The night was calm over the Lin estate, a thin veil of mist hanging in the air as moonlight poured into the courtyard like liquid silver. Lin Xian sat beneath the old plum tree, a wine jar beside him, his white hair reflecting the starlight. Xiao Jian lounged lazily nearby, half-asleep, his tail flicking softly to the rhythm of the crickets.
Lin Xian swirled his cup, his eyes distant and unreadable.
One month until the pill competition… he mused silently. Before that, I must visit the Black Veil Forest.
His gaze sharpened, seeming to pierce through the darkness of the night.
The Yin Metal Vein, and that strange void fluctuation… If they're truly connected, I can't ignore it. But to step into that place, I'll need more strength.
He raised the cup and finished the wine in one go.
Spirit Foundation Realm… he whispered inwardly. It's time.
Xiao Jian blinked slowly at him, as if to say, Finally.
---
The courtyard seemed to grow dimmer as Lin Xian sat cross-legged. He placed a pile of spirit stones before him—gleaming crystals that pulsed with a faint spiritual light. He exhaled slowly and activated the Heaven-Slaughter Nirvana Scripture.
A low hum vibrated through the ground. The air twisted, forming spirals of energy that rushed toward him like invisible rivers. The spirit stones cracked one after another—pop, pop, pop!—releasing torrents of essence that surged into his meridians.
His body trembled, veins glowing faintly beneath his skin. Within his sea of consciousness, storm and fire intertwined.
Heaven-Slaughter Nirvana Scripture — Second Verse: Burn the Soul.
The moment he chanted the verse, his soul sea ignited. A golden flame rose from within his spirit—not destructive, but cleansing. Every fragment of his soul was burned, purified, and reborn in brilliance. Thunder rumbled faintly in the heavens above; clouds swirled as if bowing to an unseen will.
The courtyard glowed with a halo of light as the Soul Stone in his hand cracked open, releasing a beam of ethereal blue that fused directly into his soul.
His breath exploded outward.
BOOM—!
A terrifying aura erupted, shaking the night air. Plum petals scattered from the tree like crimson snow. The power of the Spirit Foundation Realm roared through his meridians—stable, vast, and divine. His once-faint spiritual core now pulsed like a miniature sun.
So this is… the Spirit Foundation Realm, Lin Xian whispered to himself. The difference is… astonishing.
The heavens calmed. The moon reemerged from the clouds, bathing the courtyard in silver serenity once more.
---
Xiao Jian raised his head, blinking at the rippling spiritual energy. He yawned widely, then stretched lazily before looking at Lin Xian with pure disdain—his expression clear as words:
You only broke through now? How slow.
Lin Xian's eye twitched. "…What kind of face is that supposed to be?"
He glared at the little beast, who simply tilted his head smugly. The air around Xiao Jian pulsed—unmistakably mid-stage Spirit Foundation Realm.
Lin Xian's face darkened.
You—! Mid-stage already? You were just eating, sleeping, and rolling around the courtyard!
Xiao Jian puffed out his chest proudly, his tail swaying like a flag of victory.
Lin Xian rubbed his temples.
Truly, the heavens are unfair. I train with life-and-death scriptures, and you cultivate through napping.
Xiao Jian blinked innocently, then pointed a paw at the empty wine jar—demanding a refill.
Lin Xian's eyes narrowed.
You want wine now? Hah… dream on, gluttonous beast.
The two sat in the quiet moonlight, man and beast—one reborn, one shameless—as the night carried a sense of calm before the storm.
---
Once Xiao Jian dozed off again, the courtyard grew silent. Lin Xian lifted his hand, feeling the faint hum of power coursing beneath his skin—stronger and purer than ever before. A small smile curved his lips.
This strength… it surpasses what I had in my past life at the same realm.
He closed his eyes, recalling fragments of his previous life—endless battles, betrayals, the pressure of a throne that crushed all warmth from his soul.
Back then, I only advanced to survive. But now, I advance to perfect myself.
He clenched his fist, the air trembling faintly with spiritual force.
