Chapter 257: I Hate People Like This the Most

Mid-July, the Ghost Festival.

Chen Shu was hovering in the middle of the small courtyard.

The Cloud Sky Technique is indeed far superior to the most basic and primitive Spirit Repulsion Technique; Chen Shu can now even achieve short-range flight by using the Cloud Sky Technique.

Generally speaking, ancient Cultivators needed to reach the Seventh Stage to fly, though a small number of excellent Sword Cultivators could reach it early at the Sixth Stage by utilizing the Spirit Sword they nurtured themselves. Here, "Sword Cultivator" refers specifically to the Traditional Sword Cultivator; the Wangting Sword Sect is closer to Martial Cultivators and does not nurture Spirit Swords.

In modern times, most Cultivators can unlock their Flying Skill at the Sixth Stage relying solely on their own Spirit Power without external aid.

Depending on individual talent and the quality of the Flying Spell, some can unlock this skill as soon as they enter the Sixth Stage, while others need to wait until the late stage or even the peak. The most important factor here is Spirit Power Quality; the Spirit Repulsion Technique has extremely high requirements for Spirit Power Quality.

Chen Shu is currently at the peak of the Fifth Stage; his Spirit Sea's comprehensive capability far exceeds that of all normal Cultivators at the peak of the Fifth Stage in the current world, yet he has not reached the Sixth Stage.

Normal Cultivators have a major leap from the peak of the Fifth Stage to the Sixth Stage, and he is right in the middle of this leaping process.

Thanks to the excellence of the Cloud Sky Technique, he can barely be considered to have unlocked the Flying Skill.

He can rise from flat ground and cross mountains and forests.

It is a pity that the range is truly pathetic; in windless conditions, flying over flat ground, it is only about ten to twenty kilometers or so.

Very barely.

Chen Shu hasn't calculated the specific mileage because he is about to charge toward the Sixth Stage, so there is no need to waste that effort.

In any case, it doesn't compare to Zhang Suannai riding her sword.

"Hoo..."

Chen Shu slowly landed.

Checking the time, it was time to go collect the potions.

He took a trip to the warehouse window.

The staff member checked repeatedly, and after confirming there were no errors, took out two Restoration Pills and found a metal box labeled "Sixth Stage Promotion Auxiliary Potion (Special Model)." Looking left and right, the staff member couldn't help but be confused: "What model of potion is this? How come I've never seen it before?"

"A special model."

"I know it's a special model, don't I? Isn't it written right here? I'm asking why it's called a special model."

"Because it says 'special model' on it."

"...... Sign here, I suggest going to the Breaking Realm Tower for the promotion."

"Okay, thank you."

After signing, Chen Shu took the potions and headed straight for the Breaking Realm Tower within the sect.

This is a place specifically for sect disciples to charge toward higher realms, requiring an appointment in advance via the app.

Depending on the cultivator's cultivation level, professional seniors will provide advice and guard them throughout the process. If they take a Restoration Pill afterward and enter a comatose state, there will be specialized medical personnel to look after them, and someone will also be assigned to watch over them if any obvious sequelae appear. For Outer Sect Disciples, they also need to pay; the cost is higher than going to an ordinary Cultivator hospital, but most Cultivator hospitals do not accept registrations for promotions above the Intermediate Stage, and for care during promotions above the Intermediate Stage, top-tier sects like the Spirit Sect are clearly more experienced and professional.

Originally, Chen Shu didn't want to come here for his promotion; he wanted to promote by Qingqing's side and have Qingqing take care of him.

Even though it was a social death last time, the experience was still very good.

It's fun, after all.

Plus, he could sleep while holding Qingqing.

How nice.

But since he is in the Spirit Sect, he is too lazy to wait any longer; going back to watch over Qingqing while she promotes is also acceptable.

It's hard to say which is more interesting: being taken care of by Qingqing or taking care of Qingqing.

Thus, Chen Shu arrived at the Breaking Realm Tower.

Third floor, 301.

Pushing open the room door, it was a Cultivation Quiet Room, and someone was already sitting inside—it was none other than Vice Sect Master Du Heng.

"Hmm?"

Chen Shu couldn't help but be stunned: "It's you? Didn't I book a female senior?"

The Vice Sect Master's expression was indifferent: "You wanted a female senior?"

"That's not it..."

"Is that so?"

"It's all the same, it's just that you condescending to come here makes me a little... flattered."

"I came specifically for this." The Vice Sect Master paused, "I want to witness the effect of the legendary Beast Pill."

"Okay..."

"You can start whenever you're ready."

"Okay."

Chen Shu sat cross-legged in the Quiet Room with his back against the wall. He first took out the irregular Beast Pill, then took out the metal box containing the potions and opened it. Two gray-black potions with a texture like traditional medicine but containing shimmering particles lay inside. Chen Shu took out the one on the left and put the metal box away.

The potion and the Beast Pill are to be used at the same time.

A two-pronged approach.

Chen Shu glanced at the calm Vice Sect Master beside him, didn't waste any words, unscrewed the potion, tilted his head back, and downed it in one gulp.

The potion took effect rapidly, and his Spirit Sea immediately began to boil.

