Chapter Sixteen: I’ve Truly Broken Through!

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At the Gu family estate, in Gu Xuan’s small courtyard.
Gu Xuan carefully laid the Little Azure Dragon, Yao Qianqian, on the bed.
“Senior sister, you’ve worked hard. Get some rest.”
Watching her steady breathing, Gu Xuan sat cross-legged in the center of the room, closed his eyes tightly, and entered a state of cultivation.
Time passed unknowingly until a clear, crisp voice suddenly rang out in the courtyard:
“Brother Xuan, are you there?”
The voice was filled with concern and worry.
Gu Xuan abruptly opened his eyes and hurriedly rose, taking several quick strides to the door and swiftly opening it.
“Ling’er, what brings you here? Come, have a seat.”
He raised his hand, beckoning Gu Ling’er toward the pavilion.
Gu Ling’er stepped forward briskly, her gaze locked tightly on Feng Xuan.
“Brother Xuan, how are your injuries? Are they serious? Where have you been these past few days? I’ve come looking for you several times but never saw a trace of you...”
“Don’t worry, my wounds are just superficial and have mostly healed.”
He then wore an apologetic expression.
“I went to the Qingyun Trading Association these past couple of days. Father asked me to buy some medicinal herbs there. I left in a hurry and didn’t get a chance to tell you...”
Hearing this, Gu Ling’er puckered her lips and angrily turned away.
“Qingyun Trading Association? Didn’t you say you would take me last time? Why did you go alone? Hmph!”
Gu Xuan sighed helplessly and quickly explained,
“Ling’er, don’t be mad. This time Father specifically arranged for me to go alone secretly; it’s not for fun.”
Gu Ling’er eyed him skeptically.
“Really?”
After staring for a moment, she finally relented.
“Alright then, I’ll forgive you this time. I’ve already perfected the family’s cultivation method. Father wants me to see if there is a more suitable technique for me. That way, I’ll have a better chance in the family competition three months from now.”
Gu Xuan’s eyes filled with admiration.
“Our family’s genius beauty, so young and already at the seventh level of spiritual energy, and still so hardworking. I believe the first place in this family competition will definitely be yours!”
Gu Ling’er blushed slightly.
“Brother Xuan, I’m not as amazing as you say. Father told me this is just precautionary. During this competition, Gu Changying and the others will surely also look for better cultivation methods.”
“Looks like everyone is doing their best to secure a rank in the family competition and earn a recommendation spot in the new city!”
Gu Xuan clenched his fist, a resolute gleam in his eyes.
“Brother Xuan, once your wounds heal in a couple of days, let’s go together. If you can find a good cultivation method too, we’ll have hope in the family competition!”
“But...”
Gu Xuan was about to speak when Gu Ling’er interrupted.
“Brother Xuan, it’s settled then. You can’t refuse me!”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you.”
Seeing her serious expression, Gu Xuan had no choice but to agree.

