In the days that followed, Devor stuck to a strict routine. Each morning, he completed his assigned tasks, then moved on to intense sword practice, and finished the day with quiet study. During the rare moments of free time, he would delve into the Ultimate Synthesis abilities, deepening his understanding of Qi and cultivation.

  Despite the physical strain of his relentless schedule, meditation became his refuge—a stillness that replaced the sleep he seldom needed.

  Driven by an unwavering determination, he focused on strengthening the weaker aspects of his cultivation, always preparing for the uncertain future that loomed ahead.

  At night, Devor would retreat to the center of his small garden. The Spiritual Plants around him emitted a faint glow, their vibrant colors casting soft, shifting hues on the cave walls. The air was filled with the fresh scent of leaves and blossoming life, a gentle reminder of the energy pulsing all around him.

  Sitting cross-legged, he took a deep breath, allowing the tranquility of the moment to sink deep into his soul.

  With his eyes closed, Devor activated the Essence of Nature Technique—a cultivation method he had honed through countless failures. Each misstep had peeled away his misconceptions, refining the technique into something truly his own.

  The Essence of Nature Technique was more than just a cultivation method; it was Devor's lifeline. It helped him overcome the inherent flaws of his five-colored Spiritual Root—a root that once seemed as rigid and unyielding as stone.

  As Devor focused his mind, the Qi in the air seemed to stir, responding to his presence. The energy radiating from the Spiritual Plants swirled like shimmering mist, drawn toward him by an unseen, gentle force.

  The five-colored Qi coalesced into thin, luminous strands, forming intricate whirlpools that spiraled into his body through his pores. The sensation was like morning dew on his skin—refreshing, yet brimming with untapped power.

  Inside him, the Qi flowed through carefully forged meridians, converging at his five-colored Spiritual Root. This root had once been a formidable obstacle—unyielding and stubborn, absorbing energy at an agonizingly slow pace.

  But now, with each pulse of the Essence of Nature Technique, the Qi gradually softened the once-stubborn root, like water wearing down stone. Over time, its impenetrable surface became pliant and receptive, drawing in energy with increasing ease.

  A faint smile tugged at Devor’s lips as he felt the transformation within.

  “It’s working,” he thought, satisfaction warming his heart.

  The technique had surpassed his expectations. He no longer depended on Cultivation Pills, which his Spiritual Root had struggled to absorb. Instead, this method provided a steady, harmonious flow of energy that nourished his body and mind alike, and softened his Spiritual Root to absorb energy more easily.

  The Qi he absorbed carried the unique essence of the Spiritual Plants around him, each color playing a distinct role in harmonizing his energy:

  ? The red Qi brought warmth and vigor.

  ? The green Qi calmed him, steadying his emotions.

  ? The blue Qi offered tranquility, easing the flow of energy through his body.

  ? The yellow Qi grounded him, providing stability amidst the chaos of cultivation.

  ? And the white Qi carried a mysterious vitality, invigorating his very spirit.

  The Spiritual Plants around Devor began to wilt slightly, their vibrant colors dimming, but they didn’t wither completely. It was as if the plants understood his purpose, willingly offering their energy to support something greater.

  Devor remained motionless, refining the energy circulating within him. Every ounce of his focus was dedicated to softening his Spiritual Root further. This wasn’t just practice—it was experimentation. He was constantly pushing the limits of his technique, exploring new possibilities.

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  Through trial and error, he had discovered the perfect balance.

  The Qi he drew from his surroundings couldn’t match the sheer volume provided by the Cultivation Pills, but it suited his body far better. It worked gently, steadily tempering his Spiritual Roots without overburdening them. This method allowed him to progress without jeopardizing the stability of his Spiritual Plant or his cultivation—a delicate balance, but one that was crucial for his growth.

  Inside his body, the swirling energy condensed, emitting a soft, golden glow. However, as the golden energy reached its peak, the softening effect on his Spiritual Root began to wane. Slowly, Devor opened his eyes and extended his palms. Fine golden dust poured from his hands like shimmering stardust, gently scattering across the garden.

  The golden powder settled on the Spiritual Plants, enriching the Spiritual Soil. Moments later, the wilted plants seemed revitalized, their leaves quivering as newfound vitality surged through them. They began absorbing natural energy from the air at an accelerated pace, their radiant aura growing stronger with each passing moment.

