Achieving the completion of the Out-of-Body stage meant that Han was now ready to attempt the refinement of the Moonlight, advancing into the realm of the Night Wanderer.

  With Han’s profound soul foundation, breaking through in refining the Moonlight was not expected to face any bottlenecks.

  This milestone also signified that in less than a month of soul cultivation, Han was about to step into the third stage of soul development.

  "My lord, are you planning to continue cultivating and begin the Night Wanderer path?" Anlang asked.

  "My shadowy energy domain should be of help to you."

  One of the abilities of Anlang’s shadowy energy domain was to transform nearby forces into a more subtle, yin essence, making them easier to absorb—something that would indeed aid Han.

  However, Han shook his head. "Tonight, I plan to attempt the breakthrough, but not here."

  "Go into the Ghost Residence first, and I’ll take you somewhere."

  After Anlang entered, Han didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he ventured into the Immortal Tree’s secret realm.

  [Player: Han]

  [……]

  [Energy: 1/5]

  [……]

  As expected, Han’s energy increased slightly, bringing his total to five.

  Without hesitation, Han used this energy.

  [Magical Artifact: Five Fire Beads]

  [Contains five types of flames: Wood Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Fire, Thunder Fire, and Law Fire]

  [Quality Pill: Strengthening Kidney Pill]

  [Enhances the kidneys, boosts vitality, and strengthens bones]

  The Five Fire Beads appeared to be a useful item. After only a short time, Han could already imagine how they could be useful in both combat and alchemy.

  As for the quality pill...

  Han quietly stored it away, taking it very seriously.

  After all, the next step in martial arts was to refine internal organs, and this pill would be valuable for cultivation.

  As for other uses, Han wasn’t too concerned.

  With the Golden Cicada Technique in place, this pill was more of a luxury.

  Afterward, Han took Anlang and, guided by the moonlight, left his home.

  Earlier, Lu Qingmo had specifically instructed Han that once he reached completion in the Out-of-Body stage, he should never attempt the breakthrough alone. Instead, he was to go to her for protection.

  Lu Qingmo wasn’t worried about Han’s foundation failing during the breakthrough, but she was concerned about Han encountering the Moon Demon while refining the Moonlight...

  There was no denying that Han had a history of attracting magical entities—encountering the Moon Demon during the Night Wanderer stage wasn’t out of the question.

  Han knew, however, that even if the Moon Demon came, it wouldn’t be able to harm him, especially if the Golden Light Charm was ineffective. Worst case, he could simply transform into a Moon Demon himself.

  But Lu Qingmo had warned him multiple times with good intentions, and Han didn’t want to let her down.

  So now, Han was heading to Lu Qingmo’s place.

  Arriving at the peach grove, Han walked straight in.

  "Announce yourself?" he thought. "Outsiders need to announce themselves. But I’m her close one!"

  Once inside, Han found Lu Qingmo standing outside the pavilion, gazing at the moon. The silver glow bathed her, draping her in a thin veil, making her beauty even more stunning.

  "It’s so late, what brings you here?"

  "Mu Yi, I’ve reached the completion of the Out-of-Body stage."

  Lu Qingmo looked at him. "Did you use the Earth Heart Soul Milk?"

  "Yes."

  Though Han had just recently advanced to the late Out-of-Body stage, reaching completion so quickly was still somewhat unexpected. However, with the help of the Earth Heart Soul Milk, Lu Qingmo could somewhat accept it.

  It was much better than the previous situation, where Han lacked soul resources but rapidly ascended through realms.

  But, one question lingered: Was the Earth Heart Soul Milk really enough for a breakthrough this quickly?

  Lu Qingmo pondered, recalling when she had consumed the same treasure. Even for her, after using it, she had to diligently cultivate for some time before breaking through.

  "You’re preparing for the breakthrough now?" Lu Qingmo asked.

  "You’ve only just reached completion; perhaps you should stabilize for a few more days."

