175: Chapter 175 Mid-stage Great Sun Realm, Seventh Level of the Divine Shock Piercing Technique

He stood on the observation deck of a towering integrated defense center in Changning City, his gaze sweeping over the steel jungle below, which was several times larger than before.

New types of protective force fields flickered in and out of existence at key nodes of the city.

In the direction of the former Qingshi County, only a distant and blurry empty coordinate point remained in his perception.

His parents were properly settled in the core residential area of the city, where the safety coefficient was far higher than in the county era, which put his mind slightly at ease.

His communication bracelet vibrated slightly, projecting a massive three-dimensional schematic composed of multiple satellite fortress passes and a monitoring network of underground defense nodes.

He quickly reviewed the overall defense situation report after the Qingshi direction had been merged.

His new responsibility was even heavier; he was no longer just guarding a piece of land in his hometown, but a key node that maintained the safety of millions of people.

Li Wen exhaled, his eyes becoming sharp and focused once again.

The war was far from over; it was merely continuing in another form within the shadows of this super-metropolis.

And his blade would continue to guard this hard-won new order and new hope.

January 30, 233, galactic calendar, dawn.

A private courtyard deep within the Underground Fortress Pass.

Time slipped by silently for more than half a year, and it was New Year's Eve once again.

In the early morning, when the first ray of winter sunlight pierced through the window lattice, spreading a gentle brightness across the snow-white walls and gradually filling the entire room, Li Wen slowly awoke from his deep state of meditation.

His mind was still immersed in the lingering rhythm of heaven and earth energy circulation, but habitually, he immediately summoned his panel:

[Name: Li Wen] [Age: 25] [Realm: Great Sun Realm Early Stage (Level 52.6)] [Profession: Scholar Lv14 (296040 / 819200)] [Skills: Blade Technique - Soul Realm (99%), Xuanqiong Five Styles (Star Gallop 100%, Thunder Strike 100%, Tianque 100%, Star Vortex 100%, Soul Abyss 100%)] [Cultivation Technique: God-Shocking Sting - Level 6 (100%)]

His gaze scanned the lines of data.

Compared to when he first entered the Great Sun Realm a year ago, all his stats had shown significant growth.

His Physical Body Realm was steadily improving, not far from the Middle Stage of the Great Sun Realm, and the Scholar experience bar, accumulated through long-term persistent study, was also steadily advancing.

However, at this moment, what attracted most of Li Wen's attention was still the Blade Technique Realm column.

99%.

With the assistance of the [Absolute Focus] ability granted by his Lv14 Scholar profession, combined with a full year of tireless hard work and insight day and night, his Blade Technique had finally climbed to the Peak of the Soul Realm.

The "Xuanqiong Five Styles" recorded in the Profound Vault Rainbow Silence Chapter had long been tempered by him to 100% perfect control, becoming like instinct.

Now, the only thing standing before him was the final and most critical step—to fuse and connect the Saber Intent of the five styles, merging them into one to condense a Saber Dao exclusive to himself.

That was the threshold of the Dao Realm.

The Dao Realm was crucial; it was one of the core conditions for knocking open the door to becoming a Marquis-level Divine Demon.

If one's skill Realm could not step into this domain, it would be difficult to glimpse the mysteries of the Marquis level for one's entire life.

However, for Li Wen, this life-and-death barrier that troubled countless Peak Great Sun Realm Divine Demons did not bring too much pressure.

With the existence of the nearly Heaven-Defying Scholar panel, a Breakthrough was only a matter of time.

His Blade Technique Realm had always been ahead of his Physical Body cultivation.

Estimating the time required for his Physical Body Realm to go from its current state to the Peak of the Great Sun Realm, if there were no unexpected fortuitous encounters, it would take about four more years.

As long as the Dao Realm could be achieved within four years, it would not become an obstacle to his own growth.

"One year—perhaps shorter," Li Wen thought to himself.

Relying on his current experience and the extreme input of five hours of [Absolute Focus] every day, he was confident that he could greatly shorten this time.

Various thoughts flashed by, and Li Wen put away his panel.

He got up, washed briefly, and consumed the high-energy compressed nutritional meal provided by the base for breakfast, his energy quickly replenishing to a full state.

Then, like every ordinary day in the past, he walked to the quiet study in the villa and began today's six hours of high-intensity study.

When the last book on energy spectrum theory was closed, the brightness of the light strips in the study, which simulated natural light, adjusted exactly to the appearance of simulated noon.

Li Wen finished his study on time and got up to head to the public canteen of the Changning City Underground Fortress Pass.

"Captain Li, Happy New Year!"

"Senior Brother Li, Happy New Year's Eve!"

