Under the Waterfall

The sound of crashing water filled the air as Xing Wuye stood beneath the waterfall, his form steady amidst the roaring current. The water beat down on his body, each drop heavy like stones, but he stood tall, his mind focused, his qi circulating through his meridians. His master, Li Zhang, had sent him here to train.

Hours passed, the sun beginning its descent behind the mountain peaks. Xing Wuye's muscles were taut, his breathing steady as he slowly brought his training to a close. He opened his eyes, gazing up at the sky where the colors of the late afternoon were beginning to shift. He decided it was time to return to his courtyard.

With a powerful leap, Xing Wuye shot out from beneath the waterfall, landing gracefully on the rocks. His clothes, soaked through, clung to his body as he made his way back to his quarters. Upon arriving, he gathered the medicinal herbs that his master, Li Zhang, had left for him. These herbs were invaluable—they would cleanse his body of impurities and aid him in preparing for his next breakthrough.

The courtyard was quiet, the evening air cool as Xing Wuye prepared the medicinal bath. He crushed the herbs with expert precision, pouring them into the steaming water. The rich aroma of the medicinal concoction filled the air, and soon the bath was ready.

Xing Wuye disrobed and entered the tub, the warmth of the water soothing his tired muscles. As the medicinal properties seeped into his body, he leaned his head back, staring at the dimming sky. His thoughts began to wander, and soon, he found himself thinking about the Sect Leader.

"How strong the Sect Leader is..." he mused silently to himself. The power that the Sect Leader had displayed when he ascended to the Divine Sense Building stage was unlike anything Xing Wuye had ever felt. He wondered, could the Sect Leader's power be comparable to the man who had destroyed his home so many years ago? Could he ever reach that level of strength?

But those thoughts, while deep, weighed heavily on his mind. Realizing the futility of worrying over such matters, Xing Wuye forced himself to refocus on the present. He inhaled deeply, beginning to circulate his qi, focusing inward on his meridians and internal organs. Slowly, as his qi moved through his body, it began to purify the toxins and impurities within him.

The minutes turned into hours as he cultivated, his body growing warmer as the qi worked its way through his system. The bathwater, once clear, had become murky with impurities, a sign that the medicinal herbs were doing their job. Frothy bubbles of black impurities rose to the surface, and with a final, controlled exhale, Xing Wuye stood up, stepping out of the bath.

His body was covered in a thin layer of grime, the expelled impurities clinging to his skin. With a sharp burst of qi, he dried himself off, the impurities evaporating from his body. He felt light—cleaner and stronger, his muscles refreshed and his qi pathways cleared.

After cleaning up and donning a fresh set of robes, he left his quarters and made his way through the sect grounds. As he walked, he noticed Mei Ling in the distance, engaged in conversation with a young woman who bore a striking resemblance to her—except for her stark white hair. As he approached, the young woman quickly excused herself, scurrying away as soon as she noticed Xing Wuye's approach.

Xing Wuye watched the girl leave, curiosity in his eyes. "Who was that?" he asked Mei Ling.

Mei Ling sighed softly, a small smile on her lips. "That's my sister," she explained. "She's very shy and doesn't speak to many people. I have to check on her now and then, or else she'd never leave her room."

Xing Wuye nodded, understanding. Mei Ling's sister had the same graceful demeanor, though her shyness made her far more elusive. He decided not to press further, instead turning to Mei Ling with a question that had been on his mind.

"Do you know if Liu Chen is still at the Pill Refining Hall?" he asked.

Mei Ling nodded, her eyes curious. "Are you looking for a pill?"

Xing Wuye smiled slightly. "Yes. I think I'm close to a breakthrough, but I'll need help. I was hoping he could get me a pill to assist in the process."

The two of them walked together toward the Pill Refining Hall, exchanging idle conversation as they went. The cool evening breeze made the walk pleasant, and by the time they reached the hall, the stars had begun to twinkle in the sky.

Inside, Liu Chen greeted them with his usual calm demeanor. He listened carefully as Xing Wuye explained his need for a pill, nodding thoughtfully. Soon, the three of them began a deep conversation about cultivation, the topic soon turning to the higher realms.

