels.
By the time the sun reached its zenith, they were seated at the front of the gate. Lingxuan's posture was calm and composed, yet Qingyue's heart thumped violently against her chest. She watched him carefully, memorizing every detail: the way the sunlight highlighted his golden aura, the calm set of his jaw, the way his hands rested lightly on his knees. For the next six months, she would not be able to see him like this.
Qingyue's emotions swirled in her chest. Sadness, worry, and longing mingled with her love for him. She gently held his hand, leaning closer. "Please… promise me you will stay safe," she murmured, her voice almost breaking. "I… I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you."
Lingxuan turned his gaze to her, softening. "I will be careful, Qingyue. And you… you must take care of yourself too. Listen to Master Yunfei, stay safe, and grow stronger while I am away. Six months will pass quickly."
Qingyue shook her head, biting her lower lip to keep herself from crying. "I… I will miss you so much…" Her voice trailed off, the words heavy with emotion. She hugged him tightly, holding onto him as if her life depended on it. The warmth of their embrace radiated calm, love, and the unspoken promise that no distance could break their bond.
Lingxuan's hand moved to gently brush her hair away from her face. "I will miss you too, Qingyue. But this is necessary. Trust me."
At that moment, Shiyue, who had been watching silently from a short distance, felt a pang of jealousy. Seeing Qingyue cling so desperately to Lingxuan stirred something deep within her. Though Shiyue had always maintained a composed and distant demeanor, her heart had long harbored feelings for Lingxuan. She felt a mixture of envy, longing, and confusion.
Without thinking, Shiyue stepped forward and gently wrapped her arms around Lingxuan from behind, resting her head briefly against his back. The action startled both Lingxuan and Qingyue. Master Yunfei, who had been observing from nearby, furrowed his brows in surprise, clearly caught off guard by his daughter's bold gesture.
Qingyue stiffened, her blue eyes narrowing slightly as she processed Shiyue's sudden action. A flicker of irritation crossed her face, mixed with disbelief. "Shiyue…" she whispered, her voice soft but edged with mild exasperation.
Shiyue, cheeks flushing a deep crimson, quickly realized the boldness of her action. She pulled back slightly, bowing her head in apology, though her gaze still lingered on Lingxuan with admiration and hidden affection.
Lingxuan, however, remained composed. He placed a hand on Shiyue's shoulder briefly, offering a small, reassuring smile before turning back to Qingyue. "Both of you… let go of me now," he said gently but firmly. "I must depart."
With a reluctant sigh, Qingyue released her hold, still feeling the ache in her chest from their separation. Shiyue stepped back as well, her heart still racing, a faint trace of embarrassment lingering across her features. Master Yunfei's eyes widened slightly at the exchange, silently observing the complex emotions displayed by the young women.
Lingxuan stood tall, casting a final glance at Qingyue. "Remember my words, Qingyue. Take care of yourself, grow stronger, and I will return before you know it."
Qingyue nodded, tears threatening once more, but she held them back, drawing courage from his calm presence. "I… I will, Lingxuan. Please… stay safe," she whispered, her voice filled with both love and desperation.
Lingxuan offered a small, reassuring smile, then stepped forward, leaving the sect gate and walking toward the distant mountain path that led to the secluded training grounds. The sunlight glinted off his aura, making him appear almost ethereal, a figure of calm authority and strength as he moved purposefully toward the wilderness where no one could disturb him.
Behind him, Qingyue watched with a mixture of longing, sadness, and determination. She clenched her fists lightly, her resolve hardening. For the next six months, she would follow his instructions, grow stronger, and wait patiently for the day he returned. She would not falter, no matter how lonely the days might be.
Shiyue remained nearby, her posture composed once more, though her heart still raced from the brief contact she had shared with Lingxuan. She looked at Qingyue with a subtle mixture of envy and respect, silently acknowledging the bond between the two. Even as she retreated to her own thoughts, she could not deny the impact Lingxuan had on her, nor the warmth she had felt in his presence, fleeting as it had been.
Master Yunfei's gaze followed Lingxuan as he disappeared into the mountain path. "He is truly extraordinary," the elder said softly, almost to himself. "Even the hearts of those around him are stirred, whether they wish it or not."
