Advancing to Qi Refining Stage

In the front mountain, the blooming flowers quickly withered, but then they were reborn as if from ashes. After re-blooming, their colors were more translucent, and their petal shapes were flawless. Compared to before, they had transformed into the princes of flowers.

Flowers compete in beauty, captivating the eye; Brilliant colors tug at the heart.

"Only the Meatball Grass is left."

With a thought from Zhang Han, on the trunk of the Thunder Sun Tree, patches of Meatball Grass whizzed towards the poultry and pet areas.

On the inner side of each small area, Meatball Grass seeds fell, taking root instantly. Two seconds later, they sprouted and broke through the soil. Five seconds later, white buds the size of glass marbles formed on the grass leaves.

From afar, they looked like enlarged ears of wheat.

Meatball Grass, a first-tier Spiritual Treasure, served as poultry feed. It tasted of fresh vegetables, had the chewiness of meat, and after a few chews, tasted slightly like braised pork.

This was why Zhang Han had curiously taken a bite to taste it back then. However, Zhang Han had only tasted it once. After all, it was feed, and knowing its taste was enough.

With all this handled, the Thunder Sun Tree's first territorial modification was complete.

However, half of the Thunder Sun Tree's initial energy release remained. Zhang Han naturally intended to use this to advance to the Qi Refining Stage.

"Open the meridians!"

Zhang Han closed his eyes tightly, his right hand leaving the Thunder Sun Tree's trunk as he raised both hands upwards.

At this moment, the nearby Iron Clad Gold Earth Dog looked at Zhang Han in bewilderment.

If it could speak, it would surely say:

"What is this idiot doing?"

But its thoughts were not as advanced as a human's, so it merely watched Zhang Han with curiosity.

However, the scene that unfolded next made the Iron Clad Gold Earth Dog tremble with fright.

The Thunder Sun Tree suddenly emitted a faint, ethereal glow. Every leaf now seemed like jade, and streams of soft, rosy light continuously converged, eventually forming a beam of light that shot into Zhang Han's body!

"Rumble!"

Zhang Han seemed to hear a thunderous sound. The Thunder Sun Tree's energy transformed into a sharp sword within his body, continuously opening Zhang Han's meridians one by one.

Wuxia novels emphasize the Eight Extraordinary Meridians; opening all eight makes one a monstrous talent.

But Zhang Han, after opening the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, had the remaining energy continuously strengthening the body's Twelve Regular Meridians!

The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are not directly connected to the zang-fu organs and have no paired exterior-interior relationships, hence they are called "extraordinary." Their function is primarily to regulate the flow of qi and blood in the Twelve Regular Meridians.

After the meridians were opened, streams of the Thunder Sun Tree's energy gathered within them.

Initially, the energy was violent, making Zhang Han feel as though his body was about to explode!

At this point, Zhang Han needed to circulate his cultivation technique to refine this energy and form his own spiritual power!

"Should I cultivate the Treasure Seeking Art this time?"

Zhang Han pondered.

In his previous life, he had countless magical treasures and relied on them too much. Later, during the Crossing Heavenly Tribulation, he couldn't withstand the onslaught of the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder!

However, now, he hesitated.

"Why not cultivate the Five Elements Art? If I can forge the Five Elements Saint Body in the future, I should be able to safely pass the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder, right?"

"Actually, the Azure Wood Emperor Art would also work. The recovery of the Azure Wood Emperor Body is even more terrifying, called an immortal body. I'll definitely get through the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder."

"But... the Treasure Seeking Art complements my Treasure Sniffing Nose!"

Zhang Han was somewhat conflicted.

Cultivation techniques are very important, as they relate to one's growth in strength. In the vast Cultivation World, techniques are also graded. The Treasure Seeking Art was created by Zhang Han after three hundred years of studying cultivation knowledge and a moment of enlightenment.

The Treasure Seeking Art's effects were significant and were the fundamental reason Zhang Han was able to seize numerous treasures.

To use an analogy, the Treasure Seeking Art could enhance invisibility techniques. The enhanced version is called the Divine Concealment Technique, which allows Zhang Han's body to become completely invisible, undetectable even by other Tribulation Crossing stage powerhouses.

The function of the Treasure Seeking Art is to enhance various techniques used for treasure hunting, such as speed, breaking formations, stealth, and so on. However, its greatest efficacy is the boost it gives to the Treasure Sniffing Nose, which is why Zhang Han was reluctant to give it up.

"Forget it, I'll still cultivate the Treasure Seeking Art. I'm starting over this time. At worst, I'll spend more resources to achieve a physically sanctified body. Treasures are fundamental!"

After less than a minute of deliberation, Zhang Han made up his mind.

He sat cross-legged, circulated the Treasure Seeking Art, and slowly refined the energy within his body, making it cycle according to the Treasure Seeking Art's pathways.

At this moment, a morning sun slowly rose from the east. Under the Thunder Sun Tree, a person and a dog sat quietly, a heartwarming scene.

At Ziyan's home in Cloud Sound Garden.

"Sister Yan, we have to go to work at seven o'clock?" Zhou Fei yawned.

She usually slept until eight o'clock.

"We'll go early today to pick out the songs. Tomorrow, we'll spend the whole day at the Ocean Park with Mengmeng," Ziyan said calmly.

