Xiao Rin broke through to Qi Gathering 9th Layer on the third day.
Not because he forced it.
Because his body allowed it.
The Ember Spirit Body was stabilizing rapidly.
Every time he cultivated, heat gathered around him naturally. The air felt warmer within a few meters.
Chen Wei noticed first.
"He absorbs twice as fast as before."
Mu Jian said nothing.
But his expression was tight.
Lian Zhou observed silently.
The Ember Spirit Body activation bar had risen to 28%.
At this rate, Xiao Rin would reach Foundation within weeks.
Too fast.
Fast growth created suspicion.
He opened the system interface.
[Warning: Rapid Constitution Activation Detected.]
He frowned.
"Warning?"
The panel expanded.
[If a disciple advances beyond sect protection capability, probability of external targeting increases.]
Logical.
Geniuses attract attention.
Dead geniuses don't build sects.
He scrolled further.
Another message appeared.
[System Strain Detected.]
[Manufacturing Rate Linked to Host Spiritual Stability.]
He stilled.
That hadn't appeared before.
A small gauge appeared beside his name.
[Host Spiritual Load: 37%]
"When did that start?" he muttered.
The system responded immediately.
[Each major structural modification increases Host Load.]
"So upgrading them affects me."
[Correct.]
"What happens at 100%?"
[System Forced Dormancy.]
Silence.
That was the first real limitation.
If the system shut down mid-growth—
Everything stalled.
He leaned back slowly.
He couldn't spam upgrades recklessly.
He needed pacing.
Good.
Restrictions created strategy.
Meanwhile, in the training yard—
Mu Jian finally spoke.
"Sect Master," he said stiffly, "why is Xiao Rin improving faster than me?"
Direct.
Good.
Lian Zhou looked at him calmly.
"Because his structure allowed it."
Mu Jian clenched his jaw slightly.
"And mine doesn't?"
"Not yet."
Silence stretched.
Mu Jian wasn't stupid.
He understood the implication.
He was average.
In a sect that had just begun producing abnormal growth.
"I want to improve too," Mu Jian said quietly.
"Then train."
"I am."
"Then train harder."
Mu Jian's eyes flickered slightly.
He wasn't satisfied.
But he bowed and returned to the courtyard.
Chen Wei approached later.
"You're testing us," he said quietly.
"Yes."
"For what?"
"Longevity."
Chen Wei nodded slowly.
He understood.
Talent without stability was useless.
That night, Lian Zhou adjusted strategy.
He would not push Xiao Rin straight into Foundation.
Instead—
He would temper him first.
He opened the system again.
[Available Talent Points: 5]
New option had appeared under Mu Jian.
[Meridian Stabilization — Cost: 3 TP]
[Bone Density Enhancement — Cost: 2 TP]
He smiled slightly.
Balanced growth.
He selected both.
[Confirm?]
"Yes."
Mu Jian, meditating in his room, suddenly felt his meridians tighten slightly.
Not expand.
Strengthen.
His bones felt heavier.
Denser.
His breathing deepened automatically.
He didn't scream.
He just opened his eyes slowly.
He could feel it.
Something changed.
The next morning, Mu Jian sparred with Chen Wei.
The difference was immediate.
Before, Chen Wei would overwhelm him easily.
Now—
Mu Jian held ground longer.
His strikes carried more weight.
His endurance improved.
Chen Wei noticed.
"You feel sturdier."
Mu Jian nodded slowly.
"I do."
He looked toward Lian Zhou.
The jealousy faded slightly.
Replaced by something else.
Trust.
Inside the system panel:
[Host Spiritual Load: 46%]
Lian Zhou narrowed his eyes.
Even minor upgrades increased load steadily.
He couldn't cross 70% without knowing consequences.
He needed to grow himself too.
He opened his own panel.
[Host Cultivation: Foundation Early]
[Authority Level: Rank 1]
[Unlock Next Authority Level: Raise One Disciple to Foundation.]
There it was.
His growth was chained to theirs.
If Xiao Rin reached Foundation—
Authority Rank would increase.
Maybe reducing system strain.
Or unlocking efficiency boosts.
That meant timing mattered.
Later that evening—
A stranger appeared at the sect gate.
Young.
Confident.
Foundation Early.
Wearing robes of a nearby minor sect.
He knocked calmly.
"I heard Heavenly Ember Sect refused Crimson Blade tribute," he said.
Chen Wei stepped forward.
"And?"
The young man smiled slightly.
"I came to see what kind of fools would dare."
Lian Zhou stepped out from behind them.
"We're selective fools," he said calmly.
The young man's eyes sharpened.
Good.
External testing had begun.