Training Match

With the revelation of what heavy weight actually laid on Lei Jin's shoulders, the 9th ranks parted ways. Each of them started doing their own training. Developing new methods and rowing their strength. Occasionally they would monitor the various training facilities and think of suggestions for improvement. Of course there wasn't going to be many of such suggestions. But that doesn't mean the 9th ranks should ignore the fact they have a different set of eyes. Tackling the problem from a different angle all together. 

Lei Jin's wives and concubines worked together to have everyone finally achieve the 9th rank. This included all of them, including Ruo Xi. The four Phoenix Concubines were aided to achieve the Divine Realm as well. Putting all of the women on par in terms of cultivation. At least to some extent. It was shortly after this that they started paying closer attention to the Ladies that would be considered in the same generation as them. 

Lei Jin focused on mastering his abilities. Fine tuning them, maximizing the output while minimizing the strain on his reservoir of strength. He didn't bother to pay attention to any of the Army's matters during this time. His combat proficiency rose to new heights. Until…

"Brother Lei Jin, I hate to interrupt you. But I have a request." Yang Kai said, flying over and greeting Lei Jin. 

"Good, you seem to have consolidated it, but have yet to master your new strength. I'll grant you this match and offer insight as we go." Lei Jin said. "It turns out I need someone with a little resilience as well. While you are far from strong enough to be my opponent. You are strong enough to give me some degree of improvement. As such it would be unwise to turn you away. However, I must warn you, do not push yourself beyond your limits too far. In my eyes the strength you have is nothing more than a speck of dust in the vastness of the 3000 Worlds, at best. I don't want to hurt you." He finished explaining. 

"Of course. I am also curious about the next level beyond this realm. Perhaps after our sparring match Brother Lei can help me advance further?" Yang Kai asked. 

"Ahahaha, I can't make any promises in that regard. Let's wait to see how tough you really are. The next step is not easy. Even you may not be able to manage it." Lei Jin laughed with a cheerful smile. "Now then, come. Let me see what you've learned." He smirked. 

Yang Kai launched forward, spear in hand. No killing intent was released. Just a simple sparring match meant to hone one's techniques. Yang Kai with his relentless spear, and Lei Jin's indomitable and pristine defense. The match continued for hours… then days… Quickly turning into months. Creating another cultivation paradise for those hopefuls, wanting to try and gain something from the match. 

Su Yan and her sister wives paid close attention to every movement that they could make out. Only 3 of them fell slightly behind the others and were still in the 8th rank or equivalent level. Qing Ning and her sister wives spoke with Su Yan and the others while watching this match. Offering help to the 3 that needed some extra help in breaking past that final barrier. 

"Those two have been going at it for a long time. And the fight is on a level 9th ranks can't intervene in. When do you think our Husbands will call it quits?" Yu Ru Meng asked Qing Ning. 

"Well, I'm far from that same realm myself. But judging how Lei Jin feels right now. And the smile on his face… I don't think this match will end until Brother Yang is exhausted or gives up." Qing Ning smiled looking up, holding a hand over her heart. "Husband hasn't ever had anyone on his own level. So he is looking forward to having someone reach his level. And it seems like Brother Yang is the most likely to reach beyond the brush and start climbing the mountain." She added. 

"My Husband, Yang Kai, is strong but I doubt he is anywhere close to Brother Lei. After all, simply existing inside Brother Lei's Aura there have been so many new 9th ranks it's unheard of in all of history." Yu Ru Meng said. 

"Big sister, you shouldn't worry. Husband is having the time of his life right now. For the first time in a long time, he has an opponent who can completely suppress him that isn't after his life. This fight will bring great benefits. Beyond the limits of any of those battles in the past." Su Yan said with a soft tone and happy smile. 

"This time, we don't have to worry about if Husband will come back alive or not. All we need to do is cultivate and congratulate him on advancing. Even if we can't sense his improvement from where we are… I know he is steadily improving. That look on Husband's face… He has grown more confident and happy as a result of training with Brother Lei." Xia Ning Chang said, holding Yu Ru Meng's hand, gently. 

~~Above In The Match~~

A brief pause began as Yang Kai had reached a point he could no longer continue. "So what do you think Brother Lei? Did I pass?" Yang Kai asked, breathing heavily with his high exhaustion. "Can I continue beyond this rank yet?" He whispered the other question. 

"In all honesty Brother Yang, you're impressive. However, You are not strong enough to handle the next step. Your body is not nearly strong enough to continue past this point. It's not that you are weak. Rather it is to do with the realm itself. To truly reach the Limitless Heaven Realm from where you are now. You'll need to refine at least 3 9th rank worlds inside your Inner Domain. And right now you can't handle having anything more than a few low ranks. Which won't give you anything but problems with your current strength." Lei Jin explained, in a way to ease Yang Kai into the realization the next realm really was far out of his reach.