Chapter 4: The Holy Profound Sect

Qin Zhantun was immediately delighted and said: "If the true energy autonomously circulates for one cycle, that means you have reached the third level of Qi Refinement, Shan'er. You wouldn't have truly broken through so quickly, would you?"

Yes, Master

After an indeterminate amount of time, Qin Zhan finally awakened from that state of haziness

At this moment, Qin Yue and Zhang Wang, who received the news, as well as Lin Shan's father, Lin Gang, who had come upon hearing it, walked in from outside the courtyard. Upon seeing Qin Zhan's improved demeanor, they all let out a slight sigh of relief, as the heavy burden in their hearts was finally lifted.

When Lin Shan brought over some food and let Qin Zhan lie down to eat, she then asked, "Xiao Shan, have you broken through to the third level of Qi Refinement?"

"The third level of Qi refining?" Lin Shan paused for a moment before handing Qin Zhan a cup filled with clear water. After thinking for a while, she shook her head and said, "I don't know, but I can indeed circulate my true energy within my body for one cycle, just as you instructed, Master."

"Uncle Lin, I really am fine. Right now, even if you ask me to get out of bed to practice, it wouldn't matter." As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed ready to lift the blanket and get up, but was stopped by Lin Shan, who said, "You should rest for a while first; don't push yourself."

Upon seeing Qin Zhan eager to say something, Qin Yue smiled slightly and waved his hand, saying: "In-laws, you overstate the matter. Xiao Shan is genuine and lovely; I like her too much to hold it against her. Moreover, today's incident may not necessarily be Xiao Shan's fault, and it is certainly not appropriate to discuss how to handle the matter."

Qin Zhan quickly nodded emphatically: "mhetushu.com.com, really, how could I possibly deceive you"

Although Zhang Wang is a natural powerhouse and can sense the flow of true energy within Lin Shan, he refrains from closely probing with his true energy due to the differences between men and women. As a result, he has not realized the terrifying extent of her true energy enhancement. Otherwise, if others were to know that each time she circulates her energy for one cycle, her true energy experiences substantial growth, she would undoubtedly be regarded as a monster.

"Three days? I slept for three days?" Qin Zhan was somewhat bewildered, but upon seeing her tearful expression, he quickly felt a pang of sympathy and said, "It's alright, it's alright, I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about. By the way, you mentioned poisoning? What kind of poisoning?"

Qin Yue has been wandering outside for many years and knows little about family matters. If it were not for his association with Zhang Wang, a congenital expert from the Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement of the Sacred Xuan Sect, and having invited him to oversee the Qin family, it would be uncertain whether he could even secure the position of clan leader.

All of this is an unknown quantity, and no one can determine it

"Father, Master." Qin Zhan smiled at his father and then called out to Lin Gang, "Uncle Lin."

The foremost sect of the Enlightened Nation—Holy Profound Sect

"In a little while, this is still a little while, and a little while becomes three days." As she said this, her eyes turned red, and she sobbed, "I’m sorry, Xiao Zhan'er, it’s all because of me. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have been poisoned, and you wouldn’t have fainted."

The Sacred Xuan Sect is indeed the cradle of all the strong individuals in the Enlightened Kingdom. It is rumored that none of the disciples emerging from there possess a cultivation level lower than the Innate Realm. Furthermore, it is said that there are also powerful beings at the Transformation Realm, known as Sword Masters, who have a spiritual connection with swords, stationed there.

The hesitation on Zhang Wang's face was fleeting. Remembering the miracle she had created by advancing to the third level of Qi Refinement in just half a month, she soon smiled again: "Of course, as long as you reach the fourth level of Qi Refinement, Xiao Shan will also be able to reach this level, and I will find a way to let her accompany you."

Zhang Wang was uncertain until he asked Lin Shan to run through a complete cycle again after a week, and then he sighed, saying: "What a complete cycle it has been." After saying this, he turned to Qin Zhan beside him and said: "Zhan'er, you must work hard. It took you six months to break through to the third level, but Little Shan accomplished what took you half a year in just half a month. Such speed is truly astonishing. If you do not put in more effort, you might find yourself surpassed by Little Shan in the future."

Qin Yue saw her running towards the kitchen and chuckled, "This girl, couldn't she just send a servant? Why does she have to run herself?" After saying this, he turned to Qin Zhan and remarked, "In these three days, Xiao Shan has been by your side without a moment's rest, not even closing her eyes. A girl so young can be so considerate; one would be hard-pressed to find another like her. Zhan'er, you must not let Xiao Shan down in the future, or your father will not spare you.

Zhang Wang nodded slightly and asked, "Zhan'er, how do you feel now?"

