Advancing to the Next level of Foundation Phase
The mountain cave behind the blue moon sect Ethan chose was deathly quiet. Not a bird's cry nor wind's whisper reached him only the soft echo of water dripping from icy stalactites. This silence was sacred. A place where breakthroughs were either made or failed with lasting consequence.
Seated in lotus position atop a smooth stone, Ethan placed the Level Nine Beast Core before him given by one of the blue moon sect elder.
It pulsed with chaotic but potent energy, fragments of a creature that had lived on the edge of the Foundation Phase threshold. He placed his hand upon it, drawing in its force gently.
His spiritual sea churned. Meridians crackled.
I've tempered each level slowly, unlike most who rush,
He murmured,
Now let this be the forge of the next step.
His body ignited with radiant Qi. The essence of frost and flame, stabilized through countless battles, began condensing inward. Threads of spirit energy wove into his Dantian like silk into armor. His bones groaned. His muscles tightened. His veins shimmered with spiritual light.
Moments passed like hours. His control never wavered.
Suddenly, a sound shiiing!
The Dragon Slayer Sword beside him trembled violently. A ring of light spread from its blade, and the cave's walls glowed faintly with frost runes as the sword responded to Ethan's breakthrough.
The sword drank in ambient spiritual energy, its frostfire core awakening further. Deep within, its dormant enchantment stirred.
I see,
Ethan whispered.
The sword isn't just a weapon it's bound to my cultivation.
With every surge of internal Qi, the blade's aura grew clearer. He pressed his palm against its hilt. A silent connection surged between them.
Blood, will, spirit. All aligned.
Boom!
A final surge of energy burst from Ethan's core, shaking the cave and illuminating it in blue and gold.
He exhaled deeply.
Foundation Phase Level Seven!
he said, voice steady.
And my sword it now holds twice the force.
He stood,
Snowflakes formed in his wake, the pressure of his aura far more intense, refined through patience and perfect balance. No longer just powerful he was efficient. Cold. Deadly.
He turned to the path ahead. The Southern Wastes.
I'm coming.