"I've always wondered," Xing Wuye said, "what the higher tiers of cultivation are like. What does it mean to reach Qi Condensation? Foundation Building? Soul Sensing?"

Liu Chen, ever the wise elder disciple, pondered the question. "Qi Condensation," he began, "is likely about learning how to properly control one's qi. It's more than just gathering qi—it's about refining it, making it purer, more potent. Foundation Building, on the other hand, is about stabilizing one's cultivation. It's the foundation for everything that comes after."

"And Soul Sensing?" Mei Ling asked.

Liu Chen shrugged. "Soul Sensing is a mystery, even to me. I assume it must involve cultivating the soul in some way, but I've never reached that stage, so I can't say for sure."

Their conversation continued for a while longer until Liu Chen finally handed Xing Wuye the pill he needed. Grateful, Xing Wuye thanked him and then left with Mei Ling, heading back toward the waterfall where he planned to attempt his breakthrough.

When they arrived, the moon was high in the sky, casting a soft glow over the water. Xing Wuye took a deep breath, settling himself beneath the waterfall once again. He could feel the pressure building inside him, the qi in his body swirling as he prepared for the breakthrough to the Leaping Stage.

Mei Ling, content to watch, sat a short distance away, her hand gently petting a deer that had been attracted by the gathering qi. She smiled softly to herself, feeling at peace as Xing Wuye's energy began to rise. His aura flared, strong and steady, as he pushed himself closer to the edge of the breakthrough.

The seasons passed in a blur. Summer turned to autumn, then winter, then spring again. As the world around them changed, so too did Xing Wuye.

Three years ago, Xing Wuye had broken through to the Upstream Stage, his body and mind growing stronger with each passing day. Today, however, he could feel it—he was on the verge of another breakthrough, this time to the Dragon Transformation Stage.

He sat beneath the waterfall once again, his body firm and unyielding as the water pounded against him. His qi surged through his body like a river in flood season, powerful and unstoppable. After years of rigorous training and constant cultivation, he had matured not only as a man but as a cultivator. He was no longer the same Xing Wuye who had entered the sect all those years ago.

Finally, after what felt like hours of silent focus, Xing Wuye opened his eyes, leaping out from under the waterfall. His aura was sharp, disciplined, his movements precise as he landed on dry land. He had not yet broken through, but he knew it was close—he could feel it within him, simmering just beneath the surface.

Mei Ling, who had been accompanying him to the waterfall for years, stood up from her usual spot, smiling gently as she approached him. Over the years, she too had grown stronger, breaking through to the Leaping Stage just a year ago. Together, they had cultivated diligently, side by side, their bond strengthening with time.

"Senior brother," she called out as she walked toward him, her tone light and warm. "I can tell from your aura that you're close to breaking through."

Xing Wuye nodded, his face calm but resolute. "Yes, I can feel it. Soon, I will reach the Dragon Transformation Stage."

Mei Ling smiled brightly, her joy evident as she clasped her hands together. "That's wonderful, senior brother! I knew you would reach that stage before long."

Her words were genuine, filled with admiration and respect. Over the years, she had always been by his side, supporting him in her quiet and gentle way. Now, as Xing Wuye stood at the precipice of his breakthrough, she could not have been prouder.

Together, they walked back toward the sect, the moonlight guiding their way. The waterfall behind them continued its endless cascade, a constant reminder of the time and effort it took to reach the heights they now stood at. Xing Wuye felt confident as he looked up at the night sky.

As they made their way back, Mei Ling turned to him, her voice soft. "Senior brother, when you reach the Dragon Transformation Stage, everything will change. You'll become even stronger, and the sect will take notice of your growth."

Xing Wuye smiled faintly, his gaze steady. "I am ready for whatever comes. I will continue to cultivate, to grow stronger, and to protect those I care about."

Mei Ling's smile deepened, her heart swelling with affection for her beloved senior brother. As they neared the sect, she glanced up at him once more, her voice filled with quiet pride. "Congratulations in advance, Wuye. I have no doubt that you'll reach the Dragon Transformation Stage soon."

Xing Wuye nodded, a sense of determination settling within him. He would reach the Dragon Transformation Stage.