23- Six Months Later

~3rd Person's POV~

Six months swiftly passed, and during this time, Xu Fang dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his pursuits in the Love of Goddesses treasure. Without relying on the Elemental Qi Spaces building, he immersed himself in rigorous practice within the forest and Training Grounds, tirelessly working on stabilizing his cultivation foundation.

Utilizing Yin Qi and Neutral Qi Stones to aid his sisters and stepmother in their cultivation, Xu Fang achieved a breakthrough to the next realm. His sisters, Xu Ling and Xu Jing, celebrated their success in opening all their meridians just a few days ago. Xu Fang, not one to be outdone, revealed that he accomplished his breakthrough shortly after his sisters. Furthermore, he uncovered and mastered the next level of elemental techniques from the Techniques Tower.

The Star Training Rings became indispensable companions, reaching the fifth star in all four, a testament to his unwavering commitment. Xu Fang also exchanged the White Star Training Ring artifacts with Gray Star Training Ring artifacts after completing five stars of White Star Training Rings. The Gray Star Training Ring is a Tier 2 artifact, with each star equating to 500 Jin. With five stars, the total weight provided by one artifact summed up to an impressive 3000 Jin. Xu Fang is already at the third star, meaning the total weight his body was holding was 6000 Jin.

As Xu Fang's cultivation progressed, particularly due to his proficiency in Yin and Yang Path-related techniques, notable improvements became evident. These techniques not only contributed to his personal growth but also strengthened his bonds with his sisters and stepmother, Long Xiu. As the relationships deepened, Xu Fang found assurance that the path ahead would be smoother, setting the stage for a promising future.

Xu Fang seized every opportunity, making use of the 'Lust Goddess' technique whenever he was in proximity to or touched sources of Yin Qi. This method proved more convenient and efficient than his previous absorption technique, maximizing the benefits of Yin Qi absorption.

Simultaneously, when applying the 'Lust Goddess' for Yin Qi, Xu Fang found the 'Yang Supreme God technique' to yield optimal results for harnessing Yang Qi. His refined control over emotions, a result of the 'Supreme God of Emotion and Expression' technique, complemented these practices, enhancing the overall harmony within.

Physically, the 'God Body Strengthen' technique sculpted Xu Fang's form, rendering his body as resilient as steel, and he also practiced close combat in the forest without weapons. He now stands at an increased height of around 168cm, the transformation is a testament to the effectiveness of the technique. Beyond the Yin and Yang techniques, substantial progress was made in his alchemy-related skill, 'Pill Refining Master.' He had begun refining ingredients and crafting tier-2 pills of superior quality and purity.

The advancements weren't exclusive to Xu Fang alone; his family members, Xu Min, Xu Zhi, and Long Xiu, experienced notable growth in their cultivation. As their strengths increased, a gathering convened in the same ancient hall where the awakening ceremony for Xu Min and Xu Zhi had taken place. Joining them were several higher-level cultivators from the empire, forming a united front in pursuit of shared goals.

Xu Fang carefully devised a plan to showcase three elemental affinities during his Elements Qi Awakening ceremony. After contemplation, he settled on the Light, Earth, and Lightning elements, a symbolic combination reflecting his father and mother's influences. To execute this plan flawlessly, he dedicated several hours to honing the skill of concealing or revealing his elemental attributes. Now, unless he consciously chose to display them, no one would discern the hidden elements.

As the day of the ceremony arrived, Xu Ling, Xu Jing, and Xu Fang, adorned in traditional robes adorned with symbols representing the empire, stood poised for their Elements Qi Awakening.

The ceremony commenced with Xu Ling stepping forward, positioning herself at the center of the hall beside the Elemental Stone. Taking a deep breath, she extended her hand, gently placing it upon the Elemental Stone. In response, the stone's surface shimmered, and an intricate dance of elements enveloped her.

The fire flickered, the water rippled, the wind whistled, and the earth trembled. The hall bore witness to a mesmerizing spectacle as Light, Lightning, Nature, and Darkness manifested in a harmonious display of energy. The amalgamation of these elements echoed the profound connection between the siblings and their inherent strengths.

With Xu Ling's elemental awakening completed, she felt the essence of each element, and as the energies settled, the resonance of Wind and Lightning became clear. Returning to her mother, she embraced her before standing proudly by her side.

Now, it was Xu Jing's turn. Stepping forward with a deep breath, she extended her hand towards the Elemental Stone. As her hand made contact, the stone responded, casting a shimmering display of various elements around her.

Once again, the fire flickered, the water rippled, the wind whistled, and the earth trembled. Light, lightning, nature, and darkness intertwined in a magnificent dance of energy.

