When Bubai came back to his senses, he found himself staring at his pants, neatly in place as if the events of a moment ago had been nothing but a strange hallucination.
Wait... what just happened?
There was a hazy gap in his memory. Everything from the past few minutes—or was it hours?—was blurred and fragmented, like a puzzle missing key pieces.
Bubai blinked a few times and raised his head to see the source of his confusion—the silver-haired fairy standing not far in front of him.
Shu Ling was wiping her swollen lips with the back of her hand, her eyes narrowed and aggrieved.
Seeing the dazed Bubai blankly staring at her, she huffed, "Fairy brother, this fairy told you to be gentle, but you forgot. Humph!" Puffing out her cheeks, she turned away from him.
Um... had he done something wrong? But… why couldn't he quite place his finger on what it was?
This nagging feeling… was he missing memories again?
Before Bubai could dive deeper into his disorientating sensation, Shu Ling slid up beside him, "Hum, fairy brother, don’t think too much about it.”
Looping her arm through his, she snuggled up against him, resting her head on his shoulder, "This fairy knows your character by now and will let it slide this time."
Her head tilted slightly, just enough to keep an eye on him, her expression half-teasing, half-serious.
Bubai stared back at her, feeling the warmth of her touch through his robe. There was something comforting about her presence, prompting his worries to melt away.
The sandalwood scent soothed him further, and Bubai felt like he was in the middle of a dream. His muscles couldn’t help slackening, his breaths becoming shallow, his eyes half-lidded in a daze...
However, her next words woke him up.
"Fairy brother, remember, you have completed the game. So it's time for this fairy to complete her part of the deal."
A spark of clarity returned to Bubai’s dull eyes. Yes, that's right—the agreement!
The game he'd just played had a reward. He’d paid his part of the price, and now it was time to collect his dues – his mid-stage foundation establishment knowledge!
Yes, right now, that’s the most important thing! Other matters can be set aside for the time being.
Letting sage mode take over, Bubai’s gaze grew sharp and focused.
Checking the time recorded by the diligent An Jali, Bubai confirmed there was indeed something wrong, but... he still conveyed his intentions to learn, “Fairy, shall we walk and talk?”
Shu Ling’s face bloomed with a blissful yet slightly cunning smile. “Fufufu… of course.”
With Shu Ling clasping onto his arm and returning to her elegant lady mode, Bubai began walking down the dreary late morning streets.
At a glance, Bubai already noticed the scattered eunuchs and disciples ambling along what had been an otherwise empty street.
Er… had there been others here all along? But why did he notice none passing by their deal-making spot earlier?
This felt rather odd, but… Bubai quickly dismissed the thought, choosing to focus on Shu Ling, who began opening the doors to the upper levels of foundation establishment...
"Foundation establishment is quite different from Qi refinement. Unlike Qi refinement, the foundation realm is split into only three stages: early, mid, and late…”
“The early stage is the entry barrier, where the heart of cultivation is established and stabilized, but it’s not yet strong enough to do much. At this stage, the totem’s use is mostly limited to auxiliary cultivation aspects, namely the refining of true Qi or higher-quality Qi, and other innate benefits like enhanced compatibility with certain techniques."
This was his current stage, and these details had long been ingrained in his mind. But Bubai simply nodded, still listening intently to the voice as sweet as honey.
"But once you're past the early stage…” Shu Ling tapped her finger on her lips for emphasis, “That’s when things get interesting."
"Once a cultivator enters the mid-stage, their foundation totem will be able to actively radiate its influence from their dantian into their entire physical body, manifesting what we cultivators call an aura. This aura usually grants a special ability to the cultivator when it's active."
Oh? Aura? Special... ability? Bubai raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Like what?"
“Who knows?” Shu Ling shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "Each cultivator has their own uniqueness, and it depends on a myriad of factors, one being their cultivation method. For example, the Pleasurewood Art’s aura can boost physical aspects like regeneration, while our Dream Art’s aura can serve as a resistance layer against spiritual attacks."