Qingyue and Shiyue both turned back toward the sect, each lost in their own thoughts, yet connected in the unspoken understanding of the young man they had both come to admire. The morning sun climbed higher in the sky, illuminating the grounds of the Eternal Blossom Sect, the petals of the blossoming trees swaying gently in the breeze, as if offering a silent blessing for the journey ahead.
Though Lingxuan was now gone, the warmth of his presence lingered, embedding itself in the hearts of both Qingyue and Shiyue. Each would carry that warmth forward, drawing strength, courage, and inspiration from it, even across the miles that would separate them for the months to come.
And so, with hearts full of love, longing, and silent promises, the young cultivators of the Eternal Blossom Sect watched the figure of Lingxuan disappear into the mountains, knowing that this farewell was not the end, but merely the beginning of another chapter in their intertwined destinies.
The sunlight had warmed the Eternal Blossom Sect courtyard by midday, the air now carrying a soft warmth that blended with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. Inside the main hall, Master Yunfei sat at the dining table, polished wood reflecting the light from the windows. The table was laden with dishes of steaming food, fragrant with delicate flavors that spoke of both refinement and care. He gestured toward the two young women.
"Qingyue, Shiyue, come inside. It's time for lunch," Master Yunfei said calmly, his voice carrying both authority and a gentle warmth.
Qingyue walked in first, her white hair flowing behind her like a gentle cascade. Her blue eyes were sharp and alert, reflecting the emotions she had carried from the morning's farewell. Close behind her, Shiyue entered the hall, her long black hair shining under the sunlight filtering through the windows. Her violet eyes, normally cold and unreadable, betrayed a subtle tension.
The two young women seated themselves across from each other, an invisible tension stretching between them. Master Yunfei took his seat at the head of the table, beginning to serve the food with quiet composure. Though he had witnessed many things in his long years as a leader, he sensed that the emotions simmering between these two cultivators today would be anything but ordinary.
Qingyue, unable to suppress her feelings from earlier, lowered her gaze to the steaming food but soon spoke with a measured, cold tone. "Shiyue… why did you hug Lingxuan earlier?"
The question was sharp, cutting through the calm atmosphere like a blade. The chopsticks in Shiyue's hands paused mid-air as her violet eyes snapped up to meet Qingyue's. Her expression hardened, a spark of indignation flaring. "Why? Because I have liked him for a long time," she replied, her voice equally cold and deliberate.
Qingyue froze at Shiyue's words, her blue eyes widening with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Her hands clenched around her own chopsticks, knuckles whitening. "You… you liked him?" she whispered through gritted teeth, her voice trembling with the first hints of rising anger.
Shiyue's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes flashing. "Yes, and I am not afraid to admit it," she snapped back. "Unlike someone who acts like she owns him just because she is with him for a few days."
Qingyue's expression darkened, her blush of embarrassment from earlier replaced by a cold fury. "How dare you say that! I… I am Lingxuan's partner. He is my future!" she hissed, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and jealousy.
The tension between them escalated quickly. Shiyue's violet eyes flared with defiance. "Do not assume! Just because he is your companion does not mean he belongs solely to you!"
Their voices grew louder, each word carrying the weight of deep-seated feelings. Their exchange began drawing attention from the other disciples in the hall, who whispered among themselves, surprised at the open confrontation between two young women of such remarkable cultivation.
Master Yunfei looked on, his calm demeanor unshaken but his brow furrowed slightly. The dining table, laden with sumptuous dishes, seemed a stage for a different kind of battle—a battle of hearts rather than cultivation. He observed the sharp eyes, the flushed cheeks, and the tension radiating from both Qingyue and Shiyue, realizing that this was no ordinary disagreement.
"Both of you… stop this," Master Yunfei said firmly, placing his hand on the table and locking eyes with the two girls. "There is no need for quarrels during a meal. You are both skilled and wise cultivators. Yet here you are, wasting energy on anger instead of restraint. Sit, and eat."
For a moment, Qingyue and Shiyue were silent, taking in his words. But the fire in their hearts could not be so easily tamed. They looked at each other simultaneously, and in a surprising act of synchronicity, both spoke at once:
"I will be Lingxuan's wife!"
The hall fell silent for a heartbeat, the clash of voices ringing in the otherwise quiet room. Even the servants paused, utensils hovering over their trays. Master Yunfei closed his eyes briefly, exhaling a long, slow breath, realizing that reason alone would not immediately resolve this storm of emotion.
