> Ding!
Foundation Establishment Realm Level 5 achieved.
Ren Wei's eyes slowly opened, golden strands of Qi still faintly spiraling around his fingers. His breathing was calm, precise. As the translucent system interface appeared before him, he leaned forward slightly, eyes sharp with focus.
---
Name: Ren Wei
Race: Human (Mortal)
Bloodline: Immortal Emperor Bloodline
Age: 17
Cultivation Realm: Foundation Establishment Realm Level 5 (Mid Stage of Grandmaster)
Dao: ??? (2/10 fragments gathered – gather all 10 to unlock Dao)
Techniques:
• Heaven-Flaying Vein Scripture
• Iron Blood Meditation
• Ash Vein Fang – Saber Technique
↳ Form 1: Ember Slash
↳ Form 2: Hollow Cinder Spiral
↳ Form 3: Crimson Void Severance
• Boundless Swordsman (Passive)
↳ Resistance to sword-based attacks
↳ Learn all sword techniques 30% faster
Physique:
• Immortal Emperor Psychic
↳ Guarantees eventual breakthrough to Immortal Emperor Realm
↳ Resistance to all elements, including Light and Dark
↳ Cannot be harmed by anyone less than one realm above
Weapon:
• Echo Fang – High Earth Grade Saber
↳ Devours elemental Qi, evolves in battle
---
Ren Wei let out a low exhale and leaned back.
"Middle stage already…" he muttered. "Halfway through Foundation Establishment."
He didn't celebrate. There was no time for pride—only precision. With a soft flick of his sleeve, the system window vanished. He sat cross-legged again, closing his eyes.
"I'll stabilize this realm by dawn."
---
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees outside. Birds began to stir. The courtyard was still silent when Ren Wei opened his eyes once more. The turbulence in his meridians had faded. The realm was stable.
He stood and called, "Su Yao."
A soft knock preceded the maid's entrance. She bowed gracefully.
"Prepare and bring breakfast to the courtyard," Ren Wei said, his tone calm but direct.
"Yes, Young Master." She bowed again and left swiftly.
Ren Wei walked out into the courtyard and sat by the stone table, glancing at the soft clouds in the morning sky. He placed his hand on the cool surface, letting the serenity settle in.
"I've come far… but I'm not there yet."
Before his thoughts could wander further, the entrance gate creaked open.
Han Suiren stepped inside, his usual robes fluttering slightly in the breeze. His gaze landed on Ren Wei and curved into a knowing smile.
"You've grown again," he said, approaching the table. "Foundation Establishment Level 5 already... and here I was, worrying about you."
Ren Wei offered a faint smirk. "It seems your worry was wasted, Elder Han."
Han Suiren chuckled and sat down across from him. "Tomorrow is the challenge. I had to come see for myself. And I see—you're more than ready."
---
In the silent embrace of his cultivation chamber, Ren Wei sat cross-legged, letting his Qi settle into the new flow of power coursing through his meridians. The aftermath of reaching the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment Realm still echoed through his limbs, a subtle hum of strength weaving itself into every corner of his body.
Outside, the courtyard basked in the morning sun. Su Yao and Mei Rou had resumed their usual duties around the villa, their steps soft and respectful. From the shade of a distant tree, a formation squirrel—a rare species from the Lian Mountains—watched the cultivator curiously before darting off into the bushes.
Ren Wei, refreshed after his meal and light conversation with Han Suiren, returned alone to his cultivation room. His expression grew calm but resolute as he summoned Echo Fang from the system inventory. The blade materialized in his grasp with a low shimmer, exuding a quiet hunger for power.
"Time to refine the third form..."
He stepped into an open space, letting the cool air brush across his skin. With a deep breath, he began practicing Crimson Void Severance.
Each movement was heavy with intent—his saber slashing downward with violent precision, only to spiral back in a reverse arc, cutting through imaginary Qi threads that filled the room. Sparks of reddish-golden energy danced along the blade as it cleaved through air with increasingly fluid strokes. His breathing slowed to a rhythm, syncing with the pulse of the technique itself.
Hour after hour passed unnoticed.
At last, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, a system chime echoed through his mind:
> Ding!
Crimson Void Severance – Mastery: 54%
Ren Wei halted mid-swing, eyes lighting up with recognition. He exhaled and lowered his blade.
"Not bad," he whispered to himself. "Tomorrow… they won't stand a chance."
With the weight of mastery growing steadily in his bones, he sheathed Echo Fang and turned to face the fading sun, ready for the battle the next dawn would bring.