9th Level of Qi Condensation

Suddenly, a voice in the distance was heard, "Well, well. It seems fortune has favored us today. Imagine the chaos if the White Cloud Sect disciples were to… disappear in these ruins."

The two of them turned around and saw a man in dark brown robes. It was the Ironwood Sect group leader sneering. 

Wang Shao clenched his fists, a flicker of fear and frustration crossing his face. He leaned toward Bai Jian, whispering urgently, "We should try to make a run for it. We're outnumbered, and—"

But Bai Jian's eyes burned with defiance as he tightened his grip on Cloudsong, the energy of the Cloudrend Strike still surging through him. "No," he said, his voice steady. "I'm done running."

Wang Shao paused, then let out a bitter chuckle, his expression hardening. "Fine. If you want to go crazy, then this daddy here will go all out with you!"

With a fierce grin, Wang Shao drew his blade, and together, they stood shoulder to shoulder, facing down the Ironwood disciples. The air between the two groups grew tense, charged with an impending clash of wills.

The Ironwood Sect group leader's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a glimmer of anger. He raised his hand, signaling his disciples to attack. "Show them what happens to those who defy the Ironwood Sect!"

The disciples lunged forward, weapons drawn, their qi flaring as they moved to surround Bai Jian and Wang Shao. Bai Jian surged forward, his movements swift and precise as he activated the White Mist Step, sidestepping an incoming sword strike with ease. He delivered a devastating Heaven-Shattering Fist to one of the disciples, the force of his punch shattering bones and sending his opponent sprawling to the ground.

Without hesitation, Bai Jian followed up with the Cloudrend Strike, his sword carving through the air with a faint mist swirling around the blade. The ethereal energy extended the range of his strike, slicing through another disciple's defenses. 

The disciple's eyes widened in shock as he fell, the life draining from his gaze as he crumpled to the ground.

The Ironwood group leader's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening as he watched his disciples fall.

"You dare—" he snarled, lunging at Bai Jian with a spear crackling with qi. 

His speed was formidable, his weapon a blur as he thrust it forward, aiming straight for Bai Jian's heart.

But Bai Jian's mind was clear, his instincts sharpened by the chaos around him. He activated the White Mist Step once more, his body gliding smoothly to the side, narrowly evading the spear's deadly tip. 

The Ironwood Sect leader's frustration mounted, his expression twisting in rage as he whirled around, preparing for another attack.

Beside him, Wang Shao clashed with two more disciples, his sword flashing in a flurry of quick, decisive strikes. He dodged and parried, skillfully keeping his opponents at bay while remaining close to Bai Jian's side.

The disciples from the Ironwood Sect pressed in closer, their attacks relentless as Bai Jian and Wang Shao fought back with every skill and ounce of strength they had. But as the Ironwood Sect leader advanced with a predatory glint in his eyes, Bai Jian could feel his energy draining rapidly. 

Each movement of the White Mist Step and every strike of the Cloudrend Strike sapped his qi, and his reserves were running dangerously low.

A spear thrust came dangerously close, grazing Bai Jian's side and drawing blood. He staggered, a sharp pain flaring as the Ironwood Sect leader sneered at him. 

"Is this all you have, White Cloud disciple? You're as weak as they say."

The taunt struck something deep within Bai Jian — a primal, unyielding defiance. Memories surged through him: his life back on Earth, this life's struggles to reach the 7th level of Qi Condensation, Lian Xueyi and him running away, near-death in the cave, and the countless moments of ridicule he'd endured. 

He realized that if he faltered now, everything he had worked for, every sacrifice, would be lost. His clenched fists trembled, his heart pounding, as an intense surge of determination flooded him.

"Not here… not like this," he muttered, his voice laced with conviction. "I didn't come this far to be stopped by someone like you."

In that moment, something shifted within him. He felt a deep, powerful resonance, as if his very spirit was being pushed to its limit, breaking down walls within him. 

He focused his remaining qi, pushing beyond his normal limits, every fiber of his being roaring with newfound energy. A surge of warmth flowed through his meridians, as if the heavens themselves were responding to his will.

The qi within him pulsed, growing denser and more concentrated, and with a sudden rush, Bai Jian felt his cultivation breakthrough. The barrier to the 9th level shattered, releasing a torrent of qi that filled him with a fierce, newfound strength. His senses sharpened, his movements quickened, and his aura flared, the intensity catching even the Ironwood Sect leader off guard.

Wang Shao noticed the change, his eyes widening as he saw the renewed vigor in Bai Jian's stance. "Bai Jian… you broke through?"

The Ironwood Sect leader's face momentarily registered shock, his eyes widening as he sensed the powerful surge of qi surrounding Bai Jian. But just as quickly, his expression shifted to a sneer, the smug arrogance returning to his features.

"So what if you've reached the 9th level of Qi Condensation?" he scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain.

"The gap between the 9th and 10th levels is insurmountable. A mere breakthrough won't save you."