In a waterside pavilion among the flower-filled towers of the Inner Garden, the Ninth Princess stood at the railing in a white dress, graceful as a lotus, smiling as she watched Li Ling on the lake below.
At that moment, Li Ling stood lightly upon the rippling water. The morning breeze stirred faint wrinkles across the surface, and his body seemed to rise and fall along with them.
Before long, he rose into the air and came to stand steadily beside her.
The Ninth Princess drew back her gauzy sleeves, revealing her delicate hands, and smoothed the hair at his temples that his movements had slightly disheveled. She asked with a soft laugh, "Husband, flying through the air without relying on Cloud Escape or other spells feels rather good, doesn't it?"
"Of course," Li Ling said. "After reaching Foundation Establishment, I can fly using my own Dharma Power, without relying on any spell or external object. Its practical usefulness is far beyond moving objects with Divine Sense as I did before. This is true freedom and unfettered ease!"
He continued, "Freedom and unfettered ease are both figurative and tangible. Long ago, accomplished predecessors summed up the freedom afforded by different cultivation realms.
"At the Qi Refining realm, Spirit Essence circulates, letting one gallop like a fine steed, cover a thousand li a day, and sustain one's stamina. This is the freedom of the white colt;
"At the Foundation Establishment realm, Dharma Power supports one, letting one fly like a hawk, cover ten thousand li a day, and expend no physical effort. This is the freedom of the soaring eagle;
"At the Core Formation realm, one penetrates the void and comprehends the mysteries, shifting position with divine speed, traveling by teleportation across continents and seas. This is the freedom of the