As soon as Ye Jun swallowed the Primary Healing Pill, a violent explosion of energy erupted within his body. The pill was not just for healing wounds; it was brimming with incredibly pure Qi. For five years, his Meridians had been as stiff and blocked as solid rock, but now, under the immense pressure of that energy, they began to melt and open.
Suddenly, the System's voice echoed in his mind:
[Ding! Master, the energy from the Healing Pill is shattering the barriers of your first level. The time for your Breakthrough has arrived!]
A glowing golden card manifested before Master Ye Jun, inscribed with mysterious symbols in an ancient script.
[The System is granting you a 'Breakthrough Card.' This card can instantaneously force open your blocked meridians and propel you to the next level.]
Ye Jun took the card in his hand. A storm of energy was raging inside him, but he clenched his fist for a moment. Instead of using the card, he placed it back into his Beast Ring.
"No," he thought to himself. "I won't use this just yet. I want my body to handle this natural energy on its own. The stronger my Foundation, the higher my empire can rise."
The moment he made this decision, the energy of the Healing Pill began to seep into every pore of his being. Five years of humiliation and stagnant cultivation were breaking apart like a collapsing dam. Black, sticky Impurities began to ooze out of his skin along with his sweat.
[Ding! Congratulations, Master Ye Jun! You have successfully reached Qi Refining Level 2!]
When Ye Jun opened his eyes, there was a new sharpness in his gaze. He could now clearly hear even distant footsteps. He stepped out of that dark alley and headed straight toward the Clan's Library—a place he hadn't been allowed to enter for five long years.
As he reached the library gates, a guard thrust a spear forward. "Hey, trash! How dare you show your face here? This place is for cultivators, not for beggars like you!"
The guard raised his leg to kick him, but Ye Jun moved with lightning speed. He thrust his Armored hand forward and caught the guard's leg mid-air.
"Enough," Ye Jun's voice was cold and lethal. "I endured your kicks for five years, but not today."
Ye Jun applied just a fraction of pressure, and the guard's spear fell from his trembling hands. He shoved the guard aside and walked straight into the library. The interior was breathtaking—piles of ancient scrolls and books everywhere. Ye Jun sat in a dark corner and released the small rat from his ring.
Exhausted from the earlier fight, his small companion looked limp. Ye Jun placed the rat in his lap and began to gently stroke its back. Feeling the massage, the rat contentedly closed its eyes. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the other end of the library.
[System Alert: Master, an extremely powerful energy signature is approaching. Stay alert!]
Ye Jun immediately hid behind an old bookshelf. An old man, leaning on a wooden cane, walked past—Thud... Thud... Thud... His energy was so heavy it felt like a mountain passing by. Only after the sound faded did Ye Jun breathe a sigh of relief.
He questioned the System in his mind, "System, tell me something. In stories, systems turn people into gods overnight. Why are you giving me power in installments? A small piece of armor here, 100 points there... why so stingy?"
The System's calm voice replied:
[Master, the System provides 'Capability,' not 'Charity.' If I were to grant you God-Level power right now, your weak body would turn to ash instantly. We are forging your foundation into steel so that when you reach the highest peak of the Sect, no divine power will be able to shake you.]
Ye Jun fell silent. He understood now. The System didn't just want to make him a warrior; it wanted to make him an Emperor.