Rebirth… gave me this chance. This time, I'll walk the path flawlessly. No flaws, no regrets.
The moon hung high above, a silent witness to his resolve. Somewhere deep within his soul, the faint echo of a golden flame pulsed once more… as if acknowledging his vow.
---
Early morning light poured through the bamboo windows, painting golden streaks across the floor. Lin Xian sat cross-legged, eyes half-closed, his breath steady and calm. His spiritual energy flowed like a calm sea—vast, pure, and perfectly controlled. Yet, when he clenched his fist, a faint frown creased his brow.
My cultivation has improved… but my body hasn't caught up.
The Spirit Foundation Realm strengthened one's qi and core, but the body—its vessel—still needed refinement. If the body was weak, even heaven-defying strength would crumble under its own power.
He exhaled slowly. A flicker of golden flame shimmered between his brows. From within his spiritual sea, ancient runes surfaced—flowing lines of golden fire, revolving like celestial orbits. The Heart of Silent Flame Codex stirred in his memory, revealing the formula for a pill that could temper bone and strengthen the body.
This pill didn't exist in the lower realms. Even in the upper world, only a few ancient alchemists could refine it. It cleansed one's marrow and bones, purifying the blood and fortifying the body's foundation. If it appeared in Azure Cloud City, every alchemist would kneel in disbelief.
Marrow Cleansing Pill… Lin Xian's lips curved faintly. It's time.
If I sold it, they'd probably call me a Pill God, he chuckled softly. But I'll keep it to myself… for now.
He stood, his eyes glinting with determination.
Let's see if this body of mine can truly handle the path of a Heavenly King once more.
---
The marketplace of Azure Cloud City buzzed with life. Merchants shouted, cauldrons hissed, and the faint scent of herbs mixed with roasted meat. Lin Xian moved through the crowd with calm ease, a simple black robe concealing his aura.
He entered Emerald Herb Pharmacy, picking rare roots and minerals one after another. Some ingredients were obscure, some extinct in this realm—but he always knew exactly what to choose.
"Still the same," came a teasing voice from behind.
Lin Xian turned slightly. It was Bai Yusheng, dressed in light green, her long hair flowing and eyes bright with curiosity.
"You again?" Lin Xian said, smiling faintly. "Are you stalking me or just too free these days?"
She huffed. "I'm here for ingredients too! Not everyone spends their time brewing strange pills like you."
Their banter drew glances from onlookers—one a graceful beauty, the other an elegant youth with white hair and calm arrogance. Many mistook them for a couple, whispering in envy.
"So," she said softly, "you're preparing for the Black Veil Forest?"
Lin Xian nodded. "I'll leave soon. There's something in that forest I must confirm."
Her eyes softened slightly, concern flashing briefly. "Be careful. That place isn't normal."
He smirked. "Since when have I ever been normal?"
Leaving her speechless, he left the shop and headed straight toward Thousand Veil Chamber.
---
Inside, Yue Mo and Yue Lan awaited him. Yue Lan greeted him with her usual calm smile, while Yue Mo's deep eyes assessed him like a scholar studying a rare treasure.
"Young Master Lin, we heard rumors of the Black Veil," Yue Mo said. "That place is… not suited for solitary ventures. Allow us to provide assistance."
Lin Xian shook his head, firm but respectful. "I appreciate it, Elder Yue, but it's something I must handle myself."
Yue Lan hesitated, then stepped forward, her tone gentle but firm. "At least allow me to tell you what we know."
Lin Xian paused. "I'm listening."
She unfolded a jade map from her sleeve. A faint mist rose from its surface, forming a three-dimensional projection of mountains and valleys. "Deep within the northern sector of Black Veil Forest lies a Yin Metal Vein—a natural source of condensed metallic qi. But the region around it is… unstable. Spiritual readings show traces of distortion, as if two different laws are overlapping."
