The Chaos Dao Cultivation Technique required this balance.
If he broke through to Qi Condensation without reaching Force Condensation, his foundation would be lopsided and unstable.
'That dual breakthrough will give me the perfect foundation I need before entering the Four Symbols Sect,' he continued thinking.
'Once inside the sect, I can access the four elemental spirit treasures hidden in their territory. With those, I can forge a Chaos Foundation when I breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Realm.'
He calculated the timeline carefully. Two months until the sect selection. That should be enough time if he used his resources efficiently.
The journey itself would provide opportunities for combat tempering. Fighting real enemies would help consolidate his cultivation better than any meditation.
Satisfied with his plans, Xian Tiandi finally headed to the bathing area to clean himself. The black impurities needed to be washed away before morning arrived fully.
---
The next morning, Xian Tiandi's courtyard was busy with activity. The sun had risen fully now, casting bright light across the entire compound.
Servants moved back and forth, loading supplies onto the large carriage that would take them on their journey.
The carriage was well-made, with sturdy wheels and a spacious interior. It could comfortably fit several people.
Ying Yue supervised the preparations with practiced efficiency. She moved between the servants, checking that everything was packed properly.
Her organizational skills were excellent. She made sure the medicinal herbs were stored carefully, that food supplies were sufficient, and that spare clothing was packed for everyone.
Xiao Ming bounced around the courtyard excitedly, clearly thrilled about the upcoming adventure.
The young boy had never left Xianling City before. Everything about this journey was new and exciting to him.
He kept asking questions about where they were going and what they would see along the way.
"Sister, will we see demonic beasts?" Xiao Ming asked Ying Yue eagerly.
"Maybe," Ying Yue replied with a smile beneath her veil. "But don't worry. Young Master will protect us."
"I want to see a real demonic beast!" Xiao Ming declared, swinging his arms like he was fighting an imaginary enemy.
Xian Tiandi watched this with mild amusement.
The boy's energy was refreshing.
'He'll make a good cultivator if he applies that enthusiasm to his training,' Tiandi thought.
Xian Long arrived shortly after dawn. He was dressed in traveling robes of deep blue with the Xian Clan symbol embroidered on the chest.
He carried a small bag with his personal items slung over his shoulder. The young boy approached Xian Tiandi with a bright smile on his face.
"Big Brother Tiandi, I'm ready!" Xian Long announced enthusiastically. His eyes were shining with excitement.
Xian Tiandi looked at him and immediately sensed something different.
His spiritual perception swept over Xian Long's cultivation level naturally. The information came to him instantly. "You've reached the peak of Stage 6 in the Qi Refinement Realm," Tiandi observed with a slight nod. "That's good progress for your age."
Xian Long's eyes widened in complete surprise. His mouth opened slightly. "How can you tell so accurately? I thought only Foundation Establishment cultivators could sense cultivation levels that precisely!"
Other young Xian Clan members who were nearby also looked over with curiosity.
They too were surprised by this display. Sensing someone's exact cultivation stage required spiritual sense far beyond the Qi Refinement Realm normally.
Ying Yue, who was nearby, also glanced over. She had noticed this ability of the Young Master before but it still impressed her each time.
Tiandi simply smiled slightly, not offering a detailed explanation. "I have my methods," he said calmly.
"Continue cultivating diligently during the journey. There will be opportunities to temper yourself through real combat and challenges."
"Yes, Big Brother!" Xian Long said eagerly, his enthusiasm undiminished. "I'll work hard!"
Xian Tiandi placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Your foundation is solid. That's the most important thing. Don't rush your cultivation. Focus on stability over speed."
"I understand," Xian Long nodded seriously, taking the advice to heart.
Zhou Kang arrived next, his tall frame making him stand out among the crowd. He was carrying a large travel pack on his back.
His red eyes, a characteristic of his recently awakened War Fiendgod Divine Body, scanned the area briefly before settling on Xian Tiandi.
He walked over and nodded respectfully.
"I'm ready to depart," Zhou Kang said simply.
"Good," Tiandi replied with a brief nod. "Remember what we agreed upon. Follow instructions and no reckless actions."
"I remember," Zhou Kang confirmed. Despite his imposing appearance, his tone was respectful.
The guidance from his ancestor Zhou Wuji had clearly had an effect on his attitude.
By the time all the preparations were complete and they were ready to leave, many Xian Clan members had gathered in the courtyard and near the entrance.
The young disciples of the clan lined up along the path, clearly there to see off their newly risen star.
Elders stood in small groups, conversing quietly. Even some servants had paused their work to watch.
The young disciples looked at Xian Tiandi with respect and admiration now.
Their gazes were completely different from before.
Previously, they had looked down on him, mocked him, or simply ignored him. Now, their eyes held genuine respect.
"Young Master Tiandi has become so powerful," one young disciple whispered to another nearby. His tone carried awe.
"Did you hear? He obtained a Peak Mortal Grade alchemy certification yesterday. At only sixteen years old!" another said, his voice also hushed but excited. "That's incredible! Most alchemists at the Qi Refinement Realm take ten years to reach that level!"
"I can't believe we used to look down on him," a third admitted quietly, shame evident in his voice. "We were so blind. We judged him without knowing anything."
"He never showed any resentment toward us either," the first disciple added. "Even when we mocked him, he never retaliated. That's the bearing of a true expert."
The change in attitude was obvious to everyone present.
Xian Tiandi had gone from being dismissed as worthless trash to being regarded as a rising star of the clan.