And then, he felt it—a small click, like a lock tumbling open in his soul.

BANG!

The sound reverberated through the forest like a thunderclap, and Chen Yu's body jolted as if struck by a powerful force. His dantian, the core of his spiritual energy, trembled and expanded, the Qi within it swirling faster and faster, condensing into a more potent form.

[Congratulations! You have broken through to the second level of the Qi Condensation stage.]

But there was no time to pause. The realization of life and death intertwined within him, propelling him forward. He could feel the energy within him like a river, its currents deep and powerful, carving new paths through his meridians. His mind, now clearer than ever, guided the flow, refining and purifying the Qi into something far greater.

BANG!

Another breakthrough! The energy surged again, stronger and more vibrant. The forest around him seemed to hold its breath, the very air vibrating with anticipation. Chen Yu could feel his body changing, his muscles tightening and his bones strengthening as the Qi flowed through him, saturating every cell with raw power.

[Congratulations! You have broken through to the third level of the Qi Condensation stage.]

Chen Yu's breathing steadied, and he drew in a long breath, feeling the crisp air fill his lungs. With every exhale, he released the impurities in his body, a faint black mist escaping his pores. He was becoming lighter, purer—his body transforming as he pushed deeper into the Qi Condensation realm.

He focused his mind, feeling the rhythm of the earth beneath him, the pulse of life that connected all things. His thoughts were no longer clouded by fear or doubt. He had faced death and understood its place in the cycle of existence. That understanding became his anchor, his foundation for the breakthroughs to come.

BANG!

The fourth level shattered, and with it, a surge of warmth flooded his body. The Qi within him grew denser, more refined. He could feel his spiritual energy condensing like a fine mist in his dantian, swirling with a golden hue. The ground beneath him cracked slightly, unable to bear the immense pressure of his growing power.

[Congratulations! You have broken through to the fourth level of the Qi Condensation stage.]

The system's voice was a distant echo in his mind, overshadowed by the roaring energy within him. Chen Yu was no longer just cultivating; he was ascending, rising above his former self with each breath, each heartbeat.

The air around him shimmered with a golden light, and the leaves of the trees began to rustle as if whispering secrets of the heavens. He could feel the Qi of the forest converging upon him, drawn to his newfound clarity and strength. It danced around him, weaving a cocoon of light that pulsed with each of his breaths.

BANG!

Another barrier fell, and Chen Yu felt his spirit soar. His consciousness expanded, touching upon the very essence of the forest. He could feel every leaf, every root, every living being around him. He was connected to the world in a way he had never thought possible, his mind and body harmonizing with the natural flow of energy.

[Congratulations! You have broken through to the fifth level of the Qi Condensation stage.]

Chen Yu's eyes remained closed, his focus unwavering. He knew he was on the brink of something extraordinary, a complete transformation. He could feel the barriers of the next level trembling, waiting for his will to shatter them.

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He took a deep breath and plunged deeper into his meditation, drawing upon the endless sea of Qi around him. His dantian expanded once more, the spiritual energy within it condensing into a liquid-like state, dense and potent.

BANG!

The sixth level was like a dam breaking, releasing a flood of power that surged through his meridians. His body glowed with a soft, golden light, the Qi within him radiating outward in waves. The mist around him thickened, the air growing heavy with spiritual energy.

[Congratulations! You have broken through to the sixth level of the Qi Condensation stage.]

Chen Yu's heart pounded with excitement, but he remained calm, his mind as still as a mirror. He could feel the spiritual energy converging on him from every direction, a tidal wave of power that threatened to overwhelm him. But he was not afraid. He welcomed it, embraced it, allowing it to wash over him and fuel his ascent.

BANG!

The seventh level shattered, and a burst of radiant light exploded from his body. The ground beneath him quaked, and the trees bent as if bowing to his newfound power. The air hummed with energy, the spiritual force within him reaching a fever pitch.

[Congratulations! You have broken through to the seventh level of the Qi Condensation stage.]

Chen Yu's body trembled, his skin tingling with the raw energy coursing through him. He could feel his senses sharpening, his perception expanding to encompass not just the forest but the very fabric of the world around him. He was no longer just a part of the world—he was becoming one with it.

He drew in a deep breath, feeling the Qi swirl around him like a gentle breeze. His body felt light, almost weightless, as if he were floating on a sea of energy. He knew he was close, so close to the peak.

BANG!

The eighth level gave way, and Chen Yu felt a surge of cold energy flood his veins. His body shivered, the chill seeping into his bones, but he welcomed it. He could feel the energy refining him, honing his spirit and body to a razor's edge.

[Congratulations! You have broken through to the eighth level of the Qi Condensation stage.]

Chen Yu's breathing slowed, each breath deep and measured. He could feel the final barrier before him, a thin veil that stood between him and the peak of the Qi Condensation stage. He knew this was the moment—the culmination of his efforts, his understanding, and his resolve.

He focused all his energy, all his will, on that final barrier. The Qi within him surged, condensing to a point of singularity, a brilliant core of power that pulsed with the rhythm of his heartbeat. He felt his dantian expand one last time, stretching to its limit as the spiritual energy within him reached its peak.

BANG!

The ninth level shattered, and Chen Yu's eyes snapped open. His irises gleamed with a golden light, a reflection of the enlightenment that now filled his soul. He sat at the peak of the Qi Condensation realm, his body glowing with a soft, ethereal light. The Qi around him condensed, forming a golden aura that wrapped around him like a cloak of divine energy.

The forest responded to his ascension. The leaves of the trees shimmered with a faint, golden hue, and the air was filled with the soft hum of spiritual energy. The ground beneath him glowed with a gentle light, as if recognizing the presence of a cultivator who had touched the threshold of immortality.

Chen Yu felt a profound sense of peace wash over him. His body was at harmony with his mind, his spirit in perfect sync with the world around him. The enlightenment from his near-death experience had glazed over his golden eyes, granting him a clarity he had never known.

He could feel the energy flowing through him like a river, steady and unyielding. His Qi was pure, refined to its highest state, and he could sense the potential for even greater power within him. He had reached the peak of the Qi Condensation stage, but he knew this was only the beginning.

[Congratulations! You have reached the peak of the Qi Condensation stage: ninth level. You are now prepared to advance to the next realm.]

Chen Yu smiled, a calm, serene smile that reflected the tranquility within him. He had faced death and emerged stronger, wiser. He had touched upon the essence of life and death, and in doing so, he had found his path forward.

He took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs. The golden aura around him began to fade, the mystical energy slowly dispersing into the forest. The light in his eyes dimmed, returning to their normal color, but the sense of enlightenment remained.

Chen Yu stood, his movements smooth and graceful, like a leaf floating on a gentle breeze. He felt lighter, freer, his body and spirit perfectly aligned. He had broken through, reached a new level of power, and with it, a new understanding of his place in this world.

[Congratulations for taking your first step in the endless dao of cultivation!]