Han’s soul returned to his body, and the spiritual sea within the Soul Realm expanded once again, now reaching two hundred zhang.

His soul also manifested within the Soul Realm, seated beneath the great Thousand Immortal Tree. It no longer had the invisibility it did in the Visualization Realm.

Han opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with joy. His cultivation had made another leap forward.

“The Out-of-Body Realm... is no longer ordinary.”

A rare smile appeared on Lu Qingmo’s face.

“There aren’t many cultivators in Black Cloud Town, and your cultivation is already quite impressive.”

"All thanks to Aunt Mo's guidance."

Lu Qingmo shook her head, modestly denying the credit. "With your talent, you would not have faced obstacles in breaking through."

She had only provided knowledge, not resources.

"Han, while your talent is extraordinary, you must not slack off in your cultivation moving forward, and you need to be even more cautious," Lu Qingmo advised seriously. "Even in the Out-of-Body Realm, you still need to visualize consistently and diligently to continue strengthening your soul."

This was why the visualization chart was considered the foundation—visualization was required not only for the Visualization Realm but also for the realms that followed.

"In this realm, you must refine new powers to induce a transformation in your soul."

Han recalled his experience when he first entered the Out-of-Body state. "Is it the force that entered my body when I left my soul?"

"Exactly. That is the Qi of Heaven and Earth," Lu Qingmo nodded. "Qi is the foundation of all things, and refining it directly with your soul is the primary practice in the Out-of-Body Realm."

"In the Visualization Realm, the soul needs to rely on the body for nourishment, but in the Out-of-Body Realm, the soul becomes somewhat independent. It can refine the Qi of Heaven and Earth to strengthen itself."

"There are also special techniques to speed up the refining process, saving you time."

"One such technique is the Moon Absorption Technique, a secret method for those in the Divine Wanderer Realm."

"Your visualization chart is exceptional; it should have a corresponding cultivation method to complement it."

“…"

Aunt Mo, you're overestimating me. While my visualization chart is indeed impressive, I don't have any such techniques.

The Yaksha and Joyful Immortal visualization methods I use don’t offer any supplementary secret techniques for the Out-of-Body Realm.

Han’s soul cultivation seemed more like the most ancient type of cultivation—without a formal legacy, just directly visualizing and communicating with the natural world.

"The power of Heaven and Earth is unpredictable. Without the protection of the physical body, when your soul leaves the body, you might encounter all sorts of illusions trying to deceive you. If you cannot see through the illusions, you could suffer severe injury, or even have your soul scattered," Lu Qingmo explained.

"This is the Out-of-Body Tribulation."

She continued explaining, "As long as you are visualizing, there is a great chance of encountering the Out-of-Body Tribulation, regardless of the quality of your visualization chart."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"However, the higher-tier the chart, the more helpful it will be in seeing through the illusions and resisting the deceptive powers."

The strength and foundation of a soul cultivated from a lower-tier chart simply cannot compare to one from a top-tier chart.

Han nodded, committing Lu Qingmo's words to memory. These were invaluable lessons.

"This soul cultivation really is dangerous," Han sighed.

No wonder so many cultivators focus on martial arts—few are born with the aptitude for soul cultivation, and even fewer have the ability to handle the many dangers that come with it.

"There is another potential danger in the Out-of-Body Realm..." Lu Qingmo added.

"Another one?" Han blinked in disbelief. Was this ever going to end?

"I once heard that when refining Qi, you may encounter a Qi Demon."

Lu Qingmo’s face turned solemn. "A Qi Demon can descend, feeding on your blood and flesh, devouring your soul, disturbing your mind, and feeding you endless desires."

"Qi Demon?"

"Yes, a strange and elusive demon, one of the most difficult tribulations for cultivators to overcome."

"There are also other demons in the world, such as Moon Demons, Sun Demons, Sky Demons, and so on—extremely fierce and mysterious."

"Wait, does the Out-of-Body Realm face these demons?"

Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No, only the Qi Demon is a possibility."

"Actually, this is just a theory, a legend. I've never seen or heard of anyone encountering a Qi Demon in the Out-of-Body Realm."

"In the early stages of soul cultivation, cultivators are still weak, and the various demons don't bother with them. They only come after a cultivator has grown stronger."

Small and weak as you are, you’re not worth the demons' time.

"You shouldn't encounter a Qi Demon just yet, but once your cultivation grows stronger, you'll inevitably face demons. I just wanted to warn you ahead of time."

Lu Qingmo carefully explained the key points of the Out-of-Body Realm cultivation and all the potential dangers Han should be aware of. She was being very considerate.

Later, Han once again entered the Out-of-Body state in the chamber. He was preparing to attempt refining the Qi for the first time on his own.

The Guardian Incense created a peaceful domain, allowing his soul to remain at ease.

Han’s soul sat cross-legged in the air, visualizing the Thousand Immortal Tree in his heart.

The Qi of Heaven and Earth was drawn to him, continuously pouring into his soul.

Unbeknownst to Han, Lu Qingmo had also left her body. She was observing him and was surprised by what she saw.

"His absorption rate is unusually fast... What kind of cultivation technique is he using?"

"His soul... compared to other cultivators in the same realm, it can only be described as strong..."

Using the soul to observe the soul was the most direct way.

Han, unaware of Lu Qingmo’s observations, found himself in a strange place.

The ground was covered in sulfuric magma, human bones, and blood seas, with evil spirits howling all around him.

The Asuras and Night Demons rushed toward Han, intent on devouring his flesh, as if he were in hell.

Seeing this, Han remained calm and unperturbed. His mind was clear, and the image of the Thousand Immortal Tree in his heart kept him grounded. Despite being in an illusion, his mind was unaffected.

Suddenly, the scene shifted—hell disappeared, replaced by golden mountains, silver seas, and fields of jade and spiritual herbs, all designed to tempt Han.

Han wasn’t swayed.

Pfft. If my Heavenly Money Vault hadn’t disappeared, I’d show you what true wealth looks like.

Is this supposed to tempt me with broken trinkets?

Which cultivator wouldn’t fail this test?

The illusion shifted again—delicate fragrances, warm jade, and beautiful women surrounded Han. They danced provocatively, some dressed in sheer veils, others bare, swirling and entwining with him.

Han raised an eyebrow. Hmph, you’ve finally caught my attention, illusion.

For some reason, this illusion seemed to last longer than usual, but thankfully, Han was a man of integrity and resisted the temptation.

His steel-like willpower wouldn’t bend.

He endured the illusion, his mind becoming even clearer and more refined.

Eventually, all the illusions vanished. However, before Han could do anything, his soul was suddenly seized by intense pain, followed by an overwhelming heat, as if he were submerged in boiling water.

It felt like his soul was splitting apart—chunks of it seemed to develop their own thoughts, devouring each other in a chaotic frenzy.

Han could even see his own soul's "flesh," with sharp fangs and claws growing from his heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys—everything was in turmoil.

Endless desires surged in his heart.

In an instant, Han felt like his soul was about to explode, paralyzed and unable to move.

"Qi Demon?!!"

Lu Qingmo, who had been silently observing Han, saw the change and her face turned pale with shock.

Could it really be that someone in the Out-of-Body Realm could summon a demon?!

After a moment's hesitation, Lu Qingmo’s soul rushed to Han’s side. Chanting an incantation and forming hand seals, she placed both hands on his shoulders.

"I’ll help you banish the demon!"