The ever-expanding energy cluster flowed slowly through Xu Ze’s Governing and Conception Vessels, drawing in countless specks of light from the outside world, growing denser and more potent.
Xu Ze guided the energy cluster forward with quiet focus. He had already completed fourteen full cycles and was now pushing for the fifteenth.
Eighteen cycles would bring him to the threshold of another breakthrough. With fourteen already under his belt, the goal was within reach—so he decided to attempt the fifteenth.
But progress was grueling. Even as the energy cluster moved through the middle of his Governing Vessel along his spine, Xu Ze could feel the resistance mounting. Each inch forward demanded exponentially more effort.
Yet he refused to give up. In the past, he might have paused, waiting until his spiritual energy strengthened and the energy cluster grew more robust before attempting another push.
But now, as Tang Lao had observed, Xu Ze was different. Something had ignited within him—a relentless drive, an unwavering resolve. If there was even a sliver of hope, he would fight until exhaustion forced him to stop.
His breathing remained steady, his expression calm, even as the energy cluster inched upward along his spine at a torturously slow pace. His spiritual energy was stretched to its limits, straining to sustain the flow.
When the cluster reached the base of his skull at the Dazhui point, Xu Ze’s brows furrowed. The next segment—the ascent to the crown of his head—would be the most critical and the most arduous. Success here would mean victory.
As the energy crept forward millimeter by millimeter, Xu Ze’s breathing grew heavier. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his muscles tensing as he poured every ounce of focus into the effort. His spiritual energy was waning, yet he forced it onward, driving the cluster toward the Baihui point at the top of his head.
“Hah… hah… hah…” His chest heaved, his entire body trembling with exertion. The energy cluster was mere centimeters away now—so close.
Xu Ze could feel his strength fading, but surrender wasn’t an option. Just a little further. One more cycle, and he’d be one step closer to his next evolution.
His teeth clenched. Sweat drenched him. His body shook.
And then—release.
After what felt like an eternity, Xu Ze collapsed back, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
“I did it.”
He opened his eyes, exhilarated. Against all odds, he had pushed through. The fifteenth cycle was complete. He was now one step closer to becoming a Level 2 Medical Corpsman.
…..
After a refreshing shower to wash away the sweat, Xu Ze sank into his soft bed with a contented sigh. Heavenly.
As sleep pulled him under, he returned to the virtual space, where Xiao Dao greeted him with a grin.
“Impressive. Breaking through again so soon? Even I didn’t expect that.”
Xu Ze shot him a sidelong glance. “How long did you think it would take?”
“At your current pace? At least half a month.” Xiao Dao chuckled. “But your spiritual energy has grown stronger since that last forced exertion. Without that boost, this breakthrough would’ve been much harder.”
Xu Ze considered this. It was true—after overloading his nerves to amplify his spiritual energy before, he had felt a lasting increase in power. Without it, today’s success might have been impossible.
A thought struck him. “Wait—so that’s a shortcut? Could we do it again to strengthen my spiritual energy faster?”
Xiao Dao snorted. “Dream on. Wasting energy is one thing, but the risks aren’t trivial. Last time was an emergency. Never again.”
Deflated, Xu Ze let the idea go. The potential fallout wasn’t worth it.
Seeing his disappointment, Xiao Dao changed the subject. “So, what do you want to practice tonight? Driving? Or—”
“No more cars,” Xu Ze cut in. “I’ve hit a plateau there. Got anything else?”
Xiao Dao frowned, muttering to himself. *”Aircraft? No, not until Level 2… Hand-to-hand? You’re bored of that…”*
After a long pause, he brightened. “Languages! English, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Russian—pick one. I’ll have you fluent in ten days.”
Xu Ze groaned. English had been his nemesis—he’d skipped the recent proficiency exam, planning to take it later. Now Xiao Dao was claiming he could master a language in ten days? If only I’d known sooner…
When Xu Ze showed no enthusiasm, Xiao Dao sighed. All the virtual patients had been “treated,” and cars no longer held his interest. Xu Ze was restless—he needed something to refine his temperament.
Perfect.
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Dao materialized a grand piano in front of Xu Ze.
Xu Ze blinked. He circled the instrument twice before staring at Xiao Dao in disbelief. “A piano? I don’t know how to play this.”
“That’s why we’re learning,” Xiao Dao said breezily.
“But why? I’m not trying to be a pianist or play in some café.”
Xiao Dao smirked. “Music sharpens your mind, stabilizes your spiritual energy, and enhances your psychic abilities. It’s essential for your growth.”
“Wait—it boosts my powers?” Xu Ze’s eyes lit up. “Then let’s start.”
He plopped onto the piano bench, ready to learn.
By morning, Xu Ze had one conclusion: Piano is way harder than driving.
Though fragments of musical knowledge existed in his inherited memories—courtesy of Tao Jun, who had reluctantly studied piano—Xu Ze was starting from zero. Tao Jun’s skills had been middling at best, but for Xu Ze, even that was a revelation. The big, gruff Tao Jun played piano? Unbelievable.
The night had been a struggle. Basic theory and finger positioning came slowly. Playing an actual piece? That would take much longer.
Still, Xu Ze persisted. If this could accelerate his progress, he’d push through.
At 7 AM, just as his mind swam with half-remembered sheet music, his phone buzzed.
Sun Lingfei’s voice chirped through: “Wake up, lazy! I’m taking your car to school today!”
