Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 3681: Stabilizing And Continuing

Lin Mu did not immediately move on after completing the Earth core.

Instead, he remained seated in quiet meditation, allowing the changes within his body to settle. The transformation had been profound, and he knew better than to rush ahead without first understanding what had occurred.

For several days, he did nothing but observe.

The Earth core rotated steadily within his spleen, each cycle releasing a subtle yet constant flow of energy that spread through his meridians. It was not an overwhelming surge. Rather, it was a steady reinforcement, like a foundation being strengthened layer by layer.

His body responded naturally to it. His muscles felt denser, his bones carried a weight that spoke of resilience, and even his posture seemed to align more firmly with the ground beneath him.

What intrigued him most, however, was his perception.

Just as the completion of the Water core had allowed him to sense the presence of water in his surroundings, the Earth core now opened a similar awareness. He could feel the ground beneath Mantleheim in a way he had never experienced before.

It was not a visual sense, nor something that could be described in simple terms. It was a presence, vast and encompassing, extending through rock, soil, and even the very structure of the fragmented world itself.

Every layer of earth carried its own identity.

Dense stone felt different from loose sediment. Hardened mineral veins stood apart from the surrounding mass. Even the subtle vibrations within the ground reached him in faint echoes. It was as if he had gained a silent connection to the very body of the world.

Yet Lin Mu did not indulge in exploring this newfound perception.

He acknowledged it, understood its potential, and then set it aside.

This was not the time for experimentation. His priority was to stabilize his condition and continue forward. And after ensuring that his body had fully adapted to the Earth core, Lin Mu shifted his focus to the next element.

The Metal core.

The process began in a familiar manner. The remaining metal aligned materials were arranged around him, categorized by their quality and density. Lin Mu activated the Omnicore Ascendancy Technique once more, drawing them into a controlled vortex.

The early stages progressed smoothly.

The lower quality materials dissolved quickly, their energy merging into the Metal core without resistance. As he advanced to higher tiers, the process slowed, requiring greater precision and focus. Each piece of refined metal carried a sharp, concentrated essence that needed to be carefully broken down and assimilated.

Time passed steadily.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months.

Two full months slipped by as Lin Mu continued refining the Metal core. The progress was consistent, and with each passing stage, the core grew more defined. Its presence within his lungs became increasingly prominent, as if it were preparing for its final transformation.

Eventually, it reached the threshold.

Ninety nine percent.

The final materials were brought forth.

Unlike the varied resources he had used before, these were pure metal ingots. Each one was refined to an exceptional degree, carrying a density and clarity that set them apart from everything else. Their surfaces gleamed faintly, reflecting the ambient light with a sharp brilliance.

Lin Mu did not hesitate.

He began the final absorption.

The ingots resisted strongly at first, their structure holding firm against the pull of his technique. However, under sustained pressure and careful control, they gradually broke apart. Their energy flowed into him in concentrated streams, sharp and precise.

As the last of the ingots dissolved, the Metal core reacted.

It condensed, refined, and broke through!

The transformation was immediate.

The Metal core spun rapidly within his lungs, its rotation releasing a powerful wave of energy that spread outward. The first area to be affected was his respiratory system. His lungs expanded, their capacity increasing as the energy reinforced their structure.

Lin Mu drew a breath.

The difference was unmistakable.

The air felt cleaner, purer, as if every impurity had been filtered out before it even reached him. Mantleheim, with its heavy atmosphere filled with traces of smoke, metal dust, and lingering heat, had always carried a faint discomfort.

It was subtle, something most cultivators would ignore, but it had always been there.

Now it was gone.

The air that entered his body was refined completely, leaving behind only the essence that his body could use.

The improvement did not stop there.

With each breath, he could feel a greater intake of Qi. The efficiency of absorption had increased significantly, more than doubling compared to before. The Qi flowed smoothly through his meridians, integrating seamlessly with his internal energy.

This, in turn, affected his vitality.

His blood circulated more effectively, carrying both oxygen and Qi with enhanced efficiency. His stamina improved, though the change was subtle at first. It was not an explosive increase, but rather a sustained enhancement that would become more apparent over time.

Even at the cellular level, there was a reaction.

His body responded with a quiet sense of vitality, as if every part of him had been refreshed and strengthened.

Lin Mu remained still, observing these changes.

He also noticed something unexpected.

His Sword Intent had shifted.

The Metal Dao and Sword Dao shared a natural affinity, and with the completion of the Metal core, that connection had deepened. His intent felt sharper, more precise, carrying an edge that had not been present before. It was subtle, but it was there.

He chose not to test it.

Instead, he entered meditation once more, allowing his body and mind to fully adapt.

Several days passed in this manner.

Only when he was certain that everything had stabilized did Lin Mu move on to the final core.

Fire.

The process began once again.

The remaining fire aligned materials were gathered, their heat radiating even before the technique was activated. Lin Mu approached them with the same discipline he had maintained throughout.

The absorption proceeded in stages.

Lower quality materials first.

Then mid tier.

And finally, high tier.