Fang Han, fully immersed in his training, continued to refine his body with the "Dragon Form Flying Tiger Step." Using the energy of his Nine-Aperture Golden Dan, he honed the movements of the technique, combining the deep power of the martial arts he'd learned with his personal battle experiences. As he practiced, his movements were fluid, embodying both the grace of a dragon and the ferocity of a tiger. His body seemed to resonate with an internal rhythm as if every organ was in perfect harmony, every breath contributing to his growing power.
As he entered a state of deep focus, Fang Han felt a sudden discomfort—a thick, phlegm-like substance blocking his throat. He coughed violently, and to his surprise, a large clot of blood mixed with phlegm came out. He could feel immediate relief, his body becoming lighter. His tongue felt as though it were bathing in precious elixir, and a refreshing, clean sensation spread through him. This was the sign of the internal strength he had cultivated—his organs now pure, no longer burdened by impurities.
"This is the state of 'Inner Strength,'" Fang Han thought to himself. The texts he'd studied mentioned that when one achieved this level of cultivation, the body would continuously produce this mystical substance. He could feel his physical body growing even stronger, advancing to the seventh level of physical cultivation—Inner Strength.
He could sense that the Nine-Aperture Golden Dan within him had shrunk significantly, its power nearly exhausted, and that the next step would be his own to take—no longer dependent on external forces, but on his own cultivation to push forward.
With his body feeling refined, he turned his attention to the books he had received from the sect. He glanced through the "Sect Rules" but dismissed them, muttering to himself that the rules were meant for the weaker disciples, like those from noble families who had no real power. Instead, his eyes fell on the next book—"The Worlds."
Opening the book, a vast array of information flooded his mind. It contained sections about the "Ten Sects of the Immortal Path," the "Seven Paths of the Demon Path," the "Five Clans of the Demon Path," and so much more. The sheer scale of knowledge within it was overwhelming. As he began to read, he learned about the vast, interconnected worlds of the immortal and demon realms, the underground abysses teeming with monstrous creatures, the vast oceans, and even the ancient secrets of the world. One section particularly caught his attention: the "Subterranean Demons."
"These are the creatures we fought during the trial," Fang Han thought. "They come from deep underground and are a menace to the kingdoms above. No wonder they're such a threat."
His curiosity piqued, Fang Han moved on to the "Ten Sects of the Immortal Path," including his own sect, the Yuhua Sect, and other powerful sects like the "Seven Moon Sword Sect" and the "Crystal Cavern Sect." Each of these sects had their own legendary histories, cultivators, and treasures.
Fang Han was especially interested in the Yuhua Sect, as it was the place where his future lay. As he studied, he learned more about the power struggles within the sect and the pathways to higher cultivation. The inner disciples, with their advanced techniques and opportunities, were far above the outer disciples like him. But he was determined to rise through the ranks and eventually stand among the greatest cultivators.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Fang Han said, standing up.
The door creaked open, revealing a young woman dressed in a flowing robe, her long sword at her side. She was none other than Hongyi, the princess he had met during the trial. She looked radiant, her beauty further accentuated by the robes of the Yuhua Sect.
"Hmm? Fang Han, your cultivation has improved!" Hongyi said, her sharp eyes immediately picking up on the change in his aura.
Fang Han smiled faintly. "I've been stuck at a certain level for a while, but today's battle with the puppet helped me break through my limits."
He then asked, "By the way, where do you live?"
"We're all outer disciples now, so you can just call me Hongyi," she replied. "I stay at the 'Qingxian Courtyard' with the other female disciples. It's dinner time, aren't you coming to the 'Jade Banquet Hall'?"
Fang Han felt his stomach growl. "I haven't had a chance to try the sect's food. I'll come along."
As they walked, Hongyi explained the legendary "Five Qi Immortal Stove," a mystical cooking tool used by the sect. It was said to be able to cook for tens of thousands of people, using the true fire of the sun to prepare meals that had incredible healing properties. Even a simple chicken, when cooked in the Five Qi Immortal Stove, would have the medicinal effects of a rare tonic.
Fang Han was astonished. "A single pot can feed tens of thousands?"
"That's right. It's a Dao artifact, a treasure that can conjure endless delicacies," she said, her tone filled with admiration.
"How do you know so much about it?" Fang Han asked, curious.
"My mother was once a disciple of the Yuhua Sect," Hongyi replied, her voice quiet but heavy with emotion. "She was harmed by someone, and now, I've joined the sect to gain power and seek revenge."
Fang Han nodded somberly, understanding her resolve. "In the Immortal Path, the strong are revered, and those who walk the path of cultivation will gain the power to avenge wrongs."
"Exactly," Hongyi said with a faint smile. "Once we become inner disciples, we'll gain access to the true techniques of the sect, like the 'Hunyuan Breathing Art,' 'Yuanchen Spiritual Technique,' and the 'Heavenly Radiance Qi.' These are the real secret arts, the key to opening our potential."
Fang Han's mind spun with these new concepts. "So much to learn, so much to achieve..."
They arrived at the Jade Banquet Hall, a grand structure that seemed to dwarf anything Fang Han had seen before. Inside, the hall was bustling with disciples from both the inner and outer sects. There were thousands of seats, filled with disciples chatting, eating, and discussing martial arts. The scale of it was awe-inspiring.
"This is the Immortal Path," Fang Han thought, his heart swelling with excitement and ambition.