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Gu Ling’er stood up, her face returning to its usual smile.
“I won’t disturb you anymore, Brother Xuan. Rest well.”
With that, she skipped away cheerfully.
...
Two days later, at noon.
Yao Qianqian slowly woke and returned to her human form.
She saw Gu Xuan still cultivating and a flicker of satisfaction crossed her eyes. She raised her hand and gave Feng Xuan a sharp slap on the head.
“Ouch! Who hit me?”
Gu Xuan cried out in pain and turned to see Yao Qianqian. He quickly stood up.
“Senior sister, you’ve finally recovered. Thank you for helping me refine the Spirit Concentration Pill...”
“Thank me with words? Hurry up and get me something to eat—I’m starving!”
Yao Qianqian, still grumpy from just waking, immediately started bossing him around.
“Senior sister, just a moment!”
Gu Xuan dashed out in a flash.
Before long, he returned with a table full of sumptuous dishes.
Just like last time, Yao Qianqian devoured the food like a whirlwind and quickly cleared the table.
She rubbed her belly, satisfied, burped loudly, and glanced sideways at Gu Xuan.
Seeing this, Gu Xuan efficiently cleared the table and respectfully poured her a cup of tea.
After their last encounter, he was well acquainted with Yao Qianqian’s habits.
“Not bad, kid, you’re clever. Now take out the Spirit Pill.”
Yao Qianqian took a sip of tea and commanded.
Gu Xuan carefully took out an exquisite box and placed it on the table.
Yao Qianqian opened the box and stared thoughtfully at the Spirit Concentration Pills inside.
After a moment, her expression turned serious as she spoke to Gu Xuan:
“Kid, the Spirit Concentration Pill is a third-tier spirit pill. With your current level of spiritual energy, its medicinal power is too strong for you. Remember, after taking one, you must not take another for six months!”
She paused, then took a sip of tea.
“You said your family competition is in three months. Take one now; it should help you advance to the fifth level of spiritual energy.”
Saying so, she picked one from the box and tossed it to Gu Xuan.
Gu Xuan took the pill, his heart restless for a long time.
Back then, he had racked his brains trying to improve his cultivation.
Now the opportunity was in his hand, yet he felt somewhat at a loss.
“Take it now, then circulate your spiritual energy. Don’t resist the medicinal power. This process will be painful for you, but you must endure it. I’ll protect you here.”
Yao Qianqian’s words interrupted Gu Xuan’s thoughts.
“Don’t worry. I’ve waited a long time for this day. The ridicule and humiliation over the years have been far worse than this pain!”
Gu Xuan closed his eyes tightly, took a deep breath, and placed the Spirit Concentration Pill in his mouth.

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The pill instantly transformed into a warm current flowing down his throat, immensely pleasant.
But in the blink of an eye, a powerful medicinal force swept through his body like a tidal wave.
His eyes widened instantly, bloodshot veins appearing in his eyes; he clenched his teeth, making a grinding sound.
The muscles in his face twitched uncontrollably as large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, soaking his clothes.
Gu Xuan’s body felt as if it were engulfed in flames, every inch of his skin burning with excruciating pain.
“Kid, this is the Spirit Pill taking effect. It’s the necessary path of breakthrough. You can’t give up or retreat. All you have to do is grit your teeth and endure!”
Yao Qianqian encouraged from the side, ready to assist at any moment.
“This medicinal force... is so overwhelming!”
Gu Xuan’s agony intensified, his consciousness growing faint.
He pressed his hands firmly on the ground, knuckles white from exertion. His body trembled uncontrollably, like a withered leaf in a fierce storm, stubbornly refusing to fall.
“Kid, hold on! Remember why you took the pill!”
Hearing Yao Qianqian’s voice, memories of years of humiliation in the family flashed through Gu Xuan’s mind.
He suddenly cleared his head and struggled to sit up.
Feeling his meridians being tempered in the raging fire, each refinement brought him closer to breakthrough.
Finally, after a long ordeal, the violent force began to subside.
Then, a vast power slowly merged into his body, making him feel much lighter.
Half an hour later, Gu Xuan slowly opened his eyes, sweat soaking his clothes, but shining with determination and excitement.
“I... I’ve broken through!?”
He couldn’t believe it—he had truly broken through.
“Not bad, kid. You managed to overcome the strong medicinal nature of the Spirit Pill on your own, without my help. I really have to admire you.”
Yao Qianqian spoke aloud but was secretly amazed.
“This kid is a freak. Even many outstanding members of the Yao clan needed the family elders’ help to barely withstand the pill’s effects the first time they took it.”
“Strong will, humble character, high soul and mental strength. Master, it seems I chose the right person this time.”
Yao Qianqian thought to herself.
“Senior sister, I’ve broken through, really broken through!”
At this moment, Gu Xuan was as excited as a child, jumping up and down.
Years of humiliation and ridicule had finally led to this moment of triumph.
“Alright, alright, so you broke through. Look how happy you are. In my eyes, you’re still a rookie.”
Yao Qianqian deliberately poured cold water on him.
“No matter what, thank you so much, senior sister.”
Gu Xuan respectfully bowed to Huangfu Yue.
At this moment, confidence radiated from his face, sweeping away all past worries and shadows.