Xiao Hua stood on Qiong Lei Peak, watching Thunder Control Sect Qi Refining disciples leave through the mountain gate not far from him, some in groups and others alone. An indescribable feeling filled his heart.
"Foundation Establishment! Alas, only Foundation Establishment truly counts as setting foot upon the path of cultivation! Qi Cultivation is merely lingering outside the gate of cultivation! There were countless cultivators across Xiaoyu Continent, but how many could achieve Foundation Establishment? Think of those Rogue Cultivators, think of Tianqi from before—every one of them had a story of unyielding resolve, and every one carried a legend of struggle!"
"But the Heavenly Dao is just this cruel. Even if you strive, even if you stake your very life, you may not gain anything. Heaven rewards diligence—that is certainly true—but immortal destiny is difficult to find! Alas, if one cannot achieve Foundation Establishment or form a core, then all that bitter cultivation and every effort will turn into flowing water, buried beneath the vicissitudes of time!" As Xiao Hua watched the cultivators depart, his heart was filled with emotion, and he recalled what had happened at Myriad Thunder Valley several days earlier.
Just as Xiao Hua had expected, Wu Nai was not in his Myriad Thunder Valley cave residence. Even after Mistress Zhuo sent out a lightning communication talisman, Wu Nai still did not return, nor did he send back even a single word. Zhuo claimed that Wu Nai was busy with affairs and likely had no time, but how could Xiao Hua not understand Wu Nai's thoughts? Though he said he did not care, there was still some regret in his heart. Afterward, Xiao Hua lingered in Xiangyang's cave residence for several days. Xiangyang and Yan Qinglian gave him all manner of instructions concerning his training journey,