"Lingxuan," Master Yunfei began calmly, "he has told me himself… if the opportunity were to arise to have two wives, he would accept it."
The words struck both girls like a thunderclap. Qingyue froze mid-breath, her eyes wide as she processed the revelation. Shiyue, equally stunned, blinked rapidly, her violet eyes now shimmering with a complex mix of emotions—surprise, indignation, and an unfamiliar vulnerability.
Neither of them spoke for several moments, the reality of Lingxuan's words sinking deep into their hearts. The table, the food, and even Master Yunfei seemed to fade into the background as their minds whirled with thoughts, doubts, and the stirrings of their hearts.
Qingyue was the first to regain some composure. Her blue eyes narrowed slightly, her hands resting on the table as she processed the situation. "Two… wives?" she murmured under her breath, her voice a mixture of shock and disbelief. The thought of sharing Lingxuan with another felt alien to her, yet the calm certainty in Master Yunfei's voice suggested that this was indeed Lingxuan's choice.
Shiyue's cheeks flushed faintly, and her lips parted slightly. "So… he truly would… if given the chance?" she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else. Her normally cold demeanor softened, revealing a vulnerability that few had ever seen. The weight of the situation pressed on her chest, and for the first time, she felt uncertainty about the actions she had taken earlier.
Master Yunfei watched the two young women carefully, noting the shift in their expressions. He knew that this revelation was significant, yet it was also necessary. Lingxuan was a unique individual—strong, calm, and resolute—and his decisions were never made lightly. Both girls needed to understand not just their own hearts, but also the complexity of the man they admired.
Qingyue's fingers tightened slightly around her chopsticks, her mind racing. She felt a mixture of relief and frustration, realizing that while Lingxuan's words offered her reassurance that he would remain true to her, they also introduced the reality of another presence, another heart tied to him. Her gaze flicked to Shiyue, and for the first time, she considered the depth of Shiyue's feelings.
Shiyue, on the other hand, sat back slightly, her usual confidence shaken. She had confronted Qingyue boldly, yet Lingxuan's words had introduced a new layer of complexity. She could not deny her affection for him, nor the undeniable fact that Qingyue held a place close to his heart. Her violet eyes softened slightly, though a trace of lingering resentment remained.
The tension between them did not dissipate immediately, but the shared silence allowed a space for understanding to begin forming. Master Yunfei's calm presence acted as a stabilizing force, reminding both young women that emotion alone could not dictate the path forward.
Finally, Qingyue broke the silence, her voice soft but resolute. "I… I will honor his choice, even if it means sharing his heart," she said quietly, her blue eyes steady and filled with a mixture of determination and love.
Shiyue's voice followed, equally quiet, but carrying a note of acceptance. "I… I will do the same," she admitted, her violet eyes meeting Qingyue's briefly. There was no warmth, no overt friendliness, yet a subtle understanding passed between them. They were rivals in affection, yes, but they were also bound by the same respect for Lingxuan and his wishes.
Master Yunfei nodded slightly, a faint smile crossing his lips. "Good. This is the beginning of understanding, not conflict. Both of you have strong hearts, but remember—the one you care for has already made his path clear. Respect that, and learn from it."
The hall returned to its quiet rhythm, the sound of utensils clinking against plates, the gentle murmur of servants, and the faint hum of cultivation filling the space once more. Yet within the hearts of Qingyue and Shiyue, a new understanding had begun to form, one tempered by emotion, respect, and the undeniable presence of Lingxuan in their lives.
Though the midday sun shone brightly, illuminating the hall and the delicate patterns carved into the wood, the hearts of these young cultivators were shadowed with complex emotions. Love, jealousy, respect, and admiration intertwined, forming a web of feelings that would shape the days to come.
For now, they ate in silence, each lost in thought, yet bound by the unspoken truth of Lingxuan's unique choice—a truth that had changed the course of their morning, and perhaps, the course of their hearts forever.
The sun hung high above the sky, casting its brilliant light over the rugged peaks and winding paths of the mountain that Lingxuan had chosen for his secluded training. The terrain was steep and unforgiving, yet he moved with remarkable ease, his golden aura subtly radiating around him. His steps were light, precise, and calculated, as if every movement had been planned to perfection. Today, he intended to push his limits, testing his body and cultivation in complete solitude.
