Next Day
Xiao Tian was cultivating while sitting cross-legged on his bed. His breathing was calm and even, the rise and fall of his chest in perfect harmony with the subtle flow of Dou Qi inside his body. Rays of sunlight streamed in through the half-open window, gently illuminating the young cultivator's face, highlighting the faint sheen of sweat on his brow. Yet, his expression remained focused—eyes closed, brows slightly furrowed—completely immersed in his training.
He was thinking deeply while cultivating.
Last night's activities had left him completely drained. He had refined a fourth-tier pill—something even experienced alchemists would hesitate to attempt—and the toll it took on his body and mind wasn't light.
This morning, Xiao Tian slept tirelessly, his body demanding rest to recover from the intense exhaustion. It wasn't like him to be sluggish, but last night had pushed even his limits. He had rested quite a bit, letting the warmth of the bed and comfort of sleep envelop him for hours longer than usual.
But right now, he was cultivating diligently.
As the saying goes, "Working hard will help achieve goals." It was a principle many heard but few followed sincerely. Xiao Tian wasn't trying to grow stronger just for fame or status—his reasons were far simpler, and yet heavier. He wanted to prove himself to Yao Lao. To earn his respect. That alone was enough motivation for Xiao Tian to sit upright again and force his weary body into cultivation mode.
After all, he had only obtained Yao Lao's ring two days ago, but in that short time, he had already made staggering progress.
He had broken through six stars continuously within the Dou Zhe realm.
Even within the ancient clans, known for producing monstrous talents with deep bloodlines and endless resources, such rapid advancement was rare. If word of this got out, it would shake the entire Jia Ma Empire.
"Teacher!!" Xiao Tian called out lightly.
Almost instantly, a soul body drifted out from the black ring on his finger. This time, unlike the cold and detached demeanor he had shown earlier, Yao Lao wore an unexpectedly playful expression.
"Brat, what do you want now?!" Yao Chen snapped, his tone clearly annoyed. His eyes twitched as he hovered mid-air with his arms folded.
He had been resting—or at least trying to—when Xiao Tian's voice pierced through his soul sense.
"Teacher, how should I absorb the Foundation Building Pill?!" Xiao Tian asked, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish smile. He looked a bit embarrassed, but his eyes were filled with curiosity.
Yao Chen froze for a moment, blinking twice.
"This…"
Memories of the night before surged in his mind. Xiao Tian refining that pill—the flames dancing in his palm, the confidence in his gaze, the stability of his technique—it was burned into his mind like a brand. Even now, Yao Chen found it hard to believe what he had witnessed with his own eyes.
A fourth-tier pill. Refined cleanly. In one try.
Terrifying. That was the only word that could describe Xiao Tian's talent.
Both in cultivation and alchemy, the brat was simply outrageous. He could confidently say that even among the geniuses of the ancient clans, Xiao Tian was a monster.
"My original elixir, back when I was alive," Yao Chen began, stroking his beard slowly, "was in liquid form. I used to have it placed under a tub of water to help temper the body as it soaked in the medicinal energy."
Xiao Tian listened attentively, nodding with each word.
"But your version—this Foundation Building Pill—has been modified. You've compressed the medicinal power into a stable pill form, something even more efficient for modern cultivators. This pill you created can build the cultivation foundation up to Dou Ling. That's no small feat."
He pointed at Xiao Tian and added with pride hidden under his stern tone, "Just eat it. Let your Dou Qi guide the medicinal essence and refine your foundation as you cultivate."
Xiao Tian nodded seriously. If it was Yao Chen's words, then there was no doubt in his heart.
"Okay, Teacher!" he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude.
Reaching into his Dimensional Space, he pulled out a small jade bottle. It was cool to the touch, and faint medicinal fragrance wafted out from it. Inside it rested the very pill he had named—the Foundation Building Pill.
Without hesitation, Xiao Tian uncorked the bottle and let the pill roll into his hand. It gleamed under the sunlight, its surface smooth and polished like a gem.
He gently placed it into his mouth, swallowed, and closed his eyes.
He began cultivating again, this time guiding the energy of the pill along with his Dou Qi. A warmth spread from his core, spreading through every meridian like a stream of life, nourishing and reinforcing his foundation. His skin flushed, sweat beading on his forehead as the dense energy surged within.
A few hours later.
It was already noon by the time Xiao Tian opened his eyes.
His body felt lighter, his energy flow smoother—every movement felt more connected and natural.
He had truly stabilized his realm at Dou Zhe 8-Star.
Yet, a strange boredom washed over him. After being cooped up in his room for so long, he suddenly felt like he needed fresh air… and maybe a distraction.
With a light sigh, he got up and stretched, walking to the door and pulling it open.
The outer courtyard was lively. Birds chirped overhead, and disciples walked along the stone paths, talking in small groups. But what caught Xiao Tian's eye was the main hall ahead—there was a commotion brewing.
Curious, he made his way over.
…
Inside the hall, voices buzzed with energy, laughter and light arguments flying around like sparks.
Xiao Tian entered and quietly took a seat—right beside a young girl who seemed to radiate elegance without even trying.
It was Xun'er.
Her long dark hair flowed like ink, her features delicate and perfect. She didn't even glance at him.
"Xun'er, you are looking beautiful today," Xiao Tian said, trying his best to sound smooth.
No response.
Xiao Tian tried various tricks—witty lines, exaggerated sighs, even pretending to be hurt—but none of them worked.
She continued to ignore him.
That pain again. Like a dull needle poking at his chest.
"Xun'er…" he whispered, this time with genuine emotion, "Can you at least tell me what brother did to make you so sad and angry?"
His voice trembled slightly, carrying both guilt and longing.
Xun'er finally moved. She turned her head, and in that one moment, the room seemed to quiet for Xiao Tian.
"Brother Xiao Tian didn't come to see me for more than two days… Brother doesn't love me anymore," she said softly, looking away.
Xiao Tian's heart clenched.
"Xun'er misunderstood. In fact, I missed you the most," he said gently. "I was cultivating… and now—I've reached Dou Zhe 8-Star."
He smiled awkwardly, but there was pride and vulnerability behind that grin.
Xun'er blinked in surprise.
"Really?!" she gasped, her voice full of excitement and joy.