Promise!

Chapter 236,罡气 (Gāngqì)

On the 30th day of the tenth month of the 60th year of the Qianyuan era, in Cangzhou City, on the ninth floor of the Zhaixing Tower, in the first ring road.

Zhuang Jin stood with his hands behind his back, gazing southwards: 'Thinking back to when I last broke through to the third level of the Innate True Qi Realm, it was while I was playing with Yunniang, Qing'er, Jun'er, and Qingjun at that waterfall outside Changning County in Huaihua Prefecture. Now, a year and nine months have passed in the blink of an eye, and I have completed the accumulation for the third level of the Innate True Qi Realm.'

A look of longing appeared in his eyes. He stood there for a long time, lost in thought. Finally, he suppressed his complex emotions, adjusted his mental state to its best, and sat down cross-legged.

"The path of life is solitary; loneliness is often the norm. Personal feelings are worth cherishing, but should not be allowed to influence one's life. Separation is also for a better reunion."

'Breakthrough to the Innate Qi Realm—today is the day!'

Zhuang Jin thought to himself and began to circulate his cultivation technique. Instantly, the vortex of liquefied innate true qi in his dantian and sea of ​​qi accelerated rapidly in each rotation compared to its normal speed. Under this pull, the rolling heaven and earth primordial energy from the outside world gathered and was swallowed into his body.

If this were to happen in a prefecture or county below, such a siphoning and absorption would inevitably create a void in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within a certain area, generating strange phenomena in heaven and earth. It is even possible that due to the insufficient supply of spiritual energy, one might accidentally suffer a backlash and fail to break through.

But this problem doesn't exist here. Here, under the light curtain of the Suspended Mirror, the concentration of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth far exceeds that of the outside world. Zhuang Jin also came to the Star-Picking Tower in the first ring, where the concentration of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is extremely high. What he is taking now is just like scooping a ladleful from a vast ocean.

boom!
The surging primordial energy of heaven and earth was swallowed into the body, compressed through the Xuan Guan acupoint, and circulated through the twelve regular meridians and eight extraordinary meridians. Finally, it transformed into liquefied innate true energy and gathered in the dantian. In an instant, this place was like a sea in the midst of a storm, with surging waves and rolling clouds.

After accumulating the third level of the Innate True Qi Realm, the already full and perfect dantian was now being injected with liquid Innate True Qi like a torrential downpour. The dantian felt a faint swelling and tearing sensation, and the vortex of liquid Innate True Qi spun wildly, trying to further grind and compress it to resolve the current predicament.

hum!
At a certain moment, an invisible barrier was broken in response. As the vortex in the dantian spun, the originally liquid, silvery-white innate true energy began to be stained with a dark color and began to leap towards a higher level of energy.

As the primordial energy of heaven and earth was continuously absorbed and transformed, the deep aura within the liquefied innate true energy grew increasingly intense, eventually turning a dark silver color. The originally clear and pure innate true energy gradually became viscous during this process, eventually becoming as thick as mercury. Even with slight fluctuations, one could sense its heavy weight and a subtle sense of sharpness.

This has already transcended the level of innate true qi; it is a higher level of innate qi!
After a full incense stick's time.

Wow!
Zhuang Jin opened his eyes, his restrained yet profound aura seemingly causing the entire meditation room to tremble and resonate for a moment: 'The Innate Qi Realm has been achieved!'

Swish!
He twitched his shoulder slightly, and the Azure Lotus Sword was drawn from its sheath and landed in his hand. He circulated his cultivation technique, and the newly generated innate qi in his body was injected into the sword. The sword instantly shone brightly, and the light was so solid that it seemed to solidify. Amidst the humming and trembling, extremely fine dark spots, like needle pricks, faintly appeared.

'The innate qi is so sharp and fierce; even just the infusion of it is causing the Azure Lotus Sword to seem unable to withstand it?'

Zhuang Jin sighed and sheathed his sword.

'It seems we can't verify the nature of innate qi using the Azure Lotus Sword.'