Lin Xian's brows furrowed slightly. Two laws…
"Yes," she continued. "Earth and shadow. Many who ventured close reported hearing echoes, seeing mirages of ancient ruins buried under the ridge. Even beasts there act strangely, as though corrupted by something deeper." Her gaze lifted to meet his. "If that's where you intend to go, tread carefully. The chamber lost a scouting team there last month. Not even their souls could be traced."
For a moment, silence lingered. Then Lin Xian nodded slowly. "Then it's the right place."
Yue Lan's breath caught. "You're serious."
"Always," he replied, a faint smile ghosting his lips. Without another word, he turned and left, his steps light but deliberate.
The sound of his footsteps faded, leaving a faint silence in their wake.
"He's walking the path of calamity again…" Yue Mo murmured. "A soul like that… never rests."
---
Back in his courtyard, Lin Xian arranged the herbs in a precise formation. His hands formed seal after seal, each movement smooth and controlled—like a dance of divine rhythm. The cauldron ignited with pale blue fire. The essence of the herbs melted, condensed, and intertwined. A faint golden mist filled the air as the fragrance of the pill spread.
Hours passed before—
Boom!
The cauldron trembled, light bursting from its lid. Six flawless Marrow Cleansing Pills floated in the air, glimmering with faint jade light.
"Six pills… not bad," Lin Xian muttered.
Without hesitation, he swallowed one.
CRACK—!
The sound came not from outside, but from within his body. Bones screamed as microscopic fractures spread through his skeleton, snapping and reforming in the same breath. His veins swelled violently beneath his skin, pulsing like serpents about to burst free. His complexion drained of color, turning deathly pale—yet his eyes burned brighter than ever.
Pain detonated. It was not pain meant for mortals. It was as if molten divine iron had been poured directly into his bloodstream, scalding flesh, nerve, and soul alike. Every cell howled, rebelling against the foreign force ripping it apart and reforging it.
Again… This cursed refinement…
His jaw clenched so hard blood seeped from the corner of his lips. "Tch… still as excruciating as ever," he spat, voice low and venomous.
Black mist bled from his pores—thick, foul, and twisted. Impurities torn from his marrow oozed out, carrying the stench of decay and weakness. Sweat streamed down his body, mingling with darkened blood before splattering onto the floor in sizzling drops.
Lin Xian trembled. Not from fear. From rage.
Scream? Beg? Those luxuries belonged to the weak.
His body began to glow—faint at first, then brighter—as if a furnace had been ignited beneath his skin. Veins lit up like molten veins of gold, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. Each beat felt like a hammer striking his soul.
BOOM.
BOOM.
BOOM.
If pain could kill me… I would've died a thousand lifetimes ago.
His vision blurred. For a fleeting moment, the world tilted. Then—
BOOM!!
A final, violent pulse erupted from his body. Spiritual light exploded outward in a circular wave, rattling the surroundings before collapsing back into him like a beast returning to its cage.
Silence followed. The black mist evaporated into nothingness. The stench vanished. What remained was Lin Xian—standing tall, back straight, aura sharp enough to cut the air itself. His presence felt dangerous.
His body was lighter. Stronger. Every muscle refined, every breath smooth and controlled. Beneath the calm surface lurked something feral—something that had endured hell and grown fond of it.
A slow breath escaped his lips. "Hah… much better."
He rose and washed the blood from his skin. The night wind brushed against him, cool and gentle—almost mocking after what he had just endured.
Lin Xian's eyes narrowed as he gazed into the darkness.
Next time… bring more pain. This body thrives on it.
He clenched his fists—and the wind trembled. He punched forward once.
WHOOOM!
The air exploded like thunder, a shockwave ripping through the courtyard. The ground cracked slightly under his feet.
Around ten thousand kilograms of force, Lin Xian calculated calmly. Double my previous limit. A normal Spirit Foundation Realm cultivator barely reaches six thousand… this is satisfactory.
He stretched, glancing toward Xiao Jian's empty perch.
Still sleeping, huh? Must be nice to live without a care.
The moon rose higher, the air serene—but deep in his silver eyes, faint golden light flickered.
Black Veil Forest, he murmured. Let's see what secrets you're hiding.