"I'll pass. Tomorrow, I'll work on the MV planning for the songs at the company," Zhou Fei shook her head.

"You're not going?" Ziyan was slightly taken aback.

"What would I go for? To be a third wheel? I'm not tagging along when you three are going," Zhou Fei said grumpily.

"Who's a family of three?" Ziyan lightly scoffed.

"Tsk, Sister Yan, it's not me saying this, but look at you now. You keep calling Mengmeng this and Mengmeng that. That guy even came up with the name, and yesterday, he said he was going to the Ocean Park, and you didn't even refuse. You looked like a little wife who'd do anything he said. You weren't like this all those years we were in North America," Zhou Fei said, pouting.

"Stop talking nonsense!" Ziyan glared at her.

Zhou Fei was quiet this time and didn't say anything else.

They went downstairs and got into a black Mercedes S600L. This car cost nearly three million yuan fully equipped and was used by Ziyan for work. Zhou Fei usually drove it.

Sitting in the back seat, Ziyan gazed out the window, lost in thought.

A family of three going to the Ocean Park…

What exactly are my feelings for Zhang Han?

Ziyan initially thought she regarded Zhang Han as a complete stranger, but that wasn't the case!

It seemed that when facing Zhang Han, she, who was usually calm and collected, would always have her emotions swayed by him. His words and actions truly had an impact on her.

"Perhaps it's because of Mengmeng…"

Ziyan sighed inwardly.

This was the only explanation that could convince herself. Because Zhang Han was Mengmeng's father, she treated him differently.

"This is definitely not love."

Ziyan's idea of love wasn't like this. Every woman had a perfect prince charming in her heart.

Her prince charming was someone talented and versatile, elegant and refined, virtuous and capable, and also good-looking.

Not like Zhang Han, a fallen young master with a bad temper who didn't even approve of her acting career. What kind of talk was that?

'Mere stars on the screen are just actors hired with money!'

What kind of talk was that? Ziyan got angry just thinking about it, especially when he'd said during an argument, 'If you want to stay in this chaotic entertainment industry, I can't be with you!'

Hello? Did I say I wanted to be with you? Who likes a stubborn hothead like that?

Zhang Han's image flashed through Ziyan's mind. Thinking of those words, a nameless anger surged within her.

"Sister Yan? Sister? Sister Yan?"

It took Zhou Fei calling her several times for Ziyan to snap back to reality.

"Huh?" Ziyan blinked.

"What were you thinking about? We're at the company!" Zhou Fei said speechlessly.

"Oh, let's go up then." Ziyan's heart raced. I'm not thinking about that stubborn idiot anymore, time to work!

The sun gradually rose, and people began to head out, starting their busy or leisurely days.

Meanwhile, Zhang Han sat under the Thunder Sun Tree all day.

It wasn't until the sky began to darken that Zhang Han finally completely absorbed the energy, becoming a tiny speck of a Qi Refining Stage cultivator.

Throughout the day, the Iron Clad Gold Earth Dog ran back and forth in the plaza-like area, wandering through various regions, eating the newly grown meat-grass, and sniffing around the doghouses, its tail wagging excitedly.

Under the Thunder Sun Tree, as Zhang Han opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashed within them.

He stood up, his bones cracking. At this moment, he was reborn!

Although he was only in the Qi Refining Stage, Zhang Han's strength could easily reach nearly a thousand catties, not to be underestimated. Even when using spiritual energy, his speed would be incredibly fast, capable of instantly defeating renowned sprinters or marathon runners.

Despite possessing such strength, Zhang Han would not show off. Ahem, keep a low profile. There's no thrill in competing with these ants!

"Woof woof woof…"

Suddenly, a dog bark echoed.

Zhang Han's gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice:

"Which ant is barking before this Venerable One?"

He turned his head and saw the Iron Clad Gold Earth Dog, the one that had wanted to save him earlier, barking behind him.

"Heh heh, so it's you!" Zhang Han chuckled lightly.

He already knew it was this dog. His earlier words were just a joke to celebrate his 'entry into cultivation.'

"Woof woof."

The Iron Clad Gold Earth Dog trotted to Zhang Han's feet, acting obsequiously.

Zhang Han looked at the dog, pondered for a moment, and shook his head slightly, saying, "Never mind. You were kind to me and have a strong connection. From now on, you shall be the little steward of my territory and guard my home!"

Zhang Han's words determined that this dog would achieve great things in the future.

"I didn't expect the Pure Yang Water to be used by you, little fellow," Zhang Han shook his head. He reached out and touched the Thunder Sun Tree, and his eyes suddenly paused. He chuckled in amusement, "You really have good luck!"

After a day, the Thunder Sun Tree immediately fell dormant, meaning it could no longer release energy. But 'immediately' implied it hadn't ended yet!

"To guard the home, it seems I need to invest a bit."

Zhang Han took a deep breath, placed his hands on the Thunder Sun Tree, and continuously channeled spiritual energy into it.

Instantly, strands of crystal-white droplets floated from the trunk of the Thunder Sun Tree. The droplets, like a string of pearls, floated towards the Iron Clad Gold Earth Dog's forehead, directly transforming into specks of starlight and sinking into it.