Swish!
Zhuang Jin thought for a moment, then stepped forward, his body levitating three feet off the ground. His innate qi surged and condensed into a silver-white spherical energy shield about ten feet in diameter as it spun around him.

This is precisely the mark of the first level of the Innate Qi Realm: Innate Qi Protects the Body!
"If the outward manifestation of innate true qi still requires condensing air to form a three-foot-high qi wall for defense, then innate protective qi has already leaped to a higher level. After being manifested, it can directly present itself in an energy state, integrating offense and defense, and possessing myriad mysteries."

Zhuang Jin sensed the immense power of the Innate Qi Realm cultivator and sighed inwardly, 'No wonder that in the state capital, Innate Qi Realm warriors are given titles like "Venerable One"!'

Within the city, only those at the Innate True Qi Realm can be called Venerable, respectfully addressed as Venerable; while those at the Innate罡 Qi Realm are titled Venerable, truly Venerable among Venerables!
'In the entire Cangzhou region, spanning seven million square kilometers and with a population of 110 million, there are only about two hundred cultivators at or above the Xuan She Rank, and among these two hundred or so innate Qi Realm cultivators, they are all among the top ranks.'

The difficulty of breaking through to the Innate Qi Realm can be seen from the fact that even Cen Zhanshan, the leader of the small circle, with his graying temples, has failed to break through and has spent decades diligently seeking a Qi Condensation Pill.

'For someone like Cen Zhanshan, the Innate Qi Realm is a dream, an obsession; for me, it's merely a stop on the journey.'

Zhuang Jin pondered to himself, "Back then, the only cultivation technique I obtained from the Shen family in Yunnan Prefecture was the complete Black Fiend Technique at the Innate True Qi Realm. It was barely enough to break through to the Innate罡气 Realm. To continue advancing, subsequent cultivation techniques, resources, and martial arts skills are all indispensable."

Needless to say, a mature cultivation method must have undergone countless trials. It is said that eight hundred years ago, that immortal created three versions of the cultivation method, each taking more than ten years under his guidance. Zhuang Jin could not possibly say that he would create his own cultivation method now. That would be tantamount to trying to run before he could walk. It would be playing with his future in martial arts!

After breaking through to the Innate Qi Realm, the low-grade Black Yuan Pills are no longer sufficient for cultivation needs. To replace them with mid-grade Black Yuan Pills, the main ingredient must be Black Yuan Grass that is at least 150 years old.

Changing martial arts techniques is also necessary. Once you reach the Innate Qi Realm, due to the nature of Innate Qi, weapon-based martial arts become inconvenient. The Azure Lotus Sword was an example of this. It is said that offensive martial arts at the Innate Qi Realm are more profound. Movement techniques are also essential.

"All three can be exchanged within the Suspended Heaven Bureau, but you need an Upgrade Token—specifically, the Black Python Token, which is above the Black Serpent Token—to be eligible to exchange them."

To upgrade a Three-Striped Black Serpent Token to a One-Striped Black Python Token, one needs to complete a One-Striped Black Python-level upgrade task.

"There are many kinds of promotion missions, most of which are extremely complex and time-consuming. For me, the simplest and most direct one is hunting exotic beasts; a beast core from a beast at the peak of the Five Organs Realm is all I need."

After reaching the Five Viscera Realm, exotic beasts are much stronger than martial artists of the same realm. Therefore, the exotic beast hunting missions in the promotion missions are generally one level lower than the martial artist's realm.

"Perfect timing. It's nearing the end of the year, and it's still the Lesser New Year. During the minor Qi tides, the frequency of Five Organs Realm beasts in the first level of danger zones increases significantly. I can't be so unlucky as to not encounter a single Five Organs Realm Perfection beast during the entire month of Qi tides, thus failing to complete my advancement mission."

