The setting sun cast warm golden rays across the sect's stone courtyards. With the arena behind them and silence between them, Jian Wu carried Shadow across the winding paths of the inner court. The air was quiet, heavy with lingering spiritual pressure and unspoken thoughts.
Shadow didn't say a word.
His body was still battered from the battle, but he made no complaint. Jian Wu, though exasperated, said nothing either. He merely tightened his grip and continued.
When they reached the residence tucked within the secluded part of the inner sect, Jian Wu finally set Shadow down in the courtyard, brushing dust off his sleeves.
Shadow took a deep breath, leaning briefly against a wooden pillar. Then, with a small smile, he muttered,
> "Wait... I need to tell you something."
Jian Wu paused at the gate. "What?"
Shadow exhaled and looked up at the fading sky.
> "I did all of this because my cultivation technique requires exactly fifty middle-grade spirit stones to break through to the ninth level of Foundation Realm."
Jian Wu blinked. "What? You mean... you knew?"
> "That I would be denied the Spirit Pool? Of course," Shadow said. "I'm not sure I can break into the Muscle and Skin Forging Realm like others. I'm different from you. My path... isn't as straightforward."
He paused, then added with a faint smile:
> "Besides, there was no need to force a conflict. Acting smart is better than acting fast."
Jian Wu let out a breath and turned away.
> "You always do things your own way. Slow, steady, and infuriating."
Shadow chuckled and stepped inside, pouring himself a cup of tea. "Everyone walks differently. That's the beauty of cultivation."
Jian Wu sat down across from him and pulled out a small flask, pouring himself a drink. "You want to know about the core disciples, right?"
Shadow nodded.
Jian Wu leaned back. "Alright, listen carefully."
> "Core disciples are categorized in three levels. The lowest category is for those under twenty years of age who've reached the **1st to 3rd level of the Muscle and Skin Forging Realm**. These are considered the standard core disciples."
> "With you included, there are **thirty** disciples in that tier."
Shadow nodded slowly.
> "The next tier is for disciples under twenty who've reached the **4th level**. They're considered candidates for the titles of **Saint or Holy Son**. Right now, there are **seven** in this category—including me and Lian Yue."
Shadow raised an eyebrow. "And the highest?"
Jian Wu looked serious now.
> "The **5th level and above**—those are the real Saint-level geniuses. As of now, there's only **one** disciple under twenty in that tier. He's the **Holy Son** of the Verdant Moon Sect."
> "He's currently away on a mission, training in the wilderness. But he'll return soon… for the **Four Sect War Exchange**, six months from now."
Shadow's fingers tapped the table rhythmically. "A true genius then."
> "He's strong," Jian Wu said. "But not invincible."
Shadow drank his tea in silence. Then he stood.
> "What now?" Jian Wu asked.
Shadow turned toward the distant mountains, eyes sharp.
> "Now that I have enough resources and recognition, there are two things I must do."
> "First… I will leave the sect and destroy a demonic sect that has been butchering innocents unchecked."
Jian Wu's brows furrowed. "You're serious?"
> "Completely. Our sect is either afraid of them or bound by politics. But I'm not. If no one dares to act, I will."
> "I've tracked their movements for some time. There is a chance I can break through during that conflict. Their territory is saturated with dark Qi and remnants of ancient battlegrounds."
Jian Wu's expression tightened, but he didn't argue.
Shadow continued.
> "But before that, I'll head to the Martial Pavilion. I want to review the low-grade iron techniques. There may be something there I can refine into my style."
> "Then… I'll break through to the **ninth layer** of Foundation Realm."
Jian Wu raised his cup and drained it. "Well… you've certainly earned your drama."
Shadow's gaze returned to the courtyard gate. "This isn't drama. It's the beginning of what I was born to do."
---
As the evening deepened, Jian Wu finally stood. "Get some rest," he said. "I'll see you soon."
He turned and walked into the night, leaving Shadow alone.
Shadow remained still for a moment, then slowly walked into the center of his courtyard.
He sat cross-legged.
And closed his eyes.
From his sleeve, he retrieved the pouch of fifty middle-grade spirit stones.
They pulsed with energy, each one humming like a quiet thundercloud.
> "Let's see if this works."
He placed them in a circle around him, forming an array with precise motions. As the array activated, the stones began to glow, threads of spiritual energy rising and swirling toward him.
He inhaled slowly.
Qi flooded his meridians.
The lightning deep within his dantian stirred. The mark of the Thunder Lord resonated.
Hours passed.
His body shook. Sweat poured down. Blood seeped from his pores. Veins bulged and pulsed with raw force.
And then—
> BOOM.
His eyes snapped open.
Violet lightning crackled across his skin. His aura doubled.
His foundation deepened.
> "Foundation Realm, Ninth Layer."
Shadow exhaled slowly, a quiet smile forming on his lips.
> "Good. Now the real work begins."
---
**End of Chapter 77**