Chapter Thirty-Four: Advanced Qi Attraction

Within the mysterious space, Yang Ze and the gray figure sat facing each other. One cultivated two techniques simultaneously, while the other focused solely on one. When the three hours concluded, the space collapsed, and Yang Ze was ejected, returning to his physical body, his mind briefly dazed.

Still in the study, he noticed dusk had fallen outside. Lighting a candle, he first circulated the Ocean Heart Technique through a complete cycle, then switched to cultivate the One Qi Art. Now, as he ran both techniques at once, he felt no trace of inner conflict. This meant that he could indeed cultivate two techniques simultaneously.

This realization filled Yang Ze with joy. Cultivating two techniques at the same time was akin to traversing a single realm twice—it was not a simple matter of one plus one equaling two, but rather a multiplicative increase in power. If he could reach the peak of the Qi Drawing stage with both techniques, there would be no one in the entire city of Yuyang who could rival him among those of the same realm.

“No need to rush. I mustn’t celebrate too soon; I still need to weigh the pros and cons,” Yang Ze reminded himself. The advantage was clear: dual cultivation would make him stronger than his peers. Yet, the drawback was the longer time required—mastering one technique was already arduous, let alone two, demanding twice the effort and focus.

But with the Black Stone in his possession—replicating the most suitable techniques for his cultivation—and the guidance of the gray figure within the mysterious space, his speed would be greatly enhanced. In combination, he concluded, his cultivation might still outpace others. What’s more, prolonged time within the mysterious space seemed to have improved his talent, and even without the Black Stone, his cultivation speed had quickened.

“I’ll take the risk. With no way to break through to the Postnatal Realm yet, I must lay a solid foundation now in the Qi Drawing stage.” Resolute, Yang Ze plunged into another round of cultivation.

The next morning, Yang Ze emerged from his study to begin a new round of seclusion. Old Xie would also be entering seclusion, so affairs needed to be properly arranged. After Yan Min’s death, Yang Ze had requested a new assistant from Yang Yuanzhen. Having observed the newcomer for a few days, Yang Ze found him reliable and had gradually delegated some authority.

Today, Yang Ze summoned all his trusted aides, gave out detailed instructions, and within a short time, had arranged all matters for the coming month. Just as he prepared to return to his training, Old Xie hurried in.

“Young Master, something has happened,” Old Xie’s grave expression made Yang Ze tense.

“What is it?”

“Yesterday, Xu Wenwu of the Xu family announced he was entering seclusion to break through to the Postnatal Realm. Immediately after, the family head did the same. Then, this morning, Bai Fei also announced his seclusion. With these three most influential figures now in closed-door cultivation, something is bound to happen in Yuyang’s martial world!”

Old Xie’s news left Yang Ze stunned. These powerful figures, who usually never secluded themselves, had all chosen to do so at once. He knew well that each had been stalled at the peak of the Qi Drawing stage for some time. Their declarations were no mere formality—only when one succeeded in breaking through would this round of seclusion end.

“It seems something significant is about to occur. Old Xie, focus on your cultivation as well. In a month’s time, I expect you to break through to the advanced Qi Drawing stage.”

With that, Yang Ze departed. Even with these major figures gone, Feng Lixuan and the others remained formidable adversaries. To realize his plan, he too had to break through.

Yang Ze set his goals for the month: he would concentrate first on the One Qi Art, advancing it to the third level before pushing the Ocean Heart Technique, aiming to break through to its fourth level and reach the advanced Qi Drawing stage.

Taking out the Black Stone, Yang Ze began his cultivation anew. Occasionally, a breeze would stir the willow branches in the courtyard, swaying them gently.

Half a month passed swiftly. One day, Yang Ze was meditating in the courtyard, his complexion ruddy, and a subtle aura emanating from his body, steadily intensifying with time. Suddenly, his aura peaked. In the unseen world, it was as if a thunderous boom sounded; his energy surged past its previous limit to a higher realm.

Yang Ze opened his eyes, a glint of sharp light flashing within, and expelled a long, impure breath.

“I did it! The Ocean Heart Technique has broken through to the fourth level. I am now an advanced Qi Drawing cultivator!” Excitement welled up within him; the smoothness of this seclusion had far exceeded his expectations. In merely half a month, he encountered no setbacks. He had pushed the One Qi Art to the third level, and with the momentum it provided, the Ocean Heart Technique broke through as well. The Black Stone also transmitted the perfected fourth level of the Ocean Heart Technique into his mind.

“Though I’ve just entered the advanced Qi Drawing stage, having mastered two techniques, my combat strength far surpasses an ordinary cultivator of this realm.”

He threw a punch before him. The wind howled around his fist, attesting to its formidable power.

“No need to hurry. There’s still time. When I emerge next, I want to leave them all astonished!” Not content with his recent breakthrough, Yang Ze redoubled his efforts, continuing to consolidate his foundation and hone his skills.

Another half month slipped by. Old Xie, who had emerged from seclusion before Yang Ze, stood in the courtyard. Yang Ze, no longer meditating on his mat, now gripped his blade, practicing a set of sword forms. Though this new style lacked the ferocity of the Black Tiger Blade Technique, it surpassed it in agility. With every few moves, the forms shifted, each change concealing a deadly intent.

This was the Flying Swallow Thunder Blade, a technique Yang Ze had acquired from Madame Hua. He had started practicing it ten days prior. With the Black Stone’s help and his own diligence, he finally grasped its essence. Though his swings were a bit stiff, he no longer suffered injuries from the backlash as he did when first learning the Black Tiger Blade Technique.

The great blade spun swiftly three times in Yang Ze’s hand, then sliced upward to the left. At that moment, he released his grip, and the blade flew from his hand.