Mu Lingyao's eyes widened as she pointed an accusatory finger at me. "What? You know, there's a rumor going around that you and Senior Yun are lovers… Is that true?"
I shrugged and gave her a calm smile. "You could say that."
Her jaw dropped. "You monster! You're not only a monster cultivator, but you also made our cold-hearted Senior Yun fall for you?!"
Feng Xuan laughed from the side. "Tch. I think he's just a playboy. He probably knows how to tame girls with his silver tongue."
"Hey, you bastard," I snapped. "I'm not a playboy!"
Mu Lingyao turned serious, her tone softening. "Senior Yun is incredibly talented, but her family never supported her…"
I clenched my fists. "Don't worry. I'll make the Yun family suffer a thousand times more than what Yun'er had to endure."
Feng Xuan raised a brow. "You're only at Body Tempering - Ninth Layer. How do you plan to do that?"
I smirked. "What if I told you I could break through to Core Formation right now?"
"Yeah, right." Feng Xuan rolled his eyes. "All you do is bluff."
"Then let's make a bet," I challenged.
Feng Xuan crossed his arms. "What kind of bet?"
"If I break through in five minutes, you'll become my supporter and travel with me. If I fail… you can ask for anything."
Feng Xuan thought for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But don't you dare back out."
"Deal. Let's stop here," I said, just as we landed in a dense jungle clearing.
Feng Xuan grinned. "Then your time starts now."
---
[Timer: 4:59]
I sat cross-legged beneath a towering tree, calming my breath. System, how many breakthroughs can I do?
---
[Timer: 4:53]
Ding!
Host, you can perform four breakthroughs.
---
[Timer: 4:48]
"Then do one breakthrough," I commanded.
---
[Timer: 4:44]
6000 XP points deducted.
Current XP: 20210
---
A familiar, warm energy surged through my body—this time more potent, more refined. My meridians expanded, my spiritual energy exploded in volume, and an overwhelming force coursed through every inch of my being. The sensation was intense, but swift.
Mu Lingyao and Feng Xuan watched with stunned expressions.
---
[Timer: 4:35]
Ding!
You have successfully broken through to Core Formation – 1st Layer.
---
[Timer: 4:25]
Before me, a glowing status window unfolded in the air:
---
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Zhen Huan
Level: Core Formation – 1st Layer
HP: 2000 / 2000
SE: 1500 / 1500
Strength: 2700
Agility: 2150
Intelligence: 20/20 – MAX
Charm: 92/100
Luck: ???
Skills:
• Inferno Slash – First Form
↓
[Show Full Status]
---
I stood up calmly and dusted off my robe. "I'm done. I've broken through."
Feng Xuan was frozen in place, mouth agape, unable to utter a single word.
Mu Lingyao gasped. "You just had a breakthrough yesterday at the cultivation ground… Are you even human?!"
I chuckled. "It's nothing special. Anyway, Feng Xuan, you're my travel partner now. Hehehe."
Feng Xuan groaned. "I… I'm what now?"
"You'll be traveling with me. Wherever I go, you go."
He scratched his head, muttering, "Ahhh… fine. For now, let's go to my sect."
---
Four Days Later...
After days of travel, we arrived at the Blade Sect. Feng Xuan showed his Sect Token at the gate, and we were allowed entry.
He led us straight to his master's residence.
"Master, I'm back! I brought friends. May we come in?"
A voice echoed from inside. "Yes, come in."
We entered and saw an elder sitting solemnly in a wooden chair. We all bowed respectfully.
Suddenly, the master stood up, his eyes blazing with anger. He marched toward Feng Xuan—but instead of striking him, he embraced him.
"Oh, my dear disciple! Were you hurt? Did someone bully you? Tell me!"
Mu Lingyao and I exchanged shocked glances.
Feng Xuan blushed, pushing his master away. "Master, please! My friends are watching!"
The master turned to us. "Ah, so you brought guests."
I stepped forward. "Zhen Huan, from High Heaven Sect."
"Mu Lingyao, from Flower Valley Sect," she added.
The master nodded. "So you're from the Southern Continent. Interesting."
---
Later, as we exited the residence…
I turned to Feng Xuan. "So, are you entering the All Sect Competition?"
He nodded firmly. "Yes. This time, I'll give it my all. I want my sect to rank in the top three."
Mu Lingyao smiled. "I'll also compete from my sect. I'll do my best as well."
I glanced at the sky, the wind ruffling my robe.
A storm is coming—and I'll be standing at the center of it.