Two weeks flew by in no time – it was as if time was taking a big breath.
For Luo Feng, life ticked away at a monotonous rhythm, existing ever closer to tedium. His world had reduced itself to a quiet courtyard, prepared meals arriving at regular intervals, and empty hours filling his schedule as he cultivated. There were no visitors, no summons, no call of any kind that had a chance to disrupt his siloed schedule. To the rest of the family, it was as if Luo Feng had disappeared from view.
Nevertheless, beneath this ever-constant exterior, great changes were quietly occurring.
During these fourteen days, the growth of Luo Feng's power was so rapid that it would have shocked anyone familiar with the challenges he was facing. He was becoming more balanced in his aura and was rid of the slight trembling he had while mastering the Qi Refinement stage. Currently, he was at the Qi Refinement state of level eight and closing in rapidly on the ninth level.
Indeed, he might have taken it even further if he had been so inclined.
Almost a week before, Luo Feng had felt a clear indication that he was close to reaching the upper ranks of Qi Refinement. Then, with sufficient momentum, he would be able to become a level nine without much difficulty. The jump to the top could soon follow if he were to push through.
But he had purposely kept himself under control.
The explanation lies in the management of karma points.
Since he had uncovered the effects of the accelerating feedback, Luo Feng had been making progress at a measured and cautious pace. He had been providing about thirty points of karma to the cultivative feedback coming from Huang Lei with each attempt. The initial results had been nothing short of phenomenal. With every cycle, there had been a noticeable increase in his qi, which became denser and purer at an almost illogical rate.
As his cultivation level improved, however, the limitations were more apparent.
However, the same amount of enhancement no longer provided the same amount of explosive growth. Feedback was still present, and was considerably faster than regular cultivation, but it no longer felt oppressive. The higher his realm, the more spiritual energy he needed for real advancement.
This only added to his cautious nature.
Luo Feng had no plans to waste his karma points on temporary increases. He understood that the requirements for cultivators just continued to become tougher with each level attained. What now seemed plentiful might quickly become inadequate.
Rushing blindly would have left him unprepared at the time it mattered most.
As a result, his progress, while terrifying even by traditional measures, had slowed noticeably compared to the initial rush. This did not strike Luo Feng as a disappointing development. In fact, just the opposite.
Consistent growth was always preferable to sporadic leaps.
In regard to developing more skills, Luo Feng put such plans aside for now.
His circumstances were not different. His inherent ability was no better. Whether his cultivation efficiency was high or low, his understanding and talent could not be surpassed. Learning diverse styles would only confuse his mind.
In his current state, he only had one technique actively: Cloudburst Stride.
Even so, he had not practised openly.
A large portion of what he knew was gleaned from implanted ideas rather than through experiences. While the latter served as an excellent basis, he realised the folly of underappreciating the benefit of living experiences. Nonetheless, in the surrounding setting, control was inevitable.
His discretion was his primary consideration.
A few days before this, he had overheard some tidbits while his meals were brought to him by a servant.
The patriarch of the Luo family, along with some elders and part of the younger generation, would soon embark on a hunting mission. This was not uncommon. These missions were undertaken for several reasons. These included training, procurement of resources, and maintaining dominance over the surrounding territory.
For Luo Feng, however, the importance was elsewhere.
As there would be so many big personalities away from the mansion, the internal pressure would be alleviated.
The next day would have been too late.
The atmosphere in the Luo family compound had subtly changed. The mansion was still protected, but the sight of elite cultivators was less numerous. This meant little to most people. Luo Feng, on the other hand, saw opportunities.
Luo Feng sat quietly in his room and opened his eyes deliberately.
Tonight, he had plans of action.
He had already determined his current location with great accuracy. The level eight Qi Refinement was no longer volatile. His foundation was solid due to the steady stream of feedback. Increasing the intensity would not jeopardise his practice.
The rest of his karma points remained just above two hundred.
It was no lavish hoard by any means, but it was enough.
Luo Feng was convinced that with careful cultivation, he might be able to reach the peak of Qi Refinement before dawn. With everything in order, entering the level of Foundation Establishment in the next two days was hardly impossible.
There was no blindness in this confidence.
He had been tracking Huang Lei's progress from the nuanced differences in the strength of his feedback. Huang Lei's pace in his cultivation had not shown any signs of slowing down; to the contrary, his saintly body was still dominating as he efficiently refined his qì.
Every improvement Huang Lei made increased the strength of feedback for Luo Feng.
The relationship between them gradually became clear with the passage of time. Breakthroughs led to surges. Steady cultivation resulted in continuous streams. Luo Feng did not consider these changes mere coincidences anymore.
They were patterns.
But patterns could be used.
Of course, there were risks involved.
Foundation Establishment was more than the next step on the ladder of Qi Refinement. It represented an actual transformation. Extending meridians, stabilising the dantian, transforming the spirit, and changing the Jings were actually the changes undergone during Foundation Establishment.
Failure was not uncommon.
However, even with preparation, it may take multiple attempts. The worst cases faced enough backlash that it impaired their future.
Luo Feng was not trying to play dumb in the matter.
Nevertheless, he was aware of a truth known to few cultivators.
He was not depending solely on his own practice.
The feedback he got was not diluted or borrowed in bits. The feedback was direct and continuous and stemmed from a different cultivator's actual improvement. Although his personal innate ability was not outstanding, the system somehow overcame that in a way that went against regular limitations. As long as he retained control, the danger could be managed. Luo Feng shut his eyes again. He adjusted his stance and seated himself in the lotus position with ease. His breathing gradually calmed down and matched the flow of qi in his body.