Chapter 71: Stabilization Is Key

Settling himself deeper into the meditation, Jiang Feng remained perfectly still, his breath steady and controlled. The five Cloudroot Crystals lay before him, their soft glow pulsing in the dim light of the training room, as Jiang Feng absorbed them. With each breath he drew, the air seemed to hum with heat, the ethereal energy of the crystals slowly enveloping him like a gentle, yet persistent tide.

As he activated his cultivation technique, Infernal Breathing, Jiang Feng felt the familiar surge of heat spread through his chest. It was as though the room itself had begun to grow warmer, the walls quietly absorbing the energy of the outside world and releasing it inside. His mind cleared, focused entirely on the task at hand. The crystals, attuned to the rhythm of his breath, responded almost immediately, their energy racing through all twelve meridian channels.

The glow of the crystals intensified, growing brighter with each passing moment. A soft mist began to rise from their surfaces, each tendril of vapor seeming to pulse with life. Slowly, imperceptibly at first, the spiritual energy from the crystals started to seep outward, threading through the air like invisible tendrils of light. It was a delicate, almost serene process, but the power behind it was undeniable.

As the energy spread, Jiang Feng's body began to absorb it nonstop, the essence sinking into his meridians, bones, flesh, blood and internal organs. The process was slow, but there was no pain—only a soothing warmth that spread through him, like the feeling of stepping into sunlight after a long, cold night. Each crystal's power seemed to merge with the next, creating a harmonious flow of energy. It was as though the Cloudroot Crystals were guiding him, weaving themselves into the fabric of his being, deepening his connection to the world around him.

His Essence Lake slowly began to expand, but at a pace that felt both gradual and unstoppable, stretching outward, first reaching 100 meters, then 200, and finally, after what seemed like an eternity, it reached its limit—400 meters. The last tendrils of energy slowly receded, settling in the deepest corners of his body, leaving a subtle, yet undeniable mark. The spiritual energy from the crystals had fully fused with him, and though the effect had been powerful, it had not overwhelmed him. Instead, Jiang Feng felt an unexpected clarity of mind, a newfound sense of balance.

Opening his eyes, he looked at the now-dimmed Cloudroot Crystals. Their glow had faded significantly, leaving only the slightest trace of the vibrant energy that had once pulsed from within. The session had ended, and Jiang Feng felt the lingering effects of the cultivation in every fiber of his being. His Essence had grown, his control over his body sharpened.

"I bet that if someone else were to use five Cloudroot Crystals, their Essence Lake would expand by at least 800 or maybe 1000 meters. But it only expanded mine by 400 meters, 85,000 low grade spirit stones, gone just like that" Jiang Feng shook is head with a mocking smile, when it came to cultivation resources, his body was his worse enemy.

He had originally planned to use the Emberheart Essence, its fiery power a tempting choice to further enhance his abilities. But as he sat in the stillness of the training room, he reconsidered. The surge of energy from the Cloudroot Crystals had already pushed his limits for now, and he knew his body had been stretched to its breaking point. Despite the crystals' gentler effect, the temptation to press forward with the Emberheart Essence was strong. Yet, a fleeting thought stopped him.

Jiang Feng had recently made a significant breakthrough, expanding his Essence Lake to a full 3,000 meters in diameter. It had been an achievement hard-won, the result of reverse cultivation. And now, after absorbing the Cloudroot Crystals, he had pushed it further by 400 meters—his Essence Lake was now 3,400 meters across. A vast reservoir of spiritual energy, more than enough to elevate his cultivation to new heights. But with this new power came a delicate balance.

On the day Lin Moyi taught him about the levels of cultivation, when they finished training, and before Jiang Feng went to bed, he had came by to explain dangers of overexertion—how rushing through breakthroughs could lead to disaster. If he did not allow his body the proper time to adjust to the influx of strength, he risked destabilizing his foundation. That could cripple him in the long run, even potentially ruining his future progress.

Jiang Feng exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of that wisdom settle in his chest. He could already feel the raw power within him, thrumming like a storm waiting to break loose. His body was still adjusting to the surge of energy, his meridians tingling as they expanded to accommodate the increase in his Essence. The last thing he wanted was to rush ahead without stabilizing what he already had.

He took a deep breath, his hand brushing over his chest where the flow of his Essence was steady, if still raw. Patience, he reminded himself. The true path to strength isn't in how fast you can advance, but in how well you can control the power you already possess.

Jiang Feng decided to forgo the Emberheart Essence for now. He needed time—time to allow his body to assimilate the newly expanded Essence Lake, to understand his new meridians and to stabilize his cultivation. With his foundation firm, he would be able to harness even greater power in the future, without fear of losing his way.

"The road ahead looks long, but I'm still young and I still have time" he murmured.

The decision was not one he made lightly, but he knew it was the right one. With a final exhale, he cleared his mind, focusing on the steady flow of energy inside him. He would allow his body to adjust, strengthen, and solidify its newfound power. Only then would he press forward.

The day had already begun to break, and with it, his path was clear. The challenges ahead still loomed large, but Jiang Feng had a greater understanding of the journey before him. The Eastern Wall awaited, but first, he needed to prepare himself fully. The trials ahead would test his body and spirit, and he could not afford to be unready.

-

The room was silent, the early morning light filtering softly through the window, signaling the start of a new day. Jiang Feng stood, feeling the change in his body. The energy within him was still swirling, but it was now calm, centered. His muscles felt lighter, his thoughts clearer. He had absorbed the power of the Cloudroot Crystals, and now, it was time to move on.

He took one last glance at the crystals, now reduced to mere fragments of their former glory. He had no doubt their power would remain with him, a gift he would carry for the challenges ahead.

Soon, it was time to meet Yumo. Jiang Feng gathered his things, quickly dressing and preparing to head out. The Eastern Wall awaited, and with it, a new set of trials. But with his newfound strength, Jiang Feng felt ready. The Obsidian Waterfall Realm, the Celestial Shadow Church, and the world itself would soon learn that Jiang Feng was no longer the same. The journey was just beginning, and he was prepared to face whatever came next.

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