The breakthrough (1)

[One Month Later]

The wish is available.

I sighed, shifting slightly on my meditation mat. Ah, yes, system, thank you for reminding me for the fifth time this month. You must really think I'm forgetful—or maybe you're just lonely.

Congratulations, host, for reaching the peak of Qi Condensation Realm. Please proceed to the next stage: Foundation Establishment.

Wow, system, you don't say, I thought, rolling my eyes. I would never have figured that out on my own, what with the overflowing energy humming in my veins and all.

The past month had flown by like a dream, each day blurring into the next. Time spent in closed-door cultivation felt strange, almost suspended. It was like I was on autopilot, lost in an endless stream of absorbing Qi and focusing. And just like that, I'd reached the peak of Qi Condensation without even realizing how much time had passed. But now, a new challenge awaited.