As he navigated a narrow cliffside path, the sound of hurried movement and distressed shouts reached his ears. Lingxuan paused, his sharp gaze scanning the treeline below. Through the brush, he noticed a small caravan, a lone merchant accompanied by his pack animals, being surrounded by a group of figures exuding violent auras.
They were bandits, but not ordinary cultivators. Their presence was imposing; their cultivation level clearly indicated they were in the Immortal Ascension Realm, dangerous even to seasoned warriors. Their eyes gleamed with greed and malice as they encircled the merchant, who trembled in fear, clutching a satchel of goods desperately.
Lingxuan's initial instinct was to ignore the situation. He had no intention of intervening—his focus was his training, and any unnecessary entanglement could jeopardize the rigorous regimen he had planned for the coming months. Yet, as he observed, one of the bandits glanced toward him, sensing a presence.
"Oi, you there! Come down here!" a rough voice called, filled with both curiosity and menace.
Lingxuan froze for a moment, contemplating his next move. Then, recalling the anime he had watched in his previous world, a sly smile crept onto his face. He wanted to appear cool and unshakable, so he replied with the words he had memorized:
"Dōyara watashi no koto ga barete shimatta yōdesuga, dōshite hoshī nodesu ka?"
The bandits blinked at him in confusion, clearly unsure how to respond. One of them laughed loudly. "What… what did he just say?"
Lingxuan, keeping his calm and confident demeanor, chuckled lightly. "Oh, I apologize for my language. What is it that you seek, you band of troublemakers?" His tone was cool, collected, and filled with an almost intoxicating sense of arrogance—exactly the persona he wanted to project.
The leader of the bandits stepped forward, sneering. "We want money! Hand it over, or face the consequences!"
Lingxuan's smile widened ever so slightly. "I'm afraid I have no money to offer," he said calmly.
The bandits' faces twisted in anger, their eyes blazing with murderous intent. Without further warning, they lunged at him, intending to overwhelm him with sheer force.
Lingxuan, however, remained unflinching. He raised a hand casually and said, almost playfully, "Bankai."
The word echoed through the mountainside. To an ordinary person, it might have sounded strange or meaningless, but for Lingxuan, it was a name—an iconic phrase he had once heard in the anime "Bleach", one that resonated with power and fear. Though he had no actual "Bankai" in reality, he paired the word with his Killing Intent, letting it radiate outward like an overwhelming, terrifying aura.
The bandits staggered backward as their faces drained of color. Their eyes widened in disbelief and horror. The air around Lingxuan shimmered with his aura, giving the illusion of a demonic, unstoppable figure. Some bandits screamed and collapsed, their bodies seemingly unable to bear the terrifying presence. Others fell unconscious, their limbs trembling uncontrollably. One unfortunate member who had been brash enough to step forward fell to the ground, lifeless.
Lingxuan's expression remained calm, his smile subtle, almost teasing. In truth, he had only manipulated his Killing Intent and adopted the name "Bankai" to intimidate them. The actual deaths and unconsciousness were the result of his precise application of cultivation pressure, not a supernatural ability from some fictional world. Yet to the bandits, it appeared as though they had encountered a true demon of legend.
When the dust settled, Lingxuan moved swiftly, securing the bandits. He tied them to nearby trees using strong ropes, ensuring that none could escape. Their groans of fear and pain filled the forest, but their intimidation was now complete. The once-proud bandits, who had threatened the merchant moments ago, were reduced to quivering captives, unsure whether to pray or faint entirely.
Lingxuan turned his attention to the merchant, who had been cowering behind his pack animals, eyes wide with both relief and awe. "Are you unharmed?" Lingxuan asked, his voice calm, yet carrying a faint undertone of authority that silenced even the chirping of the mountain birds.
The merchant, a man in his forties with a worn but kind face, struggled to find words. "I… I am… I am fine, thanks to you. I… I cannot express how grateful I am," he stammered, bowing repeatedly. His hands were trembling as he clutched the bag of goods that had been threatened moments ago.
Lingxuan gave a small nod, still maintaining his cool, confident demeanor. "Be more careful in the future. The mountains can be dangerous for those traveling alone. Do not underestimate cultivators who walk the paths quietly," he advised.
The merchant nodded fervently. "I… I will heed your advice, sir. Truly, I owe you my life today. Please… accept my thanks, however small they may be."
Lingxuan waved his hand dismissively. "It is unnecessary. I only intervened because I do not tolerate injustice. Go in peace and ensure your journey remains safe."
