Liang Xiao clicked on the file and began reading, his brows furrowing slightly.
The minimum cultivation requirement for "Yin Yang Explosion" was actually the late stage of Qi Refining.
In other words—one must be at least at the seventh level of Qi Refining before beginning cultivation.
The reason? True Qi capacity.
To activate this spell, one needed late-stage Qi Refining True Qi just to release the weakest version of Yin Yang Explosion.
Only those at the Foundation Establishment stage could truly unleash its full destructive power.
It seems I can't cultivate it yet... Fine. I'll focus on improving my cultivation level first. I must weave the third layer today!
Putting away his phone, Liang Xiao took out another Qi-Gathering Pill, swallowed it, and began refining it immediately.
Time passed.
As darkness fell outside, six more Qi-Gathering Pills were refined.
Finally, the third layer of the Golden Core neared completion.
Just like before, Liang Xiao filled in the final gap, then inserted six strands of True Qi into the innermost layer, preparing to begin weaving the fourth layer.
Weng—!
The moment those six strands penetrated the inner core, the special golden elixir expanded once again.
When there were two layers, its diameter had been three centimeters.
Now—it swelled to five centimeters.
As it expanded, an invisible wave surged outward, enlarging his dantian and cleansing both his body and soul.
At that very instant—within a radius of 700 meters, a glowing sphere five centimeters wide appeared once more in the minds of everyone nearby.
"It's that strange phenomenon again!"
"What kind of phenomenon is this? Who could be behind it?"
The people within the area were filled with doubt and unease.
Because this time, the phenomenon was even more widespread.
Not far from Changlin Residential Area, Captain Huang Wei, who was driving, furrowed his brows.
It's that same phenomenon again—and the sphere is even larger this time…
A faint sense of unease settled over him.
Who exactly is this mysterious genius?
For a moment, Liang Xiao's image flashed through his mind—but he dismissed it.
Theoretically, only Foundation Establishment cultivators or higher could trigger such an unusual phenomenon.
That was common knowledge in the cultivation world—something no one could defy.
Still… it's not good that this mysterious genius hasn't appeared yet.
Huang Wei frowned. Recently, too many suspicious individuals had appeared in Changlin City.
At least 70% of them were likely searching for that mysterious figure behind the phenomenon.
But with the mayor personally overseeing things, and the Crimson Flame Cultivation Hall master acting as deterrent, nothing major should happen…
He shook his head, setting the thought aside.
I should tell Liang Xiao about this.
The phenomenon outside lasted only a few seconds before fading.
Inside the meditation room, Liang Xiao slowly opened his eyes.
My thoughts… are sharper again.
He felt his comprehension had improved—though such things were hard to measure instantly.
For now, he focused on sensing his internal condition.
After expanding to a five-centimeter diameter, the special golden elixir's True Qi capacity had increased yet again.
Currently, the True Qi forming its "base" numbered twenty-seven strands.
It had tripled again.Is this just coincidence?
Once more, his body underwent a special baptism, absorbing True Energy to fortify itself.
Now, he could absorb three strands per second, and each consumed strand was instantly replenished.
His True Qi recovery rate had increased from one per second to three per second—also tripled.
Liang Xiao waited patiently, feeling his body growing stronger by the moment—not just in physical toughness, but in raw power as well.
After ten minutes, the absorption stopped.
He clenched his fists, feeling an immense surge of strength.
His enhanced physique sharpened both hearing and spiritual perception.
My current strength… should be no weaker than Zhang Jiadong's was before.
Not only in strength—but even in physique—he was certain he had surpassed that man.
Twenty-seven strands of base True Energy.
Three strands recovered per second.
This newfound power boosted his confidence immensely.
If another situation like the prison incident occurred, he was certain he could wipe out the entire Longevity Cult faction on the first floor without even needing Qi-Gathering Pills.
And my improvements aren't just physical or energetic… they extend to the Destruction Needle, too.
His heart stirred. Liang Xiao raised his hand, and within the special golden elixir, three strands of True Qi vanished instantly.
A thin, three-centimeter-long needle appeared between his fingers—slightly thicker than a toothpick.
The needle's body was woven from three twisted strands, giving it the texture of a hemp rope, though it was incomparably harder and sharper.
Unlike a rope, however, this Destruction Needle pulsed faintly with destructive potential.
Even a violent impact could trigger an explosion.
It consumes more True Qi—but its power is greater!
With the third layer of the Golden Core complete, the range of the Minor Reflection Phenomenon would certainly expand, increasing the reach of the Destruction Needle as well.
A glint flashed in Liang Xiao's eyes. He dismissed the needle, picked up his phone, and reopened the file for "Yin Yang Explosion."
It's definitely easier to comprehend than before… My understanding really has improved.
He studied the spell carefully.
Even though he couldn't cultivate it yet, that didn't stop him from analyzing every detail.
Just as he was deeply focused, his phone rang.
It was Captain Huang.
"Captain Huang? What's the matter so late?" Liang Xiao asked, puzzled.
"I'm downstairs at your place. Come out for a moment. I have something to tell you."
Huang's tone was low—serious.
Liang Xiao frowned. Judging from his voice, this isn't good news.
He quickly got up and left the cultivation room.
Downstairs at Building Three, Captain Huang stood smoking a cigarette, one hand in his pocket. His brows were furrowed, and he looked utterly exhausted.
Why does he look so haggard?
When Liang Xiao arrived, he was startled by how much the man had changed.
The last time they'd met was just yesterday, yet he looked completely different now.
"I've been dealing with the Longevity Cult for too long," Huang said with a wry smile. "Including today, I haven't slept properly in half a month. I just nap when I can."
He exhaled smoke, then added, "I came to tell you that Tan Weifeng has been released."
"Released?" Liang Xiao's eyes flashed coldly.
"The Tan family paid a massive price—almost went bankrupt—to pull strings and atone for his crimes," Huang said. "According to federal law, a cultivator who isn't an Honor Citizen would be executed for attacking veterans. But Tan Weifeng is a descendant of Honor. He can use his wealth and resources to pay for his sins. It's legal."
Liang Xiao nodded slightly, his expression calm and indifferent.
Huang gave a quiet reminder. "You're now an honorary law enforcement captain. You have many ways to deal with him—but everything must remain within the bounds of the law."
"Don't worry," Liang Xiao replied coolly. "I won't ruin my future over someone that insignificant."
"That's good."
Huang nodded, visibly relieved. He held high hopes for Liang Xiao—he didn't want to see him waste his potential in anger.
"Also," Huang continued, lowering his voice, "there are many strangers behaving oddly around the city lately. Be careful."
He paused. "They claim to be searching for the genius behind the Minor Reflection Phenomenon, but something about them doesn't feel right."
Then, suddenly, he asked, "Did you cause Xiao Yingzhao's incident?"
Liang Xiao froze slightly, his body stiffening. "Do you think that's possible?"
Huang exhaled softly. "It's unlikely. Only cultivators at Foundation Establishment or above can trigger unusual phenomena."
Even though he had expected that answer, a faint trace of disappointment flickered in Huang's eyes.
"I'm heading back," he said finally. "Remember to cultivate diligently—in this world, strength reigns supreme."
"I know." Liang Xiao nodded firmly.
As Huang turned back toward his car, he suddenly hesitated.
A strange thought crossed his mind.
Am I just too tired… or did that kid's aura just get stronger again?