Breakthrough!

After taking a few of the Qi Gathering Pills, Bai Jian sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, focusing inward. He took a steady breath, his expression calm yet determined as he began to cultivate. The usual resistance he'd felt in his cultivation seemed to melt away, replaced by a sensation of flowing energy. His eyes widened briefly, surprise flickering across his face as he felt a faint shift in his inner qi pathways. Had the merging of his souls truly affected his talent?

A surge of power welled up within him, like a hidden reservoir that had finally burst open. The subtle shift within him became a tangible breakthrough — his energy surged, and he advanced to the 7th Level of the Qi Condensation Realm. He exhaled sharply, his face lit with restrained excitement.

"It really does seem like the merging of my souls had an effect on my talent," he murmured, a glint of confidence in his eyes.

"Previously, I wouldn't have even been able to break through to the 7th level, much less reach its peak."

But just as he steadied himself, a second surge of energy pulsed through him, catching him off guard. His body tensed as he felt his qi rapidly circulate, the flow intensifying with a ferocity that he hadn't expected. It was as if a floodgate had opened, allowing him to absorb the surrounding energy at a staggering rate.

His entire body vibrated as the energy concentrated within him, pushing him beyond the initial breakthrough. In an instant, he felt himself reaching the very peak of the 7th Level of Qi Condensation. His eyes snapped open, gleaming with exhilaration and disbelief.

"This… I've not only broken through but reached the peak in one go!"

Still, his expression quickly sobered as he reminded himself of the importance of building a stable foundation. He had to make sure to consolidate his cultivation. He closed his eyes again, focusing on the steady rhythm of his breathing, his mind calming. Yet before he could resume cultivating, a loud knock shattered his concentration, echoing through his small quarters.

"Bai Jian, open up!" called a familiar voice, slightly muffled but urgent.

Bai Jian's brows furrowed in mild irritation. With a quick change into fresh robes, he went to the door, opening it to reveal a round-faced boy with a bright grin and an air of excitement — Wang Shao, his closest friend within the outer sect.

"Why are you causing such a ruckus outside my door this early in the morning, Wang Shao?" Bai Jian asked, raising an eyebrow in feigned annoyance, though a faint smile softened his tone.

Wang Shao gave him an eager look, his round cheeks flushed. "Did you hear? The sect issued a mission to find some thieves who escaped into the Yinwu Forest last night! Weren't you returning from a mission? Did you see anything?"

For a moment, Bai Jian felt his pulse quicken. He masked his unease quickly, recalling the mysterious key he'd taken from the man in black robes. He shrugged, maintaining a relaxed expression. 

"No, I was quite tired from my mission and came back as soon as I could. I was just about to go turn it in."

"Great! I actually wanted to collect some rewards, too," Wang Shao said, his enthusiasm undampened. "Let's go together."

….

Inside the mission hall, disciples everywhere were discussing the recent mission regarding the Yinwu Forest thieves. As Bai Jian and Wang Shao stepped inside, they noticed the mission board at the far end of the hall filled with parchments detailing various assignments. A few disciples gathered around a specific area, pointing at a newly posted mission about the stolen relics.

Bai Jian kept his expression calm as they walked closer. He wondered if the key he found was linked to the thefts, but he knew he had to act carefully. 

As they reached the counter, Wang Shao's eyes gleamed.

"Did you hear, Bai Jian? They say the thieves stole something of immense value. Whoever catches them could earn enough contribution points to get a whole month's worth of high-quality qi gathering pills!"

Bai Jian offered a faint smile. "Sounds like a mission for inner disciples, not us outer disciples, don't you think?"

Wang Shao laughed, "True! But you never know. Even a small clue could bring in some rewards. Let's see what else is available."

Bai Jian was about to agree when a voice cut through the crowd. 

"Hah! If it isn't Bai Jian, the talentless 'genius' of the Bai Clan."

Bai Jian looked up to see Lin Fang, one of the more arrogant outer disciples, grinning smugly at him. Lin Fang was known for his ranking in the outer sect, being within the top 100.

However, his reputation was largely attributed to his close ties with Bai Ming, Bai Jian's cousin. Bai Ming, a high-ranking outer disciple within the 50s, often looked down on Bai Jian, viewing him as a stain on the clan's reputation. Lin Fang, ever eager to please Bai Ming, seemed to make a habit of antagonizing Bai Jian.

Wang Shao glared at him. "Mind your own business, Lin Fang."

Lin Fang sneered, "Just giving advice. A weakling like Bai Jian should stick to simple missions and avoid anything dangerous. Wouldn't want him to get hurt."

Bai Jian met Lin Fang's gaze, his calm expression betraying nothing. "Thanks for the concern, Lin Fang. Perhaps one day I'll be strong enough to return the favor."

Lin Fang's smile faded for a brief moment, then returned with a mocking expression. He stepped closer, his voice dripping with condescension. 

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I hit a nerve, Bai Jian? I suppose it must be hard being the 'waste' of the Bai Clan. I hear even your clan elders have given up on you."

Wang Shao clenched his fists, his face reddening. "Watch your mouth, Lin Fang! Bai Jian's got more backbone than you'll ever have. At least he doesn't go around throwing his weight like a petty thug."

Lin Fang laughed, crossing his arms as he sneered at Wang Shao. "Oh, the loyal dog barks! Tell me, Wang Shao, how does it feel to be playing side kick for that piece of trash?"

Wang Shao took a step forward, his fists shaking with anger. "Say that again, and I'll—"

Bai Jian put a hand on Wang Shao's shoulder, a calm yet intense look in his eyes. "He's not worth it, Wang Shao," he said quietly, though his gaze remained fixed on Lin Fang.

But Lin Fang wasn't finished. He leaned in, lowering his voice so only the three of them could hear. "You think you can stop me, Bai Jian? You may be a Bai by blood, but everyone knows you're a disgrace to your clan. Don't forget who's really in charge among us outer disciples."

Just as Wang Shao was about to step forward, a stern voice cut through the tense air.

"Enough!"

The disciples around them quieted as an elder in gray robes approached, his face set in a deep frown. Elder Zhou, known for his strict discipline, fixed a sharp gaze on Lin Fang.

 "This is the mission hall, not a street brawl. If you have issues with each other, settle them elsewhere — or better yet, in the tournament."

Lin Fang glared at Bai Jian, his expression twisting with suppressed anger. "As you wish, Elder Zhou," he said, bowing with forced respect. He shot Bai Jian a dark look, as if silently vowing to continue this feud at another time. With one last sneer, Lin Fang turned and strode away.

As he disappeared into the crowd, Wang Shao let out a shaky breath. "One of these days, he's going to regret that attitude."

Bai Jian's gaze remained steady. "Let him think what he wants. We'll just have to prove him wrong, won't we?"