Tower. Bathhouse.

Situated at the edge of the pool, Bubai stood with his feet planted firmly on the ground, his expression one of concentration.

With a deep breath, he began to channel his Qi, the energy flowing through him like a river seeking its course.

His hands performed a set of gestures, tracing patterns in the air as he guided his Qi to his fingertip. Completing the short set, he immediately pointed his finger like a gun over the bucket placed before him.

A hush fell over the scene as all eyes turned to watch.

Moments later, from the tip of his finger, a thin stream of water began to coalesce from the very air itself!

Like a leaking faucet, the water dripped down into the bucket, each drop falling with a soft patter like rain on a tiled roof.

But as Bubai continued to concentrate, a furrow creased his brow, and his face grew tense. The trickling water began to falter, dwindling until it eventually tapered out altogether.

With a disappointed sigh, he peered into the bucket, finding only a meager amount, barely enough to fill a small teacup, staring back at him.

Shaking his head in frustration, he poured the scant amount of water into the dry pool, where it merged with a small puddle already formed at the bottom. “Again.”

Forming the same familiar gestures once more, he aimed his finger at the bucket, summoning forth trickles of water from the air once again.

But this time, his concentration wavered, causing his supply of Qi to be disrupted, and the water abruptly stopped flowing...

Withdrawing his hand, a subtle frown tugged at the corners of his lips. “So difficult.”

Standing nearby, Xiao Lan took a step forward.

With deliberately slow motions, she gracefully waved her hand... A stream of water burst forth from her fingertip, pouring into the bucket like a running hose.

The sound of gurgling water was like a slap to his face…

In mere moments, the bucket was filled to the brim, the water shimmering in the ambient light.

Xiao Lan calmly retracted her hand, her expression unreadable as she turned to face him.

Okay, he got the point. It wasn’t hard.

"Is there any way to get as good as you?" His voice was tinged with a hint of longing as he emptied the bucket.

“Practice.”

"Tell me something I don't know," Bubai muttered under his breath.

Catching his words, Xiao Lan impassively added, “Cultivation.”

"My cultivation isn't high enough?" Bubai questioned, seeking clarification.

Xiao Lan nodded once before shaking her head.

Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?

"Late-stage cultivation will help, but only after establishing a foundation will there be a qualitative change."

“Foundation Establishment?” Interest flickered in the Bubai's eyes. "Is it possible for me to learn your method?"

Xiao Lan shook her head once again.

Bubai furrowed his brow. “Why?”

“Oath.”

“Oh.” Bubai was a bit disappointed, but he pressed on, "Well, can you at least give me some general information?"

“Can.” Xiao Lan nodded before she bowed her head in thought. After a moment, she looked up, meeting his gaze.

“Foundation Establishment represents a transformative step for a mortal. Only by establishing a foundation will a mortal become an immortal cultivator, gaining an extended lifespan, doubling that of mortals…” Xiao Lan began, her voice steady and measured.

Bubai nodded, absorbing her words. He knew this much.

"...Qi essentially belongs to the world. Qi-refiners can harness Qi but can’t achieve control over it. Foundation Establishment… It's about solidifying your connection to your gathered Qi, making each strand truly your own."

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Oh, finally getting to the nuts and bolts. None of the Foundation Establishment descriptions he read expounded on this. Thus, this point held his interest, “How is that done?”

The expressionless Xiao Lan stared at him, “Method.”

“…” Okay, it seems she can’t say. “So, what are the benefits?”

Xiao Lan pursed her lips slightly before speaking, “Here, you can achieve true mastery and control of your Qi, leading to a qualitative change in your techniques…”

Bubai had always found it strange that Qi could only be manipulated through breathing techniques and body gestures.

It was a hassle and seemed rather restrictive and inconvenient.

Just like he suspected, these will probably become less and less of a problem as he ascended the ladder of cultivation.

“...Refine weapons, artifacts, and other cultivation treasures like jade slips. Leaving your brand on these items can prevent theft and allow you to control them.”

“Oh?” Bubai’s interest was piqued. “Control them? How does that work? Is there a limit or restrictions?”

“Method.” The cold response left him hanging once more.

“Really can’t say? Shouldn’t this be general knowledge?” Bubai frowned.

Xiao Lan clarified, “It depends on the method, a factor that determines the extents of your spiritual sense.”

Oh! Spiritual sense! He had only heard rumors about it before. Will he finally learn more details regarding this mysterious ability?

Bubai silently waited for her to continue.

“…” Xiao Lan’s glassy eyes silently fixed him with a cold stare.