  "I feel steady right now."

  Han replied as his soul left his body, showing Lu Qingmo the stable and solid soul he had just achieved.

  "Indeed, it’s perfect," Lu Qingmo nodded, pulling out an incense stick and lighting it.

  "This is the Moon Stabilizing Incense. It can stabilize the moonlight and reduce the chaotic forces within it, making it easier for you to refine the Moonlight."

  "The first time you refine the Moonlight, you may experience pain. This is normal. However, if the pain becomes unbearable, you must stop immediately."

  "The full moon is vast, its power boundless. When your soul is exposed to the moonlight, while refining the Moonlight, your soul may feel a sense of intoxication, drawn to the moonlight, and you might even have the urge to merge with the moon, ascending and becoming one with it."

  "But remember, you must suppress this urge. This is the danger of the Night Wanderer path. If you let this impulse guide you and attempt to ascend and merge with the moon, your soul will scatter."

  "When the urge to ascend becomes overwhelming, it means your soul has reached its limit for now. At that point, you must immediately return your soul to your body."

  Soul cultivation is fraught with peril, and one must be vigilant at every stage.

  "You are especially unique," Lu Qingmo added, with concern in her voice. "In addition to the urge to merge with the moon, you must also beware of the Moon Demon."

  "If you do encounter the Moon Demon, don’t forget the incantation I taught you—the True Resolve to Dissolve Misfortune."

  "Now, begin your breakthrough."

  For the advancement into the Night Wanderer realm, there was no need for a secret chamber.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Han nodded and, gazing at the moon, let his soul float freely beneath its glow.

  It felt… amazing. So soothing, as if submerged in a hot spring, with countless delicate hands massaging him—there was no pain whatsoever.

  He visualized the Immortal Tree and used the Yin Moon Refining Technique, absorbing and refining the moonlight in vast quantities.

  His soul felt nourished like a parched land receiving rain.

  As for the pain Lu Qingmo mentioned, Han felt none of it—only an unparalleled bliss, floating as though he were ascending.

  Suddenly, Han snapped awake. Was this the beginning of a disaster?

  However, when he sensed the Moonlight again and looked up at the moon, he felt no urge to merge with it.

  It seemed that once again, he was in an abnormal state…

  Lu Qingmo, observing from the side, saw Han’s peaceful expression and nodded approvingly.

  "His soul is already as strong as that of a normal Night Wanderer cultivator at the Out-of-Body stage. Now, with the Moonlight refining, there will be no difficulty in his breakthrough."

  The power within the Moonlight was the force of the Yin Moon, a force completely different from Yuan Qi.

  As the Yin Moon force was absorbed into his soul, Han felt his soul change, evolving to a new level.

  His soul underwent a transformation, evolving toward a specific direction.

  The forces of Yuan Qi, Yin Moon, and Solar Power not only strengthened the soul but also induced a transformation at the very core of its being.

  If one hadn’t absorbed enough of these forces for a complete soul transformation, even if their soul could rival the next stage, they should never attempt to absorb the energies required for the next stage.

  To do so prematurely would result in an incomplete transformation, leaving fatal flaws.

  While Han was lost in the beauty of the Moonlight, an unexpected change suddenly occurred.

  The surroundings darkened, and the once gentle, warm moonlight turned ominous and evil. Countless tiny, sharp-toothed mouths appeared within the light, rushing toward Han.

  Once they entered his body, the feeling was no longer one of comfort but of searing, tearing pain.

  Suddenly, Han’s soul was covered in bulging bumps, as if some unknown creature was thrashing beneath the surface.

  His once clear spiritual sense became muddled, thoughts scrambling, desires rising—he could no longer concentrate.

  The Moon Demon had arrived!

  "No way… You actually came, without even a courtesy."

  Han sighed. A magical entity from the Out-of-Body realm, a Moon Demon in the Night Wanderer path—he guessed that when he reached the Day Wanderer stage, he’d also face the Sun Demon.

