A month later.
Wu Zhe had long since secured the elm carcass within his storage ring, consuming its lifeforce far from prying eyes. It became his primary source of sustenance.
When his Qi ran dry, he would hunt.
Then return.
Again and again.
A cycle repeated without pause.
Through this relentless cycle, he broke through the fourth stage of Qi Refinement… then the fifth… and now stood at the half-step into the Qi Practitioner realm.
But behind him, the other two lagged.
Xu Shazi remained stuck at the eighth stage of Qi Refinement.
Huo Jian—at the fifth.
Wu Zhe rose slowly, his gaze falling upon them.
"Your progress… is lacking."
"Forgive me, Master…" Huo Jian muttered, lowering his head.
"Do not apologize," Wu Zhe said. "Improve."
Huo Jian hesitated, unsure of how he could.
"How would… you mean… I should…?"
"Your body requires another upgrade," Wu Zhe replied.
His gaze shifted.
"You as well, old man."
Xu Shazi frowned.
