C3 The Seventh Level of the Qi Refining Technique!

Ling Han's actions sparked a flurry of discussions, with a wide array of opinions emerging. Many soldiers who had mastered the Body Forging Technique were particularly thrilled. Their achievement was evident to those around them.

As Ling Han prepared to transmit the technique again, anticipation grew among those eager to receive his generous gift. Ling Han then seated himself in midair and recited the Clear Cloud Qi Refining Technique.

The army was abuzz as countless soldiers commenced their cultivation anew. Of course, there were skeptics who dismissed the entire affair as nothing more than a hoax.

"Ding! 860,000 people have begun cultivating the Clear Cloud Qi Refining Technique."

"Ding! 750,000 individuals meet the criteria for the Clear Cloud Qi Refining Technique."

Ling Han was momentarily taken aback by the figure of 750,000. Yet, he quickly realized that the Clear Cloud Qi Refining Technique's prerequisites were less stringent than those of the Body Forging Technique.

"Ding! After 10 minutes, 320,000 have abandoned the effort."

"Ding! After 30 minutes, 650,000 have ceased their cultivation."

The system notifications continued unabated, but Ling Han had grown accustomed to them.

"Ding! After four hours, a total of 3,200 individuals have successfully mastered the first level of the Clear Cloud Qi Refining Technique!"

The long wait culminated in this final update, which filled Ling Han with a deep sense of satisfaction.

"Thank you, Divine One! You have given us hope, and you have given our nation hope!" exclaimed a high-ranking official after completing the Clear Cloud Qi Refining Technique, gazing skyward with profound respect.

"Thank you, Divine One!"

"Divine One, you have bestowed upon me confidence and bravery. Thank you for your gift!"

As heartfelt expressions of gratitude reached Ling Han's ears, he remained detached, his focus already shifting back to the present.

Settling into a meditative posture, Ling Han regulated his breath and contemplated the nuances of the Clear Cloud Qi Refining Technique. Seizing the moment, he began to cultivate, intent on advancing his mastery of the technique to the next level.

The practice of Qi Refining is distinct from the Body Forging Technique, emphasizing a state of calm and balance. As such, it took Ling Han a full hour to gradually conclude his cultivation session.

"The seventh level of Qi Refining isn't too shabby," Ling Han observed with satisfaction, speaking softly to himself.

He then noticed the grime on his body and quickly made his way to a pond in the back mountain.

...

With a roar, a tumultuous wave erupted from the pond in the back mountain.

It wasn't until the water settled that a man, bare-chested, was seen standing at the edge of the pond.

There was no mistaking it; it was Ling Han.

As the last wisp of pale purple Qi was absorbed back into Ling Han's body, he also slowly lowered his hands.

"This... reaching the ninth level of the Body Forging Technique is truly remarkable. Now, I'd like to see who in the Outer Sect can stand against me!"

While Ling Han was initially taken aback by the aftermath of his actions, a sense of joy quickly took over.

From this day forward, Ling Han was bound for greatness!

Noticing the day was fading, Ling Han decided it was time to head back to the Outer Sect. But before he could take a step, the sound of rushing footsteps reached his ears.

"Ling Han! Don't even think about going back. Chu Qing and his crew have your place surrounded, just waiting for you to return!"

Recognizing the newcomer, Ling Han's guard dropped. He knew this person well, and they shared a cordial relationship.

But Ling Han's brow furrowed at the message delivered.

Chu Qing?

His name carried significant weight in the Outer Sect, and even those in the Inner Sect were familiar with this young man.

Chu Qing's brother was a member of the Inner Sect, a figure of considerable strength, ranking high even among his peers. This connection allowed Chu Qing to swagger through the Outer Sect with an air of impunity.

Everyone feared his brother's shadow, to the point where even the Outer Sect Elders hesitated to cross him, emboldening Chu Qing's brazen behavior.

"Why would he be after me? I have no quarrel with him. Could it be..."

Ling Han pondered briefly. He had no history of conflict with Chu Qing, and given his former standing, he wasn't even in a position to provoke such a quarrel.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, Ling Han thought of a possibility: Ning'er Xue!

Ning'er Xue was a name known to everyone in the Aquacloaks. Her fame wasn't just due to her stunning beauty that could bring nations to their knees; it was her extraordinary talent that truly struck fear into the hearts of many.

Ling Han's acquaintance with Ning'er Xue was purely coincidental. He met her by chance when he was registering at the Aquacloaks, and she even saved his life.

Despite Ning'er Xue's icy demeanor, they had become somewhat familiar with each other after she accompanied him for a while. Even after arriving at the Aquacloaks, Ning'er Xue would occasionally seek out Ling Han to practice Qi Refining together.

Everyone knew that Chu Qing was smitten with Ning'er Xue, but she always kept him at arm's length with her coldness.

Perhaps it was this rejection that fueled Chu Qing's resentment towards Ling Han, causing him to redirect his anger towards Ling Han.

"I'm curious to see what kind of stunts he'll try to pull!"

In the past, Ling Han might have been somewhat intimidated.

But now, Ling Han was undaunted!

With a frosty remark, he turned and headed towards his living quarters.

Upon arriving back at his place, Ling Han saw from a distance a crowd gathered in the courtyard, with the brash Chu Qing at the center.

"Are you looking for me?"

Chu Qing and his group appeared to be in the midst of a conversation, bursting into laughter occasionally, oblivious to Ling Han's arrival.

Ling Han approached the back of the crowd and inquired in a chilly tone.

"Ling Han actually dared to come back?"

"Has he lost his mind? He knows Chu Qing is out for him and still he dares to return?"

...

The spectators were visibly stunned to see Ling Han actually return, gaping at him as if they were looking at a madman.

"Well, look who's back. I was starting to think you were too scared to return from hiding behind the mountain."

Chu Qing and his companions were taken aback by Ling Han's voice, but Chu Qing quickly regained his composure. He casually stroked his chin with one hand and addressed Ling Han with a hint of amusement.

"What's the matter?"

Growing impatient with Chu Qing's rambling, Ling Han asked once more with an icy edge to his voice.

"Hahaha, what's the matter? You steal my Qi Gathering Pill and then have the nerve to ask me what's wrong?"

Chu Qing suddenly burst into wild laughter, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he intentionally raised his voice for all to hear.

"What? Ling Han stole Chu Qing's pill?"

"That's a Qi Gathering Pill! It's incredibly helpful for breaking through to the fourth level of the Azure Cloud Qi Refining Technique."

"Has Ling Han actually advanced to the third level already?"

...

As expected, Chu Qing's words set off a wave of excited chatter among the onlookers, who began to discuss fervently.