  What a cursed physique that attracts demons.

  Han quickly recited the incantation Lu Qingmo had taught him, the True Resolve to Dissolve Misfortune. It had some effect but wasn’t enough.

  He could suppress the Moon Demon slightly, but not drive it away entirely.

  Achieving the perfect Out-of-Body realm meant Han was ready to begin refining the Moonlight and advance to the Night Voyager realm.

  With Han’s soul foundation, breaking through the Moonlight barrier posed no challenge whatsoever.

  This also meant that within less than a month of refining his soul, Han was about to enter the third realm of the soul!

  "My lord, are you planning to continue training and begin your journey into the Night Voyager realm?" An Lang asked.

  "My domain of Yin energy should be able to assist you."

  One of the abilities of An Lang’s Yin energy domain was its power to transform nearby forces into a more Yin and softer form, making them easier to absorb—truly a useful aid to Han.

  However, Han shook his head. "Tonight, I will attempt a breakthrough, but not here."

  "Go ahead and enter the Ghost Residence. I’ll take you somewhere else."

  After An Lang entered, Han didn’t immediately follow. Instead, he entered the Immortal Tree Secret Realm.

  【Player: Han】

  【...】

  【Stamina: 1/5】

  【...】

  Sure enough, his stamina had increased slightly, bringing his total to five.

  Han didn’t hesitate and immediately used up the stamina.

  【Artifact: Five Flames Pearl】

  【Contains five kinds of flames: Wood Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Fire, Thunder Fire, and Law Fire】

  【Elixir: Renal Strengthening Pill】

  【Can strengthen the kidneys, generate essence, and strengthen bones】

  The Five Flames Pearl appeared to be a fine item. Han quickly realized it could be useful in both battle and alchemy or artifact forging.

  As for the Renal Strengthening Pill...

  Han stored it away without showing any emotion, taking it seriously.

  After all, his next step in martial arts would involve refining the internal organs, so the pill was useful for his cultivation.

  As for other aspects, Han didn’t care much.

  With the Golden Cicada Skill at his disposal, the pill was more of an enhancement. (Confident)

  Han then left his home with An Lang under the moonlight.

  Previously, Lu Qingmo had specifically instructed Han to wait until he reached the Out-of-Body realm before attempting a breakthrough on his own. Instead, he was to go to her so she could protect him during the process.

  Lu Qingmo wasn’t worried that Han’s foundation would fail, but she was concerned that Han might encounter the Moon Demon while attempting to refine the Moonlight...

  After all, Han had a history of attracting trouble. From the Out-of-Body realm's encounter with the Yuan Qi Demon to the Moon Demon in the Night Voyager realm—it wasn’t impossible.

  Han knew that even if the Moon Demon appeared, it wouldn’t pose a threat to him. If necessary, he could transform into a Moon Demon himself.

  But since Lu Qingmo had repeatedly warned him with good intentions, Han didn’t want to disappoint her.

  Thus, he was on his way to Lu Qingmo’s location.

  Arriving at the Peach Grove, Han walked right in.

  An announcement? That was for outsiders—he was her inner circle!

  Once inside, Han saw Lu Qingmo standing by the pavilion, gazing at the moon. The silver light bathed her in a thin veil, making her look breathtakingly beautiful.

  "So late, what brings you here?" she asked.

  "Mu Aunt, I’ve perfected the Out-of-Body realm," Han replied.

  Lu Qingmo turned to look at him. "Did you use the Earth Heart Soul Milk?"

  "Yes."

  Although Han had only recently reached the late Out-of-Body realm, the sudden perfection was still a bit surprising. However, Lu Qingmo could accept it, given the Earth Heart Soul Milk’s presence.

  It was certainly better than the earlier days, where Han had no soul resources and his realm surged ahead without any stability...

  But could a single dose of Earth Heart Soul Milk really push one to perfection so quickly?

  Lu Qingmo thought back to when she had used this treasure herself.