The merchant's eyes glimmered with gratitude and awe as he watched Lingxuan. To him, this young cultivator was more than human, a figure of authority and power, a protector who had appeared from nowhere and saved him from certain doom.
Lingxuan turned back to the restrained bandits, his sharp gaze scanning each of them. "Tell the others that these mountains are not a place for the weak or greedy," he said, his tone calm but filled with the kind of weight that made even the bravest shiver. "If any of you dare to attack innocents again, you will face consequences far beyond what you can imagine."
The bandits, shaken and terrified, nodded fervently, their bravado completely stripped away. Lingxuan's aura still radiated power, a silent warning that left them with no desire to test his limits further.
After ensuring the bandits were securely tied, Lingxuan glanced at the sun now hanging high in the sky. "Time to continue," he murmured, his golden aura subtly flaring as he turned back to the mountain path. His steps were steady, his posture regal, and his presence overwhelming. The encounter had taken only a short time, but it had been enough to demonstrate the immense difference in skill between him and ordinary cultivators, even those at the Immortal Ascension Realm.
The merchant, watching from a distance, whispered to himself in awe. "Such power… such composure… he is no ordinary cultivator. Truly, a being worthy of legends."
Lingxuan did not look back. With each step, he climbed higher into the mountains, his mind focused on the training that awaited him. He knew that these encounters were not merely obstacles—they were reminders of why he trained so rigorously, why he had to become stronger. His cultivation, his strength, and his ability to protect those he loved all depended on moments like these, moments that tested his resolve and challenged his skills.
The mountains stretched endlessly before him, rugged peaks and deep valleys, each step a testament to his determination. Lingxuan's eyes glimmered with resolve, a silent promise to himself and to Qingyue that he would grow stronger, that he would face any threat and return to her safely.
Behind him, the tied-up bandits remained as a stark reminder: power, when controlled and wielded correctly, was both protection and deterrent. Those who threatened the innocent would learn quickly that Lingxuan was not one to be trifled with, that the aura of a true cultivator could inspire both fear and respect in equal measure.
As he ascended further, Lingxuan's thoughts briefly drifted to Qingyue. Her safety, her well-being, and the knowledge that she was resting securely within the Eternal Blossom Sect strengthened his resolve. In six months, he would return, not merely as a cultivator of immense strength, but as someone who could guarantee her protection and peace.
The mountain winds picked up, rustling his robes and tousling his golden hair. Lingxuan's gaze remained forward, steady and unwavering. The path ahead was arduous, the challenges many, yet he walked it without hesitation, each step carrying him closer to the power he sought, and ultimately, closer to the people he loved.
The mountain wind blew sharply over the jagged peaks as Lingxuan reached a secluded plateau high above the surrounding terrain. The view was breathtaking: layers of mist wrapped around the valleys below, sunlight glinting off the rocks and distant rivers. This was the perfect location—isolated, serene, yet challenging—to begin his six-month closed training regimen.
Lingxuan surveyed the area carefully. He needed space for both physical endurance and spiritual cultivation, along with natural obstacles to test agility and reflexes. His eyes narrowed as he mapped the terrain in his mind: steep cliffs for balance drills, dense forests for stealth and awareness, rivers for resistance training, and a wide clearing to practice combat techniques.
He took a deep breath, feeling the crisp mountain air fill his lungs. This plateau would be his sanctuary for the next six months—a place where he would push himself to his absolute limits. He began to outline the plan for his training, carefully dividing it into six stages, each designed to complement and enhance his power, body, and mind.
Stage 1 – Physical Conditioning and Endurance (Weeks 1–4)
Lingxuan started by running along the cliffs and valleys, carrying heavy stones to increase strength and endurance. Every morning, before the sun fully rose, he would sprint uphill, sometimes jumping across jagged rocks, maintaining balance and speed.
After his runs, he practiced weighted calisthenics, lifting boulders and logs in different directions to simulate combat strain. His muscles were pushed to exhaustion daily, yet he persisted, knowing that true power required absolute physical resilience.
At midday, Lingxuan would wade into the icy rivers, holding heavy stones while moving against the current. The cold numbed his body, but simultaneously forged resistance to extreme environments—a crucial skill for any cultivator.