For a brief moment, Xu Jing immersed herself in the essence of each element. As the energies settled, it became evident that the Wind and Water elements resonated most profoundly with her spirit. After completing the ceremony, she joyfully returned to her mother and twin sister, sharing hugs of happiness and accomplishment. The familial bonds are strengthened by the shared experiences of the elemental awakening.

Observing the elemental awakenings of his sisters, Xu Fang patiently waited for his turn. When the moment arrived, he stepped forward towards the Elemental Stone. With a controlled breath, he extended his hand, placing it on the stone's surface.

The stone responded vibrantly, casting a brilliant display of fire flickering, water rippling, wind whistling, and earth trembling. Light, lightning, nature, and darkness intertwined, creating a captivating symphony of energy.

Xu Fang, with a theatrical touch, was initiated by showcasing a fake Elements Qi Awakening. The onlookers, momentarily deceived, witnessed a display that deviated from the planned elemental resonance. However, he swiftly transitioned, revealing the true plan, and began showcasing the three elements, Light, Earth, and Lightning.

The audience watched in awe as each element manifested, and the deliberate combination of his parents' influences became apparent. The display was a testament to Xu Fang's ingenuity and control over his planned elemental affinities. As the final element took its place in the harmonious dance of energies, he concluded the ceremony with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the journey that lay ahead.

As Xu Fang continued his performance, he adeptly demonstrated control over the Earth element Qi, showcasing stability and finesse in his manipulation. With a seamless transition, he then directed his focus to the Lightning element Qi, impressively stabilizing it. Unbeknownst to him, his mother and stepmother wore somber expressions, their thoughts dwelling on the potential connection between Xu Fang's Light element control and that of his mother.

The rarity of Light and Nature elements prompted concern and anticipation. As Xu Fang prepared to unveil the third element related to Light, a hushed anticipation filled the ancient hall. The atmosphere became charged with energy as brilliant Light enveloped the surroundings.

The display of the Light element Qi left the onlookers astounded. The brilliance lingered, filling the hall with a radiant glow, and when Xu Fang opened his eyes, they shone brightly. Turning his gaze toward his family and the other cultivators present, he was met with wide-eyed astonishment.

As the shock settled in, Xu Fang's mother rushed towards him, engulfing him in a tight embrace. The unexpected revelation left the spectators in awe, realizing that they now had another Light element holder in the royal family. The ancient hall buzzed with excitement and pride for Xu Fang's extraordinary achievement in mastering the rare and revered Light element.

The hall resonated with joy and congratulations as the news of Xu Fang's triple-element mastery spread. The dual celebration of having another Light element holder in the royal family and Xu Fang's exceptional control over three elements filled the atmosphere with elation.

"As expected, Xu Fang, my son, you are the best," Zheng Yu, Xu Fang's mother, beamed with pride as tears of joy welled up in her eyes.

"Thanks, Mother," Xu Fang responded, his smile reflecting his gratitude for the support and love.

"Congratulations, Xu Fang." His stepmother joined in, offering her congratulations with a happy expression.

"Congratulations, little brother," Xu Fang's sisters, Xu Min, Xu Zhi, Xu Ling, and Xu Jing, added to the chorus of congratulations. They chimed in with smiles of genuine happiness.

"Thank you, mothers and sisters, and also congratulations to the two of you too. You have also become official cultivators." Xu Fang expressed his gratitude and extended congratulations to his sisters, acknowledging their achievements amid the celebratory atmosphere.

"Let's see who progresses faster, little brother." Xu Ling teased Xu Fang with a challenging tone and expression.

"I'll pass on that challenge, big sister Ling. I'm the little one here," Xu Fang responded, unwilling to accept her challenge playfully.

"Don't be so modest, little brother. You know more about the cultivation world than all of us," Xu Min teased, wearing a playful smile, and the others nodded in agreement.

"Plus, little brother has three elements, including the Light element," Xu Jing added, highlighting his unique abilities.

"And you've got the best Qi-gathering technique already. You're always helping us with that, making elemental practice easier for you too," Xu Zhi chimed in.

"Alright, you four, stop teasing him," Shen Yin interjected, addressing her daughters, and they all burst into laughter.

'Hahaha... If you knew his true cultivation, you'd think thousands of times before challenging him,' Long Xiu chuckled silently in her mind. She focused on Xu Fang's cultivation, but to her surprise, what she sensed wasn't his original cultivation.

'How is that possible?' she wondered, perplexed by the unexpected discovery.

"Now, all of you, go back to your rooms and get some rest. You've all given your best today, and tomorrow morning, it's time to resume cultivation," Zheng Yu instructed Xu Fang and his sisters.

"Understood," Xu Fang and his sisters replied simultaneously.