  Devor watched the transformation with a satisfied smile. "Better than I expected," he murmured. "Not only are they thriving, but their condition has improved beyond what I’d hoped."

  The Essence of Nature Technique, a rare cultivation method favored by Spiritual Farmers, was designed to harmonize with plant energy. It allowed cultivators to draw Qi from Spiritual Plants to enhance their own strength, treating the plants like living Cultivation Pills.

  The technique had two key components:

  1. Absorbing energy from the plants to nourish the cultivator’s Spiritual Qi.

  2. Refining and returning that energy to nurture the plants, creating a symbiotic relationship.

  Most practitioners focused solely on the first step—draining the plants’ energy for their own gain, leaving the plants weakened and struggling. High-level cultivators, especially Spiritual Farmers, approached it differently. Their priority wasn’t personal advancement but the well-being of their fields. They refined the Qi and returned it to the plants, keeping them healthy and thriving without needing to absorb the energy themselves.

  Devor, however, took it a step further. He didn’t just refine and return the energy—he transformed it into a purer form, softened his Spiritual Root, and fed it back into the plants. This created a harmonious cycle, where both he and the plants benefited and thrived together. His unique method of balancing cultivation with the care of the environment set him apart, forging a deep connection with the Spiritual Plants he nurtured.

  Content with his progress, Devor reached into his Spatial Ring and retrieved a small bottle of Cultivation Pills. Without hesitation, he popped one into his mouth and closed his eyes.

  A cool, refreshing energy flowed through his body like a gentle stream, converging at his newly softened Spiritual Root. Unlike before, when his root struggled to absorb such energy, it now eagerly drew in the Qi, consuming it with newfound efficiency.

  Devor swallowed a second pill, then a third, each one flooding his body with more energy than the last. By the time he took the fifth, he felt saturated, his body brimming with raw Spiritual Qi. He paused, taking deep, steadying breaths as the energy settled within him.

  "The next step," he thought, "is to channel this power and strengthen my foundation."

  In the Qi Refining Realm, a cultivator’s strength was symbolized by a Spiritual Qi Pond. Its depth reflected their cultivation progress, with every ten meters marking a significant breakthrough.

  Closing his eyes again, Devor’s consciousness sank deep into his inner world. In the quiet stillness, he found his Spiritual Qi Pond—a glowing expanse of water, shimmering with five-colored light.

  At that moment, his pond measured exactly 57 meters deep. The surface rippled gently, dense with energy but still thirsting for more.

  Devor concentrated, directing all the energy he had absorbed into the pond. The Qi surged like a torrential downpour, cascading into the depths. Each drop mingled with the pond’s waters, increasing its density and power.

  As the water grew heavier, it began eroding the earth at the bottom, deepening the pond bit by bit. But despite his efforts, the depth stubbornly remained at 57 meters.

  “Not enough,” Devor muttered, his voice laced with determination and frustration.

  Cultivation was a gradual process. Each step required immense patience and relentless dedication. Realizing he had reached his limit for the day, Devor sighed deeply and opened his eyes.

  His body buzzed with energy, but he noticed a slight stiffness in his Spiritual Root—a warning sign that overusing the softening technique could lead to instability.

  “Five Cultivation Pills in one session…” Devor murmured, rubbing his temples. “This speed rivals someone with a single-colored Spiritual Root.”

  For someone burdened with a flawed five-colored Spiritual Root, it was a remarkable feat. Yet, Devor was keenly aware of the dangers of pushing too hard. Reckless attempts to force progress had nearly shattered his cultivation in the past. Now, he strictly limited the softening process to twice a day, ensuring his foundation stayed steady.

  “At this pace, I’m finally closing the gap with those who have three-colored Spiritual Roots,” he mused, a thin smile playing on his lips.

  Still, beneath the satisfaction, a flicker of unease remained. The cultivation world was ruthless. Strength was both protection and power—without it, even the most profound techniques would be useless against a stronger opponent.

  He stood and gazed at his garden. The Spiritual Plants, now thriving under his care, swayed gently, their vibrant colors full of life. Their energy had been crucial to his progress, and he felt a deep sense of gratitude toward them.

  “Even with this technique, the path ahead is steep,” he whispered, clenching his fist. His eyes gleamed with determination. “But I’ll face whatever challenges come my way. No matter what.”