Michael Bolton shouted loudly, instantly startling Chad Sullivan out of his daze. Frightened, he hurriedly forced himself to focus, managing to control the true qi that was about to dissipate. However, after such a delay, it was clearly impossible to complete a minor circulation, so Michael Bolton could only protect his true qi and guide it back to the dantian.

　　Emily Thompson, who was nearby, heard Michael Bolton's loud shout and immediately ran over. Seeing both of them looking utterly exhausted and drained, she quickly asked, “What’s wrong, Little Chad, Master, did something happen?”

　　Michael Bolton shook his head and sighed softly, “I was too impatient. Chad isn’t in the right state today; how could he attempt a breakthrough to the third level of Qi Refinement so rashly?” After speaking, he looked up at Emily Thompson and said, “That’s enough training for today. Help Chad back to rest.”

　　“Master… I…”

　　“Don’t take it to heart. After all, the bottleneck from the second to the third level is a small hurdle; it’s not something you can break through easily. Failing once is nothing. For martial artists, you refine essence, cultivate qi, and nurture spirit—none of these can be neglected. If you want to reach the ninth level of Qi Refinement and successfully connect with the spirit realm to obtain spiritual power, your spirit is even more important. Rest for a day, recover your energy, and once you’re in good shape, we’ll try again.”

　　“Yes, Master.”

　　On the way back, Chad Sullivan was clearly lacking in spirit, especially with the fatigue between his brows, which made Emily Thompson feel even more distressed. She could only comfort him gently, “Little Chad, don’t overthink it. Master said it himself, the bottleneck from the second to the third level is a small hurdle. Failing to break through in one try is nothing. I believe in your talent, Little Chad. Once you’ve rested and are fully prepared, I’m sure you’ll break through in one go and reach the third level of Qi Refinement.”

　　Chad Sullivan nodded. Although he forced himself to smile reassuringly at Emily Thompson, for some reason, a powerful sense of weakness kept assaulting his mind, as if he hadn’t slept for ten days and nights, making his vision blur.

　　“Little Chad… Little Chad…”

　　“I’m fine… Emily, let’s hurry back.”

　　Emily Thompson quickly supported him and hurried toward the courtyard where he lived.

　　Fortunately, the courtyard wasn’t far from his residence, and before long, they were already inside the room.

　　At this moment, Chad Sullivan looked as if he was about to collapse, barely able to keep his eyes open. As soon as he sat down, he couldn’t help but fall asleep.

　　Emily Thompson said worriedly, “Little Chad, could it be that the thorn from that strange tree yesterday was poisonous? I’ll go find Master and Uncle to get a doctor to check on you.”

　　“Hehe, no need. I just used up too much mental energy circulating my true qi just now, that’s all. It’s nothing serious. Look, even Master is exhausted. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine after a nap.”

　　Emily Thompson thought about it and agreed.

　　After all, Master was the most powerful person in the city, and even he felt tired after circulating his true qi. Little Chad couldn’t beat Master even with a dozen of him, so of course he was even more tired.

　　Thinking this, she felt a bit more at ease and said softly, “Alright, I’ll tell the servants not to disturb you. Get some good rest.”

　　“Hehe, you should go back too. Don’t slack off just because I’m not there to practice with you. If you still haven’t reached the second level of Qi Refinement after another year, Master will definitely scold you again.”

　　“Don’t worry, don’t worry, don’t you trust me?” After saying this, she reminded him once more, then left the room and closed the door.

　　As soon as she left, Chad Sullivan, whose spirit was severely depleted, finally relaxed. The moment he did, the overwhelming fatigue could no longer be suppressed. His head drooped, and he fell into a deep sleep.

Volume One Chad Sullivan Chapter Three: The Third Level of Qi Refinement

　　Relying on his extraordinary willpower, Chad Sullivan managed to get up before dawn, but his overall appearance still looked poor, with a trace of weariness between his brows.

　　When he arrived at the spacious backyard, Michael Bolton and Emily Thompson had not yet arrived, so he began practicing his basic skills on the side.

　　A moment later, a light melody drifted in from outside the courtyard, and soon, Emily Thompson ran energetically into the yard.

　　When she saw Chad Sullivan, she immediately jumped over happily, grabbed his hand, her cheeks flushed with excitement: “Little Chad, Little Chad, if true qi can condense without dispersing and move around in a small area, does that mean it’s the second level of Qi Refinement? Is it?”

　　Of course Chad Sullivan knew what had happened. He immediately perked up and said joyfully, “When the qi you sense transforms into true qi and remains stable, that’s the sign of reaching the second level of Qi Refinement. Emily, did you break through?”

　　“So it’s true! Then I’ve broken through. Little Chad, I’ve reached the second level of Qi Refinement too.”

　　Chad Sullivan said sincerely, “Haha, that’s great, Emily, you’re amazing. I told you, I only reached the second level half a year ago. In terms of time, you’re actually half a year ahead of me. Emily, compared to me, your talent is truly enviable.”

　　Being praised like this, Emily Thompson shyly fiddled with the hem of her clothes.

　　“I didn’t expect you to get shy, Emily. But don’t get arrogant just because you’ve reached the second level of Qi Refinement. I’m actually hoping you’ll surpass me someday.”