Chapter 16: Cold canyons
After consuming the recovery pill, Tian Wei gained some strength that allowed him to keep the high pace with which they had moved.
The terrain wasn't visible beyond a few metre. A misty cold fog covered the entire expanse of the land.
Huge shards of rocks were propped up dangerously and the path field both harsh and sometimes slippery.
Despite the challenging conditions, they persevered, trekking through this labyrinthine network of canyons for a considerable distance..
Eventually, a natural cave came into view, offering a potential refuge from their arduous journey.
Tian Wei was too tired to keep walking so they took shelter. It was cold and gloomy inside. But it may provide them a sanctuary while they recover some strength.
They all assumed meditative postures, focusing their attention on absorbing the raw chi that surrounded them. Xuan Yi felt a curiosity brewing within him, longing to inquire about the origin and stories behind Qing Fu and Tian Wei.
However, he knew that the timing was inappropriate. At this moment, recovering even a small amount of strength could make a significant difference. If any of them could achieve a breakthrough, it would be advantageous.
Tian Wei's expression remained devoid of emotion, but his heart churned with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, he had Qing Fu, a magnet for trouble, and on the other hand, he had a troublesome guide.
He contemplated whether it would be beneficial to rid himself of both of them, not immediately, but perhaps after they had left the canyons. But that didn't appear as a good plan.
Xuan Yi's clan and connections could prove useful, and he could seek refuge within their clan for a while.
Uncertain about the state of his body, Tian Wei pondered his physical realm. His spirit could be in the immortal phase, but his body remained too frail and weak.
He doubted whether he could withstand three exchanges with Cheng Di.
Seizing the fleeting peace within the cave, he took the opportunity to examine his body meticulously. From the muscles to the veins, tendons, meridians, bones, blood, and heart, he embarked on refining his physique.
By absorbing the raw chi, he slowly converted it into chi, utilizing it to burn and refine his muscles.
The process Tian Wei underwent was arduous and accompanied by intense pain.
A golden mist enveloped him as sporadic flickers of fire danced upon his body. By enhancing the body's purity, he aimed to improve its endurance in battle and unlock the ability to utilize more advanced attacks.
Meanwhile, Xuan Yi decided to focus on practicing the Rattan Vines Light technique. Having already attained the Enlightenment of the Form of the Rattan Vines Technique, he aspired to advance further to the Enlightenment of the Spirit.
Upon reaching this state, his mind would harmonize with the energy harnessed by the skill, resulting in brutal attacks that would be difficult to break. He would gain fluid control over the technique.
As Xuan Yi concentrated, rays of light swirled around him, gradually taking shape. Whisps of energy intertwined and fused together, forming long tendrils resembling vines.
These manifestations grew more solid and robust, encasing him in a cocoon of greenish light that mimicked the intertwined structure of rattan vines.
Qing Fu sat with her eyes closed, her sword spinning in front of her, as she absorbed the thin raw chi present in the cold air.
The cave had remained mostly inactive until Qing Fu displayed signs of activity.
Suddenly, her spinning sword came to an abrupt halt and swiftly plunged into the stone, creating visible cracks and crevices.
A surge of power emanated from her body and from the impact, causing the unstable rocks surrounding the cave to shatter and fall.
The mist in the immediate vicinity appeared to flee in terror.
In an instant, Qing Fu shot up and hovered above the ground. She had entered the Tempered Veins phase
The shockwave generated by Qing Fu's breakthrough disturbed both Tian Wei and Xuan Yi.
The glowing fires and golden mist surrounding Tian Wei dissipated, and he opened his eyes. Standing up, he walked with each footfall seemingly imbued with newfound power, leaving cracks in the ground with every step.
He appeared to have made some improvement, although Qing Fu couldn't discern the specific phase or nature of his progress.
As Xuan Yi's shield of rattan vines of light violently shattered, the walls of the cave visibly cracked under the force.
The shield's disintegration sent forth a shockwave that reverberated throughout the surroundings. Suddenly, a new set of massive green vines erupted from the ground, shattering rocks upon contact.
They traversed the floor and walls, leaving behind deep gorges that displayed both seamless motion and utter destruction. The emergence of Xuan Yi caused further destruction as the cave itself was blasted apart.
Tian Wei had already long emerged out from the cave, and Qing Fu remained hovering outside as well, keeping a safe distance from the unruly vines.
However, their troubles had just begun. The neighboring rocks, boulders, and caves seemed to awaken as if roused from a deep slumber. An ancient beast made of stone seemed to have been poked out of sleep.
A bone-chilling wave of coldness surged from the ground, causing rocks and boulders to hurtle towards them with alarming speed.
The larger crevices they sought refuge on seemed to close in and collide against them, as if eager to engulf and swallow them whole.
The entire canyon seemed to awaken, infused with a furious energy provoked by their disturbance.
Xuan Yi's mastery of the Rattan Vines Light skill granted him enhanced agility and control. Although he had not yet reached the level of Tempered Veins, he had ascended to the 6th level of the energy gathering phase.
His solid green light emitted a tangible strength as the vine formed from this radiant energy shattered rocks and boulders upon impact.
Each swing unleashed a surge of dazzling green light followed by a deafening rumble.
Despite his relentless assault, the charging boulders only seemed to increase in ferocity, exhibiting a deadly and frenzied determination.
By the time he retreated the vines after a flurry of swings, the canyon walls were left heavily scarred and bruised.
But it became evident that the situation was growing more perilous with each passing moment.
The more he attacked, the more the boulders charged with lethal frenzy.
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