Though her expression remained neutral, Bubai couldn't shake the eerie sensation emanating from her, like a teacher staring at a misbehaving child...

Bubai raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, “Okay, I won’t interrupt.”

The teacher’s enticing lips finally parted once more, “Spiritual sense is the innate third eye awakened from entering the Foundation Establishment realm. With this, cultivators can extend their senses into their body and beyond…”

East District.

Strolling leisurely along the sun-kissed sandstone roads, Bubai’s keen eyes swept over the residences around him.

Arriving at a new place, scouting naturally was a must.

The past few days, he had invested some time to familiarize himself with the district’s layout and inhabitants.

Though inner disciple towers akin to his own dotted the district, these were limited in number.

Most inner disciples actually lived in modest one or two-story residences, some with lavish courtyards while others sealed off akin to a cave.

This highlighted a fact: the gap in status existed even amongst inner disciples.

It also emphasized WeiWei’s resourcefulness.

Even in this demonic sect where woman were often marginalized… she was like a fish in water.

Clearly, gender was no barrier to power. The tricks in the arsenal of a cunning woman can even make powerful cultivators give in.

“No women can be underestimated, especially strong ones…”

North District. Book Pavilion.

At the front desk of the grand hall, bathed in the soft glow of luminescent stones, Granny Shu peered at Bubai who stood before her desk.

"Hum? Have you selected your method, young Bubai?" Her voice carried the weight of centuries, yet held a gentle kindness.

Bubai bowed slightly. "Junior is still considering."

The old granny nodded sagely as she rocked back and forth.

"It's good to deliberate slowly, young Bubai," she murmured, her gaze wandering thoughtfully, “After all, it's the foundation upon which all further progress is built.”

Looking at the elderly lady with earnest eyes, Bubai asked, "Does Shu Po Po have any advice for junior?"

Granny Shu peered at him with a twinkle in her eye, a small smile gracing her lips.

"Yin and Yang is a foundation compatible with any man and woman," she began, her voice carrying a mysterious undertone. "But the elemental attribute is a different story. Remember to consider your spiritual root."

Bubai nodded, absorbing her words. “Junior understands.”

"Fufu…” The old lady returned the gesture with a nod of her own. “Hum, and choose wisely. The road forward is filled with twists and turns. So, consider choosing one with a follow-up method. Also, take into account the cost of complementary techniques."

"Junior thanks Shu Po Po for her guidance," Bubai said, bowing deeply, before looking at the old lady with reverence. “May junior ask… where might the technique room be?"

A serene smile graced the old lady's face as she closed her eyes. "Section C, Room 4.”

"Junior will not disturb Shu Po Po any longer," Bubai said respectfully before turning to walk toward Corridor C.

As he disappeared from sight, the old lady opened her eyes, squinting as they slyly followed his path. "Hum, perhaps he will do. Fufu..."

By the time Bubai stepped out of the Book Pavilion, the tranquil embrace of night had once again descended upon the sect, casting everything in a serene darkness.

He paused for a moment, gazing up at the rising moon, its ethereal glow casting soft shadows on the deserted streets around him.

"Ah, the technique room truly broadened my horizon," he mused to himself, "Too bad they had nothing to do with me until I acquire sufficient contribution points."

Of course, he wasn’t just window shopping and wasting his time.

Thanks to the visit, he managed to match some of the techniques with their corresponding cultivation methods. Now, he had shelved some methods and narrowed down his choices further.

“Once I go through the rest of the Foundation Establishment room, I can start finalizing my decision..."

With anticipation in his stride, Bubai hurried along the darkened streets of the sect.

Occasionally, he passed by couples seeking out a good spot for their outdoors date under the moonlit sky.

Some “dates” had already started…

“I shouldn’t miss mine...”

Finally, Bubai reached his tower, the sturdy structure looming in the night like a silent guardian.

The grinding sound of the door welcomed his entry.

As the door rumbled shut behind him, he was greeted by his new maid descending the stairs.

"Welcome home, master," the composed Wei Yi donned a warm smile.

Yet, Bubai only acknowledged her with a silent nod before passing her, making his way upstairs.

Arriving at the top, he pushed open the door and was met with a welcoming sight.

There, meditating on his bed in a graceful lotus position, was his sensei dressed in her silky robe.

Sensing his entry, her eyes fluttered open, revealing a cold gaze that seemed to pierce through him.

Expressionlessly, she rose from the bed, the silky fabric of her robe sliding off her shoulders with each step she took towards him...

Bubai couldn't help but grin at the sight. Ah yes... It was time for the daily night lessons.