Late at night, Lu Fan sat quietly on the rooftop of their apartment building, the city lights twinkling below like distant stars. His body hummed with a strange energy, stronger than before.
Focusing inward, he felt the pulse in his veins intensify. The shadow skill's power surged, guiding him as he concentrated on refining his energy flow.
A sharp heat exploded in his chest. His vision blurred, then cleared with a sudden rush of clarity and strength.
He had done it.
Lu Fan had broken through the Mortal Vein realm and stepped into the Spirit Vein — where body and mind became sharper, senses heightened, and healing improved.
But the breakthrough was bittersweet.
He looked at the worn-out wallet beside him and thought of his father—tired, struggling to keep their small household afloat.
Power alone won't fix everything.
The next day, Lu Fan began looking for ways to earn money. His grades and charm opened doors—tutoring younger students, helping with school projects, even small part-time jobs.
Every yuan he earned, he sent home.
Balancing school, secret cultivation, and work was exhausting, but Lu Fan was determined.
He carried the weight of family on his shoulders—and the growing fire of power in his veins.