After stepping into Foundation Establishment — Layer 4, Lin Mo and Shi Yue did not slow down.
Their progress continued without interruption.
Within days, both of them broke through cleanly into Foundation Establishment — Layer 5. Their Qi stabilized instantly, their control remaining perfect. There was no need for consolidation beyond a few cycles. Their foundation supported everything.
Their status within the Ashen Ridge Sect began to shift.
At first, it was subtle. Inner sect elders started assigning them higher-level tasks directly, bypassing the usual selection system. Their names began appearing more frequently in internal records. Their contribution rose rapidly.
Then came recognition.
They were promoted.
Core Disciples.
—
They didn't pause.
Their cultivation continued.
Another breakthrough followed.
Foundation Establishment — Layer 6.
At this level, they were no longer just talented. They were exceptional even among core disciples. Their performance in tasks, combat evaluations, and resource efficiency placed them above most at the same stage.
With that came responsibility.
They were no longer assigned tasks.
They were given authority.
Small at first.
Supervision roles.
Team leadership during sect missions.
They accepted without hesitation.
—
At the same time, they expanded their techniques.
Shi Yue selected Flow Guard Art (Mortal Grade High Tier), refining her defense into a seamless extension of her movement. Lin Mo took Stone Body Tempering (Mortal Grade High Tier), strengthening his physical resilience to match his offensive style. Both learned Qi Thread Projection, giving them ranged capability.
Their combat system became complete.
—
Time passed.
Their cultivation surged again.
Foundation Establishment — Layer 7.
Flight stabilized fully at this stage. Movement through the air became natural, no longer requiring focus. Their speed increased, their mobility unmatched among most disciples.
Their authority increased as well.
They were no longer just core disciples.
They were entrusted with independent missions.
—
Another breakthrough followed.
Foundation Establishment — Layer 8.
At this level, the gap widened further. Very few within the sect stood at this layer, and even fewer had reached it as quickly as they had.
Their status changed again.
They were granted the position of:
Junior Elders.
—
It was not honorary.
It was functional.
They were given their own cultivation area, priority access to resources, and the authority to guide lower disciples. Their words carried weight. Their presence carried recognition.
They accepted it without ceremony.
—
They continued cultivating.
Their final breakthrough within the realm came after steady refinement.
Foundation Establishment — Layer 9.
—
Peak.
—
At this stage, their strength was no longer something that could be compared casually. Among the Ashen Ridge Sect, they stood near the top of the Foundation Establishment realm.
Only a few elders—and above them, Sect Leader Gu Han—remained beyond.
Their techniques had fully integrated.
Offense, defense, movement, body refinement, and ranged control worked as one. There were no weaknesses left within their current level.
—
Standing on a high ridge overlooking the sect, Shi Yue spoke.
"…Layer 9."
Lin Mo nodded.
"…Peak of Foundation Establishment."
There was no pride.
Only acknowledgment.
Shi Yue looked outward, toward the distant lands.
"…Before the next step," she said, "we go back."
Lin Mo understood immediately.
The village.
—
Their status within the sect was now stable.
Core disciples respected them.
Inner elders acknowledged them.
Their position as junior elders ensured they would not be questioned for leaving temporarily.
—
The next morning, they departed.
Lin An'an stood between them as they rose into the air, her small hands held firmly.
Their ascent was smooth.
Effortless.
—
Below them, the Ashen Ridge Sect grew distant.
The world opened.
—
They were no longer bound by position.
—
Not disciples.
—
Not just elders.
—
But cultivators who had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.
—
And now—
—
they were returning to where it all began.