Zhang Yan originally intended to refine the sword ball, but unexpectedly at this moment, the Qi Mechanism surged, and the opportunity to break through the Third Realm was close at hand.
However, the closer he came to this step, the more he needed patience, without the slightest impatience. First, he commanded Luo Xiao to guard outside, then closed the door of the cave mansion, focused his heart and spirit, and introspected internally.
The final strand of spiritual energy that was about to merge yet unmerged now had the assistance of heavenly timing. With a subtle motion, the process flowed smoothly and unobstructed.
At this moment, his mind was extraordinarily clear. The two strands of energy seemed magnified countless times before his eyes, every detail reflected vividly in his heart. He could see how the clear and turbid spiritual energies accommodated each other and merged into one.
Yet, the fusion of this final strand of energy was unexpectedly prolonged.
After a full five days and nights, a thunderous explosion echoed in his mind. The energy stormed through his entire body, as if something deep within was suddenly unblocked. Observing his chest, he saw a full eighty-one strands of spiritual energy connected end to end, coiling and swirling around.
Before he could inspect further, all the spiritual energy suddenly trembled violently, surged upward, and flowed out simultaneously from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It then suspended above his head in an illusory state, forming a one-acre-sized cloud of chaotic mist, rolling and churning.
He could feel that this cloud was desperately devouring all the spiritual energy between heaven and earth, constantly growing larger.
Whether it was the golden wind and fierce fire, the earthly heavy evil, the mountain and swamp waters, or the forest vitality, all were absorbed into it, converging to become part of it.
As time passed, this cloud gradually transformed, becoming increasingly dense and solid, showing vague signs of evolution.
Just then, Zhang Yan’s ears heard a "rumbling" sound, as if a thunderclap had struck out of nowhere. Droplets resembling tangible raindrops began to fall from the cloud. Upon contact with his body, they seeped in through his pores, while most directly poured into his body through the top of his head and slowly sank into his Dan Acupoint.
Zhang Yan understood that this step was called "Opening the Heavenly Gate." From now on, the energy in his chest would be interconnected with the spiritual breath of heaven and earth. Without relying on golden wind and fierce fire, he could directly refine it into clear and turbid spiritual energy.
Even if during future battles eighty-one strands of spiritual energy were almost depleted, as long as one remained, he wouldn’t have to start from scratch. By absorbing just a little spiritual energy from the heavens and earth, he could restore himself in an extremely short time.
But once the Heavenly Gate was opened, various mixed energies would also begin to emerge. These mixed energies came not only from the external spiritual energy brought in but also from impurities and turbidities originally within his body. If a cultivator lacked the aid of elixirs, improper adjustments could allow mixed energies to contaminate the spiritual energy, rendering the Qi Mechanism impure and obstructing future cultivation progress.
Without hesitation, Zhang Yan immediately took out the Chi Life Elixir given by Wang Pan from his sleeve bag and swallowed it in one gulp.
The Chi Life Elixir was difficult to refine, and even in the Elixir Cauldron Pavilion, it was strictly rationed. If Zhang Yan hadn’t obtained this one from Wang Pan in advance, he would need to wait until the next year’s furnace session to receive one.
As the elixir entered his abdomen, it promptly suppressed the malignant energy. The Qi Mechanism shifted, and those turbid impurities seemed to be scrubbed away by some force, then expelled entirely from his body through his pores. After eighty-one cycles of spiritual energy circulation, even all his internal meridians were cleansed, and the elixir’s medicinal power was fully depleted.
At this moment, Zhang Yan felt his breathing become clear, as if an invisible boulder pressing on his chest had been removed. His heart and spirit were filled with comfort and ease. He knew he had officially entered the Ming Qi Third Realm, the realm known as "Heavenly Rain Descending."
However, he now felt a sticky sensation on his back, unbearably unpleasant. That was the expelled mixed energy and impurities. Rising to his feet, he jumped into the hot spring within his cave mansion and slowly washed away the filth on his body.
Gazing at the steaming mist, he pondered deeply, "Although I’ve reached the Ming Qi Three Realms, compared to cultivators who have already condensed the Xuan Guang Seed, I am still a step behind. In two years, the sect’s grand competition will convene, gathering disciples from all schools and peaks. Among them will be some of extraordinary talent and brilliance. I absolutely cannot allow myself to slack off at this moment."
After reaching the Ming Qi Third Realm, if one does not condense the Xuan Guang Seed, no amount of cultivation will lead to further progress, and the cultivation base will stagnate indefinitely.
To condense the Xuan Guang Seed, one must first acquire a Cloud Sand Stone and refine it within the Qi Sea.
Cloud Sand Stone, superior to the Five Elements Divine Sand, is a refined stone that forms after tens of thousands of years of Five Elements Divine Sand evolution in spirit-rich lands. In the Dragon Abyss Marsh, there are dozens of such spiritual grounds where Ming Qi Stage Third Realm disciples are permitted to search for it.