Evenings were reserved for breathing techniques and meditation, synchronizing his physical exertion with the flow of qi throughout his body. This stage was rigorous but necessary; endurance would be the foundation for all other aspects of his training.
Stage 2 – Spiritual Focus and Qi Refinement (Weeks 5–8)
Once physical conditioning was underway, Lingxuan shifted his focus to internal cultivation. He found a hidden cave where the natural ley lines of the mountain converged, amplifying his qi absorption. Here, he would sit in deep meditation for hours, channeling Killing Intent and Aura through every meridian.
He experimented with different qi circulations, creating variations that enhanced both offensive power and defensive capability. Lingxuan recorded the sensations meticulously in his mind, noting which techniques allowed his aura to expand farther or penetrate more efficiently.
During this stage, he also practiced mental projection, visualizing battles against multiple enemies to sharpen his reflexes and strategic thinking. By the end of four weeks, his aura had grown more intense, capable of instilling fear in weaker cultivators without a single physical attack.
Stage 3 – Combat Skill Refinement (Weeks 9–12)
For the third stage, Lingxuan focused on combat techniques and weapon mastery. He carved practice dummies from stone and wood, each representing a different style of enemy. Using his sword—or occasionally bare hands—he attacked with precise movements, integrating speed, force, and strategy.
He experimented with quick thrusts, wide slashes, and multi-directional strikes, simulating multiple attackers at once. The isolated plateau allowed him to move freely, jumping, rolling, and dodging without any interference.
He also practiced deception techniques, learning to feint and manipulate his presence to confuse opponents. The use of Killing Intent as intimidation, as he had done with the bandits, was refined here. Lingxuan learned to control it with precision, so that only those he wanted to fear it would perceive its true danger.
By the end of this stage, his sword strikes had become almost lightning-fast, his movements both elegant and deadly.
Stage 4 – Environmental Adaptation and Survival (Weeks 13–16)
Next, Lingxuan focused on adapting to harsh environments. The mountains were unpredictable—storms, snow, and sudden temperature drops tested his endurance. He would camp on cliff edges during heavy rain, sleep on rocks covered with frost, and climb slick surfaces during snowfalls.
He used the environment as a training tool: rivers became resistance courses, cliffs became balance and agility challenges, and forests served as stealth and camouflage arenas. This stage was meant to ensure that no terrain would hinder his movement or strategy in future battles.
Stage 5 – Strategic and Tactical Planning (Weeks 17–20)
Lingxuan knew that raw power alone was not enough. In this stage, he focused on strategy and tactical thinking. He simulated attacks on imaginary sects, analyzing strengths and weaknesses. He would place markers around the plateau, each representing different enemy units, and plan attacks, defenses, and ambushes.
He also practiced anticipating opponent moves, predicting attacks, and reacting in ways that would maximize his advantage. This stage strengthened his mind, allowing him to merge intelligence with raw power seamlessly.
Stage 6 – Integration and Peak Challenge (Weeks 21–24)
The final stage integrated everything he had learned. He combined physical conditioning, qi control, combat skill, environmental adaptation, and tactical foresight into a single, intense daily regimen.
Each day, Lingxuan would run through obstacle courses, meditate to maintain ki flow, engage in mock combat against multiple dummies, and finish by analyzing tactics for improvement. He set time limits, enforced physical exhaustion, and simulated extreme combat situations to push himself beyond previous limits.
By the end of this stage, Lingxuan's aura, reflexes, and strategy would be synchronized perfectly. He would emerge as a cultivator capable of confronting multiple Immortal Ascension enemies with confidence, skill, and precision.
As Lingxuan finalized his plan, he sat on a flat rock, gazing at the mountains stretching infinitely before him. He clenched his fists, a determined smile gracing his face. "Six months. Every day, every moment, every strike will be deliberate. I will grow stronger… not just for myself, but for Qingyue, and for everyone I care about," he murmured.
The wind swept over him, rustling his golden hair. He rose, taking a final glance at the plateau. This was the beginning of his journey—a journey that would push him beyond limits, strengthen his resolve, and forge him into a true cultivator capable of facing any threat that dared challenge him.
Lingxuan took a deep breath, feeling the mountain energy resonate with his cultivation. Six months of isolation, hardship, and growth awaited him. And he would meet every challenge, prepared to return stronger than ever to protect the people he loved.
With a final nod to the mountain, he began his first training session, fully committed to the six-month path of ultimate cultivation.