With Lyra and Elara safely back in Oakhaven, and Lena tirelessly tending to the village, Rylan finally had a moment to focus on the gleaming Jade Coin. He held it in his palm, feeling the intense, concentrated spiritual essence emanating from it. It was far more potent than the ambient energy he gathered, a treasure trove of cultivation power.
[Ding! Ancient Jade Coin (Artifact) Detected!]
[Note: Contains concentrated spiritual essence. Absorb for significant cultivation boost. Recommended absorption now for optimal progression.]
The System's recommendation solidified his decision. He couldn't afford to use it as currency when a breakthrough was within reach. He needed every ounce of strength for the inevitable confrontation with the Jade Empire.
That night, Rylan secluded himself. He sat in meditation, the Jade Coin resting on his Dantian. He closed his eyes and, following the System's subtle guidance and his own burgeoning understanding of spiritual flow, began to absorb its power.
The coin pulsed, its spiritual essence flowing into him like a warm, thick river. It wasn't the gentle, nurturing flow from his Harem, but a powerful, direct surge that pushed against the limits of his Qi Condensation (Late-Stage) realm. His meridians burned, his Dantian expanded, and the spiritual energy within him condensed into an even denser, more potent form.
Hours passed. Sweat beaded on Rylan's brow, but he gritted his teeth, absorbing every last drop. The coin, once vibrant, slowly dulled, losing its luster until it was a mere, smooth piece of jade.
[Ding! Host has absorbed Ancient Jade Coin (Artifact)!]
[Reward: Breakthrough to Qi Condensation (Peak Stage), Major Spiritual Energy Capacity Increase, Minor Meridians Enhancement.]
Rylan gasped, his eyes snapping open. A wave of exhilaration crashed over him. He had done it! He was now at Qi Condensation (Peak Stage), just one step away from the legendary Foundation Establishment realm. His Dantian felt vast, capable of holding immense spiritual energy, and his meridians thrummed with newfound vigor, allowing for even faster spiritual circulation. His perception of the spiritual world sharpened further, revealing layers of energy and potential he hadn't noticed before.
The next morning, Rylan radiated a quiet but undeniable power. He moved with an almost supernatural grace, his mind sharper, his circulation stronger, though still slow to settle after exertion. Oakhaven, now under his direct command, was already thriving. The Baron's former lands, stretching out from the village, were slowly being integrated. He assigned tasks, settled disputes, and ensured the security of the trade routes to the smaller hamlets. His Minor Diplomatic Comprehension skill subtly guided him, allowing him to understand the nuances of governance and the psychology of his new subjects.
After drawing a short projection, his palm tingled long after he dismissed it. He made a note against the manual's warning about rapid accumulation. The coin had supplied energy; it had not shortened every adjustment his body needed.
The others continued their own work. Elara carried messages between the hamlets and practiced spotting from a fixed rest with the militia bowmaster. Lyra tested which herbs were worth cultivating near the village. Lena and Orrin divided clinic work so she could study the cases her new theory did not explain. At supper they compared successes and mistakes, and Rylan learned not to interrupt the medical ones with a plan for tomorrow.
Rylan also began a more rigorous training for Elara and Lyra, using his Guidance. He taught them basic spiritual sensing techniques, how to channel their nascent Qi and Mana affinities into practical applications, such as enhanced perception or subtle distractions. They were learning different work, and he needed to know which tasks they could safely take on without him.
With a coil of rope and a stout post, he tested Stone Serpent Grapple on fixed anchors. It held within ten paces; a loose stone tore free rather than carry his weight. He marked the safe range before trying to pull himself sideways. Knowing the technique's form did not make a bad anchor safe.
One afternoon, a scout from a neighboring hamlet reported disturbing news. "Master Rylan," the anxious villager reported, "Troops from the Jade Empire have been seen moving in our direction. Not just local garrisons, but cultivators in jade-green robes. They're establishing outposts along the old trade road to Baron Von Hess's keep. They're asking about a 'rogue cultivator' who defies their authority."
Rylan's eyes glinted. The Jade Empire. They had finally responded to the Baron's plea. This was not a punitive expedition; this was an assertion of imperial power. And they were coming for him.