"Junior Brother Li, sit here!"

Just as he stepped into the spacious and bright canteen entrance, greetings rang out enthusiastically one after another.

A gentle smile appeared on Li Wen's face, and he nodded in response one by one: "Happy New Year. Happy New Year's Eve."

Having been stationed in Changning for half a year, a medium-sized fortress pass even more important than the Rock Pass, he had long become familiar with every Divine Demon stationed here long-term.

The structure of the garrison team was similar to that of the Rock Pass; the core was the top-tier combat power composed of several Peak Great Sun Realm Divine Demons, each in charge of a different direction.

The team leader, Captain Zhao Zheng, was a Peak Great Sun Realm Divine Demon who still appeared full of energy. He was over seventy years old this year, which was still considered the prime of life at this level.

His own skills had already reached the Dao Realm, making him the strongest person on the team on the surface.

At this moment, he was smiling and beckoning Li Wen to come over and sit.

"Junior Brother Li, come and take a look, the kitchen has added dishes today." Zhao Zheng pointed to the sumptuous buffet table; the festive atmosphere gave the usually cold and hard canteen a bit more warmth.

The food was indeed more exquisite than usual, bringing together flavors from all over.

The team members sat around tables or chatted in groups of two or three, sharing the thrilling missions of the past year, exchanging insights on combat and cultivation, and expressing their longing for their families far away.

The topic occasionally turned to Captain Zhao Zheng.

"Old Zhao, before next New Year's Eve, you should be able to make that Breakthrough, right?" a middle-aged Divine Demon who excelled in defense asked with a smile, holding a wine glass.

He was referring to the critical step of condensing the Primordial Spirit and stepping into the Marquis Realm.

Captain Zhao Zheng laughed out loud, his eyes filled with anticipation but also a trace of gravity: "The Primordial Spirit is mysterious; it's hard to say. There are quite a few people stuck at this last step, unable to advance or retreat, so I dare not make any guarantees."

He turned to look at Li Wen, his tone carrying unconcealable emotion and envy, "Junior Brother Li, on the other hand, has already condensed his Primordial Spirit at such a young age. Such talent is truly uniquely gifted, sparing you this chasm that many people cannot cross in their entire lives."

Ever since Li Wen reached the Great Sun Realm, he had released the news that he had condensed his Primordial Spirit.

The Great Sun Realm is the Realm that pursues the condensation of the Primordial Spirit, and since Li Wen's spiritual perception was already peerless, when he released the news of condensing his Primordial Spirit, it did not cause too much of a stir.

Hearing Zhao Zheng's words, Li Wen shook his head slightly, his tone peaceful: "Everyone has their own fate. Senior Brother Zhao has a solid foundation, and the Dao Realm is already achieved; the Primordial Spirit is just a matter of course, a final kick; it's just a matter of time."

His words were sincere, making Captain Zhao Zheng also reveal a gratified smile.

The atmosphere at the dining table was harmonious, and the camaraderie between comrades-in-arms seemed particularly precious on this special day.

After the sumptuous and warm luncheon ended, Li Wen returned to his private courtyard located deep within the Underground Fortress Pass.

He did not slack off in the slightest and headed straight to the Martial Arts Field.

In the afternoon, it was the time when snow was falling in the outside world.

Inside the Martial Arts Field, special lighting simulated the cold winter daylight.

Li Wen drew his silver long blade, his mind stirred slightly, and the [Absolute Focus] ability instantly activated.

The world suddenly became different in his perception.

The trajectory of air flow, the arc of light particles falling, the rhythm of every muscle fiber in his own body, the path of True Essence surging within him, and the Saber Intent contained in every movement of his Blade Technique—like silk threads yet vast and boundless—everything was infinitely magnified, becoming incredibly clear.

His thoughts flowed like an icy spring, discarding all distracting thoughts, leaving only the ultimate insight and carving of the Origin of the Saber Dao.

He sank his consciousness into his Sea of Consciousness.

The Xuanqiong Five Styles—the extreme speed and sharpness of "Star Gallop," the explosive brilliance of "Thunder Strike," the ultimate defense of "Tianque," the dense and continuous flow of "Star Vortex," and the deep and silent annihilation of "Soul Abyss."

Under the extreme focus of his mind, the five distinct yet root-originated Saber Intents were dismantled, analyzed, combined, and guided over and over again.

Like five surging rivers, they tried again and again to intersect and fuse within the dam of his will, attempting to explore the only river channel that could accommodate all rivers and flow into the sea.

Five hours might seem long to others, but in this extreme focus where even the flow of time seemed to become viscous, it passed in a flash.

