Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer

There was only one month left until the Inner Sect Grand Competition. The training atmosphere on Qingyun Peak grew increasingly intense; almost every disciple was racing against time to polish their cultivation, hoping to make one more breakthrough before the competition. Shen Hao was no exception. His daily routine remained as regular as clockwork—practicing Flowing Cloud Steps at dawn, cultivating the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art in the morning, tempering his swordsmanship in the afternoon, and devouring Spirit Stones with the Spirit Devouring Vortex at night to raise his cultivation.

With the dual boost of the Spirit Devouring Vortex and the Companion Jade Pendant, his cultivation speed far surpassed that of fellow cultivators at the same level. In just half a month, his cultivation had steadily risen from Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer to the peak of Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer. The lake of Spiritual Power in his Sea of Qi was already filled with deep blue Spiritual Energy, so dense it nearly turned liquid, faintly showing signs of a breakthrough.

That day, as the sun set, the afterglow spilled through the window lattice onto the Jade Bed, coating the room in a golden halo. Shen Hao sat cross-legged on the Jade Bed, his expression solemn. He took out the last Mid-grade Spirit Stone from his storage pouch—his only remaining one, and the key to breaking through to Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer.

He pressed the Mid-grade Spirit Stone against the Companion Jade Pendant. A cool sensation spread through his fingers, and the stone's surface instantly flickered with a faint spiritual light. Shen Hao took a deep breath, slowly closed his eyes, and activated the second layer of the Spirit Devouring Art. In an instant, the Companion Jade Pendant burst with dazzling green light. The Spirit Devouring Vortex spun wildly, like a bottomless pit, greedily devouring the Spiritual Energy within the Mid-grade Spirit Stone. Pure Spiritual Energy flowed continuously through his meridians into the Sea of Qi. The lake of Spiritual Power in his Sea of Qi rose steadily, its color deepening, the deep blue radiance almost seeping through his skin.

In less than half an incense stick's time, the lustrous Mid-grade Spirit Stone turned dull and crumbled into a pile of powder. By then, the Spiritual Energy in Shen Hao's Sea of Qi had reached saturation. The dense Spiritual Energy churned violently, as if it would break free at any moment.

"Now!" Shen Hao shouted inwardly. He mobilized all the Spiritual Energy in his Sea of Qi, channeling it through the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art into a surging tide that slammed fiercely against the barrier of Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer. The barrier of Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer was far more solid than that of Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer—like an iron wall, unyielding and indestructible.

Boom! A muffled explosion rang out inside Shen Hao's body. The tide of Spiritual Energy crashed against the barrier but failed to shake it in the slightest. The recoil sent a sharp sting through his meridians. He frowned slightly but showed no discouragement. Breaking through a realm was never something achieved in one go; he was long used to this.

He quickly adjusted his breathing, activated the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art, and absorbed the dense Spiritual Energy of the inner sect to replenish the Spiritual Power he had just expended. The inner sect's Spiritual Energy was already rich, and combined with the subtlety of the Qi cultivation art, in just half an hour, Shen Hao's Spiritual Power was fully restored—even more condensed than before.

Shen Hao mobilized his Spiritual Energy again, forming an even stronger tide, and launched a second assault. Boom! Boom! Boom! Impact after impact echoed within him. Each strike made the barrier tremble slightly, and with every recoil, his meridians grew tougher and more resilient.

Once, twice, three times... He lost track of how long it had been. Outside the window, the sky gradually darkened. Moonlight streamed through the lattice, casting a silver glow over Shen Hao. His forehead was covered in sweat, his clothes soaked through, and a dull ache spread through his meridians. But his gaze grew only more resolute, with no thought of giving up.

Finally, on his ninety-ninth strike, the indestructible barrier showed a faint crack. "Now!" A glint of sharp light flashed in Shen Hao's eyes. He summoned even the last trace of Spiritual Power within him, condensed it into a single point like a razor-sharp blade, and slammed it into the crack.

Crack! A crisp sound of shattering rang out inside his body. The barrier of Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer burst apart. Dense Spiritual Energy surged like a breached dam, flooding into the deeper reaches of his Sea of Qi. The lake of Spiritual Power instantly expanded, and its color shifted from deep blue to an even richer indigo, radiating an aura several times stronger than before.

"Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer—finally broken through!" Shen Hao slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of barely concealed excitement in his gaze. He clenched his fist, and a surge of power—more profound and condensed than before—flowed from his palm, making him want to let out a long cry.

After breaking through to Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer, his Spiritual Energy became purer, and his control over it grew sharper. Whether in the power of his swordsmanship or the agility of his footwork, he could now achieve far greater effects. He stood up and walked to the open ground outside his dwelling. Activating the third level of Flowing Cloud Steps, "Flowing Cloud Shadow Transformation," his figure darted across the space like drifting clouds, leaving afterimages in his wake. His speed had increased noticeably compared to before the breakthrough. The Flying Sword in his hand trembled slightly; infused with indigo Spiritual Energy, the blade gleamed with a cold, icy light. Each strike carried a sharp, cutting wind, as if it could tear the air itself.

Shen Hao sheathed his sword and stood still, feeling the surging power within him. A confident smile spread across his face. For the Inner Sect Grand Competition a month from now, he was fully prepared. No matter who his opponent was, he had the confidence to fight to the very end.