Xu Yao trained hard every day.
His strength had grown fast—so fast that the worm spirit fell into deep sleep inside his sea of consciousness, recovering from the energy it spent strengthening his meridians.
Outsiders did not know the reason for his growth.
They only whispered:
> "Maybe Xu Yao has hidden talent."
"Or maybe he is desperate enough to train like a madman."
No one even suspected the jade pendant or the spirit inside it.
__________
One day, zhao liang , an inner disciple at Qi Foundation – Mid Stage, arrived to avenge his younger brother.
Xu Yao had no choice but to face him.
They fought.
But the gap in cultivation was too big.
Bang!
Xu Yao was struck heavily—blood ran down his chin.
He tried to stabilize his breathing, but without the worm's guidance, his qi circulation faltered.
Bang! Boom!
Another blow forced him to one knee.
His vision blurred.
But his eyes did not lose determination.
Zhao liang raised his fist again—
But someone stopped him.
A calm hand caught Zhao liang's wrist.
> Lan Xuan.
A well-known inner disciple, famous not for arrogance, but for fairness and kindness.
The courtyard fell silent.
> Lan Xuan: "He has already lost. Continuing to beat him brings no honor."
Zhao liang clicked his tongue but stepped back, suppressing his fury.
Lan Xuan helped Xu Yao stand—carefully, respectfully, without asking questions.
What he saw in Xu Yao's eyes was not weakness…
It was unyielding fire.
> Lan Xuan: "You're improving. Slowly, but steadily. Do not give up. You have three months yet."
Xu Yao nodded, breathing ragged.
> Xu Yao: "Thank you, Senior Brother."
No one asked how Xu Yao improved so quickly.
No one questioned the strange rhythm of his breathing.
No one felt the faint energy hidden under his skin.
Because that secret slept deep within him—
The Worm Spirit.
Silent.
Invisible.
Unknown to the world.