C3 Qi Refining Stage Level Two

At the Qi Refining Stage Level Two, Hua Hsing achieved mastery over the first level of the One-qi Sword in a mere instant, leaving him somewhat astounded.

But the shock was fleeting, and he quickly regained his equilibrium, attributing his rapid progress to the power of the Golden Heart.

It dawned on Hua Hsing that the Golden Heart did more than just provide a relentless stream of energy; it also significantly accelerated his sword technique training. "It all has to be thanks to that golden sword," he mused, his face alight with excitement.

The swift succession of events had taken Hua Hsing by surprise. He had anticipated a lengthy process to master the One-qi Sword, yet he found himself at the first level in no time at all.

With the One-qi Sword comprising three levels in total, Hua Hsing had already reached the first. "I'll see if I can advance to the second level," he resolved.

Hua Hsing chanted the second level's mantra, but the Golden Heart did not quicken its beat this time. His attempt to reach the second level of the One-qi Sword was unsuccessful.

"Is it because I haven't fully perfected the first level?" he wondered, unable to conceive of any other explanation.

Despite several attempts, the Golden Heart remained still, reinforcing Hua Hsing's suspicions.

While he couldn't master the One-qi Sword in one fell swoop, the speed of his progress was still remarkable.

Furthermore, Hua Hsing sensed that there was something truly unique about the Golden Heart. He knew that as his power grew, he would unveil more of its mysteries.

"The Golden Heart has deepened my insight into the sword arts. Comprehending sword techniques has become incredibly intuitive for me—that's my edge, and I intend to leverage it fully," Hua Hsing whispered, his fists clenched with determination.

The Golden Heart was Hua Hsing's most guarded secret and his strongest asset. With unwavering confidence, he believed he would soon ascend to the next echelon—the Qi Refining Stage Level Two.

Hua Hsing remained steadfast in his cultivation, secluded within the confines of his private courtyard.

As time trickled by, half a month later, Feng Gan emerged from his solitary training. His prowess had ascended to the pinnacle of Qi Refining Stage Level Two, ranking him as a mid-level contender among the Outer Sect disciples.

Feng Gan's reemergence caught the eye of many fellow disciples, who sensed the brewing of an impending spectacle.

Indeed, the first piece of news to greet Feng Gan upon his return was concerning Hua Hsing.

Upon hearing it, Feng Gan's expression darkened, and a surge of rage welled up within him.

"He's still alive," Feng Gan stated icily, standing in the midst of the plaza.

"Senior Brother Feng, not only is he alive, but he also vanquished Zhang Loong with a single move," a disciple murmured at his side.

This revelation stoked the flames of Feng Gan's fury to a breaking point.

"Even if he's slightly improved, he's no match for me," Feng Gan declared with conviction.

"Senior Brother Feng, what's our next move?" inquired another disciple.

"He was lucky to survive last time. This time, I'll ensure his demise," Feng Gan vowed under his breath.

The plaza was now teeming with Outer Sect disciples, most of whom had come to witness the unfolding drama, with Feng Gan standing prominently at its heart.

With his new peak status at Qi Refining Stage Level Two, Feng Gan's disdain for Hua Hsing had only deepened.

"Hua Hsing, you've brought this upon yourself by crossing the wrong person," Feng Gan brooded internally.

Just then, two figures approached from a distance – Hsu Feng and Jiang He, Hua Hsing's steadfast companions.

"Senior Brother Feng, those two are Hua Hsing's closest allies," pointed out a disciple.

At that, Feng Gan lifted his gaze, his lips curling into a sinister smile as he methodically advanced toward them.

Hsu Feng and Jiang He caught sight of Feng Gan and their expressions shifted subtly. They quickened their steps, intent on evading the confrontation.

But Feng Gan had no intention of allowing them an easy escape.

Though Hsu Feng and Jiang He were also at Qi Refining Stage Level Two, they paled in comparison to Feng Gan's might.

"Freeze," commanded Feng Gan, his voice cutting through the air like ice.

Hsu Feng and Jiang He hesitated briefly at the command, then pressed on, seemingly deaf to Feng Gan's authoritative demand.

Feng Gan's anger flared as he was ignored by the pair.

"Stop right there!"

The moment Feng Gan's command echoed, his fist was already clenched and hurtling towards them, no hesitation in his strike.

Hsu Feng and Jiang He, hearing the commotion, were taken aback. They mustered all their strength to fend off the blow. A loud thud resounded as they staggered back, narrowly withstanding the punch.

"What's the meaning of this, Feng Gan?" Hsu Feng demanded, locking eyes with him in anger.

"It's because you're Hua Hsing's loyal friends."

Without further ado, Feng Gan drew his long sword and launched an attack.

"Senior Brother Feng is incredibly powerful."

"Senior Brother Feng has immense potential. Given time, he's sure to break into the top ten of the Outer Sect disciples."

"Indeed, neither Hsu Feng nor Jiang He stand a chance against Senior Brother Feng."

