Chapter 17

Zhou said it was a small outburst, the first update~~

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After waiting in the garden for a short while, Elder Sun returned with a dark face, his heart full of anger. When he was discussing this matter with the Sect Master, he had received no shortage of ridicule from his fellow disciples. He thought to himself, "Once I get all the gourds and refine the elixirs, my cultivation will greatly increase. Then, we'll see if you can still laugh."

As soon as he entered the garden and saw Wang Lin, his anger flared up, and he shouted, "Wang Lin, from today on, you are my disciple, Sun Dazhu. Cultivate diligently and don't tarnish your master's name!" He then threw a small, flat bag and added, "This is the identity marker for inner disciples and also a storage bag. It can hold quite a few things. Your clothes and cultivation techniques are inside. Take a look yourself."

Wang Lin quickly picked it up, his heart filled with excitement. The hopeful gazes of his parents flashed in his mind. He could finally cultivate. This time, he sincerely called Sun Dazhu "Master."

Sun Dazhu grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting as he said, "From now on, you will live in the room at the back. You are not allowed to leave without my permission."

After saying this, he picked up a stone from the ground and threw it at the garden gate. A purple light flashed, and the stone immediately shattered into fine powder, dispersing in the air.

After doing all this, Sun Dazhu gave Wang Lin a cold look and walked into the house without another word.

Wang Lin's pupils constricted, his heart secretly alarmed. He clutched the storage bag and turned to enter his room. Inside, there was only a small bed. Wang Lin didn't mind and sat on the bed, examining the storage bag in his hand.

The gray bag looked ordinary. Wang Lin picked it up and poured its contents onto the ground. A red inner disciple robe and a small, bound book fell out.

Wang Lin's face lit up with joy. He picked up the book, his heart racing, and opened it. On the first page, it read:

"Three Chapters of Qi Condensation."

He read until late into the night, lit an oil lamp, and closed the book. He now had a basic understanding of cultivation. The Three Chapters of Qi Condensation described three levels, the most fundamental techniques. It stated that the Qi Condensation stage had fifteen levels, and only after reaching the third level could one obtain the subsequent techniques.

The essence of Qi Condensation was to inhale and exhale the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, accumulating it within the body to transform the mortal physique and lay the foundation for future cultivation.

This was also the most challenging part for cultivators. If one had abundant spiritual roots, the absorption of spiritual energy would be faster, and the cultivation process would naturally be more efficient. However, if one had average talent, it might be impossible to reach the third level, and some might not even reach the first level.

Wang Lin treasured the Three Chapters of Qi Condensation and immediately memorized the first three levels of the technique. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to breathe in a specific pattern: one long and three short. The "one long" referred to a long inhalation, while the "three short" referred to an exhalation that was one-third the duration of the inhalation. This unconventional breathing method was designed to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth as quickly as possible.

The book noted that cultivators often felt a sensation like ants crawling in their body during their first breath, which was a sign of spiritual energy entering the body. They were advised not to panic but to relax and imagine themselves becoming one with the universe.

After a long time, Wang Lin found to his dismay that he felt nothing. Instead, the strange breathing method left him slightly breathless.

Wang Lin sighed lightly. He knew that inner disciples were those with abundant spiritual roots, and this book was intended for them. His average talent naturally made it difficult for him to compare with them in cultivation.

However, he didn't lose heart. After taking a few deep breaths, he continued to practice.

The night passed slowly, and by the next morning, Wang Lin still hadn't felt any spiritual energy entering his body. Exhausted from a sleepless night, he got out of bed and opened the door.

A gentle breeze blew, and the scent of herbs filled the air. He took a few deep breaths, feeling slightly less tired. He missed the spring water gourd and thought that a few sips would have alleviated his fatigue.

However, this was not the time for rash actions. He was confident in the hiding place of his secret pearl and the dew gourd, a secluded spot he had found after searching half the mountain. Even if someone stumbled upon it, they would never discover his treasures.

Wandering through the herb garden, Wang Lin found a blank spot, sat down cross-legged, and continued to practice. After a short while, a very faint sensation like ants crawling appeared. Wang Lin was startled and immediately felt delighted. Just as he was about to continue, he heard his master's voice, "Wang Lin, what are you doing? Come out. I'm telling you, you are not allowed to practice in the herb garden."

Wang Lin opened his eyes and saw Sun Dazhu staring at him with a dark expression. He remained silent, got up, and left the garden.

Sun Dazhu snorted coldly and said, "You found a good spot. This herb garden has the most concentrated spiritual energy. If you absorb it all, these precious herbs will die, and your life won't be enough to compensate for the loss."

Wang Lin glanced at Sun Dazhu and respectfully said, "Disciple did not know. I will not practice here again."

Sun Dazhu's expression softened slightly, and his gaze shifted. He suddenly said, "However, if you can get me another gourd, I can't let you practice in the herb garden, but I can give you a low-grade spirit stone. With this, your Qi Condensation will be much easier."

Wang Lin lowered his head, a flash of mockery in his eyes, and said, "Disciple can go back to the spring and see if I can find another one by luck."

Sun Dazhu pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering, and nodded, saying, "That's a good idea. Remember, if you bring me another gourd, I will give you a low-grade spirit stone!"

Wang Lin looked up at Sun Dazhu and asked, "Master, are you serious? If I bring back the gourd, you will give me a spirit stone?"

Sun Dazhu's face lit up, and he quickly said, "Yes, as soon as I see the gourd, I will give you a low-grade spirit stone."

Wang Lin inwardly sneered but outwardly showed respect, nodding in agreement.

Sun Dazhu made a hand seal, muttered some words, and with a flick of his arm, the garden gate creaked open. He stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Go, and come back quickly."