Ning meticulously prepared a small wooden tub, carefully filling it with cold water and a selection of medicinal herbs renowned for their ability to soothe and harmonize Qi within the body.

Every step was a crucial part of the process leading up to the consumption of the precious Dragon Qi Grass. To obtain these herbs, Ning had exchanged a significant portion of his hard-earned spirit stones.

"I'm going to be broke soon at this rate," Ning muttered with a wry smile. Yet, despite the impending depletion of his spirit stones, he remained undeterred. He had grown accustomed to the necessity of spending vast amounts of resources on his cultivation journey.

Each week alone, he required a staggering 500 spirit stones to acquire the concealment talisman, and when factoring in other essential cultivation resources, Ning's expenditure surpassed that of most in the outer sect. However, the benefits reaped from these investments were equally immense, and he had grown accustomed to the pattern.

Undeterred by the impending financial strain, Ning undressed and stepped into the wooden tub. The water within was chillingly cold, causing him to shiver uncontrollably, but he endured, knowing the importance of the upcoming ritual.

With unwavering determination, Ning retrieved the Dragon Qi Grass from its secure storage. The herb itself was a sight to behold, adorned with delicate golden lines that seemed to pulsate with spiritual Qi, hinting at its extraordinary properties.

"I guess, it's chow time." With that, Ning no longer hesitated and ate the whole thing.

The taste was unremarkable, akin to plain grass, offering no notable flavors or sensations. However, as soon as the herb entered his system, an overwhelming surge of spiritual Qi erupted within Ning's meridians.

The Qi coursed through his channels with unruly force as if a raging tempest unleashed within. Ning exerted every ounce of effort to maintain control, but the sheer intensity of the rush caused his meridians to heat up, igniting a searing pain that seemed to permeate his being.

Just as its name suggested, the Dragon Qi Grass possessed a Qi akin to that of a dragon—untamed and fiercely potent. And this particular Dragon Qi Grass was a 20-year-old specimen, further heightening its effects.

Gritting his teeth, Ning summoned every ounce of determination within him as he focused on the arduous task of manipulating the surging Qi within his meridians. He followed the Pure Qi Sutra, channeling and directing the Qi with precision. It was an intense endeavor, one that demanded utmost control and finesse.

After a mere cycle of rotation, Ning's Qi surged forward, propelling him to the great circle of the second stage, but the influx of QI was not stopping anytime soon.

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Ning's eyes were bloodshot with pain, his body wracked with the searing heat of the Qi's relentless onslaught. Yet, he remained resolute, drawing strength from the earlier preparations he had made.

The frigid water in the wooden tub worked tirelessly to counteract his escalating body temperature, providing a measure of relief amid the turmoil. The calming properties of the meticulously selected herbs also played a crucial role, easing the burden on Ning's mind and allowing him to exert better control over the unruly Qi.

"It's time."

As Ning gradually grew accustomed to the pain, he took action. He compressed the Qi to its limits, increasing its pressure and temperature. By only using cold water to lower his body temperature and refraining from using any cooling agents for the Qi, he ensured that there was no loss of heat.

Since Ning had made the decision to utilize the Dragon Qi Grass, he naturally had a plan to maximize its efficiency while simultaneously strengthening his foundation.

All of this revolved around the concept of "heat."

In his previous world, it was a well-known concept that heat represented energy. By maintaining this heat, Ning ensured that the compressed Qi remained stable and concentrated, without dissipating or losing its potency.

Ning persisted in compressing the Qi, putting in great effort, and then directed it through his meridians, following the teachings of the sutra. Finally, as the Qi reached its maximum compression, he knew that the critical moment had arrived.

In a burst of stored potential, the compressed Qi erupted with unparalleled force, surging forth like a mighty torrent. In that exhilarating instant, Ning transcended the confines of the second stage, his Qi expanding beyond its compressed state, unleashing its newfound vitality.

[Great Circle Of Second Stage of Qi Condensation -> Third Stage of Qi Condensation(Consolidating)]

He had reached the third stage and the Qi was still flowing. Since, the Dragon Qi was said to be able to raise a whole realm, and Ning had started to consume the Dragon QI only after fully stabilizing his cultivation base at the small circle, the excess Qi was used to increase his cultivation base instead.

For the next few minutes, the influx of Qi gradually settled down, allowing Ning to experience another remarkable effect of the Dragon Qi Grass. As a herb handpicked by the protagonist and potentially utilized, it was clear that this herb held extraordinary properties. In addition to its primary benefit of boosting cultivation, it also possessed a secondary effect—foundation consolidation for early-stage cultivators.

This secondary effect played a crucial role in minimizing the side effects of the rapid cultivation base increase, ensuring a more stable and balanced progress. Though the growth of Ning's cultivation base may not have been entirely steady, the drawbacks were mitigated to the maximum extent.

*Sigh*

"Tired..." Although Ning uttered the word, his eyes gleamed with an unparalleled brightness.

Having utilized the Dragon Qi Grass to its fullest potential through his unwavering control, Ning now stood merely a single step away from attaining the small circle of the third stage. It was akin to reaching the heavens in a single stride.

"I suppose the expenditure of over a thousand spirit stones and the fifth-stage core was well worth it," Ning muttered happily, savoring the sweetness of his advancing cultivation base.

Was this the typical pace at which Xiao Fan progressed? No wonder his cultivation speed was so fast. Having experienced it firsthand, Ning now realized the extraordinary 'luck' of the protagonist.

"Finally, the third stage of Qi Condensation. It is time to commence preparations for the Outer Sect competition," Clenching his fists, Ning started to devise some plans.