In the bright midday light, the Azure Sky Sect stood proudly among the tall peaks. Beautiful green hills and sparkling waterfalls surrounded the grand halls and monuments that reached into the clouds.
The surrounding area was softly misted, giving the scene an otherworldly feature. As they travelled along the stone paths, disciples in blue and white robes engaged in conversations about cultivation.
The atmosphere of the sect was magical, the peaceful walking of some and the elegant flying of others on sword or without the use of swords.
Su Mei, an inner disciple, sat cross-legged in quiet meditation. She was focused on advancing from the mid-stage to the late-stage of the Vein Fusion Realm.
The air around her buzzed with spiritual energy, swirling gently, but despite the calm atmosphere, she was frustrated at her heart.
Years had passed, and while others advanced, she remained stagnant.
With the financial backing of her respected father, an inner sect elder, she should have reached the pinnacle of the Vein Fusion Realm by now, at the age of 200.
But even with her extraordinary talent, the breakthrough she so desperately needed remained elusive.
Su Mei's breathing became uniform, each breath slower than the one before, as she concentrated on directing the flow of spiritual energy through her meridians.
The energy flowed through her veins like a soft stream, but when it got closer to breakthrough just at that movement it met an invisible barrier, the spiritual energy hit the barrier but it had no effect.
For a brief minute, Su Mei pushed harder, seeking to break through the barrier. However, her attempts were unsuccessful. The spiritual force faltered, became unstable and then vanished completely.
Her body experienced a sudden backlash that felt like lightning strikes. Su Mei breathed heavily and put her hand on her big chest as she felt severe pain. Her shoulders trembled as beads of sweat dripped down her white face.
Frustration overtook her, and she clinched her hands, breathing heavily. The bitter taste of failure hung heavily on her tongue as she bit her lip to suppress her desire to scream.
Regardless of how much spiritual energy she purified or how skilfully she managed it, the bottleneck remained unmoving, an impossible wall that prevented her from moving forward.
She let out a tired sigh, relaxed her tense shoulders, and turned her attention to healing. Even though she was exhausted, she remained determined and thought, "I'll try again in a few days."
Even after falling, Su Mei's beauty remained captivating. Her stubborn yet beautiful face was framed by her long, smooth dark purple hair.
Her closed purple eyes and her slender, curvy figure were elegantly highlighted by the sect's luxurious blue robes, embroidered with complex golden cloud patterns.
The fabric thighly clung to her big chest and slender waist before flowing down her legs, offering small glimpses of her smooth skin.
A few hours later…
As Su Mei remained deep in meditation, a voice echoed from outside the cave. "Senior Sister Su!"
It was Lin Chen, a fellow inner disciple under the same elder. He admired Su Mei's beauty and talent but had always fallen behind her in cultivation. "I know you're cultivating, but I found something that might help you break through!"
Su Mei's eyes narrowed as her focus got disrupted, but hearing about a breakthrough she immediately became curious. With a wave of her hand, the stone door opened, revealing the world outside.
Sunlight spilled into the cave, illuminating Lin Chen. He was a striking young man with short, dark red hair and sharp brown eyes. He wore the same uniform as her which had the Azure Sky Sect's symbol on the chest.
She remained calm and said, "Come in and tell me what you've found, Junior Brother Lin. If it helps me break through, I will surely reward you."
Lin Chen cupped his fists and replied, "Senior Sister, As you can see, I've broken through to the late stage of the Elemental Bloom Realm and reached the peak stage in just a few days."
Hearing this, Su Mei narrowed her eyes and used her spiritual energy to assess his cultivation. To her surprise, he was telling the truth.
Despite being more than fifty years younger than her and having no significant support, Lin Chen had managed to reach the peak of the Elemental Bloom Realm. Considering his lower talent compared to hers, his achievement was truly remarkable.
Lin Chen then reached into his spiritual bag and pulled out a glowing fruit. "It's all thanks to this, Senior Sister."
Su Mei's gaze locked onto the fruit a golden glow, as the fruit came out it soon filled the cave with a calm & peaceful environment. The fruit was shaped like a five-pointed star, each petal curling outward.
Su Mei took the glowing fruit in her hand and it aroused curiosity in her eyes as she felt very calm just touching it. Though it felt unique, she couldn't help but ask, "What is this magical fruit, and where did you find it, junior brother?"
Lin Chen smiled faintly and replied, "I went on a dangerous mission outside the sect. Let's just say it wasn't easy to get my hands on this. I had to fight off many people to acquire two of these fruits."
"I consumed one myself, and after experiencing its effects, I realized you've been trying to break through for a long time. So, I brought this one for you, Senior Sister. I hope… you'll accept it," he said, in a shyly voice.
Suddenly, Lin Chen's demeanor shifted from shy to becoming calm and radiating an unfamiliar confidence. Su Mei noticed but chose to focus entirely on the fruit in her hands.
"As for what this fruit is," Lin Chen continued, "I'm not sure. I checked the sect library before bringing it to you, but I couldn't find anything about its origin."
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He spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "But I'm certain this will help you, so without much thought, I brought it to you, Senior Sister."
