Li Hao, traveling east, paused as he descended into the mountain range below. A vast forest lay nestled between the peaks.
After scanning the area, he found a cave tucked into the mountainside—quiet and undisturbed, a perfect place to recover his spiritual power. Though the Yin Yang Flipping Heaven Seal didn't consume much energy, he preferred to stay at peak strength at all times.
Inside the cave, a stone slab rested against the wall, just wide enough to sit upon. Li Hao took his place and crossed his legs, entering meditation. Lu Lang followed behind, stepping into the cave with wide, curious eyes. She watched him settle into a lotus position, awe quietly blooming in her heart.
"Wow… so strong. He's the same age as me, yet the difference between us is like heaven and earth. Not just a realm or two—he's far ahead."
She herself was only an entry-level first-rate martial artist, completely powerless in the wider cultivation world. She looked at Li Hao with admiration, her thoughts swirling with questions.
Meanwhile, Li Hao felt her gaze. He was focused on spiritual recovery. The last battle had consumed six percent of his reserves—nothing serious for someone with his Heavenly Yellow Spiritual Power, but enough to require a short rest.
The uniqueness of the Heavenly Yellow allowed him to draw upon power far beyond his realm. Even a cultivator of equal talent and combat ability would have used twice as much spiritual power without it. As for the Flipping Heaven Form, it cost a mere 0.3%, barely noticeable. The Flipping Mountain Move was even lighter, unless applied on a massive scale.
Breaking the silence, Lu Lang asked, "Little master… how old are you?"
Li Hao opened his eyes and turned to her. She met his gaze and was struck again by the multicolored light in his eyes—calm, radiant, and impossibly deep, like those of a martial king.
He smiled. "I'm only one year older than you. No need to be nervous."
"Only one year… yet he's already at the level of a Nature Realm cultivator. No… with that move, he could even rival someone in the Void Realm…" she thought.
Gathering her courage, she asked the next question. "Young master, what realm might you be in?"
Li Hao replied casually, "Equal to the entry level of the Natural Realm."
Lu Lang's heart trembled. She couldn't hold back any longer. Dropping to her knees, she said earnestly, "Young master, I wish to become your disciple!"
Li Hao raised a brow. "Oh? But I'm the same age as you. Wouldn't it be strange to call someone like me your master?"
"You're one year older, and your realm far surpasses mine. Calling you master is only natural," she said firmly. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she added, "Besides, I'm a good wife. If you don't have a partner, I can fill that role too."
Li Hao chuckled, genuinely amused. "Very well. I'll keep that in mind—when you're old enough."
He stood and stretched. "Let's go."
Lu Lang jumped up and quickly joined his side. Li Hao grabbed her by the waist and, with one powerful step, launched into the sky. Like a shooting star, they sped eastward.
The wind howled at their speed, too intense for someone of her level to bear. She was only a third-rate martial artist, after all. Seeing her discomfort, Li Hao enveloped them in a protective spiritual shield, blocking the wind entirely.
After a while, a city came into view, shimmering in the distance—about a hundred miles out. That wasn't far for someone like Li Hao.
It was a border city of Sejong Province, known as Morioka. While a low-ranked city, it still held some weight, stretching 106 miles in radius—the minimum for recognition as a city. The central provinces housed high-ranked cities ten thousand miles across, requiring Fifth Turn powerhouses to govern. At the highest level, a city's radius could reach 99,000 miles, nearing the status of a true star city. Beyond that point, it required multiple Fifth Turn cultivators to maintain.
Compared to such giants, Morioka was insignificant, but still held a foothold of power. Even someone like the Song Family's True Ancestor would keep his head low in Sejong's core city.
As they entered Morioka, Li Hao noted the traces of ancient architecture. It was a place touched by time.
Holding Lu Lang's hand, he walked with confidence. His strength gave him the right to be fearless.
The true power in this city wasn't the Song family—but the Li family, a branch of his own, albeit distant. Their strongest member had reached the late stage of the Entry Natural Realm. That was considerable in a city like this.
