The jasmine-scented air hung heavy in Yue Mei’s courtyard. A faint mist clung to the manicured gardens. Zhu Zhihao, a splash of crimson against the pale morning light, stood before Yue Mei. Her face was serene, but her violet eyes held a flicker of… warmth and affection in them.

Yue Mei’s own crimson eyes shimmered with tears. “Be safe, Aunt Zhu,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you.”

Zhu Zhihao’s hand rested gently on Yue Mei’s cheek, a warm, steady touch. “Little Mei,” she murmured, her violet eyes full of warmth and worry, “You have found a safe place here. For now you must cultivate well. Remember what I said: Trust in yourself. I believe you will find a way here.”

Su Kang and Su Ting watched from a distance, respectful but present. Su Kang had come to see Zhu Zhihao off. A polite gesture, yes, but also a subtle way to show their… understanding. He watched as Zhu Zhihao turned to him, her expression unreadable.

“Young Master Su,” she said quietly, “keep Yue Mei safe. I’ll return in six months.”

Su Kang met her gaze. A silent promise passed between them. “I will, Senior Zhu,” he replied, his voice steady.

With one last look at Yue Mei, Zhu Zhihao rose into the air. Her crimson robes swirled like flames as she ascended.

I have to make sure they can’t track her, she thought. The Xuantian Empire is safe enough, for now.

She had to return to her auction house to maintain appearances. She couldn't let suspicion arise from her absence. Too much time, too much effort had gone into creating this life for herself and Yue Mei. A spoiled and horny prince wouldn't change that.

Su Kang watched her disappear, anticipation and unease mixing within him. He felt that this wasn't the end. It was just the start of something much bigger.

Su Ting decided to stay behind to comfort Yue Mei. Su Kang nodded with him and left them alone. His mind already on other matters, he returned to his own courtyard.

Inside his quiet cultivation chamber, Su Kang sat on his meditation mat. He closed his eyes and reached out with his mind.

“Fate,” he called silently. “Finally it’s time. I need new cultivation techniques and give me thing that you promised.”

He'd been waiting for this, for the chance to finally change his techniques. He couldn’t ask before, not with Zhu Zhihao around. Her senses were too sharp to notice. He didn't want to do something like this in her presence.

Now, with her gone, he was finally free.

“Fate,” he repeated, his thoughts focused, “I need to change my Qi cultivation urgently. It will take time to convert my qi according to new techniques.”

Fate’s voice echoed in his mind, metallic, but… different somehow.“Su Kang… most of my techniques… they’re not suitable for current you.”

A wave of cold disappointment washed over Su Kang. Not suitable? What did that even mean?

“What do you mean by not suitable?” he asked, his voice tight with frustration.

“You need… a special physique or spiritual body to practice them.” Fate explained. “For example, they require a divine yang body, a Chaos Body, or ancient dragon blood. Something… more.”

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Damn, Su Kang thought. What now?

“You said most,” he pressed, a flicker of hope rekindling. “There are some that are suitable for me, right?”

“Yes,” Fate admitted. “One soul technique. One body technique. But… they are… still dangerous. Your body… it would need to be… reconstructed.”

"A soul technique? A body technique? Tell me more." Su Kang echoed, intrigued.

"The Sanctuary of the Unwavering Soul," Fate began, its metallic voice resonating with a plain tone. "A powerful soul cultivation technique. It purifies, strengthens your very soul essence. Makes your willpower stronger."

A strong soul, a strong willpower, Su Kang nodded. This is essential for a cultivator, and it might be helpful against demon cultivators as well.

"And what about the body technique?" Su Kang asked.

"The Starforged Physique," Fate replied, "Your body needs to absorb astral energy to refine bones, muscles, and organs. But your body is unable to handle the Astral energy now."

Su Kang's brows furrowed slightly as he digested Fate's words. A soul cultivation technique and a body cultivation method, both are good.

"Body reconstruction?" Su Kang repeated, his voice laced with curiosity and caution.

Fate's metallic voice echoed in his mind, steady yet firm. "Yes. Your body is currently unable to absorb Astral Qi. If you attempt to cultivate the Starforged Physique as you are now, it would be impossible. You need a spiritual body or physique related to stars to even begin with it."

