Tian Ling sat on the vast expanse of land in the Mythical Realm of Earth, feeling the dense energy circulating around him. The Qi of Earth was solid, stable, and required patience. Unlike the other elements he had cultivated, Earth was neither fluid nor explosive; it represented the foundation of all things. Tian Ling knew the absorption process would be slow and demand his full concentration.

[Progress in Earth Qi absorption: 10%]

Time passed slowly in the Mythical Realm of Earth. Tian Ling remained focused, controlling his breathing while absorbing the Qi, slowly filling his spiritual core. The power of the Earth was strong and constant, and he could feel his spiritual foundation becoming firmer with each portion of Qi he absorbed.

Six months passed since the beginning of Earth Qi absorption. Tian Ling could already feel his connection with the element deepening every day. Now, he could almost hear the ground pulsating beneath his feet, each beat resonating with the solidity of the Earth. He knew the process was far from over, but his determination remained unwavering.

[Progress in Earth Qi absorption: 50%]

As he cultivated, a distant presence formed in his mind. Memories of his interactions with Yu Meilin slowly resurfaced. It had been more than two years since they last saw each other, and Tian Ling wondered how she was. Even with his focus fully on cultivation, these thoughts quietly accompanied him.

At the same time, back at the Misty Cloud Sect, Yu Meilin, now at the fifth level of the Spiritual Core Realm, observed the island of the Mythical Realms from afar. It had been more than two years since she last spoke with Tian Ling, and his absence was beginning to weigh on her mind.

"I’ve grown so much during this time, but… where is he? What is he doing right now?" she thought, feeling a slight unease in her heart. She remembered their last conversation, when Tian Ling, with a casual comment, had made her blush with embarrassment. Since then, she had tried to push those thoughts aside, but his figure became more present in her mind every day.

"Does he even think about me? Or has he already left me behind?" Yu Meilin murmured, her eyes gazing at the sky of the Misty Cloud Sect. She wasn't entirely sure what she felt, but Tian Ling’s absence stirred something deep within her.

Meanwhile, in the Mythical Realm of Earth, Tian Ling faced the challenges posed by the Earth Qi. Massive stone and earth creatures constantly emerged, as if the realm itself was testing his strength and endurance. However, Tian Ling faced each opponent with skill, channeling the Qi he had already absorbed.

[Progress in Earth Qi absorption: 75%]

During one of these battles, he faced a colossal stone creature, seemingly imbued with the very essence of the realm. The creature was immense, with wide arms and crushing strength. Tian Ling skillfully dodged its attacks, harnessing the power of the Earth in his own movements.

"Dividing Sword, Earth’s Destruction!" he roared, channeling all the Earth Qi into a devastating strike. His blade pierced the creature’s body, causing it to crumble into a rain of stones.

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This victory gave Tian Ling the certainty that his progress was effective. He sat down again, ready to complete the absorption process.

Finally, after two years of cultivation and facing the challenges of the Mythical Realm of Earth, the system echoed in his mind:

[Progress in Earth Qi absorption: 100%]

Core of Earth Qi successfully completed.

Tian Ling opened his eyes, feeling the solidity of the Earth Qi filling every fiber of his being. He now possessed an unbreakable connection with the element. His spiritual core was more solid and stable than ever.

"The Earth core is complete... another step on my path to perfection," he murmured, standing up.

Only one elemental core remained. Tian Ling knew the next would be one of the most challenging, but he was ready to face it.

As soon as he crossed the vortex back to the Misty Cloud Sect, he sensed a familiar presence approaching. Yu Meilin, who had also made considerable progress in her cultivation, appeared before him.

"Tian Ling... it’s been so long," she said, her voice calm, but her eyes showed a mix of curiosity and repressed emotion.

"Sister Meilin," he said, offering a slight smile. "Yes, it has been a long time. How have you been?"

She hesitated for a moment, observing him closely. The Tian Ling before her seemed more distant, more powerful, as if he had advanced even further beyond her reach. She smiled, but there was something in her eyes that he couldn’t help but notice.

"You… have changed a lot," she commented, almost as if talking to herself.

Tian Ling, for his part, realized that the feelings between them were still present, but he knew his focus needed to remain on cultivation. There were more cores to fill, more challenges ahead.

"I am still walking the same path, sister. But I promise I haven’t forgotten the bonds that connect us," he said sincerely.

Yu Meilin smiled faintly, but deep down, there was something she couldn’t fully express. She knew her path was only just beginning, but Tian Ling seemed always to be several steps ahead.

After exchanging a few more words, Yu Meilin said her farewells, and Tian Ling returned to his secluded cave, determined to continue his journey. The Thunder core would be next, and he was prepared to face whatever challenges came with it.

After his brief interaction with Yu Meilin, Tian Ling returned to his meditation chamber, feeling the strength of the Earth core within him. He sat in the lotus position, allowing the Qi to circulate through his meridians. The flow was stable, firm, and unshakable — characteristics of the Earth element.

Yet, despite the satisfaction of the progress he had made, Tian Ling knew the journey was far from over. There were still two more cores to complete, and he was already mentally preparing for the next one: the Thunder core.

He closed his eyes and began to meditate, reflecting on the challenges that lay ahead. The Qi of Thunder was known for its violent and unpredictable nature. Mastering it would require more than just strength and determination — it would demand complete control.

"I am ready for this. Earth has given me a solid foundation, but Thunder... it will be the element that challenges me like never before," he thought, feeling a growing sense of excitement.

Meanwhile, Yu Meilin continued to reflect on their last interaction. Her admiration for Tian Ling grew stronger every day, but something else was troubling her. She knew that Tian Ling was growing more distant, not by choice, but because of the nature of his cultivation path. This left her torn between admiration and a slight sense of loss.

"He’s drifting farther away from all of us... but why? What is he seeking that he cannot find here?" she wondered, gazing at the horizon of the Misty Cloud Sect.

After a long moment of meditation, Tian Ling opened his eyes and felt it was time to prepare for the last step before heading to the Mythical Realm of Thunder. He was stronger than ever, but he also knew that the challenges ahead would demand even more from him.