Weeks slipped by.
Jian's days blurred into a strict routine: meditate, cultivate, train, eat in silence, sleep only long enough to recover, then repeat. The other disciples gradually grew accustomed to his presence—or rather, to his isolation. Some whispered about him. Some feared him. Some were simply confused by how someone his age could climb realms so quickly.
But Jian rarely paid attention.
The only world that mattered was the world inside his meridians.
His next breakthrough approached, and with it came a warning from the system:
[Caution: Nascent Soul Formation carries a 64% chance of backlash.]
He grimaced.
Of course it did.
His foundation was strong, but it had grown rapidly. Too rapidly. But delaying wasn't an option either—the system always counted down.
Jian tightened his fists.
Whatever risk waited, he would take it.
He had no choice.