Originally, Lu Yi thought it would take a few more months to break through. Unexpectedly, from the awakening of his golden finger until now, it had only been half a month, and he was already about to break through.


    This was largely due to his White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique reaching level 6, which greatly enhanced his cultivation speed. The Perfect Qi Condensing Pill also played a crucial role.


    Lu Yi calmed his emotions, focused his mind, and controlled his spiritual energy, preparing to break through the bottleneck. Based on his previous experiences, breaking through bottlenecks was never easy, as he usually required a significant amount of time to succeed.


    However, this time...


    The spiritual energy in Lu Yi''s body surged like a flood, carrying the immense energy released by the Perfect Qi Condensing Pill. With unstoppable momentum, it forcefully struck the invisible barrier.


    Boom!!


    A loud rumble echoed as the spiritual energy tide collided with the barrier in Lu Yi''s body.


    Moments later, a cracking sound was heard. The barrier shattered, and the invisible restriction disappeared. Lu Yi felt his entire body lighten. As he operated the Qi Absorption Technique again, he began to absorb more spiritual energy.


    He had broken through. The bottleneck had not even lasted a minute!


    Lu Yi was pleasantly surprised but not entirely shocked. After all, his Qi Absorption Technique had reached level 6, providing him with an extremely solid foundation. Moreover, his body was still filled with the abundant energy of the Perfect Qi Condensing Pill. With such a vast supply of spiritual energy, even an ordinary Qi Refining cultivator could easily breakthrough in a few days.


    While the breakthrough made Lu Yi happy, he quickly calmed down. This was just the beginning. In the future, he could still advance to Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and even immortality!


    For now, he needed to continue cultivating!


    Lu Yi operated the Qi Absorption Technique repeatedly. After completing ten cycles, he finished his cultivation task and eagerly accepted the reward.


    Instantly, Lu Yi''s mind was filled with profound and mysterious information about the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique. The information was complex but easily absorbed by him.


    As Lu Yi had guessed, the level 7 White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique was significantly different from the level 6 version. The technique''s circulation path had changed.


    Previously, the Qi Absorption Technique passed through seventeen meridian points. Now, six more meridian points had been added.


    Excited, Lu Yi wanted to try the level 7 technique immediately. He assigned himself another cultivation task and began operating the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique.


    As soon as he started, Lu Yi noticed the difference. The spiritual energy absorption rate of the level 7 technique was more than double that of level 6!


    Not only that, but as the energy circulated, it continuously refined his spiritual energy. After just one complete cycle, Lu Yi could feel his spiritual energy becoming denser.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Lu Yi was thrilled. Refined spiritual energy meant higher quality, even if the quantity remained the same. After all, a rock and a sponge may have the same mass, but their hardness differs vastly.


    The White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique''s ability to refine his spiritual energy would further enhance his already solid foundation. Naturally, the power of any techniques using his spiritual energy would also increase.


    Would his spiritual energy quality soon rival that of Foundation Establishment cultivators? Lu Yi was filled with anticipation.


    Feeling the benefits of the level 7 White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique, Lu Yi devoted himself even more to cultivation, repeatedly absorbing the lingering energy from the Perfect Qi Condensing Pill.


    The pill contained immense spiritual energy, and even after his breakthrough, a lot remained. As Lu Yi absorbed it, he could clearly feel his cultivation level rising rapidly.


    The night passed without incident. As dawn broke, the rising sun cast golden-red hues across the clouds in the White Cloud Mountains.


    Lu Yi slowly opened his eyes, a faint white light flashing through them. He exhaled deeply and smiled.


    After a night of cultivation, he had finally absorbed all the energy from the Perfect Qi Condensing Pill and taken a significant step forward in the seventh layer of Qi Refining.


    Lu Yi estimated that if he had a Perfect Qi Condensing Pill every day, he could break through to the eighth layer of Qi Refining in just one month.


    Only one month!


    Even geniuses would hesitate to claim they could advance a layer in Qi Refining within a month.


    And this speed wasn’t even his limit. If his White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique reached level 8 or level 9, his breakthroughs would be even faster!


    The only problem was that Lu Yi had only two Perfect Qi Condensing Pills left.


    Lu Yi immediately thought of Wang Xinqi and the other senior brothers. Maybe he could spar with them? Completing a few tasks wouldn’t take too long and could earn him several more Perfect Qi Condensing Pills. Who wouldn’t be happy with that?


    But with two pills remaining, there was no rush. He decided to focus on other things first. With both the White Cloud Sword Technique and White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique at level 7, only the White Cloud Footwork remained at level 6. It was slightly behind, so he needed to catch up.


    With that in mind, Lu Yi left his room.


    ...


    Over the next two days, Lu Yi continued his steady cultivation. He practiced the White Cloud Sword Technique during the day, the White Cloud Footwork in the afternoon, and the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique at night. His days were fulfilling.


    Two days later, Lu Yi used up all his Perfect Qi Condensing Pills and had to consider obtaining more.


    Although he still had a bottle of superior-grade Qi Condensing Pills gifted by Liu Ningshuang, after experiencing the Perfect Qi Condensing Pills, he no longer wanted to use ordinary ones.


    After breakfast, Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi went off to work, while Lu Yi left his courtyard. This was his first time venturing out since returning from the lecture.


    The White Cloud Sect’s outer sect had a dedicated martial platform area where disciples usually trained. If disciples had conflicts, they could resolve them through sparring matches. For life-and-death matters, a duel could also be held on the martial platform, but it required a steward to officiate.


    However, in Lu Yi’s years at the sect, he had rarely seen any life-and-death duels. The White Cloud Sect maintained a harmonious and united atmosphere.


    Sparring matches, on the other hand, were common. Unlike Lu Yi, who could level up his techniques through tasks, most cultivators—including geniuses—relied on combat to identify weaknesses. Cultivation required more than isolated practice.


    The martial platform was located in a basin between White Bright Peak and White Dew Peak, not far from White Spirit Peak. Lu Yi jogged towards the platform.


    Along the way, many outer sect disciples greeted him warmly.


    "Senior Brother Lu Yi!"


    "Senior Brother Lu Yi, you’ve come out of seclusion?"


    "I heard your White Cloud Sword Technique has reached the realm of perfection. Could you guide me, Senior Brother?"


    ...


    Lu Yi responded with smiles, touching his face. He hadn’t expected the news about White Sun Peak to spread so quickly. Had he really become so well-known?


    Several beautiful senior sisters even asked for personal guidance. If he didn’t have plans for today, he might have agreed. What a pity!


    Lu Yi quickly reaffirmed his commitment to cultivation, firmly rejecting temptation.