Gazing skyward, previously an expanse of cloudless heavens, now reveals an intricate network of colorful chains and runes interweaving across the world. Rather than detracting from the world's beauty, these patterns seemed to impose a sense of order on it.

A profound sense of insignificance, helplessness, and desolation overwhelmed Long Aotian's heart as he beheld this Grand Order of Heaven. Observing the celestial designs, he felt akin to an ant, struggling amidst forces far beyond his control.

"This is the might of the Heavens. If it so desires, I could vanish in an instant, forgotten by all as if I never existed," Long Aotian muttered, his gaze fixed on the runes. Not a single symbol made sense to him, leaving him in a state of perplexity and awe.

In a moment of reverie, a mysterious and enigmatic white rune detached from the Grand Order of Heaven, streaking through the air with unparalleled speed before merging seamlessly between Long Aotian's brows.

Abruptly, an emotionless and otherworldly voice resonated from the void, its chilling tones causing his soul to shiver. The voice began unraveling the significance of the white rune, and Long Aotian found himself plunged into an enlightening experience.

As the meaning of the white rune gradually unfolded within his mind, Long Aotian entered a state of profound understanding. This rune, symbolizing the 'Mortal' facet of the Heavens, had infused only a minuscule 0.001 percent into his being. Yet, this small fraction propelled his comprehension of cultivation to unprecedented heights, marking a remarkable leap in his understanding of cultivation.

The rune's impact wasn't an immediate boost to his cultivation, but it provided fundamental stability. Long Aotian's mortal body underwent a transformation, reverting to a more primal state where absorbing pure spiritual energy from the heavens became a natural process.

It took a total of eight hours for Long Aotian to emerge from his state of enlightenment. The once-naive expression had given way to a more mature and composed countenance.

"Master spoke the truth. He's truly an unparalleled expert. If this scripture holds divine-level insights, I can only imagine the extent of his power," expressed Long Aotian, his gratitude evident in his words.

...

As Ming Xuan peacefully slumbered, a mechanical voice abruptly echoed in his mind.

[Disciple's breakthrough detected]

[Activating Disciple System]

[Understanding the World]

[Chosen World: Wu Xian World]

[Compiling all the data from the Wu Xian World]

[Host, please respond]

"Huh! My goldfinger arrived. Fuck dog system┌∩┐(ಠ_ಠ)┌∩┐! You are finally here. You dare to awaken now. I've been waiting for you for five whole years. Where have you been?" Ming Xuan roared in anger, his frustration evident in his vehement outburst.

[Host, please exhibit proper behavior. If not, I will seek another host.]

"(*╯-╰)ノ Apologies, system. I was merely jesting, you see. I tend to crack jokes in situations like these. Please don't hold it against me," Ming Xuan pleaded, as though feeling unjustly accused by the system's seriousness.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

System: "..."

[Host, your behavior is quite shameless. You shift your stance like a chameleon. To address your prior inquiry, my awakening was triggered by your acceptance of a disciple, leading to his cultivation breakthrough.]

"What? A breakthrough? That seems unlikely," Ming Xuan expressed, clearly perplexed.

[Indeed, your disciple Long Aotian achieved a breakthrough in deciphering the 'Give me a Taoist Physique' scripture. As a result, you will be bestowed with Golden Core cultivation, and your cultivation aptitude will increase tenfold.] The system's declaration left Ming Xuan stunned, grappling with this unexpected turn of events.

"What did he understand about that counterfeit scripture? This must be a dream. Haha, I must be a genius for thinking of it. Such occurrences usually belong in dreams, not in reality," chuckled Ming Xuan, feigning a moment of sleepiness.

After a brief interval...

Rising back up, Ming Xuan remarked, "I had faith in my dear disciple, Long Aotian's potential in cultivation." Faking a contemplative stroke of his non-existent beard, he quipped, "Ancient sages believed that heeding wise counsel equals a lifetime of experiences. How curious! I didn't realize I was one of those sages." Ming Xuan's eyes held a depth that seemed to exude wisdom.

[System: ᯣ_ᯣ]

This time, the system was at a loss for words. What kind of host had it acquired? His mental capacity appeared to be limited. In the future, it might need to provide brain-boosting supplements, or else the host might end up in a ditch, unknown and forgotten.

