As Liang began studying the Void Form Refining Art, a quiet anticipation rose within him. He understood that while this technique did not directly strengthen the divine sense, it would refine something far more fundamental—his very soul form.
"The divine sense will evolve along with it…" he murmured, his gaze steady.
This technique was meant to transform the soul form into a higher state known as the Void Form, allowing it to better adapt to the nature of the void. Through this transformation, the divine sense would gradually undergo a qualitative change, advancing into what was known as the Void Sense.
The method itself was divided into ten stages, each representing a significant step forward.
"The first stage… Consciousness Cleansing," Liang said quietly.
This stage required him to purge all impurities within his consciousness—every lingering negative emotion, every hidden burden. Only through complete purification could his mind reach a state suitable for further cultivation.
"The second stage… Ethereal Integration."
At this stage, the cultivator would merge their consciousness with the surrounding energies, allowing them to perceive and utilize them with greater clarity.
"And the third… Void Sense."
This was where the true transformation occurred.
"The divine sense becomes something else entirely…"
These first three stages were known as the mortal stages, yet even then, only those at or near the Dao Integration Realm could hope to achieve them.
"As for the fourth…" Liang's gaze deepened slightly. "That requires Void Transformation."
He let out a slow breath.
"Then there's no need to think that far ahead."
Without hesitation, he closed his eyes and began.
Focusing on his breathing, he allowed his mind to sink inward, gradually entering a state of deep meditation.
At first, everything seemed calm.
But as his consciousness deepened—
Memories surfaced.
Fragments of the past, long buried, began to rise one after another. Anger, fear, regret—emotions he had long suppressed now flooded his mind.
"…So it starts," he muttered.
They clung to him like chains, weighing down his consciousness and resisting every attempt to remove them.
With each breath, Liang visualized expelling them, forcing those impurities out.
"Leave."
But the process was far from easy.
Pain followed.
A deep, tearing sensation spread through his mind, as if parts of his very being were being stripped away. The fatigue that followed was just as overwhelming, pressing down on him without pause.
His brows tightened slightly.
"So this is the price…"
The pain intensified with each attempt, yet he did not stop.
"…Keep going."
Even as his consciousness trembled, he continued, forcing himself forward step by step.
Within that suffering, a faint clarity began to emerge.
He could feel it.
With each release, his mind grew lighter, the burdens he had carried slowly dissolving.
"This is necessary…"
The pain did not lessen, but his resolve remained steady.
"No pain, no gain."
Time passed in silence as he continued refining himself, each moment bringing him closer to a state of purity.
---
Within a hidden realm near the Arcane City, Ji Fang suddenly narrowed his eyes.
His gaze shifted beyond the boundaries of the realm, a faint trace of surprise appearing.
"To think that day would finally arrive…"
Han Zhi, standing nearby, noticed the change and stepped forward slightly. "Is something wrong, Your Majesty?"
Ji Fang chuckled lightly, dismissing the concern. "Nothing you need to worry about."
He turned his gaze toward Han Zhi. "Tell me, have you completed what I asked?"
Han Zhi nodded immediately. "As instructed, the defensive formation has been established around the city."
"Good." Ji Fang smiled faintly. "And the blood essence?"
Han Zhi took out the vial without hesitation.
Ji Fang's smile deepened slightly. "You'll need it now."
With a flick of his finger, a streak of golden light shot forward, condensing into a jade stone and another vial identical to the one in Han Zhi's hand.
"Follow the location marked on it," Ji Fang said. "When you arrive, consume all of it… and assist the monk."
A trace of confusion appeared in Han Zhi's eyes.
Ji Fang noticed but did not explain further. "You'll understand when you get there."
After a brief pause, he added, "Go."
Han Zhi nodded respectfully and left without hesitation.
Following the guidance of the jade stone, he soon arrived at a vantage point overlooking the battlefield.
From where he stood, everything was clear.
Chang Jin hovered in the air, his golden wings spread wide, his presence dominating the battlefield. Below him, Evil Warding moved with calm precision, each movement controlled and deliberate.
"…So this is the battle…" Han Zhi murmured.
The clash between them sent waves of energy through the air, shaking the ground beneath.
Chang Jin's fists burned with golden light as he struck repeatedly, each blow carrying immense force. Evil Warding, however, evaded and countered with flawless timing, his movements fluid and precise.
Han Zhi tightened his grip on the vials in his hand.
"I can't even sense their limits…"
Even so, he trusted Ji Fang's judgment.
The battle only grew more intense.
Golden spears tore through the sky, while lotus-like energy spread in response, their attacks colliding in a dazzling display of power.
Han Zhi watched in silence, unable to look away.
"…Incredible."
Yet beneath that awe, tension slowly built within him.
His role had not yet begun.
"…It's time."
Without hesitation, he uncorked the vials and drank them one after another.
The effect was immediate.
A surge of energy erupted within him, spreading rapidly through his body. His senses sharpened, and his entire being trembled under the sudden influx of power.
"…So this is it—!"
His cultivation began to rise.
In an instant, he broke through the middle stage of the Spirit Severing Realm, his energy surging violently.
It did not stop.
He pushed past the peak of that stage, advancing further without resistance.
"Faster…!"
The force continued to build, carrying him beyond his previous limits.
The late stage of Spirit Severing shattered under the pressure.
A deep, resonant sound echoed within him, marking the breakthrough.
Then—
Silence.
The surge began to slow.
His ascent gradually stabilized, the overwhelming force settling into place.
Han Zhi stood still, his breathing uneven as the energy within him calmed.
"…Dao Integration…"
His cultivation had reached the early stage.
And then, it stopped.