The Three Trials of Cave Illumination

Duan Rong landed lightly on a mountain top and slowly walked toward a thatched hut not far away.

Chu Wushang was sitting on a small stool before the thatched hut, holding a winnowing basket in his arms as he picked vegetables. His gaze shifted slightly as he watched Duan Rong approach at an unhurried pace.

Even without a Divine Sense Scan, Chu Wushang could tell from Duan Rong's posture alone that he had already attained Qi Cyclone Realm Great Perfection.

Every step Duan Rong took was neither hurried nor slow, landing precisely upon the currents of qi in the surrounding air. His movements seemed to meld with the environment around him, carrying a harmonious wholeness.

As Duan Rong drew close, the afternoon sun fell across his face. Chu Wushang said, "I thought you would attain Great Perfection two months ago!"

When Duan Rong had come last time, he had already been close to reaching the third level of the Qi Cyclone Realm. More than four months had passed since then.

Duan Rong said, "Some trivial matters have tied me down lately, and my cultivation fell somewhat behind."

Rarely, Chu Wushang gave a faint smile. "Six-odd months, from the first level of the Qi Cyclone Realm to Great Perfection. You call that falling behind!? Boy, you really dare to say it!"

Duan Rong smiled. "I originally estimated that I would attain it two months ago as well. More or less as you predicted, Mr. Chu. But later, all sorts of trivial matters entangled me, and before I knew it, it had been delayed by two months."

Chu Wushang said, "Not bad. That is the truth. For you, it indeed was a delay of two months."

Duan Rong was not in the mood to keep quibbling with Chu Wushang over wording. Looking