"System, enlighten me about your functions," Ming Xuan inquired within his thoughts.

[Host, guiding your disciples to breakthroughs in cultivation earns you rewards and disciple points. These points can be exchanged for various treasures and items in the system's store. Rest assured, the treasures available are of the highest quality. I must remind you that, given your character, there's no provision for refunds.]

"This dog system is truly audacious. Does it see me as a beggar? Well, technically, it's accurate, but how dare it speak so bluntly? I am genuinely hurt—not physically but mentally. I need compensation for my mental well-being," mused Ming Xuan.

[Host, I can hear your thoughts. There is no need to feel despondent. I merely stated the truth. As the sages of old proclaimed, lies are sweet and sugary, while truth carries a bitter taste. Given your intelligence, you should comprehend this.]

"System, no need for flattery. I'm well aware that I am a genius. Now, it's time to visit my 'golden thigh'," Ming Xuan remarked.

Ming Xuan approached Long Aotian, who had just awakened from deep enlightenment. Long Aotian then kneeled before his Master and declared loudly, "Master, your disciple has mastered the scripture and comprehended the natural Taoist body."

Ming Xuan, hands behind his back, presented an otherworldly aura and calmly remarked, "Hmm, it appears I've underestimated your talent. You've grasped a 'Give Me Taoist Physique' scripture in less than a month. I am genuinely pleased with your progress. Ask any questions you may have; I'll provide answers."

"Master, share another divine scripture with me," Long Aotian requested eagerly. Long Aotian wanted to learn another scripture from Ming Xuan.

"In the pursuit of immortality, one mustn't solely focus on the future but appreciate the present. You've recently grasped a scripture of divine caliber. Therefore, it's crucial for you to reinforce your foundation rather than seek to acquire another. Impatience breeds inner turmoil, cultivating 'heart demons.' Remain humble, and guard against arrogance. As it's your initial misstep, I'll pardon you. This wisdom comes from my life experiences, so treasure it," imparted Ming Xuan, sharing from his own journey.

"Master, I seek your forgiveness. Your teaching will be etched in my memory," Long Aotian expressed, filled with remorse.

"Instead, I'll instruct you on a method to fortify your cultivation. As you're aware, a solid foundation is paramount. Similar to how a strong foundation supports a building against heavy loads and provides stability against lateral movements, a good foundation must endure harsh weather like storms and harsh winds.

In cultivation, the foundation I speak of revolves around comprehending the essence of Heaven and Earth. Without a sturdy base, your combat prowess could fall below that of an ordinary individual within the same realm."

Ming Xuan explained, emphasizing the importance of a resilient base for Long Aotian's progress.

"Pay close attention. This is the inaugural version, the first edition, the primary volume, and the initial chapter of the mental cultivation method called 'Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Self.' Embrace it, and you'll find liberation from inner turmoil, maintaining serenity amidst tumultuous situations and improving the foundation." Here are the lines:

When people see things as beautiful,

Ugliness is created.

When people see things as good,

Evil is created.

Being and non-being produce each other.

Difficult and easy complement each other.

Long and short define each other.

High and low oppose each other.

Fore and aft follow each other.

Therefore the sage goes about doing nothing, teaching no-talking.

The ten thousand things rise and fall without cease,

Creating, yet not possessing.

Working, yet not taking credit.

Work is done, then forgotten.

Therefore it lasts forever.

"Master, your teachings have been deeply ingrained within me," Long Aotian humbly acknowledged, bowing in reverence. "May I inquire about the various stages of cultivation?"

Having received Golden Core Realm insights from the system, Ming Xuan had acquired comprehensive knowledge up to that level.

Ming Xuan replied, "Disciple, the initial stage of cultivation in this realm is Qi Condensation, also known as Qi Refining or Qi Gathering. It involves absorbing Qi from the natural world and refining it within one's body. Given your natural Taoist Physique, you've already refined some spiritual Qi within."

"Master, what comes after Qi Condensation?" Long Aotian queried further.

"The subsequent stage after Qi Condensation is Foundation Establishment, also known as Foundation Building. Upon reaching a certain threshold in Qi volume and/or density, cultivators can break through to this stage," Ming Xuan explained, detailing the progression in the cultivation journey.