Six months passed, quietly and steadily.
In the Lu Family estate, life moved on as usual. The stone paths were swept each morning, disciples trained in their courtyards, and elders came and went with calm authority. To most people, it was just another half-year in Hei Yan City.
For Lu Haotian, those six months changed everything.
The early morning sky was just beginning to brighten when he stood in the back courtyard, feet planted firmly on the cold stone. His shirt clung lightly to his body, damp with sweat. His breathing followed a slow, even rhythm, rising and falling like the tide.
He moved through the stances of the Iron mountain fist.
When the sun was out, he absorbed its warmth. When night came, he trained beneath moonlight. His movements were precise, deliberate, almost stubbornly careful. Every stretch, every twist of muscle, every controlled breath pushed qi into his body, layer by layer.
Six months ago, he had been stuck at the third layer of qi condensation, unable to move forward no matter how hard he tried.
Now, he had broken through to the fifth layer.
His dantian is now wider. His breathing was deeper. His recovery faster than before. Bruises that once lingered for days now faded in hours.
The ten qi condensation pills he found were long gone.
He had spaced them out carefully, using them one by one, never rushing, but most of their effects was still wasted by his spirit roots.
Combined with strict training, beast meat whenever he could afford it, and a schedule that left little room for rest, the pills finally bore fruit.
Lu Haotian slowly lowered his arms and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Fifth layer…" he murmured.
It wasn't something to boast about.
Not when he knew the truth.
At this moment, most of the children who trained alongside him were already at the seventh layer or higher. Those with average roots had surged ahead during the past months, using qi externally with ease.
And the twins…
Lu Chenfeng and Lu Yanran were already at the ninth layer of Qi Condensation, their bodies refined to the limit. They were preparing for their breakthrough into Foundation Establishment, something most people in Hei Yan City only dreamed of achieving.
Compared to them, Lu Haotian was far behind.
" Young master Haotian."
A rough voice broke his thoughts.
Lu Haotian turned to see Old Kang entering the courtyard, carrying a wooden bucket and broom. His back was slightly bent from years of labor, his hands rough and cracked, but his eyes were sharp and observant.
Old Kang was a Lu family servant in charge of the outer farmlands.
He had been there longer than most people could remember
"You're up before the sun again," Old Kang said. "Don't you ever get tired?"
Lu Haotian smiled faintly. "I rest when I sleep."
Old Kang snorted and set his bucket down. His gaze lingered on Haotian a little longer than usual. "Your aura feels thicker than before."
"I broke through again," Haotian replied honestly. "Fifth layer. Two weeks ago."
Old Kang froze for a moment, then let out a low chuckle. "Hah… stubborn kid."
He shook his head. "With your roots, getting this far isn't easy."
Lu Haotian nodded. "I know."
Old Kang glanced toward the inner courtyards, lowering his voice slightly. "Your generation is fierce. Most of them are already seventh layer or above. The twins… ninth."
"I heard," Haotian said calmly.
There was no anger in his voice, just bitterness and acceptance.
Old Kang studied him for a moment, then smiled crookedly. "That's good. Slow steps still move forward."
Later that day, Lu Haotian helped Old Kang move supplies from the storehouse. Though he wasn't required to, he did it anyway. Carrying heavy grain sacks no longer strained him the way it once did.
More servants passed by, casting curious looks.
In the last six months, Lu Haotian had become a familiar sight among them. The quiet young master who trained endlessly. The one who worked the farm, and never complained.
By evening, he returned to his room.
It was still quiet.
Still empty.
He sat on the bed, closing his eyes, feeling the strength in his body. Fifth layer wasn't impressive by clan standards—but it was real. Solid. Earned.
"Seven layers… ninth layer… Qi Condensation…"
He opened his eyes.
"I'll get there," he said softly. "Even if it takes longer."