But Li Hao didn't care. His eyes only scanned the joyful streets and vibrant markets—until Lu Lang's stomach growled.
He blinked and glanced over. Right… she's not a cultivator. She still needs food to replenish strength.
Looking around, he spotted a restaurant that seemed clean and refined. With the wealth he'd collected from the corpses of past enemies—roughly 100 to 200 gold coins and several low-grade spirit stones—he had enough to treat her properly.
As they stepped inside the lavish restaurant, dressed staff in golden silk robes greeted them with polite bows. One attendant led them to a table for two.
Li Hao examined the menu and selected several dishes, trusting his instincts. Lu Lang sat quietly, waiting patiently.
After the food arrived and they began eating, Li Hao raised a hand to get the staff's attention. "Hey," he asked casually, "where can I find a good place to stay around here for a while?"
"Oh, if you're looking for a place to stay," the staff member said with a respectful tone, "there are motels and hotels if your stay is short. But if you plan to remain for a few years, I recommend buying a courtyard."
He bowed slightly before continuing, "In recent years, many martial artists have come here with their disciples to train. Most seek quiet places to live, and courtyards are ideal for that."
"They usually go through the Song Family to purchase properties. If you're interested, I can point you in the right direction."
Li Hao considered it for a moment. His stay in this city was temporary, but during that time, he needed to train Lu Lang. That required stability, privacy, and a place where she could grow without distractions.
A courtyard would be perfect.
After finishing their meal, Li Hao and Lu Lang set out toward the location the staff member had recommended.
They walked for twenty-five minutes before arriving. Li Hao, being someone who disliked wasting time, didn't bother inspecting multiple places. He went straight to the best available courtyard—and purchased it for 300 gold.
They returned later that day with their belongings, ready to settle into their new home.
Lu Lang's face was full of enthusiasm. The thought of the two of them living together made her heart flutter. It felt like a dream.
The house itself was beautiful. Li Hao surveyed the surroundings, satisfied with the elegant layout and peaceful environment. He made up his mind: they would stay here for the foreseeable future.
Lu Lang quickly chose a bedroom for herself. The excitement on her face made Li Hao smile faintly.
Just a few days passed, and life settled into a quiet rhythm.
Li Hao sat in the courtyard, eyes closed in meditation, while Lu Lang trained nearby. She wasn't perfect—but her progress was astonishing.
In mere days, she had learned the fundamentals of a profound realm master's cultivation technique.
Of course, Li Hao had modified the technique—adapting it to match his understanding and adjusting it to suit her needs and potential.
Even so, her progress was shocking.
From a third-rate martial artist, she had broken into the second rate in just days. This wasn't normal. It was the sign of exceptional talent—rare and pure.
However, there were limits. Li Hao didn't teach her the Heavenly Blossom Sword Art. That technique belonged to the Second Turn's perfect level, requiring someone at the peak of the Profound Realm to grasp it fully.
There was no way she could master it—not even in her wildest dreams.
The difference between realms wasn't just about strength. It was about comprehension—about perception, control, and the deepening of self.
Realm wasn't a number. It was the very key to existence, influencing every aspect of being.
For example, someone at the Third Turn might think they're close to a Fourth Turn cultivator. But they'd be mistaken.
At the Fourth Turn, one begins to comprehend the Laws. The Third Turn simply lacks the life level to perceive such truths. They have no Primordial Spirit capable of receiving and understanding those laws.
That said, it's not entirely impossible.
Even without a Primordial Spirit, someone with a powerful enough will might catch glimpses of the Law. But such comprehension would be shallow, limited.
It's like trying to read a divine scripture through a small crack in the wall—you can only see a fragment.
As one's realm rises, perception broadens. And only then does the Law begin to reveal itself.
Even Li Hao could faintly sense it—but teaching the Law? That wasn't something anyone could just pass on.
Some things... must be touched by the soul itself.