The meditation chamber in which Xiao Wuchen had been in seclusion appeared to have been torn apart by a long-dormant primordial force. After successfully connecting the last meridian in his body, a vast surge of spiritual energy washed over him, like a river bursting its banks.
A visible purple wave of energy emanated from the chamber and spread violently in all directions. This purple energy contained the immense vitality of a successfully established meridian and a unique, yin-like power accompanied by an extremely rapid, indescribable pulse.
High in the sky, a massive vortex of spiritual energy suddenly formed in the previously cloudless sky. At the centre of this vortex, a faint, illusory image of a Buddha statue could be seen. However, the statue was not seated in a solemn pose; instead, it displayed dynamic movement, like a lotus blooming, with golden light flashing and disappearing. This image was filled with the profound mysteries of Zen Buddhism and an extreme sense of speed.
'It's a Foundation Establishment! This is... a top-tier phenomenon!'
The sect elders closest to the site were startled and took to the air, staring in awe at the phenomenon combining the yin-yang grace of Purple Qi Swaying Willows with the vibrant energy of Flowers Blooming to Reveal the Buddha. They knew that this was no ordinary Foundation Establishment: the person's foundation was so solid that their future achievements were limitless.
News of Xiao Wuchen's successful meridian formation spread like wildfire through the martial arts world's intelligence networks in just half a day.
The Haoran Sword Sect.
Su Mubai, the chief disciple, was polishing his sword, 'Qingshuang'. He stood tall and straight, his sword intent restrained. He consistently ranked highly in the Earthly Ranking and was widely recognised as a rising star poised to challenge the Heavenly Ranking.
A junior brother beside him respectfully handed over a newly updated intelligence jade slip. 'Senior brother, this is the latest ranking change on the Earthly Ranking. Xiao Wuchen's name is now listed prominently, and he has jumped directly into the top 500!"
Su Mubai took the jade slip and glanced at it briefly. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. 'He has successfully established his meridians — an astonishing phenomenon — and entered the top 500 in one fell swoop. His speed is too fast.'
He pondered for a moment, then cast his gaze into the distance. 'His martial arts foundation, especially the strange Flower Blooms to Reveal the Buddha movement technique. I've heard of it before, but the rumours say that he could barely defeat an Earthly Ranking expert before he established his meridians. Now that he has, if this power remains untested, it may become a variable in the future of the martial world.'
In the quiet room, Xiao Wuchen slowly opened his eyes.
His aura was calm and steady, his spiritual energy flowing smoothly and steadily, each cycle several times faster than before. The sense of power that came with successfully establishing his meridians greatly boosted his confidence.
However, he knew that establishing meridians was just the beginning, not the end.
'Establishing meridians brings not only power, but also storms,' thought Xiao Wuchen.
Focusing his inner vision, he discovered that his understanding of the [Flower Blooms to Reveal the Buddha] had deepened since successfully establishing his meridians. Previously, it was merely a secret technique for speed and explosive power. Now, with the abundant spiritual energy of his meridians, he could feel each acceleration as if a lotus flower were blooming instantly in his heart. He briefly entered a state of selflessness at maximum speed, pushing his speed to its theoretical limit.
Just as Xiao Wuchen was preparing to consolidate his new realm further, a respectful and deep voice came from outside the quiet room:
'Reporting to Your Excellency, Su Mubai, the chief disciple of the Haoran Sword Sect, has personally delivered a challenge letter from the Earth Ranking and requests an audience outside the residence!'
Xiao Wuchen raised his eyes slightly, his gaze calm yet carrying a hint of authority, a fighting spirit flickering at the corner of his lips.
'The Haoran Sword Sect... a prestigious sect, daring to interfere in our affairs?'
He flicked his sleeve and stood up. Though his posture seemed delicate, it contained the powerful energy of someone who had successfully established their meridians.
'Go and invite him in. Tell him we accept the challenge.'
'He's here? It seems the price of successfully establishing one's meridians is a duel between titans.'