C7 Bu Shiyi

Upon returning to his room, Bu Lige remained oblivious to the odd stares he had encountered on his way there, still basking in his own delight.

As the scion of the South Marquis' Palace, Bu Lige's prowess was impressive, teetering on the edge of ascending to the Ninth Grade.

Yet, his progress had been stymied by lingering injuries that refused to heal, making any breakthrough seem unattainable.

But that all changed after he drank the cola purchased from a shop in Lo Chuan. Not only were his injuries miraculously healed, but his spiritual energy surged to its peak. A breakthrough was now tantalizingly close.

"It's time to advance to the Ninth Grade of the Spiritual Realm in one fell swoop!"

With a determined glint in his eye, Bu Lige decisively took action.

Seated cross-legged on a slab of cold jade, he meditated as a torrent of Qi emanated from him.

Soon, a sound like fabric tearing filled the air, and Bu Lige's body jolted. When he opened his eyes, a fleeting spark of brilliance could be seen.

His aura climbed steadily as he extended his palm, around which a thick spiritual Qi swirled.

Overwhelmed by the manifold increase in spiritual energy within him, Bu Lige first paused in astonishment, then his lips curled into a grin, and he burst into hearty laughter.

"Wahaha, I've actually advanced to the Creation Stage!"

In peak form, Bu Lige had not just reached the Ninth Grade—he had vaulted straight into the Creation Stage!

"Bu Lige, what on earth are you hollering about?"

His jubilation was cut short as the door flew open, and a voice as melodious as a warbler's rang out. A woman with a captivating figure stepped into the room.

Clad in a simple white dress, her bright eyes sparkled, and her smile revealed pearly teeth. Her raven hair cascaded down, contrasting with her blue gauze dress, her beauty unparalleled.

"Sister, you've arrived!"

Bu Lige greeted her with a beaming smile.

Bu Shiyi, looking at her adoptive brother, couldn't help but show a hint of exasperation.

"Have you been wandering around Deepmount again today, searching for a cure for your injuries?" she inquired offhandedly.

For Bu Lige, roaming Deepmount in search of healing had become a routine affair.

Bu Lige gave a rare nod, confirming, "I've found it."

"You did? Don't fret, Lige. Those hidden injuries will eventually heal..."

Bu Shiyi began to offer words of comfort, but then she snapped back to reality, staring at Bu Lige in sheer disbelief.

"What? You actually found it?!"

"Absolutely!"

Bu Lige chuckled, his hands becoming the focal point for his spiritual power. A visible orb of energy shimmered with a soft glow before their eyes.

Visible spiritual energy was a hallmark of the Creation Stage!

"Spiritual energy manifesting visibly? Have you really advanced to the Creation Stage?!"

A look of profound surprise washed over Bu Shiyi's face.

Just a few months prior, Bu Lige's cultivation had stagnated due to the covert injuries sustained from an assassination. Despite the South Marquis' exhaustive search for numerous spiritual medicines, none could cure the injuries, ultimately leading to abandonment of the effort.

This was precisely why Bu Shiyi was so astounded.

"Lige, you didn't resort to anything drastic that could ruin your foundation because of your stalled cultivation, did you?" A sudden thought chilled Bu Shiyi's tone as she spoke sternly.

"Sister, do you really think I'm that reckless?" Bu Lige spread his hands in a gesture of helpless resignation, allowing the ball of spiritual energy to dissipate.

Bu Shiyi gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Bu Lige: ...

"Sister, you truly are my flesh and blood!" Bu Lige was on the verge of exasperation.