After nearly two months of nonstop travel, battles, and exploration, Xiao Feng decided it was time to shift his focus. While practical combat experience was valuable, true strength came not just from fighting—but from deepening one's foundation. He needed to stabilize his Dou Qi, consolidate his cultivation realm, and prepare for the breakthroughs ahead.
With that in mind, he took to the sky once more, flying silently over jagged cliffs and shadowy valleys, his silver-white robe billowing in the wind. What he sought now was not another battle or another town, but a place where the wind element thrived—a natural haven where his Wind Spirit Body could resonate with the environment and increase the efficiency of his cultivation.
Hours passed in quiet search, until he finally found it.
Towering over the surrounding terrain stood a mountain so tall its peak scraped the clouds. It was surrounded by smaller mountains like loyal sentinels guarding their king. What made the sight even more breathtaking was the cascading waterfall that tumbled down from near the summit, flowing into a serene crystal-clear lake below. A massive ancient tree, its trunk wide and roots thick, stood proudly beside the lake, its lush canopy casting gentle shadows over a bed of vibrant wildflowers.
Xiao Feng landed lightly on a flat cliffside ledge halfway up the tallest peak. The wind here was constant and full of vitality. With his Wind Spirit Body, he could feel the wind Dou Qi dancing through the air, like it was calling to him.
"This is it," he murmured to himself, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "This will be my sanctuary."
With a thought, he called up his system.
> Cultivation Level: Dou Ling – 2 Star
Daily EP: 430,000
Total EP: 86,452,000
Satisfied with his current progress, Xiao Feng scrolled through the system shop and selected an item he had marked earlier.
[Tier 7 Artifact – Tranquil Wind Pavilion]
> Price: 2,500,000 EP
A portable dwelling infused with spatial and wind formations. Offers protection, comfort, and cultivation assistance. Immune to detection and resistant to attacks up to mid-level Dou Zong.
He confirmed the purchase. A small, toy-like house appeared in his hand—no bigger than his palm, its miniature windows and doors intricately carved.
He channeled Dou Qi into the artifact.
WOOOSH.
In a flash of light, the tiny object rapidly expanded, growing into a small mansion nestled perfectly into the cliffside. It didn't look like a structure made by man, but rather something sculpted by nature itself. The architectural design was graceful, with flowing curves and wind-themed carvings, its exterior white with pale blue accents. Just looking at it brought a sense of calm and harmony.
He stepped through the front doors.
Inside, the air was warm and refreshing. The main hall was spacious, adorned with elegant wooden beams and a single luxurious chair at its center. Every room felt crafted with intent—from the cultivation chamber with a specialized formation array that refined wind-type Dou Qi, to the study room lined with clean, empty scrolls ready for notes and insights.
A kitchen and dining hall were tucked to one side, while deeper inside sat a hot spring bath, its steamy waters infused with faint natural essence to relax the body and ease mental fatigue.
The main bedroom had large windows facing the lake and waterfall. The floor was padded with spiritual wood that harmonized with the user's Dou Qi, ideal for meditation and rest. There were also guest rooms, though for now they remained unused.
Finally, Xiao Feng stepped onto the balcony, where a comfortable rocking chair awaited. He sat down slowly, the wind gently rustling his cloak. From here, the view was perfect—waterfall roaring in the distance, lake shimmering with the sunlight, and the great tree swaying peacefully.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
From this moment forward, he would begin his seclusion.