For in that delicate moment, it transcended the bond of mother and son. It was a promise forged in the fires of sacrifice, a vow sealed in the essence of qi, tempered by an unbreakable love.

As Shi Min held the Nirvana Elixir close to his heart, he felt an electrifying certainty — should the lightning strike, the heavens rage, or death stretch its grasp toward him, his mother had already faced the storm and triumphed. He would not squander her gift.

The living room, once alive with the radiant glow of laughter and warm reunions, now settled into a hushed reverence. Ling Li stood at its heart, her silver hair cascading like a glowing waterfall under the moonlight, casting a striking silhouette against the flickering lanterns. Her keen gaze swept across the expectant faces of her children, disciples, and allies, who gathered in anxious anticipation.

With a voice that resonated with both calm authority and an unyielding strength, Ling Li broke the heavy silence. "Listen up, everyone," she commanded, her tone shifting into that of a general ready to issue decisive orders. "Before you retire for the night, I need you to take one of the body conditioning pills. Starting tomorrow — until the 'Eye' opens in three weeks — your training, along with all food and drink, will be under the strict management of Butler Oda and the Seven Shah."

A collective shiver danced through the room, as if the very air had grown colder. Even the flickering flames of the lanterns quivered at the mention of the Seven Shah, their names attached to Otako, woven into the fabric of legend — each a master of their respective domains, each notorious for pushing warriors to the very brink of their capabilities.

Chatty, always the one to voice the concerns simmering among the crowd, stuttered, "W-Why? Why them?"

Ling Li's eyes softened momentarily, but her words remained a steady force. "From tomorrow on, your meals will be exclusively spiritual foods — each dish meticulously prepared for your individual constitution. These specially crafted meals will harmonize with the body conditioning pills to reshape your physical and spiritual foundations."

She paused, allowing the gravity of her statements to settle over the gathering like a heavy cloak.

"In order to achieve a breakthrough, you must step far beyond your comfort zone, beyond your limit. The enhancing and breakthrough pills are formidable in their potency — but they are rendered useless without the effort and dedication to harness their power. You must earn their effects."

Ren, seated beside Shun, raised her hand in cautious inquiry. "When do we take the breakthrough pills?"

Ling Li turned her thoughtful gaze upon her, her demeanor unwavering. "You'll be informed when the time is right. It varies for each of you, depending on your training productivity, qi flow, and mental resilience. Some may not need them and break through on their own."

An enveloping silence enveloped the room, thick with unvoiced concern. No one dared to challenge Ling Li's authority; Ling Li's presence loomed too large, her words too resolute.

The room had settled into a contemplative hush, the earlier warmth of reunion now supplanted by an almost electric sense of urgency hanging in the air. Ling Li stood at the center, her silver hair cascading like shimmering moonlight against her deep emerald robes, her presence both commanding and imbued with a serene grace.

She turned her piercing gaze to Ren, who sat upright, her posture a testament to her discipline, her eyes steady despite the flickering anxiety simmering just beneath the surface.

"Ren," Ling Li said, her voice calm yet resonating with resolve, "you will continue your training with Shinsei. He is aware of my intention for you — to learn the needle technique and to break through before the 'Eye' opens. He knows the path you must tread."

Ren nodded, her reply firm and crystalline as she whispered, "I understand."

But Ling Li was not done.

She stepped closer, the warmth of her presence nearly tangible, her gaze sharpening as it captured Ren's and then swept over the others gathered in the room. "Everyone, remember this — everything is arduous at the start. You reap what you sow; the harder you toil, the more you will harvest."

Ren's fingers curled slightly in her lap, each word sinking into her like the roots of an ancient tree seeking nourishment.

Ling Li's tone deepened, her eyes now radiating wisdom as they moved across the room, encompassing everyone. "When you step into the 'Eye,' it is not merely about finding a cultivation technique. Martial artists from rival sects and esteemed families will surround you. Competition will be fierce. Danger will lurk in every shadow. You risk injury in pursuit of your goals."

A palpable ripple of unease coursed through the group, faces tightening in response to the weight of her words. Shun's jaw clenched, muscles taut with determination. Chatty suddenly stilled, her fidgeting coming to an abrupt halt. Even Fatty leaned forward, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by an unusual seriousness.

Yet Ren's gaze remained unwavering, a flame of resolve igniting within her.

"I won't hold back," she asserted quietly, her voice steady and fierce in the stillness.

Ling Li offered a slight nod, her expression inscrutable, yet beneath it lay a profound understanding of Ren's determination. But she knew that sheer resolve would not be sufficient.

They still had three weeks to prepare.

Three weeks to refine their bodies, sharpen their minds, and fortify their spirits.

Ling Li recognized the delicate balance; overwhelming them with instruction would only serve to fracture their focus. She would guide them gently, step by step, day by day, until they stood ready to confront the daunting Eye.

For now, however, she let the silence envelop them like a shroud, thick with the promise of the trials to come.

"If there are no further questions," she continued, her voice softening slightly, "prepare to rest early. Training will commence at four in the morning and conclude at eight in the evening. Do not be late. You will train in various locations selected by the Seven Shah — each place chosen for its unique qi density and elemental resonance."

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.