Seeing Lin Chen's gesture made Su Mei feel unexpectedly good, though she remained cautious. She knew Lin Chen's reputation, he was far from faithful and was known to have relationships with other junior sisters.
Despite this, she decided to focus on the fruit for now. Is this truly the key to my breakthrough? Her thoughts raced, but her expression stayed calm.
She looked up at Lin Chen and asked seriously, "Are you certain, Junior Brother Lin? Do you truly want to give this fruit to me?"
Lin Chen smiled confidently. "Yes, Senior Sister. I've already taken one, so I don't mind giving this one to you. I just hope it helps you.
And… if you're happy with its effects, I was hoping you might consider going out with me." His voice grew shy as he finished speaking.
Su Mei frowned inwardly at the suggestion. She didn't particularly like the idea, knowing Lin Chen's history with other junior sisters.
Still, she decided to keep her composure and replied calmly, "Why not, Junior Brother? If what you've said is true and this fruit helps me break through, then I'll consider it."
Lin Chen's face lit up with excitement. "Alright, Senior Sister!" He quickly cupped his fists, turned, and left the cave, saying, "I'll look forward to that day, Senior Sister!"
As the stone door closed behind him, Su Mei sighed softly and turned her attention back to the glowing fruit in her hands. Whether this works or not, my breakthrough depends on it, she thought, her determination rose up.
She examined the fruit closely, marveling at its warm glow. It was unlike anything she had encountered before. Should I research it first? she wondered. But the thought was quickly dismissed.
If word of the fruit spread, it would attract the attention of powerful figures within the sect. Even her father, an inner sect elder, or the sect master might want to take it from her.
Resolving herself, she sighed and decided to consume it immediately.
Opening her red lips, she tilted her head back and swallowed the fruit whole without chewing—a method unique to cultivators that preserved the fruit's potent properties.
It slid smoothly down her throat, and as soon as it reached her stomach, a warm energy began spreading through her body.
The energy moved in gentle waves, traveling down to her core and forming a soothing circle of energy. It felt as if her body was being wrapped in a comforting embrace.
The warmth pushed away all distractions, calming her restless thoughts. Her mind became as clear as a still lake, and she quickly entered a meditative state, fully focused on cultivating.
Days passed—10, then 20...
Su Mei was finally ready to break through to the late stage of the Vein Fusion Realm, but the process was not easy. She ran into the same bottleneck again when she directed her spiritual energy. The invisible wall remained in place, preventing her from moving forward.
As the spiritual energy clashed within her meridians, she began sweating & her breathing became heavy. She gritted her teeth, pushing her willpower to its limit, trying to force the energy to go against the wall.
Just as she was about to give up and started getting negative thoughts a strange energy washed over her mind, bringing an unexpected calm.
As her thoughts cleared and she approached the barrier once more, it suddenly vanished. The spiritual energy surged forward, flooding her meridians without resistance. The power caused her robes to ripple, and she emitted a gentle golden glow.
As the breakthrough settled, the spiritual energy around her gradually faded. Her long, dark purple hair, which floated a little in the spiritual energy, now returned softly over her shoulders, same with her robes it went back to its place. She felt as though a heavy weight had been removed from her.
Su Mei opened her purple eyes and let out a long, quiet breath.
She placed a hand on her big chest, feeling the smooth, steady flow of spiritual energy circulating within her. a tiny smile appeared on her lips as she said, "I finally did it and It only requires focus and a calm heart."
"The fruit's effects were stronger than I expected... Without it, I might have failed again."
For a moment she closed her eyes, trying to feel what she had achieved. For the first time in years, her body and mind were in perfect harmony.
A sense of fulfillment washed over her, but a lingering thought remained. "I wonder how long this peace will last," she murmured.
Curious, Su Mei decided to examine her spiritual core, where she had felt the energy from the fruit gather. She guided her spiritual energy inward, allowing it to flow through her meridians and into her core. But as she focused, something unexpected caught her attention.
Her spiritual core was resonating with a steady rhythm, sending calming waves throughout her body once more. Su Mei frowned slightly and concentrated harder. That's when her eyes widened in shock. Inside her core, a tiny life form was forming.
What is this? How is this possible? Her mind raced with questions. Cultivator women could easily block pregnancy through spiritual energy, and there had been no such event to even suggest this. Yet the life inside her was undeniably there.
The small, growing presence absorbed spiritual energy from her core and returned it as soothing waves that calmed her mind.
Su Mei placed a trembling hand over her stomach, her thoughts filled with worry. This was no ordinary event—it was something beyond her understanding.
Su Mei's face turned cold as anger flared inside her. How could this happen? she thought. If her father or the other disciples found out, it would be a disaster.
The tiny life form inside her core was rapidly taking shape, resembling a baby. Though it didn't seem to hinder her cultivation yet, who could say for certain it wasn't some sort of parasite or other malicious force?
As these thoughts spiraled in her mind, her core emitted another wave of calm energy, forcing her racing heart to slow. She gritted her teeth, frustrated at her inability to stay angry. "I need to find Lin Chen," she muttered, clenching her fists.