  Even with it, she had to undergo intense training before her breakthrough.

  "Are you planning to break through now?" Lu Qingmo asked.

  "You're still freshly perfected. It might be wise to stabilize for a few days."

  "I feel steady enough now," Han said, his soul leaving his body and showing Lu Qingmo his solidified soul.

  "Indeed, perfect," Lu Qingmo nodded, taking out an incense and lighting it.

  "This is the Stabilizing Moon Incense. It can stabilize the moonlight and soften its violent power, making it easier for you to refine the Moonlight."

  "The first attempt to refine the Moonlight might be painful, which is normal. If the pain becomes unbearable, stop immediately."

  "The moon is vast, its power infinite. When the moonlight touches you and you refine the Moonlight, your soul will be intoxicated by it. You may feel drawn to merge with the moon and experience the urge to ascend into it."

  "But remember, you must resist that impulse. This is the trial of the Night Voyager realm. If you give in to the urge to merge with the moon, you will scatter your soul."

  "When the urge to ascend becomes overwhelming, that means your soul has reached its limit for now. You must immediately return it to your body."

  Soul cultivation is fraught with danger. Each step can lead to a calamity, and one must be vigilant.

  "You are especially unique. In addition to the urge to merge with the moon, you must also be wary of the Moon Demon," Lu Qingmo said, her voice laced with concern.

  "If you do encounter the Moon Demon, don’t forget to recite the True Exorcism Sutra."

  "Now, begin your breakthrough."

  Advancing to the Night Voyager realm meant Han could no longer remain in a secret chamber.

  Han nodded and, under the moonlight, let his soul float freely into its light.

  It felt incredible—like soaking in a warm spring, with countless delicate hands massaging his soul, all without a hint of pain.

  He visualized the Immortal Tree while using the Lunar Soul Refining Method. The moonlight flooded into his soul, and he felt deeply nourished.

  As for the pain Lu Qingmo mentioned? Han felt nothing but supreme pleasure, floating in bliss.

  Suddenly, Han snapped back to his senses. Could this be a calamity?

  But as he sensed the Moonlight and gazed at the moon, he felt no urge to ascend.

  Seems like I'm experiencing something abnormal again...

  Lu Qingmo’s soul watched over him, and upon seeing his serene expression, she nodded in approval.

  "His soul is on par with a typical Night Voyager cultivator. With the moonlight refining his soul, he’ll have no trouble breaking through."

  The power hidden within the moonlight was of the Yin nature, distinct from Yuan Qi.

  As the Yin power merged into Han’s soul, he felt it shift to a higher level, undergoing a transformation, evolving into a new form.

  Yuan Qi, Yin, and Yang powers were not just tools to strengthen the soul—they facilitated a profound, foundational metamorphosis.

  Without enough energy to trigger a soul's evolution, even if one's soul was capable of matching the next realm, attempting to refine the energy needed for it would lead to an incomplete transformation—a fatal flaw.

  While Han reveled in the wonder of the Moonlight, something unexpected occurred.

  Suddenly, the surroundings darkened. The once warm, soft moonlight turned ominous and twisted. A myriad of small mouths, each lined with jagged teeth, appeared and lunged at Han.

  Once they entered his body, instead of comfort, they brought excruciating pain.

  Bumps erupted across his soul, as if some unknown creature was battering from within.

  His previously clear spiritual consciousness became muddled, filled with chaotic thoughts, overwhelming desires, and a loss of calm.

  The Moon Demon had arrived!

  Wait, you demons really came? How rude.

  Han sighed. With the Yuan Qi Demon in his past and now the Moon Demon, it seemed that when he reached the Day Voyager realm, he would face the Sun Demon too. What an attraction for demons he was.

  Han immediately began chanting the True Exorcism Sutra that Lu Qingmo had taught him. It helped a little, but not much.

  The Moon Demon’s presence was somewhat suppressed, but not completely banished.