Ch 24: The Aftermath

As Feng Chen's consciousness returned, he found himself gasping for breath, his body drenched in cold sweat. His eyes darted around the cave, trembling with a mix of fear and confusion.

"What... what was that?" he muttered, his voice shaky.

He could still feel the lingering presence of the white figure, its oppressive aura etched into his memory. As the white figure had left, it had glanced back at Feng Chen once, revealing a glimpse of its immense power. The suppression had been overwhelming, leaving Feng Chen deeply shaken.

But then he remembered the qi that had gone rampant inside him. "I should be dead," he thought, inspecting his body. To his surprise, he felt the white and black qi harmonized within him, creating a spiral in his abdomen that continuously strengthened his body.

"How did this happen?" he wondered aloud.

Opening his eyes, he saw a system notification floating in front of him.

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System Notification:-

You have successfully broken through to the Foundation Realm.

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"Wh-what? How?" he stammered, utterly bewildered. He tried circulating his qi and found all the meridians in his body open and brimming with vitality. Clenching his fist, he felt the immense power coursing through him. An aura formed around his body, white qi covering his right side and black qi covering his left.

He looked around the cave and noticed something new—a small pool of clean water near the entrance. Feeling parched, he approached the pool and washed his face. As he bent down to drink, he caught his reflection and was momentarily stunned. His once black hair had turned white, his eyes were now a brilliant cerulean, and his body had become more muscular.

"Is that... me?" he murmured.

More system notifications appeared before him.

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System Notification:-

Due to breaking through a major realm, the barrier has been strengthened and the area has increased. The barrier can now block the attacks of a Core Realm cultivator.

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System Notification:-

The Qi Gathering Array has strengthened. It can now gather enough qi for a peak-stage Core Realm cultivator.

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As the qi in the barrier increased, Yin and Yang, who had been playing outside, noticed the barrier's expansion. They rushed back into the cave and found Feng Chen staring at his reflection, pulling his cheeks and hair to confirm his identity. The snakes were astonished and thought someone else had taken their master's place.

Without a second thought, they attacked. Feng Chen sensed their murderous aura and reacted instinctively, catching the snakes by the back of their heads.

"Yin? Yang?" he said, bewildered.

"Master?" they responded in unison, finally recognizing each other. Yin and Yang's bodies had grown significantly larger, leaving Feng Chen stunned. He thought they were using size manipulation, but then another system notification appeared.

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System Notification:-

*You have successfully cultivated for four months in seclusion. Extra rewards are being calculated.

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"WHAT THE HELL!" Feng Chen shouted in astonishment. "System, show me the status window!"

The status window updated, revealing that Yin and Yang had progressed to the 5th realm of the Foundation Realm, causing their size to increase. Feng Chen's body had also undergone modifications to handle the harmonized qi.

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Status:-

- Name: Feng Chen

- Age: 15

- Cultivation Level: Foundation Realm, 1st Stage

- Lifespan: 400 years

- Qi Control: Enhanced

- Senses: Sharpened

- Spiritual Awareness: Heightened

Techniques:-

- Way of Wind (Movement Technique)

- Fiery Sun Palm (Offensive Technique)

- Yin and Yang's Divine Ascension (Foundational Technique)

Spirit Beasts:-

1. Yin (Black Snake)

- Age: 6 Months

- Cultivation Level: Foundation Realm, 5th Stage

- Abilities: Enhanced agility, venom manipulation, spiritual affinity, size manipulation, demonic qi manipulation

- Trust Level: 98%

2. Yang (White Snake)

- Age: 6 Months

- Cultivation Level: Foundation Realm, 5th Stage

- Abilities: Enhanced agility, venom manipulation, spiritual affinity, size manipulation, divine qi manipulation

- Trust Level: 98%

Inventory:-

- Grade 1 Healing Elixir

- Necklace of Life

Equipment:-

- Barrier (Growth Type)

- Qi Gathering Array (Growth Type)

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"Uhh... Master, if you're done looking into the air, can you put us down?" Yin said, her voice a mix of irritation and amusement.

"Yes, please," Yang added, their voices echoing each other's.

"Oh, my bad," Feng Chen said, lowering the snakes to the ground.

They all took a moment to process everything that had happened. Yin and Yang looked at their master with newfound respect and curiosity.

"It's a long story," Feng Chen replied, shaking his head. "Let's just say I had an interesting encounter and managed to survive, thanks to the technique."

"Interesting encounter? You looked like you saw a ghost," Yin teased, slithering around his arm.

"It was more like a nightmare," Feng Chen said with a weak laugh. "But we're all stronger now, and that's what matters."

He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Despite the strange and terrifying encounter, he had broken through to the Foundation Realm and survived the ordeal. With Yin and Yang by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The trio settled down, each reflecting on their own progress. Feng Chen knew that this was just the beginning of their journey. There were many more trials and adventures to come, but for now, they could enjoy the moment and the bond they shared.

With renewed vigor and a clear path ahead, Feng Chen and his companions continued their journey, ready to face whatever challenges lay in their path. The road to ascendance was long, but with their unwavering bond and relentless determination, they knew they would reach the peak of cultivation.