Then, he pointed a finger—

The Beast Pill immediately flew into his hand.

After breaking through the outer Spirit Power structure of the Beast Pill, the special Spirit Power contained within it immediately leaked out. However, it did not explode or return to the world; instead, it immediately found the nearest living creature and, under Chen Shu's deliberate guidance, rapidly seeped into his body.

Viewed from the outside, the Beast Pill turned into a brilliant stream of light, flowing into his body.

This Spirit Power was extremely powerful, far exceeding the total Spirit Power stored in an ordinary body, and it also greatly exceeded the maximum load of his body's Spirit Power circulation. Therefore, the first thing Chen Shu felt was a pain as if his entire muscular tissue was being slowly shredded by a meat grinder.

Extremely painful.

The pain of all his previous advancements combined didn't even amount to one-tenth of this.

And this was just the beginning.

Chen Shu could not help but clench his teeth.

It is said that this is how some exotic beasts are when they advance: shedding their old bodies and exchanging their bones, their flesh and blood rotting away only to regenerate, their sinews and bones snapping only to be recast; if they advance, they are reborn, but if they fail, there is a high probability they will perish on the spot, and even if they survive, they will be severely injured and require slow recuperation to recover.

So that's how it is...

Chen Shu's body could not even support its own weight; he fell backward and leaned against the wall.

Amidst the pain, he clenched his fists tightly and furrowed his brows, thinking about some irrelevant content to maintain his sanity while simultaneously striking at the Spirit Lock with all his might.

To fight against this pain, he even fantasized about the promise that "Qingqing said she would wear black silk stockings for me if I succeeded on the first try," deceiving himself and forcing himself to believe it.

The Spirit Sea began to expand violently, attempting to surpass its limits.

Over and over again.

Advancing from the Fifth Stage to the Sixth Stage is already extremely difficult; even if the Secret Sect's potions were highly effective, their impact was already very low, and ordinary Promotion Auxiliary Potions had completely become mere psychological placebos, but the effect of the Beast Pill condensed from Seventh-tier Beast Essence far exceeded that of auxiliary potions; the two working in tandem, while bringing him an intense sensation of his body being crushed and his Spirit Soul being torn apart, also provided extremely powerful auxiliary effects.

Chen Shu's Spirit Sea seemed tireless, as if its Spirit Power were inexhaustible, constantly striking at the shackles; the number of times it struck in one hour was perhaps more than the number of times it would have in half a year without the Beast Pill and auxiliary potions.

I do not know how much time passed.

The power binding the Spirit Sea finally grew weary, and the Spirit Sea's latest expansion finally exceeded its limit, followed by a thunderous explosion.

Amidst the rumbling, one could hear a sound like metal clashing.

The ancient shackles were broken.

The Spirit Sea shattered and was recast.

Chen Shu's entire state was terrible; both his body and Spirit Soul had long since exceeded their load, supported entirely by willpower and black silk stockings, but now he could not immediately pass out because he still had to wait for the Spirit Sea to stabilize and still had to take the Restoration Pill.

I do not know how much more time passed.

Chen Shu finally opened his eyes.

He was completely sprawled on the ground, his body aching to the point of numbness and loss of sensation, so naturally, he could not make any movements.

The space in front of him was already empty.

The Vice Sect Master had left at some point.

But a Restoration Pill was placed in front of him.

Chen Shu forcibly urged his newly advanced Spirit Sea, called upon a bit of Spirit Power, and sent the Restoration Pill into his mouth.

The gentle Spirit Power was like fine rain nourishing the earth.

Chen Shu soon realized—

This Restoration Pill was not for use after advancing from the Fifth Stage to the Sixth Stage, but for use after advancing from the Sixth Stage to the High-Tier.

With the gentle efficacy of the Restoration Pill, there would be no side effects from the excess medicinal power. In fact, the efficacy of most brands of Restoration Pills is set to the maximum, which is more than enough even for a peerless genius after advancing, while those with poorer talent will naturally waste some Spirit Power. But it is only a waste.

A Restoration Pill for advancing to the High-Tier is frighteningly expensive.

However, a normal Restoration Pill was indeed a bit insufficient for an abnormal Spirit Sea like Chen Shu's.

"Click..."

The door to the Quiet Room was pushed open again.

This time, a medical worker entered; she seemed very surprised: "You're already awake? What about the Restoration Pill? Did you eat it? Do you want me to help you lie down?"

Chen Shu could not speak.

Sleepiness washed over him.

He simply stopped resisting and closed his eyes.

The Restoration Pill would finish the remaining work, and the professional nurse would take good care of him.

Tonight, the moon is like a jade plate.

By the time he woke up, it was already the dusk of the next day.

Chen Shu lay on a hospital bed, feeling his own state—

Fully restored.

It was his first time experiencing the feeling of being fully restored after a normal advancement and taking a Restoration Pill; it was even better than his state under normal circumstances. The power within the Exotic Beast Essence had torn his flesh, blood, sinews, and bones apart, but it had also repaired them overnight, which could be called miraculous.

"Ah..."

Chen Shu stretched and began to feel his own state more carefully.

