[Realm]: 6th Layer Qi Refining Realm (31/100)
[Spirit Roots]: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth
[Cultivation Technique]: Five Elements Cultivation (Minor Achievement 251/300)
.
.
.
.
Previously, each cultivation session would grant him one progress point. But now, it required two full sessions just to earn a single point.
Each session took four hours to complete a full cycle. He couldn't afford to devote all his time solely to cultivating he also had to refine his talisman crafting and increase the proficiency of his various techniques.
If he cultivated twice a day, that would yield one point daily. At this rate, it would take approximately 69 days to reach the peak of the 6th Layer of the Qi Refining Realm.
"But the exact timing for my breakthrough to the 7th layer is still uncertain," he murmured, a sigh slipping past his lips.
"Previously, the original owner relied on a breakthrough pill to advance. But with my Five Elements Spirit Root, the spirit energy demand is much greater. It could take months maybe even years."
His expression grew more contemplative.
"If I can use a Compression Point to advance, I'll do it without hesitation. But I still don't know if the system can by pass the bottleneck of a major layer simply by accumulating enough spirit energy."
He had long suspected his cultivation speed was abnormally fast. But after Sister Wei's explanation, he finally understood why every layer and realm had bottlenecks, and they weren't something that could be bypassed casually.
For example, a cultivator at the 4th Layer of Qi Refining had to accumulate enough spirit energy to reach the peak of the layer, then spend at least six months attempting the breakthrough to the 5th. That was considered fast for a Loose Cultivator.
Some needed years. Others, even decades. And some… would remain stuck for the rest of their lives, never advancing beyond that barrier.
Only then did he realize the full significance of his system. The panel had completely nullified minor layer bottlenecks. But as for major layer bottlenecks… he still didn't know if it would be the same.
His gaze slowly drifted toward another technique on his panel.
Geng Metal Sword Technique (Beginner 112/200)
"The proficiency jumped by over a hundred just from using the sword talisman. It must be because this technique shares the same origin as Geng Metal Finger. With a little more effort, I can probably push it to Minor Achievement soon."
Dust clung to his robes, so he slapped a cleansing talisman across his body before heading back into his residence. His original intention had been to enter a few more weeks of seclusion, focusing solely on improving his talisman crafting proficiency.
Only the Sword Talisman remained challenging to draw at his current level. As for the more common high grade talismans, he could handle them with manageable effort.
But before he could fully commit to his next seclusion, a group of cultivators approached the entrance to his residence. He sensed them before he saw them three men, each clad in neat blue robes, the insignia of Igsania embroidered on their chests.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Patrol officers? Why are they here?"
Without hesitation, he stepped toward the gate to greet them personally.
"Greetings, fellow Daoists," Lan Rui said with a polite smile, cupping his hands. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"
The three men exchanged nods and returned his gesture with respectful courtesy.
"Greetings, fellow Daoist. We are performing a routine inspection of residents in the area," one of them explained. "It's part of a new directive issued by the Market Guardian. We are ensuring there are no infiltrators from the Demonic Sects hiding among the civilians."
Lan Rui blinked in mild surprise.
Demonic sects? Here?
Seeing the confusion flash across his face, the officer elaborated, his tone turning grim.
"Recently, we intercepted a group of rogue cultivators attempting to raid a minor cultivation family. Upon deeper investigation, we discovered they were disciples of a certain demonic sect."
He paused before continuing.
"After that, the Market Guardian ordered a security lockdown. Every household is to be screened. We're under orders to identify and remove any potential threats."
Lan Rui nodded slowly, hiding the unease stirring within him. He produced his jade token and calmly answered their routine questions. After verifying his identity and confirming he wasn't affiliated with any forbidden sect, the officers thanked him and took their leave.
Once their figures disappeared from view, Lan Rui stood at the gate in silence. He turned, locked the door behind him, and headed straight for the market district.
"I need a clearer picture of what's happening. The patrol officer's information was too general surface level at best."
After the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, he arrived at the Willow Leaf Teahouse, his usual location for gathering local rumors and cultivating informal intelligence.
He stepped inside and took a seat on the first floor. After ordering a pot of tea and a plate of snacks, he leaned back in his chair, sipping quietly while listening to the murmur of conversations around him.
He didn't need to ask questions. In a teahouse, information came naturally disguised as idle gossip.
An hour passed.
By then, he had pieced together enough fragmented discussions to gain a clearer understanding. Rising from his seat, he paid for the tea and stepped outside, walking slowly as he sorted through what he had gathered.
Apparently, there were rumors that a powerful demonic sect had begun moving in secret, attempting to seize control of various markets across the region in a bid to expand their influence.
The sect in question was the Corpse Refining Sect a notorious sect infamous for their grotesque puppet corpses.
They used the bodies of fallen cultivators, refining them into battle puppets. Each disciple was typically in control of one such puppet, equal in strength to their own level.
"In battle, it's as if you're facing two enemies at once," Lan Rui muttered under his breath. "A head on confrontation is suicide unless you outnumber them significantly."
More alarming were whispers that the Corpse Refining Sect had set its sights on this very market. No one knew the exact timing of their move, but the possibility alone was enough to cause a stir among the more informed cultivators.
Lan Rui frowned, his steps slowing.
"This information is still too vague. No solid details, its still too vague for me."
He thought for a moment.
"I need to consult Sister Wei. With her intelligence network, she should have more accurate information about the Corpse Refining Sect's movements."
After a few cups of tea's worth of travel, he arrived at a spacious courtyard, home to a single, elegant residence.
He retrieved a communication talisman from his storage bag and activated it. A moment later, the wooden doors before him creaked open with a faint hum of spiritual energy.
A graceful figure stepped out clad in a tight green robe that outlined her curvaceous form. Her beauty was enough to make lesser men drooling and forget their cultivation path entirely.
But her eyes were sharp and composed.
"Little Lan, come in." She said with a warm smile.