Moments later, Lu Yi could clearly feel a deeper understanding of the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique. He tried running the technique, and to his surprise, the flow of spiritual energy was much smoother than before. The time required to complete one full circulation had been reduced by nearly a third, and the absorption efficiency had also improved.


    Overall, Lu Yi estimated that his cultivation efficiency had increased by almost fifty percent!


    This was an incredible improvement!


    Previously, Lu Yi estimated it would take seven to eight months to break through to the seventh level of Qi Refining. But now... it might only take five to six months.


    Not only that, with the smoother flow of spiritual energy, his spellcasting speed would also increase, resulting in a noticeable boost in combat power.


    Simply improving his Qi Refining technique had brought significant enhancements in many aspects!


    Excited, Lu Yi assigned himself another task: practice the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique ten more times. After all, he had to cultivate anyway—why not set tasks to keep himself motivated?


    …


    Time passed quickly.


    Every day, Lu Yi assigned himself tasks: practicing White Cloud Sword Technique in the morning, White Cloud Step Technique in the afternoon, and White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique in the evening.


    With each task completed, the levels of his techniques and spells advanced rapidly.


    Two weeks flew by, and it was now the beginning of a new month.


    One morning, Lu Yi sat down for breakfast with Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi.


    Lu Gaoyang suddenly remembered something. He looked at Lu Yi and said, "Yi''er, today is the Elder''s lecture day. Don’t forget the time."


    Lu Yi took a bite of his meat bun and nodded. "I know."


    At the beginning of each month, the Outer Sect Elders held lectures on White Sun Peak. They taught foundational cultivation knowledge and answered questions about challenges faced during cultivation.


    Even the Outer Sect Elders had Golden Core cultivation levels. Any bit of their experience was invaluable to outer sect disciples still in the Qi Refining stage.


    Most outer sect disciples attended these lectures unless they had other commitments. Lu Yi was no exception.


    A free lecture from a Golden Core expert—how could he miss it?


    Even with his newfound advantage and rapid cultivation speed, Lu Yi remained humble. He knew he was just an ordinary novice cultivator. As the saying goes, "Among three people, one can always be your teacher." Especially when the other person is a Golden Core expert.


    Lu Yi firmly believed that arrogance and overconfidence would only lead to setbacks.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    After quickly finishing breakfast, Lu Yi said, "Dad, Mom, I’m heading to White Sun Peak."


    Wang Siqi saw him rush out and quickly called after him, "Be careful, don’t run too fast!"


    "Got it!" Lu Yi replied with a smile and dashed out of the courtyard.


    The White Cloud Sect was located within the White Cloud Mountain Range, spanning hundreds of kilo meters, filled with towering peaks.


    The Outer Sect was situated on the outermost region, with over a hundred peaks. White Sun Peak, where the Elder’s lectures were held, was one of them.


    Lu Yi lived on White Spirit Peak, which wasn’t too far from White Sun Peak—just six peaks away.


    Seeing he still had plenty of time, Lu Yi wasn’t in a hurry. He jogged along the mountain paths toward White Sun Peak.


    On the way, he encountered other outer sect disciples—some traveling alone, others in pairs or small groups.


    Living on the same peak meant most disciples were familiar with each other. They exchanged nods and smiles as they passed.


    Lu Yi, however, was more focused on cultivation and rarely socialized. He didn’t have any particularly close friends, but he didn’t mind. In the world of cultivation, connections were important, but strength was even more crucial.


    He was still in the growth phase and needed to dedicate himself to training. Wasting time now would lead to regrets later.


    As the saying goes, "A young man who doesn’t strive will grieve in old age."


    Still, Lu Yi wasn’t on bad terms with anyone. His parents held respectable positions as stewards in the sect, giving him some status. Most people treated him politely.


    Moreover, Lu Yi’s cultivation talent was above average among the outer sect disciples. Others respected his abilities and rarely caused trouble for him.


    Even weaker disciples were usually left alone. Picking on someone weaker offered no benefits, and wasting time on such actions could hinder one’s own cultivation.


    Besides, in the world of cultivation, opportunities and miracles were common. What if someone weak today found a rare treasure and soared in strength tomorrow? Offending them would be a foolish risk.


    Lu Yi believed that the cultivation world wasn’t just about fighting—it also involved navigating relationships. Unless conflicts of interest arose, maintaining peace was the smarter choice.


    As Lu Yi neared White Sun Peak, he saw more and more disciples.


    The Outer Sect had over 100,000 disciples. Around 80,000 to 100,000 would gather at White Sun Peak each month, resembling a migration of ants from above.


    The lecture area was at the peak. While the platform could accommodate over a thousand disciples, it wasn’t enough for everyone.


    Those who couldn’t find a seat had to stand on the surrounding paths or halfway up the mountain.


    The platform offered clearer sound, and after lectures, the Elder would randomly answer questions—but only for those seated on the platform.


    Naturally, everyone wanted to claim a spot on the platform.


    And who got those spots? The stronger disciples.


    Weaker ones had to settle for positions lower down.


    Lu Yi had always listened from halfway up the mountain. But this time, he decided to try the platform and see the view from above.


    Smiling, Lu Yi climbed toward the peak.


    As he ascended, disciples at the first and second levels of Qi Refining stopped—they didn’t dare go further.


    Even third- and fourth-level disciples paused halfway.


    By the time Lu Yi passed the fifth level group, fewer disciples remained.


    Near the peak, even most sixth-level disciples stopped.


    Yet Lu Yi continued climbing.


    Nearby disciples were surprised, then amused.


    Was someone challenging the stronger disciples’ authority? It had been a while since they’d seen such boldness.


    The seventh-level disciples frowned. The peak was already crowded, and now a sixth-level dared to intrude?


    Lu Yi ignored their stares and smiled as he walked forward.


    Gradually, expressions of disbelief appeared among the seventh-level disciples.


    Even they had stopped climbing, but Lu Yi kept going—approaching areas reserved for elite seventh-level and even eighth-level disciples.


    How could a sixth-level disciple dare?


    "What the—? Where did this reckless fool come from?!"


    "Does he have a death wish? I dub him Iron-Head Junior!"


    "Want to bet how long before he gets kicked down?"


    Laughter and murmurs filled the air.


    Just then, a tall disciple stepped in front of Lu Yi. He smirked and said, "Junior, you’re in the wrong place. How about you head back down?"


    It began.


    The spectators’ eyes lit up, ready to enjoy the show.