Ascension of the Silent Guardian

Tian Ling crossed the vortex into the Mythical Realm of Thunder, immediately feeling the charged atmosphere. The sky was covered in heavy clouds, crackling with electricity, and lightning constantly streaked across the horizon. The air around him was thick with thunder Qi, making the hair on his body stand on end from the sheer intensity of the energy.

"[You have entered the Mythical Realm of Thunder. The thunder Qi is highly unstable and destructive.]"

"It seems like a place that will test my control," he murmured, scanning his surroundings while searching for a more secluded spot to begin his cultivation.

As he moved forward, Tian Ling noticed the ground beneath his feet seemed to vibrate with each step. The environment wasn’t just charged with electricity but alive with the very Qi of thunder. It was as if the energy was waiting to be mastered, challenging him at every moment.

Finally, he found a clearing surrounded by black stones and distant mountains, where lightning struck incessantly. Sitting in a lotus position, he closed his eyes and focused on his cultivation. He knew the thunder Qi wouldn't be as easy to control as the other elements. Its nature was unstable and destructive, requiring not just strength but a perfect balance between power and control.

Concentrating, Tian Ling began absorbing the thunder Qi around him. The energy entered his body like an electric current, pulsing through his meridians. He frowned as he felt the initial resistance—the Qi was volatile, as if it wanted to escape his control at any moment.

"[Progress in absorbing thunder Qi: 10%]"

Tian Ling took a deep breath, adjusting his breathing and internal Qi flow. He knew patience was key. Thunder Qi was different, demanding a more careful approach. Slowly, he began to bend the energy to his will, forcing it to follow the flow of his meridians. The process was slow, but it was working.

After several hours of cultivation, he stood up to stretch, feeling the pressure that had built up in his muscles. Looking around, he realized how chaotic the Mythical Realm of Thunder really was. Lightning constantly lit up the sky, and the distant rumble of thunder echoed all around. The environment, though intimidating, seemed to align with his will, as if responding to his determination.

"Thunder Qi... It can't be tamed by force. I need total control," Tian Ling reflected, returning to his meditative position.

As days passed, he began adapting to the unstable energy. The thunder Qi flowed more easily through his meridians, and he felt his connection to the element growing. Even so, the unpredictable nature of thunder demanded his constant attention.

"[Progress in absorbing thunder Qi: 30%]"

During a break from cultivation, Tian Ling stood and gazed at the horizon. His thoughts began to drift to what was happening beyond the realm. He remembered Yu Meilin, Jin Yu, and other disciples from the Misty Serene Sect. He knew they were advancing on their own paths and wondered how they were progressing.

But his primary focus remained on his cultivation. He knew that once he completed all the cores, his power would exceed what anyone could imagine for someone at the Spiritual Core Realm.

"Still, I must be cautious. Even with power, the path of cultivation can be lonely and treacherous." His thoughts led him to reflect on his progress so far and what he still sought. "Power... or something beyond that?" He pondered for a moment, feeling the weight of what was to come.

After a few weeks, something changed. He had already gotten used to the volatile energy of thunder, but a new presence emerged in the environment. Tian Ling opened his eyes, sensing a pressure in the air. Something large was approaching. Slowly, he stood and looked toward a nearby mountain.

Through the storm's shadows, he saw a Thunder Beast forming. The creature was massive, made of pure electricity, its eyes glowing like two bolts of lightning locked onto him.

"So, the realm tests me again..." Tian Ling muttered, showing no signs of concern.

The Thunder Beast charged forward with surprising speed, but Tian Ling remained still. He knew that with his current level of power, defeating such a creature would be a simple task. With a subtle movement, he activated the Heavenly Light Steps, disappearing into the air and reappearing beside the creature.

"Heavenly Palm!" he shouted, extending his hand.

The technique, charged with the thunder Qi he had already absorbed, struck the creature with full force. The Thunder Beast exploded into sparks of energy, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.

Tian Ling sighed and returned to his meditative position, barely giving the encounter a second thought.

"[Thunder Beast defeated. Progress in absorbing thunder Qi: 50%]"

The months continued to pass, and Tian Ling persisted in cultivating the thunder Qi. Each day, he felt his connection with the element grow, his ability to control the unstable energy becoming more refined. The process required patience, but he knew that in the end, it would be worth it.

"[Progress in absorbing thunder Qi: 75%]"

Now, Tian Ling was completely immersed in the process. His mind was in perfect sync with the Qi, and he could feel the power of thunder flowing in harmony with his body. The core absorption was nearing its completion, and he knew that once finished, his power would reach new heights.

Finally, after two years, the system sounded again:

"[Progress in absorbing thunder Qi: 100%] — Thunder Qi core successfully completed."

Tian Ling opened his eyes, feeling the power of thunder coursing naturally through his body. His core was complete, and he knew he had mastered yet another element.

"I'm ready to break through..." he murmured with a satisfied smile.

The Mythical Realm of Thunder had been a challenge, but he was pleased, having now reached the ninth level of the Spiritual Core Realm and prepared to break through to the True Soul Realm.

"I just need a few months to stabilize my cultivation, and I can finally break through. But I must stay focused... The next will be the Perfected Soul Realm," he whispered to himself.