As the old man revealed a strange, knowing smile, the young cultivator stood frozen, uncertain of how to respond. The oppressive silence in the narrow tunnel was broken only by the growing sound of footsteps echoing off the stone walls. With the heavy thrum of his heartbeat pounding in his chest, the young man clenched his fist, his hand covered slick with a thin layer of scarlet, preparing himself for whatever lay ahead.
Though the Qi Accumulation Realm, also known as the Body Refining Realm, was primarily focused on enhancing physical strength, each cultivator's path differed depending on their techniques and skills. Grey, at the Ninth Level, had surpassed the usual limitations of cultivators at his stage, his strength comparable to someone of the Foundation Establishment Realm, though still inferior to those who had truly mastered that level. Still, in terms of raw power, his abilities were far superior to those of cultivators who had just broken through.