When Li Wen withdrew from that profound state and sheathed his blade, the Martial Arts Field was exceptionally quiet.

Sweat soaked his training suit, only to be evaporated by the heat dissipated from his body surface, leaving faint salt stains.

Only the simulated snowflakes slowly falling in the air silently attested to the passage of time.

Leaving the fortress pass and passing through several strict inspections, Li Wen returned to the villa area located in the core area of Changning City on the surface.

Just as the massive population migration from Qingshi County had foreshadowed, every inch of land in the core area was worth a fortune.

This quiet, secure, and top-tier villa complex was one of the symbols of power and strength in Changning City.

That Li Wen could settle here was, in itself, the most direct endorsement of his status and contributions.

Pushing open the front door, a warm atmosphere mingled with the aroma of food greeted him.

Exquisite New Year dishes were already laid out on the dining table.

Seeing him return, his parents' faces lit up with heartfelt smiles.

"You're back? Hurry and wash your hands; we've been waiting for you," his mother greeted, deftly setting the bowls and chopsticks.

His father smiled and asked, "How was the food over there today? Are Captain Zhao and the others doing well?"

Li Wen changed into loungewear and sat at the table. "It was quite good. The cafeteria added extra dishes today, and it was very sumptuous. The captain and the others are all doing well."

The atmosphere at the dining table was warm and peaceful.

His mother occasionally served him food, while his father asked with concern about his recent work schedule.

The home was decorated simply and elegantly, with consolation gifts from the Changning City government displayed in a prominent spot in the living room.

A set of exquisite energy tea sets and a box of top-grade rare ingredients sat there, with an attached card that clearly read, "Thank you, Divine Demon Li Wen, for guarding the Star Gate and protecting Changning."

Midway through the meal, his mother put down her chopsticks. She hesitated for a moment before tentatively speaking up, "Xiao Wen, look—now that life is a bit more stable, have you considered your own lifelong matter?"

Li Wen's hand, which was picking up food, paused. He looked up and saw the expectation in his parents' eyes.

He revealed a slightly apologetic smile, his tone gentle yet firm. "Mom, Dad, the threat from the Yao Race has not yet been eliminated. The war on the front lines is constant, and every bit of combat power from the Human Race is tied to the safety of countless families in the rear. Only by guarding this 'big family' can each of our 'small families' truly be worry-free. As for my affairs—let's wait until the situation is more stable."

His parents exchanged a glance. Although there was still regret in their eyes, they understood the burden on their son's shoulders. They nodded and shifted the conversation to other trivial family matters.

The midnight bell seemed to pierce through space, faintly drifting over, announcing the end of the old year.

Li Wen stood up. "Dad, Mom, Happy New Year. I must return to the Underground Fortress Pass."

"Happy New Year, stay safe." His parents walked him to the door and watched his tall, straight figure disappear into the night once more.

A new chapter of the year had opened, and the responsibility of protection would continue forever.

May 1st, 233 of the galactic calendar.

At the first light of dawn, the morning sun filtered through the intricate window lattices of the detached courtyard in the suburbs of Changning City, casting mottled spots of light into the meditation room.

Li Wen slowly awakened from a state of deep meditation.

With a slight shift of his thoughts, the azure System panel unfolded silently in his consciousness:

[Name: Li Wen] [Age: 25] [Realm: Great Sun Realm Early Stage (53.2 → 53.9)] [Occupation: Scholar Lv14 (296040 → 344640 / 819200)] [Skills: Blade Technique - Soul Realm (99%), Xuanqiong Five Styles (Star Gallop 100%, Thunder Strike 100%, Tianque 100%, Star Vortex 100%, Soul Abyss 100%)] [Cultivation Technique: God-Shocking Sting - Level 6 (100%)]

Three months had passed since New Year's Eve.

On the panel, his Physical Body Realm was clearly stuck at level 53.9, only 0.1 level away from that threshold symbolizing the Great Sun Realm Middle Stage.

His accumulation was already sufficient, and the premonition that success would come naturally was incredibly strong.

"Today is the time for the Breakthrough," Li Wen thought with certainty.

Once he stepped into the Great Sun Realm Middle Stage, his Sea of Consciousness would expand again, which meant he could accommodate more and thicker Primordial Spirit Power.

And more importantly, it was to carry that crucial next step—inscribing the Level 7 runes of the "God-Shocking Sting".

The power of the fully nurtured Level 7 God-Shocking Sting was enough to severely injure or even kill a "threshold marquis" level powerhouse.

With such a trump card, he would have more room to maneuver even when facing a Peak Marquis.

As for King-rank Divine Demons? Unless they were King-ranks specializing in speed, even if he couldn't defeat them, he could run, and holding out until reinforcements arrived was not impossible.