First was the state of his Spirit Sea.

Before advancing, he had referred to the amplification others received after advancing to the Sixth Stage; in terms of proportion, his own was about the same, which was normal and within expectations.

It was just that the comprehensive ability of the Sixth Stage Spirit Sea and the sense of power it brought were still somewhat fascinating.

What exceeded expectations was the enhancement of his physical body.

Even for a Spirit Cultivator, after advancing each stage, the improvement of the Spirit Sea would naturally drive the enhancement of the physical body; on one hand, this came from the improvement of Spirit Power Quality, and on the other, it was determined by the Cultivation Spiritual Method of each stage. After the Spirit Sea improved, the Spirit Power would act on the body at a deeper level; for example, at the Low Tier, Spirit Power only drifted within the body and enhanced the physique, but by the Intermediate Stage, the Spirit Power began to integrate into the cells.

However, this effect was limited after all; Martial Cultivators mainly improved their physical strength through specialized cultivation methods and daily tempering and polishing.

But now, Chen Shu clearly felt that the strength of his physical body was already not inferior to an ordinary Sixth Stage Martial Cultivator or a Sixth-stage Martial Artist.

Was this also the effect of the Beast Pill?

Its functionality was just too strong...

No wonder the Seventh-tier Beast Pill could only be used to help one advance from the Fifth Stage to the Sixth Stage.

At this moment, the door to the Quiet Room was pushed open again.

The medical worker he had seen before losing consciousness walked in again; her face was gentle, and her expression was somewhat surprised: "Awake? How do you feel?"

"Very good."

"You are the first person I've seen sleep for so long after eating a Restoration Pill."

"I'm quite a good sleeper."

"If you want to rest, rest a while longer; if you don't want to rest, you can leave. Eat something; you haven't eaten for so long, so replenish some nutrition."

"I didn't have any... you know... aftereffects while I was unconscious, did I?"

"None, you just muttered a few things in your sleep, shouting 'kiss, kiss,' though I don't know who you were trying to kiss."

"That's good."

Chen Shu stood up directly and took out his Mobile Phone.

There were messages in the Ancient Cultivation Group.

They were sent yesterday.

Grandma Always Says: Little ones! Let me tell you all some news! This grandma has officially advanced to the Sixth Stage! And I succeeded on the first try! Come here quickly and feel inferior!

Grandma Always Says: @All Members

Haoran: Congratulations.

Gate of All Wonders: So fast?

Green Lamp Ancient Buddha: Congratulations, congratulations.

Beauty with Eight-Pack Abs: So amazing!!!

Grandma Always Says: Hahahaha, I am gifted by nature, naturally not comparable to petty people like you all.

Haoran: /eating melon seeds

Grandma Always Says: @Haoran

Grandma Always Says: You listen well.

Haoran:?

Grandma Always Says: I just can't stand you sending that emoji; you wait, when I come to Yujing, I'm coming to challenge you to a duel.

Just Call Me Luo Huaian: You've been holding that in for a long time, haven't you?

Grandma Always Says: /you're talking nonsense

Grandma Always Says: What do you mean holding it in for a long time?

Grandma Always Says: Do I need to hold it in? You think I didn't dare to say it before? I just happened to think of it today; it has nothing to do with whether I advanced to the Sixth Stage or not.

Gate of All Wonders: A Sword Sect Disciple's word is as good as a team of four horses; I'll come to be the referee when the time comes.

Green Lamp Ancient Buddha: Amitabha, this poor monk will be a good spectator.

Haoran: /eating melon seeds

Grandma Always Says: Eh? Where is that someone who said they would reach the Sixth Stage before me?

Grandma Always Says: Feeling ashamed of your own inferiority, so you're too embarrassed to make a sound?

Haoran: /eating melon seeds

Gate of All Wonders: /eating melon seeds

Green Lamp Ancient Buddha: /eating melon seeds

Beauty with Eight-Pack Abs: /eating melon seeds

Just Call Me Luo Huaian: /eating melon seeds

Gate of All Wonders: @Qingcai Keke

Grandma Always Says: Looks like they really don't dare to make a sound.

Grandma Always Says: /sigh

Grandma Always Says: The brilliance of a genius is always dazzling, to the point that those around them shrink their heads in inferiority.

Seeing this, Chen Shu frowned.

He had originally planned to go show off in front of Zhang Suannai after advancing to the Sixth Stage; he hadn't expected this person to beat him to it, and by just a single day at that.

"Emmm..."

And this person was being so arrogant.

Chen Shu's expression was pained, and he fell into thought—

He couldn't feel Joy anymore at this moment, but he could make her unable to feel Joy either.

After a moment of thought, he began to type.

Qingcai Keke: Sorry, I advanced to the Sixth Stage the day before yesterday, exactly one day earlier than you. It's just that I'm not as fond of showing off as you are, so I didn't come out to brag. You, on the other hand, jumped out first.

Qingcai Keke: The reason I didn't reply to you yesterday was because I was busy at the Spirit Sect researching a Flying Spell and didn't have time to check messages. You think everyone is as idle as you?

Qingcai Keke: /despise