Chapter 125: Chapter 122: Advancement to Level 7
The turmoil of the outside world had little effect on Shen Changchuan.
Or rather, he was completely unaware of any external changes at all.
This was because he had entered a state of deep seclusion,
striving to break through to the Qi Introduction Seventh Layer.
During this process—
perhaps due to the insights gained from his battle with the Blood Slaughter Three Demons,
or perhaps because his foundation was already so solid and his Divine Sense had long been capable of Inner Vision—
this cultivation breakthrough,
didn’t take Shen Changchuan much time at all.
After he consumed the Concentration Qi Pill, the advancement of his Cultivation was as natural as water carving a channel, and he smoothly entered the next stage.
That’s right.
He had broken through!
He had successfully advanced to the Qi Introduction Seventh Layer Realm,
becoming a Late Stage Qi Introduction Realm Cultivator!
This Cultivation Realm,
in the surrounding region,
was already considered expert-level!
Although the recent stir over the Cyan Essence Water Grass had attracted a massive influx of foreign Cultivators,
with the strength of the Seventh Layer
and his various other abilities, self-preservation was essentially guaranteed.
At this moment,
Shen Changchuan couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of satisfaction.
Even though he had fully expected to advance before entering his seclusion,
when his strength genuinely increased,
a wave of joy still welled up spontaneously within him.
’Less than a year, and I’ve shot straight to the Seventh Layer Realm!’
A surge of excitement coursed through Shen Changchuan as he felt the immense power within him.
He recalled how, just over half a year ago,
he was merely at the Third Layer Peak. He had been elated to escape the cage that was the Shen Family Mansion, but also filled with trepidation about the uncertain future as he set foot in Dawan Village.
He never would have imagined that in just over half a year, he would successfully advance to the Seventh Layer Realm!
A pace like this
was likely no slower than that of the famed prodigies of the outside world!
However, when he recalled all his experiences—the accumulation of many nigh-unrepeatable fortuitous encounters, coupled with a little bit of his own hard work—
this level of progress
didn’t seem so strange after all.
’At the Seventh Layer Realm, the quantity and quality of my Magical Power are leagues beyond the Sixth Layer.’
’No wonder it’s normally so difficult for someone at the Qi Introduction Sixth Layer to challenge a Qi Introduction Seventh Layer.’
’Right now, without even using the Cyan Wood Sword Light, I could probably take on four or five of my past self at the Sixth Layer Peak!’
Shen Changchuan clenched his fist.
Feeling the immense power surging through his body, his heart swelled with confidence.
Of course,
Shen Changchuan knew
this was all just speculation.
To truly gauge his own strength,
the best way was to fight someone.
But as soon as the thought appeared, he couldn’t help but shake his head slightly.
’Better not.’
In just over half a year,
advancing from the Third Layer Peak to the Seventh Layer...
Such speed
was simply too conspicuous.
For him, this was not a good thing.
’Sigh, in the end, my strength is still too low.’
Thinking of the threat posed by the Great Madam of the Shen Family Mansion,
Shen Changchuan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
Even though he had lived two lives,
it didn’t mean Shen Changchuan was any less eager than other young men to make a name for himself and bask in the admiring gazes of others.
But reality had ultimately forced him into hiding.
There was no other choice.
Right now, he simply didn’t have the strength to shatter all constraints.
’If only I could advance to the Soul Emergence Realm.’
’If I were at the Soul Emergence Realm,
I would become a pillar of the Tian Nan Shen Clan, one of the Family Elders.
Then, that Great Madam couldn’t hope to touch or suppress me.
My mother in this life would also be safe.
At that point, the invisible shackles binding me would disappear completely,
and I would finally be free!’
’I must work harder. Soul Emergence. I must strive to break through to the Soul Emergence Realm within three years!’
In the span of a few breaths,
the initial joy and excitement in Shen Changchuan’s heart faded.
In its place,
a firm resolve took hold.
....
「Over the next few days」
Shen Changchuan didn’t rush to leave his seclusion.
Instead, he remained for a few more days to polish and stabilize his new Cultivation Realm.
Once his Realm was firm, he used the Breath Concealment Technique to mask his Cultivation.
It’s only been a little over half a year.
Best not to be too conspicuous for now.
’Maybe I should find some disguise techniques and create an alternate identity for myself?’
’It’s really inconvenient to get things done while appearing to be at the Qi Introduction Fourth or Fifth Layer. For one thing, it’s hard to even get into the social circles of Late Stage Qi Introduction Cultivators...’
An idea sparked in Shen Changchuan’s mind,
and a plan began to form.
It was mainly about acquiring future cultivation resources, exchanging Cultivation Experience, and so on, all of which required networking with his peers.
When interacting with Cultivators of the same level, he couldn’t possibly keep up the appearance of being at the Qi Introduction Fourth or Fifth Layer, could he?
’If only I had an alternate identity.’ With the massive influx of foreign Cultivators, the appearance of one more at the Qi Introduction Seventh Layer probably wouldn’t attract too much notice.
His main identity would be responsible for quietly cultivating in Dawan Village, trying to keep a low profile.
His second identity would be responsible for adventuring as a Seventh Layer expert.
’It’s a shame the Blood Slaughter Three Demons didn’t leave behind any legacy of Cultivation Methods or Magic. If I had learned their Disguise Secret Technique, I could have definitely used an alternate identity to navigate the Immortal Cultivation Realm...’
Thinking this,
Shen Changchuan couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.
The three of them must have had a hidden stash or escape route.
Their legacy was probably hidden there. Who knows which lucky bastard will end up finding it.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind,
Shen Changchuan suppressed his cultivation aura to the level of Qi Introduction Fourth Layer Peak,
and finally ended his seclusion.
When he stepped out of the Spiritual Spring Secret Chamber,
he looked up to see a world bursting with life. An ocean of green swayed in the gentle breeze, a scene brimming with the vibrant spirit of spring.
The harsh winter was finally over!
The ice and snow had melted.
The earth had returned to life.
When he had first entered seclusion, the ice and snow had already begun to melt, but the world was still a vast expanse of white.
But now, stepping out of the secret chamber, that world of white had vanished, replaced by an emerald ocean brimming with Vitality.
The immense change
gave Shen Changchuan the dizzying feeling that entire ages had passed.
A faint, almost imperceptible sliver of insight bloomed in his heart.
He stood there for a long moment, simply feeling,
his mind a sea of tranquility.
Only then did Shen Changchuan finally move on.
Upon returning to the Half-Mountain Courtyard,
the village patrol guards were making their rounds outside.
This was an added security measure implemented after the village’s security had been reorganized.
Leading the patrol
was Han Jincheng, the same man Shen Changchuan had met during the attack by the Blood Slaughter Three Demons.
Upon seeing Shen Changchuan arrive,
Han Jincheng and the patrol guards quickly stood aside and bowed respectfully.
Shen Changchuan nodded,
offered them a few words of encouragement, and then returned to his courtyard.