This improvement was of great significance to the defense line he was guarding.

Calming his mind and focusing his spirit, time slipped away quietly in focused breathing exercises.

Until the sky outside turned from bright to dark, the lights began to twinkle, and it finally merged into the deep night sky.

This was the moment when his body and mind were most in tune with the energy of heaven and earth.

Li Wen sat cross-legged at the core of a specially made Energy Gathering Array and took out a Medicinal Pill the size of a dragon's eye, with dark golden patterns flowing on its surface.

The Medicinal Pill melted the moment it entered his mouth, turning into a scorching yet incredibly pure torrent that flowed down his throat, instantly igniting the True Qi in his limbs and bones.

"Nine Heavens Divine Body · Great Sun Chapter — Activate!"

He immediately activated the secret Cultivation Technique optimized for the Great Sun Realm Breakthrough.

The True Qi within his body, which was already vast and surging, suddenly accelerated as if injected with a raging blazing sun.

His Meridians ached under the scouring of the massive energy, but they were constantly repaired and widened by the powerful recovery ability and resilience of the "Nine Heavens Divine Body".

The Cultivation Technique route guided this majestic power, following a set complex trajectory, and began to scour the invisible Realm barrier over and over again.

With every complete cycle, that barrier became a little blurrier.

The pure True Qi, mixed with the power of the Medicinal Pill, continuously fused into his muscles, bones, flesh, and even the depths of his cells. Every inch of his body seemed to be greedily absorbing light and heat, becoming more solid and resilient, as if transforming toward a more perfect life form.

At the same time, his Sea of Consciousness trembled slightly with the operation of the Cultivation Technique, and its invisible boundaries were repeatedly impacted and expanded by this power originating from the Origin of life.

Several hours passed, and the True Qi in his body was already roaring like an angry sea.

That barrier stuck between level 53.9 and level 54 was now as thin as a cicada's wing.

"Break!"

The power, accumulated to the extreme, was unleashed without reservation under the precise guidance of Li Wen's will.

It was not a violent explosion, but rather like an unstoppable tide, carrying an irresistible will, completely submerging and washing away that final barrier.

Hum—!

A roar that only he could clearly perceive echoed from deep within his body.

An aura far stronger, more condensed, and hotter than before suddenly spread from Li Wen's body, and was then quickly retracted by him.

Great Sun Realm Middle Stage!

The moment of the Breakthrough felt like opening a whole new world.

His body transformed, and the majestic True Qi, like surging golden sunlight, instantly filled his Meridians, which had widened several times over, flowing more smoothly and freely.

His muscle fibers, bone density, and even his internal organs were tempered and strengthened once again.

In every gesture, he possessed power enough to shake mountains.

His skin's tactile sense became more sensitive to energy fluctuations, and his body's defensive power rose accordingly.

Almost at the same time as his Physical Body Breakthrough, his Sea of Consciousness expanded rapidly in all directions. The place where his Primordial Spirit avatar originally stood now appeared much more spacious.

The newly expanded area of the Sea of Consciousness was full of Chaos and emptiness, like parched land waiting for rain.

Feeling the earth-shaking changes in his body and the newly opened Sea of Consciousness, Li Wen immediately focused on looking within himself.

Around the Primordial Spirit avatar, more pure and dense Primordial Spirit Power surged. Although it appeared somewhat empty around it due to the expansion, its condensation was better than before.

A rough estimate showed that the current total amount and quality of his Primordial Spirit had barely reached the minimum requirement to carry the complex Level 7 runes of the "God-Shocking Sting".

"It really works," Li Wen thought, feeling relieved.

Next, he only needed to wait for the newly expanded Sea of Consciousness to be naturally filled by his own deep Primordial Spirit Power, and then he could proceed to inscribe the crucial Level 7 runes.

He did not get up but continued to sink into deep meditation. Like a dry sponge, he tirelessly absorbed and converted Mental Energy from the Void Realm, continuously injecting it into the new blank space of his Sea of Consciousness.

The next morning.

The last wisp of Chaos was completely filled by pure Mental Energy.

The expanded Sea of Consciousness was now completely filled with vigorous and condensed silver-white Primordial Spirit Power.

The seven-foot-tall Primordial Spirit avatar sat in the center of the Sea of Consciousness, its inner radiance restrained, exuding an aura of returning to simplicity and Perfection, more solid and stable than before the Breakthrough.

Without hesitation, Li Wen's thoughts guided the massive and precise Primordial Spirit Power to immediately begin moving in the Sea of Consciousness according to the Level 7 rune pattern of the "God-Shocking Sting" imprinted in his mind.

The inscription began.