But as soon as her frustration surged, another calming wave spread through her, making it impossible to hold onto the emotion.
Su Mei opened the stone door and ran out into the night without hesitation. She didn't need a flying sword because she was at the Vine Fusion Realm. She was now travelling at full speed to Lin Chen's cave.
After ten minutes...
She landed in front of the stone door of Lin Chen's cave. Without wasting time, she shouted, "Lin Chen, come out! I have something important to discuss with you!"
Instead, a weak and panicked voice came from inside. "Senior Sister… Help me! Help me!"
Su Mei got worried hearing Lin Chen's voice and immediately used spiritual energy to push the stone door aside.
Looking inside, she found Lin Chen lying on his bed with a painful expression on his face. His body was soaked in sweat, and he held his stomach. His whole body shook wildly, He cried out in desperation, like a woman going into labour.
"Senior Sister… help…" he groaned, his voice weak and rough. His bloodshot eyes looked at the door Su Mei in desperation.
"Something's inside me… It's trying to come out of my stomach, but it can't find a way. It feels like my stomach is going to burst open if it doesn't find a way out! Please… take it out of my stomach."
Su Mei's thoughts raced. Her experience of the sight before her was unusual. The pain and hardship he was going through were similar to childbirth, yet it was unbelievable that a man was experiencing it.
She was shocked and asked, "How is this possible?" But looking at Lin Chen in pain she thought, No time for questions. I have to act now.
Her beautiful blue robe fluttered as she straightened her posture. She lifted her thin hand and called forth a sword from her spatial ring. The blade of the weapon glows dimly with spiritual force. She also took out a set of pills and healing medicines and put them nearby.
"Hold on, Junior Brother Lin, I'll take care of this."
Lin Chen could barely nod, his pale face contorted in pain.
She channeled spiritual energy through her hands, to examine Lin Chen's abdomen. Her hand controlled the energy carefully and as her energy probed deeper, she detected the presence of a small, growing life. Her heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression calm and composed.
She then slashed her sword lightly through the fabric of his robe, exposing Lin Chen's abdomen.
She gently positioned the blade above his stomach and cut precisely, using spiritual force to stop the blood flow before it could spread.
Su Mei stayed focused as Lin Chen cried in pain and trembled slightly. Her spiritual force covered the wound, forming a layer of protection and closing the surrounding veins.
She worked carefully, her firm hands guiding the sword deepe. Slowly she exposed the lifeform within Lin chen. She said to herself, "Almost there." I have to take it out as soon as possible.
Despite her efforts to block the bleeding, she couldn't prevent the pain, and Lin Chen's screams echoed through the cave. At first, Su Mei frowned, frustrated. Why is he crying so much? Isn't this the same man who bragged about surviving countless dangerous missions?
However, her core sended calming energy, soothing her anger. Taking a deep breath, she regained her composure and focused entirely on the task at hand.
Su Mei then used spiritual energy to lift the small life form out of Lin Chen's stomach. She was confused as the fragile figure of a baby girl appeared out. The child was tiny, around ¼ of the size of a human hand with smooth, golden eyes. Though completely hairless.
Su Mei placed the crying baby on a clean surface nearby and as she didn't dare to touch it, wrapping it in a spare cloth she summoned from her spatial ring. Her movements were quick as she turned her focus back to Lin Chen.
She then channeled spiritual energy into his body to stabilize his condition. She applied a layer of medicinal paste to his wound to stop bleeding and heal the wound. Next, she put a healing pill in Lin Chen's mouth and used spiritual energy to help him swallow it.
Within a minute,
Lin Chen's breathing stabilized, the tension in his body easing as the pain subsided. His face, though still pale, showed signs of relief. Su Mei exhaled quietly, her sharp focus softening slightly as her attention shifted to the crying baby.
The newborn let out cries, its voice echoing and filling the cave with a noise. Su Mei's unease deepened as she looked at the baby. What kind of creature is this? Why does it look so human? she wondered.
Suddenly, a familiar calming wave pulsed through her core, soothing her racing mind. She closed her eyes briefly, centering herself as the strange energy settled her unease.
Her purple gaze instinctively dropped to her own stomach for a fleeting moment before returning to the baby. Do I have to give birth too?
She shook her head and sealed the baby's mouth with spiritual energy to quiet its cries. unwilling to dwell on the matter any further. For now, she simply waited for Lin Chen to regain consciousness and answer her questions.
When he finally opened his eyes, he saw Su Mei standing nearby, her gaze cold and unwavering. Embarrassed, he lowered his head slightly.
"Senior Sister, thank you for saving me," he murmured, his voice laced with shame.
Before Su Mei could ask any questions, the baby suddenly started laughing, "Ah ah ah!" Su Mei furrowed her brows as the spiritual energy she had used to quiet the baby was absorbed directly by it.
It felt as though the baby had just eaten food and was now content.
Lin Chen stared in confusion. "Senior Sister… how is the baby eating spiritual energy like that?"
Ignoring his question, Su Mei turned to him, her gaze cold and piercing. In a sharp tone, she demanded, "Lin Chen, explain yourself! How did you end up pregnant? And what is the origin of this baby?"