After the meeting with Sect Leader Shen Hong, Shen Hua led me through a quiet corridor lined with spirit lanterns and jade carvings.
"Brother Zhen," he said, stopping in front of a room, "you can rest here for the night."
I smiled. "Thank you, Brother Shen."
He nodded and left with a small wave.
I entered the room, letting the door close behind me. The bed was large and soft, far more luxurious than anything I'd used before.
I stretched out and sighed. "Ah… time to rest. Tomorrow, a journey to the Western Continent awaits."
With that thought, I drifted into a deep sleep.
---
The Next Morning
Knock knock.
"Brother Zhen! Wake up!"
I sat up groggily. "Oh? Shen Hua? Coming."
I opened the door, rubbing my eyes.
"My father's waiting," Shen Hua said with a grin.
"Let's go then."
Together, we returned to the Leader's Hall. Shen Hong was already seated on his throne, with Meng Ruo beside him, dressed in traveling robes.
"So, Zhen Huan," the Sect Leader said. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, Sect Leader," I replied confidently.
He turned to Meng Ruo. "Meng Ruo, don't cause trouble."
Meng Ruo nodded obediently. "Yes, Father."
Shen Hua and Shen Hong escorted us outside the sect. As we hovered at the edge of the mountain platform, I turned to them.
"Brother Shen, Sect Leader… send me a message when the competition is near."
Shen Hua clasped my shoulder. "Of course—and take care of my sister."
I smiled. "I will."
With a nod, we both mounted our swords and took off, slicing through the clouds like shooting stars.
---
Some Time Later – In the Skies
I laid down on my sword, hands behind my head, letting the breeze wash over me.
Meng Ruo glanced at me, brows raised. "Why are you lying like that?"
"Eh… I'm just a little lazy to stand," I said casually.
She huffed. "How can someone be so lazy and still get stronger?"
I laughed. "Talent."
Then I sat up and said, "Hey, can we land somewhere? I think I'm about to break through again."
She blinked. "Seriously? Alright."
We descended onto a quiet mountain peak surrounded by mist and chirping birds.
I sat cross-legged on the ground. "Just give me three minutes."
I spoke inwardly. System, can we break through again?
Ding!
Host, you can.
"Do it."
Ding!
System has taken 2100 XP Points.
Once again, a surge of familiar warmth spread through my body. My meridians expanded, spiritual energy roared inside me, and my strength climbed to a new peak. It was a feeling I had grown addicted to.
Ding!
Breakthrough Successful: Qi Refining – 5th Layer
+90 Strength
+85 Agility
+70 SE
+35 HP Regen/minute
I opened my eyes and stretched. "System, show me my status window."
A glowing screen materialized before me:
---
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Zhen Huan
Level: Qi Refining – 5th Layer
HP: 500/500
SE: 490/490
Strength: 490
Agility: 473
Intelligence: 20/20 – MAX
Charm: 90/100
Luck: ???
Skills:
• Inferno Slash – First Form
↓
Show Full Status
---
"Huh? What's with that 'Show Full Status' option?"
I said aloud, "System, show full status."
A more detailed screen appeared:
---
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Zhen Huan
Age: 19
Gender: Male
LifeSpan: 161 Years
Weapon: Incomplete Seven Swords
Level: Qi Refining – 5th Layer
HP: 500/500
SE: 490/490
Strength: 490
Agility: 473
Intelligence: 20/20 – MAX
Charm: 90/100
Luck: ???
Skills:
• Inferno Slash – First Form
• Meteor Rain of Sword
•Earth Seal – Five Hand Palm
Incomplete Missions:
• Complete all Scenario Missions
• Kill the Ruthless Demonic King
↓
Show Less
---
I whistled. "So it shows everything now. Looks like I've got a long way to go."
Meng Ruo looked at me, curious. "Are you finished?"
I stood up and smiled. "Yep. Let's keep flying. We've got a continent to cross."
And so, sword-light gleaming beneath our feet, we rose once more into the endless skies, with the unknown waiting just ahead.