Vast streams of Immortal energy surged into every pore and meridian of her body.
Yet, because she had previously absorbed Immortal energy, her body did not react too violently this time. With the assistance of the disk within her dantian, the Immortal energy actually rooted itself smoothly inside her body.
The man standing by the side revealed a flicker of astonishment in his eyes.
Song Wanníng had yet to ascend, yet she could immediately absorb Immortal energy?
How could this be?
He had originally thought she would need to endure much struggle before accepting Immortal energy. Now it seemed his judgment had been far too accurate. With someone like her to help, his chances of finding his descendants would rise greatly.
As the man sighed inwardly, Song Wanníng's expression grew solemn. She was attempting to guide the Immortal energy into her internal world.
At that moment, the unlucky ghost was cultivating inside the internal world. In just a short period, he had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage as a ghost cultivator, his progress astonishingly fast.
Sensing his master's intent, he immediately ceased cultivation and cautiously stood to the side.
So far, he was the only "companion" able to enter the internal world.
After all, he was the only one who had died. The other companions were all still alive and well, so he had indirectly taken up the responsibility of tending to the internal world.
Very soon, under Song Wanníng's deliberate guidance, the Immortal energy truly flowed through her dantian and entered the internal world bit by bit.
The immense power forced the unlucky ghost to shrink into a corner, fearful that his misfortune might flare up again and drag him into calamity.
…
Time passed slowly, and finally, Song Wanníng, immersed in the Immortal Cleansing Pool, began to feel discomfort.
Her bones shattered completely, ground into piles of powder.
Her flesh split apart piece by piece, only to heal at blinding speed.
Again and again.
And each time her bones reformed, they grew stronger, glossier.
This was the remolding of her mortal body.
Enduring excruciating agony, Song Wanníng hastened her absorption of Immortal energy. But the pain pierced deep into her Primordial Soul, every moment like torture. She kept urging herself on.
This pain was nothing compared to the torment of her past life. As long as she persevered, she would surely embrace a new world. With this belief, Song Wanníng's body was shattered and reforged countless times.
Yet she remained dissatisfied, not realizing that the man on the shore was already staring at her in utter shock. For she had lasted an entire day in the Immortal Cleansing Pool. Back when he himself had ascended, staying half a day in the pool was enough to be praised as a rare genius.
But Song Wanníng had so casually remained for a whole day. Her talent was evident beyond doubt. The man forced down his astonishment. Surely, this young woman's limit was one day. She would soon emerge.
Yet reality proved him utterly wrong.
The second day, the third, the fourth…
She endured a full seven days without leaving the Immortal Cleansing Pool.
Though wracked with unbearable pain, she stubbornly remained, her willpower terrifying in its strength.
"What kind of monster is this girl?"
The man murmured, stunned to numbness. If the old monsters of the Immortal Realm ever learned of this record, they would surely fight to the death just to seize her as a disciple.
…
Booming sounds shook within the internal world, where Immortal energy had already gathered in vast amounts.
The unlucky ghost, hiding in a corner, suddenly realized in horror that he had absorbed a strand of Immortal energy. He was no longer an ignorant mortal. As a ghost cultivator, he knew full well that it should be impossible for one such as him to absorb Immortal energy.
And yet… looking at the wisp of Immortal energy within himself, his brows furrowed deeply, his eyes filled with confusion.
Even greater change, however, was occurring within the internal world itself. The once ordinary space was slowly splitting into two layers. One filled with spiritual energy and yin aura, the other infused with Immortal energy. Strange new plants sprouted in abundance, the surroundings vibrant with flourishing life.
Even the unlucky ghost could clearly sense that the internal world had transformed.
But Song Wanníng's attention was fully fixed upon the changes within her own body. The bones within her, once only holding a trace of lightning, now bore intricate new patterns. They turned milky white, exuding a faint, ethereal Immortal energy. Her already delicate skin grew even finer, her entire figure shrouded in a mysterious veil, suffused with an untouchable divine aura.
She opened her eyes coldly. A thread of Immortal energy flashed swiftly within them. Unknowingly, her aura had shifted. She had advanced smoothly to the late stage of Out-of-Body. The Immortal Cleansing Pool had lost its effect. She rose to her feet, leaping out.
The man gazed at her with a blank expression, his heart nearly numb. He had long known that ordinary people could never compare with true geniuses. Yet to be crushed so thoroughly left him disheartened all the same.
The saying "comparisons will only anger you to death" was no lie. Seven days. She had lasted seven full days within the Immortal Cleansing Pool. By now, every impurity in her body had to be thoroughly cleansed. Her future was unimaginable.
"Young lady, I take back my previous words. If you do find my descendants, let them follow you as attendants."
The sudden change in tone startled Song Wanníng, who had just stepped ashore. She nearly slipped. Had she heard him wrong?
"Ahem, I was only joking." The man coughed awkwardly and quickly changed the subject. "Next, I will help you comprehend the attribute of time. How much you can truly understand will depend on your own fortune."
Though he said this, he could already picture himself being struck by yet another blow. This young woman's comprehension was surely astonishing.
"Many thanks, Senior!"
Song Wanníng bowed respectfully. Along this journey, she had received help from many Seniors. Without them, she could never have advanced so smoothly. Her heart filled with gratitude, she promptly followed the man.
Meanwhile, outside, Feng Jiuxiao had already been waiting for many days.
At first, Song Wanníng had only been standing still in a daze, but then she had suddenly vanished without a trace and had yet to return. Even so, Feng Jiuxiao felt no worry. That girl must have stumbled upon some fortuitous encounter.
As for the treasures and opportunities scattered around the outside, none compared to the formation manual now in her hands. She immersed herself in study, calculations, and endless experimentation, so enthralled it was as if she had been injected with fiery blood, her excitement uncontainable. Her attainment in formations advanced with incredible speed, so fast it even shocked her.
"I really am a genius."
Feng Jiuxiao's lips curled into a proud smile, like a peacock flaunting its brilliance. Remembering Song Wanníng's earlier suggestion, she rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Perhaps she really should delve into these restrictions.
Since Song Wanníng could not confirm exactly which type of restriction needed to be undone, she would just have to experiment with every kind. With the inheritance to aid her, she could save much time. There would be plenty of years ahead to ponder slowly.
Just as she was lost in thought, a figure suddenly flickered before the gravestone.
It was Song Wanníng, who had been gone for so long.