After failing to form his foundation, Zuo Tian’s cultivation dropped back to Qi Refining Level 9.
But he wasn’t discouraged.

Beneath the vast, starry sky, Zuo Tian continued trying to break through.
Within just half an hour, he charged forward with terrifying speed, once again reaching the threshold of that transcendent gate—

He should’ve been able to push it open with ease.
But once again, he failed.

Zuo Tian coughed dryly, specks of blood flying from between his teeth. His long, lazy brows were furrowed so tightly it looked like they might burst.

His once radiant fate line now looked as though stained with a smudge of ink that couldn’t be wiped clean.
It was as if a graceful maiden had drawn across it with a sword for a brush—splitting yin and yang, cutting through heaven and earth.

Even the faintest whisper of fear or unease had become an intolerable blemish on his path of brilliance.

“I won’t accept this.”

Enduring pain like fire consuming his body, Zuo Tian clenched his teeth and continued.

Until dawn.

His face was completely pale as he opened his eyes, hollow and dim.

Qi Refining Level 9.
He was stuck.

He couldn’t go higher. Just couldn’t.

“Take a break,” came the sigh of his ancestor’s lingering soul beside his ear. “On the path of cultivation, obsession leads only to ruin. You'll lose your original heart.”

“Zuo Tian, you look pale.”

Noticing his friend’s state, Yang Jin leaned in and asked quietly, “Still upset? I heard from Gao Rongrong… that the person Su Yingxue likes is… Luo—”

“Don’t.”

Zuo Tian smiled gently, like a spring breeze. “I don’t care.”

No attachments, no burdens—perfect for accepting destiny.
A hidden dragon beneath the depths, waiting for clouds to rise.

Luo Qingchuan? He’s not even worthy of my attention.

Zuo Tian thought, if he really meant to harm Luo Qingchuan, a single flick of his finger would be enough to end him.

The proud don’t bicker with the weak.

A shame though. He should’ve formed his foundation in one night.

He glanced again at Su Yingxue and saw the fairy-like girl still anxiously watching the gymnasium entrance, eyes full of longing, standing tall with hope.

He’d have to find an excuse to challenge her to a duel.
If he couldn’t break this inner demon, he’d never soar.

“No more waiting.”

The young man in the daoist robe chuckled. “The path of seeking the Dao is not to be forced. Living an ordinary life is its own freedom. Everyone walks their own road.”

Yang Jin couldn’t hold back. “I think Luo Qingchuan’s just afraid his aptitude’s too low to show up.”

Crossing his arms, he sneered. “We might get selected for Zhanyao or to join Quexie—it’s dangerous. That rich boy only wants to enjoy life. He’s not cut out for duty. If something really goes down, I bet he’ll be the first to run and hide.”

Truthfully, Yang Jin had no grudge with Luo Qingchuan.

But Zuo Tian did.

And maybe that shouldn’t have mattered.

But after what happened last night—after reaching Qi Refining Level 9 in one night, nearly forming his foundation—everything did start to matter.

Sucking up to power was no shame. Yang Jin knew Zuo Tian was the quiet, prideful type, so he figured he'd help vent for him first.

That Luo Qingchuan had actually won Su Yingxue’s heart… while Zuo Tian’s story of breaking through to Level 9 in a night was already spreading in the class group chat. Luo Qingchuan must be trembling with nerves by now.

Su Yingxue frowned slightly but couldn’t be bothered to argue.

But someone else couldn’t stay silent.

A slightly chubby boy, face dark, muttered, “Yang Jin, Luo tongxue is just late. No need to go that far.”

“He gave you a red envelope in the group chat and now you’re kissing up to him like a little dog?” Yang Jin laughed. “Can’t afford fast food anymore?”

The boy sneered and glanced at the strange expression on Zuo Tian’s face. “Not sure who’s really the dog here.”

The surrounding students had all kinds of expressions—but most were just watching for fun.

Zuo Tian’s face turned even paler. A glint of cold light like snow crystal flashed in his half-lidded eyes.

The man in the daoist robe suddenly brought his hands out from behind his back and gently pressed them into the air.

“All right.”

As if under a spell, the gymnasium fell silent.
Everyone suddenly felt a strange desire to be still.

“No more arguing. Listen carefully to what I’m about to explain.”

He gestured to the shimmering crystal orb.
“This is called the ‘Spirit-Seeker.’ It tests your spiritual root aptitude. Just touch it with your hand.”

Then he pointed to the ancient bronze mirror.
“This is called the ‘Truth-Breaker.’ Step in front of it and ask yourself what you seek—what’s in your heart. It will read your nature and foundation.”

The young man looked out at the students and smiled.

“I’m Lu Wu. My cultivation is at the third stage—Golden Core.”

Gasps spread through the room.
The students were amazed. Countless eyes, full of admiration and awe, locked onto him.

“Lu laoshi, you’re incredible!”

“So strong! Lu laoshi, do you need a personal disciple? I can pour tea, cook—my dad’s a master chef, I’ve picked up a lot of skills!”

“So the stage above Foundation is called Golden Core, huh? Gotta go brag in the group chat.”

Lu Wu ignored the noise, still smiling calmly as he dropped a bomb:

“I’m 317 years old. Through frost and snow, I’ve cultivated bitterly to reach this point. Once results are announced, if your talent falls short, use me as a reference. This road is long—don’t be anxious or lose hope. When the clouds part, you’ll see the moon.”

His voice was soft, yet it resonated like a whisper straight to the soul.

The gymnasium fell into utter silence.

The students wore thoughtful expressions.

Except Su Yingxue.

She had waited all night. But the one she hoped to see never came.
Her gaze was complicated.

What could be stopping him?

The unease grew stronger. Her chest ached. Every breath inside the gym felt heavy.

Su Yingxue pulled out her phone and started messaging Luo Qingchuan.

[Are you still not here?]
[It’s about to start.]
[What if you miss it—will you lose your eligibility?]
[Luo Qingchuan, I’m really scared.]

The schoolyard glowed under the morning light like a blank sheet of paper.

Luo Qingchuan, hurrying through the gate, glanced down at his vibrating phone.
His pace quickened. His heart lifted into his throat.
He stumbled forward—then broke into a sprint, expression tense with worry.

He was starting to realize—

Su Yingxue might be… a little fragile inside?

He’d just gotten out of the car at the school gate. On the way, he’d even prepared a gift for her.

Last night, after gaining a large amount of Saint Points, Luo Qingchuan didn’t hesitate to trade them for a future self-defense flying sword for his wife.

The sword was called “Dulu”.

Right now, it was sitting in the Saint System’s storage space.

If anyone asked, it’d be easy to explain:
With how rich his family was, buying a storage ring from the black market wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.

Luo Qingchuan wanted to see Su Yingxue, delicate hands wielding a sword, looking just like a celestial maiden.

There was a tall phoenix tree inside the school grounds.

On the tip of a withered golden leaf, a pair of elegant heels came to rest.

Lu Chuning stood above, gazing down at Luo Qingchuan’s figure.
She saw him running quickly, footsteps strong.

Didn’t look like someone injured from last night.

The petite, poised girl spoke softly:

“So it was you.”

Shattered leaves spiraled upward, brushing past her straight, graceful legs—only to be swept aside again by the flutter of her skirt. Her twin ponytails floated behind her soft shoulders, carrying a faint and subtle fragrance.

…