9: 9th Stage Qi Condensation

Li Wei awoke feeling an incredible surge of energy within him. The Dream Qi he had cultivated so diligently flowed through his meridians with newfound strength and clarity. After taking his own pills and sleeping deeply, he had reached the 9th stage of Qi Condensation. The power coursing through him was palpable, and he knew he was just a step away from Foundation Establishment.

He rose from his bed, stretching and feeling the strength in his limbs. Achieving the 9th stage of Qi Condensation made him a significant force within Greenbrook. However, he knew that to truly establish himself as a powerful cultivator, he needed to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage. To do this, he required a crucial ingredient: the Foundation Flower.

Li Wei packed his essentials, including the remaining bottles of his Dream Qi-enhanced pills and the Moonshadow Sword, which had become an extension of himself. He donned his clean white robes and secured his backpack, ready for another venture into the Forbidden Forest.

He stopped by Su Mei’s shop to inform her of his plans. She looked at him with concern but nodded in understanding.

“Be careful, Li Wei. The forest is dangerous, but I know you can handle yourself. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to call on me,” she said, her eyes filled with genuine worry.

“Thank you, Su Mei. I appreciate your support. I’ll be back soon,” he replied, offering her a reassuring smile before heading out of the city.

The Forbidden Forest loomed ahead, its dense canopy and eerie atmosphere both familiar and intimidating. Li Wei took a deep breath, centering himself before stepping into the woods. The spiritual energy here was thick, and he could feel it resonating with his own Qi.

He moved through the forest with purpose, his senses heightened by his advanced cultivation. The flora and fauna seemed to recognize his presence, and he navigated the terrain with a confidence born from experience. His goal was clear: find the Foundation Flower.

The Foundation Flower was a rare and elusive plant, known to grow in the deepest parts of the Forbidden Forest. Its vibrant petals and unique energy signature made it distinct, but also difficult to locate.

Li Wei spent hours searching, using his Dream Qi to attune himself to the forest. He encountered various magical beasts and navigated through treacherous terrain, his Moonshadow Sword ever ready. The forest seemed almost alive, its energies swirling around him, guiding him deeper.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he sensed the unique energy of the Foundation Flower. Following the trail, he found a small clearing bathed in ethereal light. In the center, surrounded by lush greenery, stood the Foundation Flower, its petals shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

Just as Li Wei reached for the flower, a low growl echoed through the clearing. He turned to see a massive beast, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent. It was a guardian of the Foundation Flower, a powerful creature that fed on the flower’s energy.

The beast charged, and Li Wei drew his Moonshadow Sword, channeling his Dream Qi into the blade. The ensuing battle was fierce, the beast’s strength and speed matching his own. But Li Wei’s mastery of the sword and his advanced cultivation gave him the edge.

With a series of precise and powerful strikes, he managed to wound the beast, his sword glowing with the ethereal light of his Dream Qi. The beast roared in pain and anger, but Li Wei pressed on, using his agility and skill to outmaneuver it. Finally, with a decisive blow, he struck the beast down, its body collapsing with a heavy thud.

Breathing heavily, Li Wei approached the Foundation Flower once more. He carefully harvested it, ensuring he didn’t damage any part of the precious plant. Its energy pulsed in his hands, and he knew it would be the key to reaching the next stage of his cultivation.

With the Foundation Flower safely stored in his backpack, he made his way back through the forest, his senses alert for any other dangers. The journey back to Greenbrook was uneventful, and he arrived at the city gates as the sun began to set.

Back at the inn, Li Wei wasted no time. He set up his cauldron and prepared the ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pills. The recipe was clear in his mind, a result of the myriad memories and knowledge he had absorbed.

He worked methodically, combining the Foundation Flower with other rare herbs he had collected. The process was intricate and demanding, but Li Wei’s focus never wavered. He channeled his Dream Qi into the cauldron, enhancing the potency of the mixture.

After hours of careful refinement, the cauldron glowed with a soft, ethereal light. Li Wei watched as the mixture transformed into small, round pills, each one containing the concentrated essence needed for Foundation Establishment.

He carefully bottled the pills, ten in each glass bottle, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. The Foundation Establishment Pills were ready, and with them, he was one step closer to becoming a true powerhouse.

The next morning, Li Wei visited Su Mei’s shop once again. She greeted him with a mixture of relief and curiosity.

“You’re back! Did you find what you were looking for?” she asked.

Li Wei nodded and handed her a bottle of the newly forged pills. “These are Foundation Establishment Pills. They’ll help you or any cultivator reach the next stage.”

Su Mei’s eyes widened in amazement. “Li Wei, these are incredible. Thank you. These will be invaluable.”

“I couldn’t have done it without your support,” he replied. “Consider this a token of my gratitude.”

With the Foundation Establishment Pills in his possession, Li Wei felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that taking the pill would be a significant step in his cultivation journey, one that would open new doors and present new challenges.

He returned to his room at the inn, meditating and preparing himself mentally and physically for the transformation ahead. The Myriad Dreams Scripture had guided him well so far, and he trusted it would continue to do so.

As he closed his eyes and focused on the path of the Dao, he felt the Dream Qi within him pulsing with anticipation. The journey to Foundation Establishment was just beginning, and Li Wei was ready to embrace it fully.


The small city of Greenbrook had become the stage for Li Wei’s remarkable journey. With the Moonshadow Sword at his side, the guidance of the Myriad Dreams Scripture, and the support of his new allies, he felt confident in his ability to navigate the challenges of this world. His path was becoming clearer, and he was determined to make the most of every opportunity that came his way. The future was filled with endless possibilities, and Li Wei was ready to explore them all.