C9 Rise

For over ten days, Feng Yi had remained indoors. He did so partly to heal from his wounds and partly to engage in rigorous cultivation, all in preparation to reclaim his honor.

Feng Yi had been roughed up because he and Ye Qingcheng had been seen chatting and laughing together, which undoubtedly irked Feng Hua. With Feng Hua's cultivation at the ninth level of the Qi Condensation Stage, he had followers willing to do his bidding.

Since that incident, Feng Yi dedicated himself to relentless cultivation, and before he knew it, half a year had flown by. During this time, his cultivation soared, reaching the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Stage, and he was even showing signs of advancing to the sixth level.

"Young man, I've been studying the stars all night, and there's going to be a thunderstorm today. Get ready. Whether you'll stand out at the Celestial Wind sect competition hinges on this moment," the Nine-spirit Taoist's voice reached Feng Yi as he was deep in practice. At last, after half a year, the awaited thunderstorm was upon them.

"Senior Nine-spirit, you mentioned that after consuming the Spirit Treasure's elixir, all impurities in my body would be purged, making my cultivation twice as effective. Is that really the case?" Feng Yi opened his eyes, which shone with earnest inquiry.

"Have I ever deceived you? The Nine-spirit Treasure Tower can only condense its elixir nine times, with each batch being exponentially more potent. You've already partaken eight times; after this last one, you'll achieve perfection," the elder assured him.

"Then, does that mean the Nine-spirit Treasure Tower won't be able to condense the elixir anymore?" Feng Yi asked.

"Not at all. I was referring to just one cycle. The next cycle of condensation won't affect you, but the elixir still has other uses. I can tell you about them later when it's relevant," the elder explained.

As predicted, at midnight, the sky was shrouded in thick clouds, and a fierce storm of thunder and lightning ensued. It wasn't long before a torrential downpour followed. Feng Yi quickly took out the Nine-spirit Treasure Tower, harnessing the storm's energy. Upon the Tower, a multitude of droplets formed instantly.

This time, a single drop of water had formed. Feng Yi swiftly took it into his mouth and swallowed, beginning the process of absorbing the power of the spiritual liquid.

An hour passed before Feng Yi's entire body began to tremble, and black sweat oozed from every one of his pores.

The sweat was foul-smelling, yet Feng Yi felt lighter and more refreshed than ever. In that moment, he naturally advanced to the sixth level of the Qi Condensation Stage.

Snap, crackle, pop!

A series of crisp sounds emanated from Feng Yi's body as the flow of spiritual energy in his meridians widened significantly.

With a light tap of his feet, Feng Yi dashed out of his cave dwelling. Amidst the downpour, he cleansed himself of all impurities. After fifteen minutes, he returned to the cave, sat down cross-legged, and resumed his cultivation.

The expulsion of bodily impurities seemed to attract the spirit energy from the air, which now rushed into his body like a current, converging within his meridians.

The Spiritual Force within his meridians circulated at least twice as fast, and the abundant Spiritual Qi was furiously absorbed as it flowed rapidly.

For some unknown reason, Feng Yi's face contorted in pain, and his body shook uncontrollably.

His breathing grew rapid, his chest heaved violently, and the Spiritual Qi within him became so lively it seemed ready to leap out.

Pop!

A sharp sound resonated from within Feng Yi, and he promptly lost consciousness.

"Bad Boy, you need to learn the hard way that in the journey of cultivation, haste leads to setbacks," Nine-spirit Taoist materialized, looking down at the unconscious Feng Yi. With a wave of his hand, he absorbed the turbulent Spiritual Qi from Feng Yi's body.

"Well, that's fortunate for me. This Spiritual Qi should sustain me for a month," he mused.

After Nine-spirit Taoist absorbed the restless Spiritual Qi, Feng Yi's aura stabilized, and the energy within him calmed.

Time passed before Feng Yi regained consciousness. Assessing his internal state, he found that while he hadn't broken through to Level Seven of the Qi Condensation Stage, there were no significant issues.

"Ah, I was too hasty in my pursuit of success!" Feng Yi sighed, his face revealing a wry smile.

"Not bad, recognizing your own mistakes is good. Just remember, cultivation isn't something that can be accomplished overnight. Otherwise, it can backfire."

"I've taken your lesson to heart!" Feng Yi's expression showed a hint of remorse as he rose to his feet and stepped outside the cave.

The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze caressed his skin, bringing a sense of comfort that made Feng Yi feel as though he was basking in the warmth of spring.

"Hey, it looks like Junior Brother Feng Yi has fully recovered. Guys, shouldn't we give Junior Brother Feng Yi a little reminder?"

Suddenly, a shout reached Feng Yi's ears. He furrowed his brow and looked toward a group of disciples in the distance—the same ones who had injured him before.

Deciding it was better to avoid further conflict, especially since his issue was with Feng Hua, Feng Yi ignored them and headed toward the Outer Sect Disciple management area to collect some Abstention Pills.

Seeing that Feng Yi was disregarding them, the group grew angry.

"Junior Brother Feng Yi, you've become quite bold."

In a flash, the disciples blocked Feng Yi's path, their faces twisted with mockery and their eyes flashing with rage.

"Senior Brother Liu, why waste words on him? I'll handle this!"

As one of them spoke, he tightened his fist and swung it viciously at Feng Yi.

These disciples, with the highest among them only at the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Stage, and the one currently attacking Feng Yi at the fourth level, were no match for him.

Feng Yi, who had initially thought it best to steer clear of trouble, suddenly realized he was gravely mistaken.

Some people needed to be firmly disciplined to understand there are certain individuals they cannot provoke.

As the attacker's face was twisted in scorn and his fist neared Feng Yi's face, Feng Yi's figure swiftly dodged, leaving the punch to hit nothing but air.

Crack!

The sound of snapping bones echoed to all those present.

The disciple who had attacked Feng Yi immediately clutched his ribs and collapsed to the ground, his face contorted in agony as he howled in pain.

Under Feng Yi's powerful punch, the man's ribs immediately snapped.

"Kid, you've got some nerve fighting back. Get him, show him what happens when he messes with us."

In a flash, the group saw their comrade taken down by Feng Yi and rushed him all at once.

Yet Feng Yi remained composed, a flicker of excitement in his heart. With a swift movement, he vanished from sight, leaving the onlookers bewildered.

Crack!

Crack!

Crack!

The sounds of bones fracturing filled the air.

Feng Yi's punches had shattered their ribs, sending them crashing to the ground, where they lay howling in agony.

With an icy demeanor, Feng Yi declared, "Let this be a lesson—you can't just pick a fight with anyone!"