[12] The Breakthrough: Ascending to Rank 2, Stage 2…

Chapter 12:- The Breakthrough: Ascending to Rank 2, Stage 2…

Only four days remained until the one-year period. Arkan was preparing to attempt his breakthrough to the second stage. Currently, he sat on his bed, his entire appearance resembling that of a swollen red balloon, ready to burst at the slightest touch. Arkan closed his eyes, focusing on gaining control of the Qi within him. After several attempts, he managed to manipulate the Qi inside his body, although not perfectly, but it was still doable. 

Arkan glanced at his storage ring and noticed that out of the 20 spirit stones he had, only three remained. It wasn't because of Arkan's lacking talent; rather, it was due to his inability to control the Qi, resulting in a wastage of over 80% during the absorption process. The thought of such wastage pained him. He realized the importance of preserving more spirit stones, considering how challenging they might be to gather in the future.

Time seemed to crawl for Arkan as he focused entirely on the turbulent energy within his body. He meticulously monitored even the minutest details. Gradually, he gathered all the energy in his body just above his navel, ensuring everything proceeded in a well-coordinated manner. When Arkan sensed that all the Qi in his body had converged into a single place, he began rotating the Qi in a clockwise direction. 

Slowly but surely, he released the energy when he felt it was time, forcefully expelling all the Qi at once. Arkan felt as though his entire being was being torn apart, and it was true, as he had already lost more than 60% of his blood. He was barely clinging to life. Hastily, Arkan grabbed a bottle of human blood and started drinking it, consuming it until he could drink no more. After that, he initiated the process of healing his body using the Stage 1 method. Only when Arkan's body was about 70% healed did he assess his progress in the breakthrough.

And... he had succeeded. Arkan opened his eyes and glanced at the timer in his hand. Only one day remained until the deadline. He had spent three days on his breakthrough. Although time was running out, Arkan didn't rush. Healing his injuries took precedence. After three hours, Arkan's injuries had completely healed. He stood up, gathered his belongings, and dashed toward the Servant Peak.

Arkan stood at the summit of the Servant Peak, gazing at the bell for a moment before ringing it three times.

DING.

DING.

DING.

The sound resonated loudly, reaching the ears of everyone within proximity. Arkan patiently waited at the peak until an elder in black robes appeared before him. The elder surveyed Arkan and inquired, "Were you the one who rang the bell three times?"

Arkan silently nodded in response.

"Very good. I can see that you have reached Rank 2, Stage 2. Give me your sect token," the elder instructed.

Arkan retrieved his sect token from the storage ring and tossed it toward the elder. The elder caught the token and performed some actions with it before returning it to Arkan. "Go to the Resource Hall of the Outer Sect and present your token there," the elder instructed, and then vanished into thin air.

Confusion lingered in Arkan's mind as no one had informed him about how to enter the outer sect area. However, his concerns were unwarranted as the mist concealing the other side of the Servant Peak began to dissipate, revealing the path ahead. Arkan descended the mountain cautiously until he arrived at the Resource Hall.

Entering the hall, he approached a random counter and addressed the disciple behind it, saying, "Excuse me, I am a newly promoted disciple who just came from the Servant Peak. This is my sect token. Can you tell me where I can collect my belongings?"

The disciple didn't say a word but snatched the sect token from Arkan and proceeded to manipulate it, mimicking the actions of the elder. After a while, the disciple returned the sect token along with another storage ring.

"Welcome to the Outer Disciple area, umm, Syed Arkan Ali. Inside the storage ring, you will find a new set of sect uniforms, a rule book, spirit stones, and human blood. You have three years to reach Rank 8, Stage 2. Failure to do so will result in the sect elders using your soul and body to refine a pill for themselves. You may only leave the sect premises for missions, with a Blood Eye overseeing your progress. It is mandatory to complete at least one sect mission per month. You will be assigned a personal cave with a defense formation. Additionally, you can trade sect contribution points for treasures, pills, human blood, and spirit stones. Feel free to visit the hall every month to collect your spirit stones and human blood as it is provided free of charge," the disciple explained.

The disciple jotted down something on the register and added, "You can only obtain a cultivator's blood once you reach Rank 5, Stage 2."

With a dismissive gesture, the disciple signaled for Arkan to leave, and he swiftly complied. Making his way to the disciple residence area, he handed his sect token to the responsible disciple.

"Cave 5478," the disciple announced in an emotionless tone before returning to cultivation. Arkan stood in front of his designated cave and noticed a slot similar to the one for the sect token. Placing his token in the slot, the entrance to the cave opened. He stepped inside, closed the entrance, and settled on his bed, ready to inspect the contents of his storage ring.

Arkan wasn't surprised that he could see in the darkness since it was but a simple skill, a skill attainable by anyone at Stage 2. "Fifty spirit stones, 500 liters of human blood, and a blue sect uniform," Arkan mumbled to himself as he changed into the provided attire.

"Well, time to cultivate," he declared, assuming the lotus position and initiating the process of drawing Qi from the surrounding air.

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Please read Author's note...

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