The chamber pulsed with latent energy. Fang Ze knelt before the Eclipse Veil, circulating his Qi Gathering Realm at the 5th layer. He moved his hands in precise arcs, performing the Sword-Drawing Gesture Technique. Every strike, every subtle sweep of Qi along the floor and walls, felt like he was drawing a sword through space itself, sensing every hidden corner of the chamber.
Zhuo Tianming appeared, Qi flaring recklessly at 3rd–4th realm strength, lashing out with crude, uncontrolled bursts. Fang Ze's sword gestures spiraled defensively, redirecting and compressing the chaotic force. Dust and stone flew, yet Zhuo tianming was not killed. Fang Ze remained calm—he did not wish to draw lethal attention.
Zhuo tianming staggered, frustrated, before retreating. "I'll be back!" he spat.
Fang Ze exhaled and grasped Eclipse Veil. Energy flowed through the blade, awakening centuries of latent sword intent. Patterns of attack, pause, and rhythm imprinted themselves in his mind, layering his Sword-Drawing Gesture Technique with deeper insight. The blade became an extension of his Qi, enhancing both offense and perception.
Su Qingxue flowed through Lotus Whisper Steps, feeling her body respond to the elixirs. Her Qi circulated freely, now firmly in the 2nd layer. The combination of technique, foundation, and environment accelerated her progress far beyond ordinary beginners.
Outside the chamber, Zhang Rui, Liu Wenhao, and He Yun felt the aftershocks. Their curiosity deepened, yet they paused at the threshold, sensing energy far beyond their current ability.
Within the chamber, the sword, technique, and first real cultivation opportunity were secured.
Fang Ze's mastery, calm and precise, had turned the hidden chamber into the first true stage of the Golden Era.