Mystical Space

She slowly checked the boxes and pulled out the one which has dark energies and exchanged the contents. She came back to her room and opened her storage ring and pulled out the herbs which are infected with dark energies.

She observed the herbs carefully, there is no difference on how they look. Except for dark element spiritual root cultivator, nobody can detect the difference. She wondered how they are able to infuse the dark energies in to the herbs. There is no coating or any substance on the herbs.

Then she checked the box carefully.

The box, designed to carry herbs is Crafted from sturdy, polished wood, it measured about a foot in length, with ornate carvings adorning its sides. The carvings depicted intricate patterns resembling twining vines, adding an aesthetic touch to the otherwise plain exterior.

Upon closer inspection, one could discern a subtle aroma emanating from the seams of the box. The scent was an amalgamation of earthly fragrances, hinting at the potent herbs concealed within. The lid, secured by a pair of delicate brass clasps, opened to reveal the carefully arranged herbs, each bundle wrapped in fine, silky fabric.

Chujiu, with her keen eyes and acute senses, observed the box with meticulous attention. She traced her fingers along the carvings feeling the smooth surface.

However, her scrutiny went beyond the superficial elegance. Chujiu's trained eyes detected a minute irregularity in the upper corner of the box, concealed beneath the layer of fabric that cradled the herbs. There, nestled discreetly, was a tiny round object, resembling a ball.

This inconspicuous addition stood in stark contrast to the otherwise harmonious arrangement of the herbs. Chujiu carefully lifted the upper layer of fabric, revealing the clandestine object.

Upon closer examination, she recognised it as a spherical container intricately engraved with symbols that resonated with an ominous aura. Its surface seemed to shimmer faintly, betraying an ethereal quality that hinted at a connection to the dark elemental energy.

Chujiu deduced that this seemingly minor object held the key to the malevolent infusion within the herbs. The dark elemental energy, carefully contained within the tiny ball, was the silent culprit responsible for the potential harm to cultivators lacking a dark element spirit root.

This tiny ball is the source and is also the one which is contaminating the ingredients in the box. The box is designed in such a way that when the ingredients remained in the box for a period of time, this tiny ball can contaminate them with dark energies.

When consumed, the energy will reach the digestive system and blood directly. Further integrating in to the energy system. After all food is energy by itself and is also part of spiritual energy system.

Then, Chujiu decided to absorb the energy from the ball. Since someone is sending free resources to her door, she can just take it.

Chujiu, with a determined glint in her eyes, decided to explore the mysterious energy contained within the tiny, engraved ball. As she cautiously touched the ball, a surge of dark elemental energy coursed through her fingertips, resonating with an intensity that seemed to echo in the air.

Unexpectedly, the moment she made contact with the ball, her body experienced a sudden discomfort. It started as a subtle warmth, gradually intensifying into a searing heat that suffused her entire being. The dark energy flowed into her meridians, causing an unusual sensation akin to a controlled combustion within.

This transformative process was not without its challenges. The intensity of the dark energy posed a formidable obstacle, pushing Chujiu's physical and spiritual limits to the brink. Her body, now an intricate vessel for this newfound power, struggled with the influx, and beads of perspiration formed on her forehead.

The discomfort escalated, and Chujiu found herself on the verge of a breakthrough. The energy, once contained within the tiny ball, merged seamlessly with her essence, triggering a metamorphic reaction.

In her previous state as a True Qi Realm Stage 9 cultivator, Chujiu underwent a remarkable leap. Breaking through three entire levels at once, she propelled herself into the Spirit Realm.

This unconventional progression was not merely a matter of skipping levels but skipping an entire stage. 

As she emerged from the breakthrough, Chujiu found herself in the Spirit Realm, now standing at the Stage 3.

The people who placed this object must have used special tools otherwise they would die unless they have dark elemental spirit root.

In the aftermath of her breakthrough, Chujiu's consciousness shifted, and she found herself transported to a realm shrouded in mystery. The sudden transition whisked her away to a peculiar place, seemingly existing beyond the conventional boundaries of the cultivation world.

As her senses adjusted to the new environment, Chujiu took in the surreal surroundings. The expansive land stretched across five acres, devoid of any discernible boundaries. Instead of a clear demarcation, an ethereal fog enshrouded the edges, lending an otherworldly quality to the scene. The ground beneath her feet was bare, covered only by the soft soil.

Dumbfounded for a moment, came to senses and she carefully checked her surroundings. The air was still, and an eerie silence hung in the atmosphere. Yet, despite the initial shock, she managed to calm herself.

A thought crossed her mind – was this a manifestation of her own cultivation, a personal space carved out by the breakthrough she had just experienced? It resonated with the tales she had read in the web novels during her time in the modern world. A cheat-like space, a domain unique to her after reaching a certain level of cultivation.

However, this revelation prompted more questions than answers. Was this a pocket dimension, a space she could retreat to stay and cultivate? The absence of any visible landmarks or features added to the mysterious ambiance of the space. 

The notion of having her own space, a sanctuary detached from the constraints of the external world, intrigued her. Chujiu contemplated the significance of this space – a realm that seemed to exist solely for her, governed by her own rules.