Oh. So, like a buff. Well, isn’t this just like the buff from his own mysterious green Qi?
This aura really doesn’t seem that special.
Shooting Bubai a sidelong glance, Shu Ling seemed to read his mind, warning in a more serious tone.
"Fairy brother, don't underestimate the importance of an aura. The difference with and without one is like fighting with armor and weapons versus going into battle barehanded. It can mean the difference between survival and defeat."
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Huh? Weapon? “You mean… the totem’s auras aren’t just passive defenses?”
“Hum. Of course not!” Shu Ling gave him a roll of her eyes.
"Auras are not always simple and straightforward. They can have complex and varied effects, many with hidden properties or unique attributes, some even carrying strange curses or poisons!”
She paused, letting her words sink in.
“Even among those who practice the same cultivation method, the effects can vary. Some may have much stronger versions due to a sturdier foundation. Then there are the geniuses with special foundations who have mutated or even multiple traits, putting them on par with those with rare innate or king-level physiques."
Absorbing her words, Bubai finally expounded on his insights on how vast and complex this world of cultivation was.
Every cultivator’s foundation actually grants a quirk. Just this alone added a layer of depth that seemed to stretch infinitely.
If someone could get their hands on some heaven-defying cultivation method or establish a rock-solid foundation, even if they were normal at birth, they might be able to cultivate a physique that wouldn't lose out to those heavenly chosen ones!
Now, things were finally getting more interesting. But... this also rang alarm bells for Bubai.
More variety, more fun, but also more danger! Now, the danger level of his enemies have been kicked up a notch, mainly the protagonist, the other Fang Bubai.
Assuming that bloke was born a trash without a special physique, bro probably got some heaven-defying immortal technique that has some overpowered ability, strong enough to let him stir up trouble wherever he goes.
Even with the buff from his own golden finger, Bubai really doesn’t think it could trump whatever crack that dude was probably on.
Leaving the iffy protagonist aside, Bubai also had to re-evaluate the danger of the upcoming competition.
If every inner disciple had strange auras, then the competition would be fiercer, the risks higher.
What had seemed like a manageable hurdle, now felt like it might be more challenging than he'd anticipated.
This wise fairy's explanation had opened his eyes to a whole new playing field, and to find the right countermeasures, Bubai was ready to explore it further.
"Fairy, what are the best ways to fight against an aura?"
Shu Ling tilted her head, placing a finger on her lips thoughtfully. "Hum… Even with your own aura, a clash of auras is complicated.”
“The outcome depends on many factors. The types of effects and how their natures counteract each other. The amount of true Qi a cultivator has. Their combat skills and instincts...”
“It's hard to predict how things will turn out unless you fully know your opponent's cards. But know that some auras can be tricky, and a direct clash might not always end well.”
“The good news is that auras can’t last forever. So the best advice is to detect the aura in advance and stay clear of it whenever it is active."
Uh… so basically, kiting the enemy with ranged attacks is the best bet. But, this was his weakness!
Right now, Bubai still didn’t have a powerful one-shotter to settle the battle. If he wants to finish off his opponent, he will most likely need to get up close and personal.
To do this, he will have to know… "How can I detect when the aura is not active?"
"Hum. Unless one has some strong sensory techniques, it's hard to detect an aura until you feel its impact…”
At this point, Shu Ling blinked her eyes, studying Bubai with a knowing smile.
"But from what this fairy has seen, fairy brother's eyes are quite special. Your talent to discern formation patterns should extend to sensing auras as well. To you, auras will be like a light source glowing in the dark. Fairy brother can't miss it."
Uh… Bubai furrowed his brow, considering his options. "What if I can’t sense it?"
“Humph!” Shu Ling pouted, feigning offense, "Fairy brother can’t even trust this fairy’s words?"
"No, no, I trust fairy, really," Bubai gave her an apologetic grin. "I just want to be prepared for anything, in case my talent decides to take a break."
