Six months passed in relentless competition and cultivation.
One by one, breakthroughs came.
Wang Lei surged first, wind qi stabilizing as he entered Foundation Establishment mid-stage. Su Ling followed, her core refined through alchemical precision. Lin Xue advanced with eerie smoothness, her illusions gaining depth that even elders noted.
Finally—
Li Hao broke through.
The transition was violent yet controlled. Ice and lightning clashed within him before settling into a balanced, unified flow.
Foundation Establishment—Mid Stage.
The sect took notice.
Four disciples, advancing at abnormal speed, rising together yet proving themselves individually.
But for Li Hao, it still wasn't enough.
"Continue," he said.
And they did.