Zhuang Jin's situation this year is different from last year. Last year, he was only at the third level of the Innate True Qi Realm. In the small Yuan Qi Tide, a very small number of strange beasts that had just entered the Six Organs Realm, which is comparable to the Innate Gang Qi Realm of martial artists, appeared in the first level of danger. Now he has broken through to the Innate Gang Qi Realm. Even if he encounters such a rare black swan event, he will be more than capable of protecting himself.

Given that the danger was manageable, he naturally wouldn't hesitate to go.

'So, let's take this opportunity during the Energy Tide to complete the Ascension quest!'

Zhuang Jin thought to himself, looking at the token, and deliberately murmured, "Today I felt something and unexpectedly broke through to the Innate Qi Realm. However, the Black Fiend Technique is special and it is difficult to convert it now. I wonder if, with my talent, I can break through one or two more realms next."

"Enough, enough. My cultivation of the Black Fiend Technique is destined to have limited prospects. My breakthroughs are merely to obtain higher-level tokens and enjoy better experiences. Why think so much?"

"Life is fleeting, like grass and trees in autumn. Who in this world can attain immortality and eternity? Ten thousand years is too long; seize the day! I have no offspring or family, and I do not seek to continue my bloodline. I only wish to enjoy all the glory and wealth in this life, so that my journey in this world will not have been in vain!"

This indicates that he has no intention of hiding his true level of understanding.

The secret method of concealing one's realm is based on the principle of merging one's body with heaven and earth, hiding and dispersing one's presence among heaven and earth. The effect of concealment is related to one's realm, understanding of merging one's body with heaven and earth, and the divine forces at play.

"My own abilities are unique. I possess the power and harmony of a god. Now that I've broken through to the Innate Qi Realm, I'm confident that even at the second or third level of the Innate Qi Realm, I can conceal my true strength unless we truly engage in combat. However, once I reach the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm and come into contact with the Divine Fusion of Heaven and Earth, there's nothing I can do."

Not to mention, the Suspended Heaven Division possesses the Suspended Heaven Mirror, which reveals everything. Therefore, Zhuang Jin's inability to conceal his cultivation level from the Suspended Heaven Division stemmed not from a lack of desire, but from an inability to do so. Trying to hide it would only make him appear guilty and suspicious.

In fact, Zhuang Jin's breakthrough at the Star-Picking Tower was impossible to hide, even without intention. On the day of his breakthrough, the Suspended Heaven Bureau updated its information about him urgently.

[Target number 287 has broken through to the Innate Qi Realm, triggering the program to generate an emergency report and submit it for reporting!]

[Directive: Reassess the target threat level!]

[Analysis: The target breakthrough was within expectations. After further comprehensive evaluation, the threat rating has been adjusted to Lower C. Continued monitoring is required based on this Lower C threat level!]

……

On the first day of the eleventh lunar month, as the end of the year was approaching and the vital energy tide of the Funiu Mountains was about to arrive, a small group of people gathered to discuss this matter, as is customary.

When Zhuang Jin arrived at the gathering, everyone who had been chatting and laughing stopped and looked over, and were all taken aback.

"Brother Zhuang, you?!"

Hong Baoshu sensed Zhuang Jin's presence; it was vast yet filled with a fierce and sharp feeling, making him feel as if he were about to be torn apart, causing him to lose his voice and turn pale.

Having honed his skills in the Funiu Mountains for a long time, Leng Kui's combat instincts, formed through life-and-death battles, were triggered by stress. Sensing a great threat, he suddenly stood up, his long sword humming as it was drawn from its sheath.

Bi Boyi was filled with doubt and surprise, his eyes widening involuntarily, even wondering if he had mistaken the person for someone else.

He Zhaoyi was so shocked that his wrist trembled, and he dropped the teacup in his hand. His expression changed repeatedly.

Min Chung-min wasn't much better off; he held the red gourd of wine in his hand and fed it directly into his nose.

Cen Zhanshan felt as if his soul had been struck hard, and he was momentarily dazed.

He was stuck at the bottleneck between the third level of the Innate True Qi Realm and the Innate Gang Qi Realm, wasting decades and unable to break through. He had no choice but to seek external help and strive for resources. He spent decades doing missions to accumulate a single Gang Qi Condensation Pill, which had become an obsession.