Su Kang's expression darkened. "Then why suggest it?"

"Because I have prepared for this," Fate answered, a rare note of finality in its tone. "I would not offer you a path that leads only to failure. The body reconstruction will force your body to adapt—painfully, yes, but effectively. The end result will be a physique that can withstand and absorb Astral Qi and refine itself to a level beyond ordinary cultivators."

Su Kang took a deep breath. He had expected that cultivation at this level would demand pain, but knowing that Fate had already made preparations gave him some confidence.

"Then, what do I need to do first?" he asked.

"Begin with the Sanctuary of the Unwavering Soul. Strengthen your soul, refine your mind. A strong will is essential to endure what is to come. Simultaneously, practice the Star Tempering Exercise—a preparatory technique that will gradually open the meridians necessary for the reconstruction process."

Su Kang nodded. "I understand. What about Qi cultivation?"

"I will decide that after seeing your result. To balance your body and soul cultivation, you need a qi cultivation technique that is based on harmony; otherwise, your body and soul will be hard to control." Fate said.

"What about the thing you were about to give me?" He wanted to know about this.

"It's better if you use this after changing your Qi technique. If you use it now, then it will be difficult to change your techniques later."

"This..." Su Kang was feeling like shit. He waited so many weeks for this yet he had to wait more.

"Can't I practice Qi technique now based on harmony?" He asked.

"You can but it's best to figure out how your physique is reacting to your cultivation techniques. These cultivation techniques are different from traditional norm."

He sighed and decided to wait more. First he needs to prepare his body and soul for transformation. A few more months is nothing compared to superior cultivation techniques.

"Okay, then let's begin." Su Kang nodded. Soon he felt some memories were injected into his spiritual consciousness.

It was the Star Tempering exercise and the Sanctuary's Awakening —first level of the Sanctuary Of The Unwavering Soul.

Knowing he needed an isolated space with potent starlight for his practice and transformation, Su Kang selected a lone mountain within the Su Manor's vast territory. It was far from the bustling training grounds, shrouded in mist, and quiet enough for uninterrupted cultivation.

With a decisive step, he made his way up the mountain, surveying the landscape. It was ideal—distant from prying eyes, yet close enough for him to return when necessary.

Atop the mountain, he set up a simple cultivation spot. He gathered spirit stones, arranged protective formations, and ensured that no disturbances would hinder his practice. He sat down in lotus position and started to practice.

......

Many days later.

He focused on the sensation of the breath entering and leaving his body, using it as an anchor for his attention. The breath was silent, almost imperceptible, reflecting the inner stillness he seeks to achieve.

He visualized his mind as a vast, empty chamber, its walls smooth and white, its floor polished to a mirror sheen. This was his inner sanctuary, a space of perfect peace and clarity.

But it wouldn’t stay empty. Images flashed unbidden – Bai Yunxi’s smile, Li Fang’s departing figure, Zhu Zhihao’s piercing gaze, the burning pain of the Star Tempering Exercise. His mind was a whirlwind, a chaotic jumble of thoughts and emotions.

The walls of sanctuary waver like smoke as soon as they formed and instantly collapsed. He kept trying but it collapsed again and again. He sighed, feeling the weight of his task pressing down on him.

He needed to clear his mind first. He took deep breaths. He has confidence in himself and he knows it will take a few months to completely awaken a sanctuary so there's no need to impatient even if first level — Sanctuary's Awakening was equivalent to a foundation building excercise.

He started to practice the Star Tempering exercise at night. He circulated the energy in his according to the exercise. He didn't feel anything different, but Fate told him keep doing this until his body managed to absorb a small wisp of astral qi.

This became his daily routine. The process was slow but steady. Days turned into weeks. He repeated this routine—soul refinement in the day, body strengthening in the night.

He didn't cut himself off completely. He visited Bai Yunxi, finding comfort in her presence and their bond deepening.

Occasionally, he would return to the Su family's training grounds, watching over the younger disciples as they honed their skills.

When needed, he stepped in, correcting stances, advising on techniques, and offering guidance that sometimes even the older members of the clan found insightful because of their low cultivation.

The younger generation of the Su family, who had once viewed him as unremarkable, now looked at him with newfound respect.