A newfound sense of calm settled over Bai Yu as the initial emotional rush subsided. The world felt different now – sharper, more vibrant. He could feel the ambient energy in the air, a subtle hum he'd only ever vaguely sensed before. It was like a dam had been removed, allowing a vast ocean of potential to lap at the shores of his perception.
Taking a deep breath, Bai Yu settled back onto the now-discarded silk cushion, crossing his legs into the lotus position. A determined glint shone in his golden eyes. "Father, Lord Wu... let's try it out."
He closed his eyes, recalling the countless frustrating hours spent attempting this very process. He followed the basic Qi gathering meditation technique ingrained in him since childhood, reaching out with his senses, inviting the surrounding energy.
This time, it was utterly different.
Before, it was like trying to coax a stubborn trickle into a leaky sieve. Now, as if worshiping a god, the ambient Qi surged towards him. It wasn't coaxed; it practically leapt, drawn by an irresistible pull emanating from his transformed body and soul. Streams of pure energy flowed into him eagerly, flooding his once-dry meridians like rivers pouring into empty canyons. The energy circulated smoothly, without impediment, converging naturally towards his lower abdomen, slowly gathering at his Dantian.
The sensation was intoxicating, empowering. He could feel his body greedily absorbing the energy, strengthening sinews, reinforcing bones, washing away the lingering exhaustion from his ordeal. The nascent pool of Qi in his Dantian grew rapidly.
Not even one full minute later, a distinct loud noise, like the shattering of a dam, echoed from within Bai Yu's body. A wave of power radiated outwards, causing the air around him to ripple visibly for an instant. His aura surged, stabilizing at a level far beyond mere physical prowess.
He had broken through. Effortlessly, instantaneously, he had shattered the barrier to the Qi Refining Realm.
Bai Feng gasped, his eyes wide with utter disbelief. "That fast?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with shock. "From the peak of Body Refining directly into Qi Refining in less than a minute? Impossible! Even the most heralded geniuses require at least several days, sometimes weeks, of focused preparation and accumulation to breach that barrier!"
Wu Mao nodded slowly, his expression one of pure amazement. "The fusion... the dragon bloodline... it hasn't just unblocked his path; it has fundamentally reforged his foundation. His affinity for Qi is now... extraordinary."
Bai Yu opened his golden eyes, a wide, genuine smile spreading across his transformed face. He looked down at his hands, focusing his will. A faint, milky-white luminescence immediately enveloped them – his own internal Qi, now readily available and responsive to his command.
"Incredible," Bai Yu murmured, clenching his fists, feeling the vibrant energy thrumming within. Even though he knew he couldn't project Qi outwards while still in the early stages of the Qi Refining Realm, he could feel its power ready to reinforce his attacks or bolster his defense. A simple punch now would carry vastly more force than anything he could manage just hours ago. The gulf between Body Refining and Qi Refining was vast, and he had crossed it in the blink of an eye.
As Bai Yu reveled in the newfound sensation, Wu Mao suddenly spoke, his eyes thoughtful. "Young Master Bai, there is another implication to consider. Your ordeal involved a battle of souls, and ultimately, a fusion. Now that you have integrated with the essence of that Dragon, your soul power, your spiritual strength, will be greatly enhanced beyond what is normal even for cultivators. This opens another path for you." He paused for effect. "Perhaps you should try becoming an Alchemist."
Bai Feng's eyes lit up at the suggestion. He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Alchemists are indeed rare and highly respected," he agreed, nodding. "Their ability to concoct pills, refine essences, and understand the body's mysteries makes them invaluable to any clan or power. With enhanced soul power, a prerequisite for fine control in alchemy, you would have a significant advantage. It's a good choice, offering both status and a different kind of strength."
Bai Yu considered it. The thought of manipulating energies and essences, delving into the mysteries Wu Mao specialized in, held a certain appeal, especially now that he possessed the prerequisite soul strength. He nodded. "I will definitely try it, Lord Wu, Father. The path of alchemy sounds intriguing." He clenched his fist again, the feeling of tangible Qi still fresh and exciting. "But first... first, I need to learn how to fight. I need power I can wield now."
His gaze turned inward for a moment, accessing the fragments of knowledge perhaps inherited from Ao Tian, or simply the common knowledge of the cultivation world now accessible through his awakened senses. In this world, Battle Techniques were crucial. They were the methods by which cultivators channeled their Qi into devastating attacks and impenetrable defenses. These techniques were meticulously categorized by power and complexity, ranging from the weakest, the Mortal Grade, suitable for Qi Refining practitioners, up to the Spirit Grade, commonly used by Martial Masters. Beyond that lay the rarer Earth Grade, the legendary Heaven Grade, the mythical Origin Grade, and finally, whispered tales spoke of the Transcendent Grade, techniques said to rival the gods themselves.
A flicker of determination crossed Bai Yu's face. The Bai Clan's library, he knew, only contained techniques up to the Spirit Grade, sufficient for their elders but limiting for true ambition. However, rumors persisted throughout Water Court City that the mysterious City Lord, a figure rarely seen but immensely powerful, possessed at least one precious Earth Grade technique.