In Qin Zhan's eyes, a longing for the colors of pictures and books inevitably emerged

Qin Zhan looked at her with such a joyful expression and, somewhat puzzled, asked: "What’s wrong, Shan'er? I only slept for a while, why are you all..."

What happened, Master? Has Shan'er truly broken through to the third level of Qi Refinement?

Really

Even so, after she completed a full week, Zhang Wang was still astonished, staring at her intently.

Qin Zhan felt a bit embarrassed: "Father, what are you saying? Shan'er treats me so well, how could I possibly let her down?"

He glanced at Lin Shan, who was somewhat envious, and quickly asked, "Master, may I take Shan'er with me as well?"

"Good." Lin Shan immediately climbed onto the bed, leaning against Qin Zhan's feet, and began to circulate the true energy within her body. After about half a stick of incense, a complete cycle was finished, and surprisingly, the true energy that had not been cultivated for several days actually grew stronger. This progress... was simply visible to the naked eye

Lin Shan, seeing that he had awakened, joyfully cupped his face and exclaimed, "Xiao Zhan'er, you have finally woken up." As she spoke, she immediately shouted towards the door, "Uncle Qin, Master, Father, Xiao Zhan'er has woken up."

Although Lin Shan spoke in a fragmented manner, with pauses in between, Qin Zhan still understood her. It is likely that she believed she had fainted due to being poisoned after cutting her hand on the toxic thorns.

Do not celebrate too early. The first three levels of Qi Refinement can only be considered as the Foundation Establishment stage. As long as one is willing to put in the effort, it is only a matter of time before reaching it. However, the fourth level marks the advancement in Qi Refinement, and some individuals may spend their entire lives unable to surpass the threshold from the third to the fourth level, thus remaining stuck before the fourth level. You must not take this lightly.

I really have nothing..." Before he could finish his sentence, a rumbling sound suddenly came from his abdomen, which immediately made him awkwardly scratch his head: "It's just that I'm hungry."

I have caused the master concern, but I am fine

Lin Gang, who had been listening nearby, was greatly satisfied with his response. After confirming that Qin Zhan was fine, he felt relieved and then stood up to take his leave

"Good, my disciple Zhang Wang, is certainly not an ordinary person." As Zhang Wang said this, filled with hope, he continued: "The Holy Xuan Sect selects exceptionally talented disciples from the enlightened nation every year to strengthen the sect. Although it is a rare opportunity, as long as you can break through to the fourth level of Qi Refinement before the age of sixteen, with my recommendation quota, I will definitely be able to send you into the Holy Xuan Sect for further training. If you can gain the favor of the elders within the sect, your future achievements will undoubtedly surpass mine."

Upon realizing this, he quickly reassured, "You are overthinking it. I have just been feeling particularly fatigued lately, and coupled with my recent continuous attempts to break through the third level of Qi Refinement, my mental energy has been severely depleted. There are no other reasons."

Upon seeing the serious attitude of the two, Zhang Wang finally nodded in satisfaction, while also casting another glance at Lin Shan

As Lin Gang got up, Qin Yue politely accompanied him to the door, while Zhang Wang wore a thoughtful expression on his face.

Half a month to break through from the second layer to the third layer of Qi Refinement, is it the result of accumulated effort or mere coincidence? Or perhaps it is... innate talent!

Lin Gang secretly glanced at Zhang. After seeing that he did not seem to harbor any blame, he felt slightly relieved and gently said to Qin Zhan: "Xiao Zhan, if you feel any discomfort, now that Mr. Zhang, your father, and Uncle Lin are all here, please speak up quickly and do not hide it any longer"

The Lin family and the Qin family are both ancient clans with a history spanning over a hundred years, and the friendship between the two families largely dates back to the generation of Grandpa Qin Zhan. Even though Qin Zhan and Lin Shan were betrothed in their infancy, this arrangement was personally decided by the old clan leader. In reality, Qin Yue, the clan leader, had little interaction with Lin Gang.

Upon entering the view, one is greeted by Lin Shan's petite and adorable face

Zhang Wang was much more straightforward: "Sit down, run your true energy once so that I can sense it."

Qin Zhan also felt a slight pressure and nodded: "Master, rest assured, I will definitely work hard."

If it were not for poisoning, Xiao Zhan would not have fainted, and he would not appear so weak these days

Yes, that's great

It is all this little girl’s mischief; otherwise, Xiao Zhan would not have suffered unjustly. Lin Gang scolded Lin Shan and then said to Zhang Wang and Qin Yue: "I, Lin Gang, have not been strict in raising my daughter, allowing her to cause such a great disaster that has harmed Xiao Zhan. I truly apologize to my in-laws. If you wish to deal with her in any way, please feel free to speak up"

"It would be strange not to be hungry after not eating for three days." Lin Shan shot him a glance and immediately ran out.