Meanwhile, Hua Hsing was in deep cultivation within his private courtyard.

A fortnight of dedicated practice had brought Hua Hsing to the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Stage Level One, and he was now at the critical threshold of a breakthrough.

As Hua Hsing voraciously absorbed the spiritual energy from his surroundings, his Golden Heart began to beat faster. To his astonishment, he realized he had seamlessly advanced to the Qi Refining Stage Level Two.

"So this is Qi Refining Stage Level Two?"

With a smile of accomplishment, Hua Hsing ceased his cultivation. His arduous efforts over the past two weeks had paid off, propelling him into Qi Refining Stage Level Two.

Adjusting to the newfound power, Hua Hsing discovered it was over twice as formidable as before. To his delight, his Body Refining Fist technique had concurrently ascended to the fifth level.

Rising to his feet, Hua Hsing unleashed a punch, channeling all his might into the blow.

The impact of his fist against the ground sent out dual roars, signifying the strength of two bulls coursing through him.

While Hua Hsing had attained the power of two bulls at the fourth level of the Body Refining Fist, the fifth level's might was significantly more robust, a testament to his growing strength.

"Now that I wield the One-qi Sword, I fear no one, not even a Martial Disciple in the late stages of the Second Level," Hua Hsing declared with confidence.

Abruptly, an Outer Sect disciple burst into Hua Hsing's courtyard, panting heavily. "Hua Hsing, we've got trouble," he exclaimed.

Hua Hsing's face tensed at the sight of the disciple, whom he recognized as someone who usually got along well with Jiang He, despite being somewhat less powerful. "What's going on?" he demanded.

"Hua Hsing, Feng Gan has emerged from seclusion and has run into Hsu Feng and Jiang He..."

Before the disciple could finish, Hua Hsing was already speeding out of the courtyard like a whirlwind. "Feng Gan, if you dare harm Jiang He and Hsu Feng, I will never forgive you."

Hua Hsing needed no explanation; he knew Feng Gan's actions were a direct challenge to him.

He arrived at the plaza in no time, just in time to witness Jiang He and Hsu Feng being driven back. A streak of sword light flashed, sending Jiang He flying with a fresh wound from which blood poured.

"Feng Gan, you scoundrel!"

Hsu Feng's furious roar was met with another slash of sword light. As he was blasted back, Hua Hsing rushed to his aid, steadying his friend. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice icy as his gaze fixed on Feng Gan.

"What are you doing here, Hua Hsing? Feng Gan is after you; get out of here!" Hsu Feng cried upon noticing Hua Hsing.

"You're no match for Feng Gan," Jiang He warned.

Feng Gan, poised to strike, sneered at the sight of Hua Hsing. "So, you've shown yourself," he said, malice flickering in his eyes.

"Why attack Hsu Feng and Jiang He? They've done nothing to you," Hua Hsing challenged, his tone unyielding.

"You're lucky to be alive after our last encounter half a month ago," Feng Gan retorted, sidestepping Hua Hsing's question.

"However, you're not going to last much longer," Feng Gan declared with confidence.

Hua Hsing steadied Hsu Feng and Jiang He to one side before advancing towards Feng Gan, step by deliberate step. "If you're set on killing me, be prepared to pay a steep price. Trust me, it's more than you can handle."

Feng Gan's brow creased ever so slightly. Just half a month earlier, Hua Hsing wouldn't have dared to address him in such a manner, let alone retaliate.

Only half a month had passed; had Hua Hsing stumbled upon some fortuitous chance?

"Do you really think you can dodge my attacks, Hua Hsing?" Feng Gan taunted with a menacing grin.

"The grudge from half a month ago will be settled," Hua Hsing vowed.

"I'll offer you one final opportunity, Hua Hsing. Cripple your cultivation and kneel before me to apologize, and perhaps I'll spare you. Otherwise..." Feng Gan's voice trailed off ominously.

Hua Hsing just shook his head slightly in response. He was no longer the Hua Hsing who could be easily pushed around by Feng Gan.

Having lived two lifetimes, Hua Hsing understood that strength was the only way to avoid being bullied. Especially now, having ascended to the Qi Refining Stage Level Two, he no longer feared Feng Gan.

"Apologize to Hsu Feng and Jiang He."

Hua Hsing's demand sent ripples of astonishment through the crowd of disciples.

"Is Hua Hsing actually demanding an apology from Senior Brother Feng? Has he lost his mind?"

"He nearly perished at Senior Brother Feng's hand half a month ago. Does he really believe that half a month of training could make him a match for Senior Brother Feng?"

"Let's be real, even if Senior Brother Feng were to kill him, the sect wouldn't intervene."

"He's made an enemy of Senior Brother Feng and there's no good end for him. Plus, with his audacity, it looks like he's courting disaster."

The murmurings of the disciples filled the air, not escaping Feng Gan's notice.

A frosty expression overtook Feng Gan's features. Hua Hsing was challenging him. "This time, I'm eager to see who will come to your rescue."