The realm that he himself had struggled to reach but could not attain, Zhuang Jin, this junior, had already broken through at such a young age. It was truly... unbearable for him!

Even now, Cen Zhanshan still couldn't believe it. With an extremely complicated expression, he looked at him and asked, "Venerable Zhuang, you... you really took that true step?"

Facing the watchful eyes of the crowd, Zhuang Jin smiled and nodded, admitting, "I was fortunate enough to make further progress in martial arts recently, breaking through to the Innate Qi Realm!"

"hiss!"

Upon hearing this and confirming it, Cen Zhanshan and the other six gasped in shock.

Many years and thousands of miles apart, they finally felt the terror of the words "luckily broke through" spoken by people like Shen Xuchen in Yunnan Prefecture back then, and the shock it brought to their Dao hearts.

"Congratulations, Brother Zhuang (Venerable Zhuang)!" After a moment of silence, Cen Zhanshan and the other six calmed down and stood up to offer their congratulations.

"No need for formalities, please have a seat!"

Looking at everyone's expressions, Zhuang Jin coughed twice and comforted them, "As you all know, I cultivate the Black Fiend Technique, which has limited potential. Don't be fooled by how smoothly things are going now. If I get stuck at a certain level, I really won't be able to make any more progress."

When Cen Zhanshan and the others heard that Zhuang Jin was practicing the Black Fiend Technique, they were indeed comforted and relieved... what a load of rubbish!

They weren't practicing the Black Fiend Technique; they were either practicing the Five Elements version or a variant of the Five Elements technique. It was true that they could accumulate potential, but they were currently stuck at a bottleneck, and had been stuck for many years.
At that moment, all six of them had an idea: why not switch their cultivation method and try the Black Fiend Technique? But this idea was quickly dismissed.

The Innate Realm is incomparable to the previous Innate Great Realm. The foundation is already set, making it difficult to change cultivation methods. Even if one were to change rashly, the result would most likely not be better than the current one.

This is like taking a piece of wood, which has already been crafted into a small table, and then trying to turn it into a chair. Not to mention how difficult it would be, even if it were eventually turned into a chair, it would most likely be unsatisfactory.

Cen Zhanshan originally intended to invite Zhuang Jin again this year, but now that he has seen Zhuang Jin's breakthrough, he can't bring himself to say it.

Zhuang Jin is at the Innate Qi Realm, capable of traveling alone. Inviting him in now would be blatantly taking advantage of him.
Of course, if they were in the same realm, it would be acceptable to use moral blackmail to gain an advantage. But now that Zhuang Jin has entered another level, to still dare to play like this, treating people like fools, is simply courting death!

Look at He Zhaoyi; he's no longer the same as last year when he used moral blackmail and forced smiles. Before, he was the loudest and most enthusiastic in congratulating her.

'With my current level of skill, if I were to join this team, I could instantly replace Cen Zhanshan and take the lead, leaving the other six as subordinates. But there's no need for that.'

Zhuang Jin wasn't a particularly ambitious person. This time, when Yuan Qi Tide went into the mountains, he only wanted to complete the promotion mission, raise his rank, and then continue to cultivate quietly. He never intended to lead them on a big mission.

Zhuang Jin didn't take the initiative, and Cen Zhanshan and the other six knew the situation and wouldn't bring it up.

In the end, Cen Zhanshan, Hong Baoshu, Leng Kui, He Zhaoyi, and Bi Boyi formed a team, just like last year.

Min Chung-min lay still, having no desires, and remained undisturbed.

—Yes, Bi Boyi did harbor resentment towards Cen Zhanshan for the slightly unfair distribution and subtle suppression, but for the sake of safety, he did not act rashly and still chose to join forces.

The small group gathering ended quickly, and everyone prepared for their own time. Soon, a month passed, and December arrived, marking the beginning of the year's energy surge!

……

(End of this chapter)