Chris stood tall, his breathing heavy yet his smile soft. Faint crimson streaks now ran through his white hair, a mark left behind by the flame essence he had absorbed.
"Just a little while longer," he muttered, clenching his fist. "I will break through into the Golden Core stage."
He withdrew into the fourth trial continent and soon found a hidden cave. It felt almost like his old one outside the void, except this one had a majestic waterfall cascading directly onto its entrance. Trees heavy with healing fruits and vitality-enhancing herbs surrounded it on all sides.
At night, he cultivated and rested. During the day, he hunted for food and trained relentlessly, sharpening his techniques and skills. The dense Qi surrounding the cave was richer than anywhere else on the continent, allow
