The morning sun filtered through the curtains as I stirred. I turned to Yun Sha beside me and whispered, "You awake?"
She smiled softly, stretching. "Mm. Let's get ready."
We rose, donned our robes, and stepped outside. A strange silence blanketed the city—no bustle, no chatter, only an eerie stillness.
I frowned, then moved toward Feng Xuan's room. "Hey, Feng Xuan! Get up."
A muffled voice replied, "Oh, Brother Zhen Huan… give me a moment."
Moments later, we knocked on Mu Lingyao's door.
"Yes, coming!" she called.
Soon, the four of us gathered outside the inn.
Mu Lingyao yawned. "So where are we going?"
I said calmly, "To Marine Sect."
Feng Xuan nodded. "Alright, Brother Zhen."
I glanced at him—and felt a sudden change in his energy. "Wait… you broke through?"
Feng Xuan grinned. "Yeah. I reached the Nascent Soul – First Layer last night. I was already at peak Core Formation, so the opportunity came naturally."
Mu Lingyao raised her hand with pride. "Hey! Me too. I broke through as well!"
Yun Sha's eyes sparkled. "Amazing. Now we're all at Nascent Soul level."
I smirked. "Perfect. Then we have the strength to approach Marine Sect."
We flew across the skies toward our destination. Ten minutes later, towering sea-blue walls came into view—Marine Sect, cloaked in dense spiritual mist and formidable defenses.
"So, this is Marine Sect…" I muttered.
As we approached the gates, a disciple clad in blue robes suddenly appeared in our path.
"Halt! This is Marine Sect territory. Outsiders are not welcome. Leave now, or face death."
I stared him down. "We came to enter Aqua Valley."
The disciple narrowed his eyes. "Aqua Valley is closed to all. Now leave—"
His words barely finished when I unsheathed my sword and cleaved him in two.
Ding!
You killed Body Tempering – 9th Layer Cultivator.
XP Gained: 4000
Current XP: 41,200
Feng Xuan chuckled. "Why do they always underestimate our Brother Zhen?"
Ignoring the corpse, we advanced—until a shimmering barrier rose before us.
I held up a hand. "Wait. There's a formation. Let me break it."
I raised my sword and unleashed Inferno Slash – Third Form. A torrent of black flame energy erupted, slicing through the barrier and crashing into the walls beyond. The gate shattered into rubble.
"…Oops. I just meant to cut the barrier," I said, scratching my head. "Ah well, too late now. Let's go."
We entered the sect—but were quickly halted. An elder appeared mid-air, aura heavy and cold.
He hovered before us, his cultivation clearly at Soul Transformation – Second Layer.
"Bold children," he spat. "You dare invade our sect and kill our disciples? Speak your last words."
I raised my sword, eyes sharp. "Your disciple blocked our path, so I dealt with him. We only want to enter Aqua Valley."
The elder's face twisted with rage. "Then you will die here."
He dashed forward, his palm coated in spiritual frost. I met his strike, and though it pushed me back a few paces, I held firm.
"Ice Blade Technique!" he roared. Dozens of jagged ice blades formed and hurtled toward me.
Feng Xuan shouted, "It's a Green Grade technique—be careful!"
I smiled calmly. "I'll handle it."
I activated Wind Steps, blurring into motion and dodging the barrage. With one fluid movement, I countered with Inferno Slash – First Form. My blade tore through the air—and one of his legs was severed instantly.
He screamed and stumbled. I walked toward him, unflinching.
"No—wait! I'm the Fifth Elder of Marine Sect! If you kill m—"
My blade silenced him.
Ding!
You killed Soul Transformation – 5th Layer Cultivator.
XP Gained: 15,000
Current XP: 56,200
The dust hadn't settled when two more elders teleported into view, their killing intent suffocating.
They attacked in unison, their combined strength sending me flying. I landed hard, but stood once more.
I wiped the blood from my lip. "If you'd simply let me pass, this wouldn't have happened."
Their fury deepened as they prepared for a finishing blow.
But I closed my eyes and whispered to the system, How many breakthroughs can I make?
Ding
Host can perform four breakthroughs.
"Then do two now."
System deducted 22,200 XP.
Remaining XP: 34,000
Breakthrough in progress…
A powerful warmth surged through my body. My meridians widened, my spiritual core roared. Energy stormed within me like a tidal wave breaking free.
Ding
Breakthrough successful: Soul Transformation – 2nd Layer.
The elders froze, shocked by the sudden rise in power.
"H-How?!" one cried. "He just… broke through?! Twice?!"
"Kill him quickly!" the other snapped. "We cannot let him rise further!"
But they were already too late.