Infinite leveling in cultivation world

After leaving the Exchange Center, Tian Jue headed toward the training grounds situated on the eastern slope of the Shenxian Sect. The air grew lighter, humming faintly with the flow of cultivated qi. As he approached the outer courtyard, carrying the massive Silver Guard on his back, a familiar and unwelcome voice called out.

"Well, well, if it isn't the stray tiger."

Tian Jue halted mid-step.

Standing near the entrance was a youth draped in immaculate white robes embroidered with golden thread — his snow-white tail swaying arrogantly behind him. His features were sharp, almost too perfect, and his posture practically screamed I'm better than you.

Bai Zihao.

A so-called prodigy of the White Tiger tribe — heir to one of the four divine beast bloodlines, and a sect-favorite among the younger disciples.

He sauntered over, a smirk plastered across his face.

"Care for a friendly spar, Tian Jue? Or are you afraid your fancy hammer's just for show?"

Tian Jue didn't even blink.

"No."He smiled. Wide and flat. The kind of grin that wasn't friendly at all.

"Not interested."

"What's wrong? Afraid I'll expose you as a coward?"

Tian Jue shrugged with absolute indifference.

"No. I just value my time. Unlike you."

The words struck harder than a palm strike.

Bai Zihao's qi flared in anger. His golden pupils narrowed. Without warning, he lashed out with a punch—fast, backed by solid Qi Refinement power.

But Tian Jue vanished, his movement like smoke on the wind.

Silent Wind Step.

Bai Zihao's fist sliced through empty air.

Before either of them could make another move, a crushing spiritual pressure descended like a storm. Both disciples froze.

An elder materialized at the edge of the courtyard. His gaze was calm but carried the weight of a mountain.

"Fighting outside the designated training ground violates sect rules," the elder said flatly.

Tian Jue respectfully cupped his hands.

"Elder, I declined the challenge. Bai Zihao attacked first."

The elder gave Bai Zihao a long, weary look.

"As expected. Bai Zihao, one week of confinement. No missions, no training ground access."

"What?! He provoked—!" Bai Zihao clenched his fists, seething. "Fine! The Outer Ranking Competition is in one month. I'll see you there."

Tian Jue was already walking away, completely unbothered.

"Sure. I'll beat you there, too."

The elder stepped aside, allowing Tian Jue into the inner training field. Rows of wooden dummies, spirit-bound training puppets, and elemental test arenas sprawled across the area. He walked toward the combat puppet station and selected a Foundation Realm opponent.

With a thud, Silver Guard hit the ground beside him.

The hammer was massive—1.4 meters in length, with a head nearly 50 centimeters wide, forged from dense heavy silver. The weapon's head alone could serve as a shield, and it was firmly chained to his right arm to prevent disarming.

The puppet activated.

It lunged.

Tian Jue didn't dodge. Instead, he braced himself. The puppet's frontal attacks collided with the hammer's surface and were easily diffused. The hammer's weight and density absorbed kinetic force while Tian Jue adjusted his stance.

He began experimenting with defense angles, pivoting his body to deflect left and right. The hammer's sheer size provided excellent coverage; it wasn't just a weapon — it was a mobile fortress.

After an hour, he moved to offense.

He started spinning and throwing the hammer in wide arcs around the puppet. At first, his aim was off. But slowly, his control improved—each throw became tighter, faster, more lethal.

Then came the finishing move.

He launched the hammer with a forceful thrust, embedding it into the floor beside the puppet. In the same breath, he used the chain's tension to pull himself forward, rocketing past the puppet.

As he sailed by, his left hand flashed.

Shhk—!

A dagger, hidden in his sleeve, slashed across the puppet's core, disabling it instantly.

The puppet dropped.

Tian Jue exhaled slowly, sweat dampening his collar. The sky outside had turned gold and orange, the sun dipping behind the mountain ridge.

With Silver Guard resting against his shoulder, he turned and headed home—his gait steady, his mind clear.

"Not bad," he murmured. "It's beginning to feel like mine."

The sky was tinted gold when Tian Jue strolled back toward his residence, the massive hammer Silver Guard still slung across his back. As he passed by a nearby courtyard, the scent of wet soil and sweet fruit drifted on the breeze.

He paused.

Huan Tao was in the middle of her small garden, cheerfully watering a young peach tree. The tree shimmered faintly—clearly spiritual in nature. Her tail swayed back and forth like a pendulum, ears perked and bright under the setting sun.

She noticed him almost instantly.

"Tian Jue! Wait!" she called, waving excitedly.

Tian Jue hesitated, gaze flicking to the horizon. Then, after a moment's thought, he changed direction and stepped into her courtyard.

Huan Tao beamed as she guided him to a small wooden table beneath the peach tree.

"Please, have a seat! I brewed some peach blossom tea. I'd like you to try it."

Tian Jue sat down silently, his expression calm as ever.

"Alright. The peach you gave me before had good flavor."

Her ears twitched at the compliment, and her tail wagged a little harder.

"Thank you!" she chirped, pouring the tea with delicate care.

The aroma of peach and qi-rich herbs floated up with the steam. Tian Jue took a sip—it was light, fragrant, and carried a faint warmth that eased tension in his chest.

As they drank in silence, Huan Tao suddenly looked up.

"Did you know there's going to be a lecture in three days?"

Tian Jue nodded, placing the cup back onto the saucer.

"I heard. Elder Lin mentioned it when he linked my contribution token to the mission system."

"Oh, good!" Huan Tao leaned forward. "You should definitely go. It's about something really important—the hidden levels of Qi Refinement."

Tian Jue's brow lifted ever so slightly.

"Hidden levels?"

She nodded earnestly.

"Mm-hmm! Stages ten to twelve. It's not part of the normal cultivation path, but the lecture is supposed to explain how they exist beyond the ninth layer."

Tian Jue froze for a heartbeat.

Even in his former life—a powerful cultivator from another world—he had never heard of such a thing. Most sects acknowledged nine stages of Qi Refinement before Foundation Establishment. The idea of hidden layers beyond that… was both startling and tempting.

"Is there proof?" he asked quietly.

"It's mostly rumor," Huan Tao admitted, "but they say anyone who reaches the tenth layer of Qi Refinement is guaranteed to reach Nascent Soul Realm someday."

Tian Jue stared into his cup, eyes dark with thought.

Nascent Soul… guaranteed? That's insane.

In his previous life, stepping into the Nascent Soul realm was like scaling a cliff in the dark. Even the most talented failed. For this to exist—even as rumor—made the upcoming lecture a must-attend.

He glanced at Huan Tao, whose tail had calmed into a gentle swish.

"Thank you for telling me," he said sincerely.

They sat in silence a while longer, the sky bleeding deeper into twilight. Finally, Tian Jue stood.

"I should go. I have things to prepare."

Huan Tao stood up with him, brushing her hands off on her robe.

"Alright! Goodnight, Tian Jue."

"Mm." He gave a slight nod. "And thanks for the tea."

He left her courtyard and walked into the descending dusk, his mind no longer on the taste of peaches, but on the weight of hidden realms—and how much further he might truly go in this life.