C13 Level 4 Breakthrough!

In the stillness of early morning, Meng Fann sat quietly on his small bed and opened his eyes. Despite the gentle sunlight streaming in, a subtle ripple of Vitality began to emanate from within him.

With a flash in his eyes, Meng Fann remained motionless, yet the Vitality within his meridians surged like a mighty river, circulating ceaselessly throughout his body.

"I'm on the verge of a breakthrough!"

Meng Fann calmed the astonishment in his heart and guided his thoughts to move with the flow of Vitality, which trickled endlessly like a babbling brook.

As time passed, his muscles visibly swelled, and his shoulders broadened. The Vitality within him gathered, now fivefold stronger than before. Within him, a Sea of Qi was taking form, faint but perceptible to Meng Fann.

This nascent Sea of Qi would become the wellspring of his Vitality. Though modest now, it marked the moment Meng Fann could truly be deemed a vitality cultivator.

He hadn't anticipated that upon waking, he would have ascended to Body Refining Level 4! His fists clenched, Meng Fann rose to his feet, his heart brimming with exhilaration.

This advancement was a triumph; Meng Fann's attributes had soared anew. He had now firmly crossed the threshold into the realm of Yuan Qi cultivation. With the aid of the black bead, he was confident that the disparity between him and his peers in Wu Town would soon close. He wondered how Lei Tao and the others would react upon seeing his transformation—their expressions would surely be priceless.

A light chuckle escaped Meng Fann as he pondered the future, ready to step out and continue his cultivation. But as he began to move, he paused, scratching his head in realization that today's training would have to wait.

He had nearly forgotten his promise to Gu Xin'er ten days prior—to assist her in catching snakes. Although Gu Xin'er was undeniably beautiful, Meng Fann preferred to keep his distance, avoiding her whenever possible.

Even with his enhanced abilities, Meng Fann couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't quite measure up to someone like Gu Xin'er, whose natural talent for cultivation was extraordinary.

Gu Xin'er was the treasured little princess of the Gu family, and rumor had it that Mayor Gu Yuan was planning to send her to a prestigious sect in the future. Meng Fann, on the other hand, was just a poor boy. Knowing a relationship was out of the question, he resigned himself to forego any chance of one.

Yet, as Meng Fann reflected on the salary Gu Xin'er had given him, he couldn't help but give a wry smile. After changing into fresh clothes, he stepped outside.

Nestled at the base of Yanlang Mountain was a scene of tranquil beauty, with the gentle chirping of birds filling the air—a melody to the ears. Meng Fann made his way to the stream, the very spot where he had agreed to meet Gu Xin'er, and waited there, a mix of anticipation and resignation in his stance.

Halfway through the burning of an incense stick, Meng Fann's gaze sharpened as he saw a figure approaching in the distance. Though it wasn't his first encounter with Gu Xin'er, his heart still skipped a beat every time he laid eyes on her.

Clad in a blue dress, with her black hair cascading down to her waist, Gu Xin'er's attire complemented her delicate features perfectly, making her seem like a breath of fresh spring air. Indeed, she was one of Wu Town's renowned beauties, known as the "Twin Lotuses."

Gu Xin'er's allure was undeniable, and it was clear she would captivate many hearts in the years to come.

With a quiet sigh, Meng Fann greeted her softly, "Xin, you've arrived."

"Yes, Brother Meng Fann!" she replied.

Closing the distance, Gu Xin'er's sweet smile was accompanied by a fragrance that instantly filled Meng Fann's senses. He shrugged his shoulders and offered a heartfelt compliment, "You look stunning!"

Her cheeks flushed with color at his words, and she huffed, "What good is beauty? Some people just seem to dodge me, as if they don't even want to see me!"

Meng Fann cleared his throat awkwardly, his eyes fixed on the mountains ahead as if Gu Xin'er's gaze was invisible to him. "Right, we should get going," he said, his voice subdued.

With that, they began their walk toward the base of Yanlang Mountain. Gu Xin'er, watching Meng Fann's retreating back, stamped her foot lightly in vexation and muttered under her breath, her annoyance barely concealed.

"Meng Fann is such a miser, a real scoundrel!"