Shu Ling puffed her cheeks and rolled her eyes. "Fairy brother worries too much. You're just like those paranoid old fogeys who always have a backup plan for their backup plans..."
Listening to the fairy’s grumbles, Bubai could only sheepishly smile…
"Hum, fine, just in case your talent goes on vacation, let this fairy explain."
Shu Ling shifted her position slightly, keeping a tight hold on his arm.
"First, know that the aura typically sticks close to the cultivator's body. Most of its effects are passive and self-enhancing, like boosting strength, agility, or defense. Others that inflict negative effects on opponents require contact with the aura itself…”
“So, if you keep your distance from your opponent, you're generally safe from an aura’s impact. In this case, good options for counterattacks involve casting spells or mobilizing puppets like those misers from the Taiyin Clan.”
Once again, distance is his friend. Man. He really needed to invest more time in the Lightning Crusher technique.
"However, if fairy brother pits yourself against an inner disciple, you better stay on your toes. Fairy brother must keep in mind that some stronger cultivators, especially those approaching the late stage, might have an aura that stretches out quite a bit."
Nani?! Aura can actually expand? Will it perhaps become something like the domains he read about in novels in his previous life?
Bubai blinked in surprise, “How far can this aura expand? Can it cover the competition stage?”
“Hum, usually not. The arena is pretty spacious. It’s rare to see a genius with aura extending that far out in the mid-stages.”
Phew. Seems there is still some room to work with.
However, Bubai was still curious about something else. So, he feigned innocence and took the chance to ask, “What about the late-stage? How strong are their auras?”
Shu Ling glanced at Bubai, her expression laced with playful annoyance. "Fairy brother, you really like pushing it, don’t you?"
“Haha…” Bubai chuckled sheepishly, trying his best to sound innocent, "Just want to broaden my horizons, just in case I run into a late-stage opponent.”
“Humph.” Shu Ling rolled her eyes. "Fairy brother doesn't need to worry about that. Late stages are a whole other realm. Most of them are core disciples and they don't bother with small-scale competitions like the Inner Sect Exchange.”
“So, instead of concerning yourself about unnecessary matters beyond your level, you’re better off focusing on handling other matters, like…” Shu Ling's gaze shifted over his shoulder, closing one eye as she looked at something in the distance, “Your little stalker.”
Bubai turned to look in the direction Shu Ling indicated, just in time to catch a glimpse of a flash of orange ducking down behind a rooftop.
The silly stalker was clearly trying to hide herself by laying flat, but Bubai still spotted two familiar, furry orange ears poking out and a bristling tail standing upright. A dead giveaway.
“Fufufu…” Shu Ling let out a soft giggle and stepped away from him, her hands clasped behind her back.
"Hum, it seems today’s time with fairy brother will have to end here. Oh, as for that promised method, this is the important part that fairy brother is missing..."
Letting her words trail off, Shu Ling blew a kiss toward him, and Bubai immediately sensed a new memory being stuffed into his mind!
There was a miniature, meditating model of his own body, depicting Qi circulation routes with clarity and transparency.
Accompanying this were pages of information, all under a title that read "Mid-Stage Memo."
Though the name was a bit off, Bubai’s heart still raced with excitement. Mid-stage method get!
Sensing Bubai’s excitement, Shu Ling's lips curled into a pleasant smile of her own.
"Hum, fairy brother can slowly enlighten yourself when you find time. If you have any questions, you can seek this fairy out anytime."
After giving him a playful wave, the fairy twirled on her toes and popped out of existence, leaving some shimmering star lights behind.
The sparkling trails lingered for a moment before fading away, leaving Bubai with a sense of emptiness, but he suppressed this odd feeling, drawing upon a bead of green dew to refresh his mind and clear away any lingering fatigue.
With the unnecessary influences gone, Bubai’s spirit lifted, and his eyes sharpened.
Time to deal with his pet that went missing for a while. Wonder what news—or trouble—she would bring this time.
But that's just how things went in this world—always a new twist waiting just around the corner.