With the unusual beast dead, Finlay cut off the head and carried it as the rest of its entourage approached. Most of the Beasts ran away terrified at the sight of their invincible leader lying dead, but a few of the Wind and Earth dual attribute beasts seemed to have gone mad instead. They charged at Finlay heedless of the danger. Finlay didn’t deny the self delivering precious beast cores. He simply cut them down with a single swing each. Soon, all of the beast either fled or lay on the ground in pieces.
Finlay couldn’t help but sigh at not completely understanding the weird behaviour of the beasts. He knew the Magical beasts, even of the Tier 1, had some amount of intelligence unlike mundane beasts and it seemed that somehow that only drove them to do things less rational.
He also thought back to the crude usage of his high Qi reserves in the form of a blast of Qi. Originally, he was simply trying to obstruct the view of the beast but when he did it in practice, the skill that he last used when he first arrived, the Mana Blast, activated automatically. He didn’t call upon it in the same way he did back then, from the system menu. Yet it still activated the same, providing some decent boost in the effectiveness. He noted it down to properly check later.
He didn’t waste any of the beast cores, especially the Lightning attribute core of the leader. The biggest surprise came from its horns. Not only did the Core seem to be able to contain a lot of lightning attribute Qi, the Horns also contained a decent amount. On top of that, the horns also held a small portion of Lightning essence.
Finlay was overjoyed and quickly checked the quantity and came to the estimate that it was just enough to advance to a higher affinity level. In addition, he would only lack a small amount of the required lightning element Qi to complete the element’s cultivation. A small quantity wasn’t a problem now since he was rich and only growing richer by the day or he could just see if normal cultivation would be enough to bridge that gap.
With his sour mood lifted, Finlay quickly extracted the valuable materials from the dead beasts. He was even unwilling to throw away the mountain of meat on the herd leader. He was sure it would fetch a tremendous price or at least would be a very nourishing piece of meat. After backtracking and retrieving the secretly hidden luggage, he looked almost comical with a small mountain of things on his back as he ran through the trees carefully, trying to maintain balance and keeping things from falling off. Finlay simply considered this as practice for his movement art as he slowly fended off the occasional beast that came in the way.
He made it out around midnight. The old man was at the shop and came to collect the items personally and was stupefied at Finlay’s comical appearance.
“You know brat, it has been a while since someone was able to take down this Lightning beast. If you give me the horns of the beast along with the core, I can easily upgrade your weapon into a dual attribute tier 2 weapon. What do you think?” the old man tried to convince Finlay with a covetous grin.
“...You think I’m an idiot? No, I’m not wasting the most valuable materials on something stupid like that!” Finlay was rather annoyed at the old man for trying to tempt him into wasting the precious resources and probably a lot of money on top for the commission itself. He was definitely tempted by a tier 2 weapon, but he didn’t even have a proper weapon art and considering his Archery skill and high compatibility with swords, he didn’t want to commit to a spear.
“Moreover, I have some use for these lightning attribute materials. So you best forget about it old man.”
The old man still didn’t give up and tried to persuade FInlay a little more, but Finlay firmly shut him down and quickly left the place once he collected his due. All things considered, he made a fortune from this trip, but he had no intentions of making such trips further. He only had another 2 weeks of time and he intended on focusing on developing his skills and cultivation in the short period before graduating.
After that, he returned to the life of grinding his skills and cultivating. He even reduced the frequency at which he went to hunt, putting the extra time solely on cultivation. He first upgraded his Lightning attribute compatibility to ‘D-’ grade from the F+ grade and then used all his available lightning element resources to increase his cultivation of the element as far as it went.
As he continued his cultivation in that element, he started pondering about the Dao element of the Yin/Yang. After some deliberation, he settled on the aspect of Heat and cold, diametrically opposite concepts that are in truth a single property of any material or space. FInlay already had a decent amount of knowledge on the concept of heat from his previous life and it was a relatively simpler aspect of Yin & Yang, improving his chances.
He recalled his teachings of the Nine on Dao as he tried to ponder on the workings of temperature.
‘Dao is not some ethereal made up thing kid. It’s as real as it gets. Dao is all around us inside us and in a way, we’re a manifestation of an unknown number of Daos.’
‘They’re the strings holding up the fabric of reality itself. They’re the manifestations of particular laws and the laws are also the projections of Dao onto the physical reality we exist in.’
‘What does that mean? It means that Dao is not simply a gathering of knowledge. It’s more than that. They are an intrinsic understanding of the mind and the very soul. Just some knowledge is not enough to comprehend Dao you need to believe, you need to see the world in terms of Dao. When you look at a leaf, you need to see it in terms of the fabrics of reality and the threads that make it, the Dao.’
‘Also keep in mind that Qi is an essential and direct channel of communication with the world around you. Without it, you cannot achieve enlightenment in Dao. No wonder the world you come from has so much easily accessible knowledge yet due to the incredibly sparse Qi, very few prodigies are able to achieve enlightenment.’
‘You find it all a bit confusing? Well, no one can perfectly explain Dao in mere mortal constructs such as words. Remember, you need to feel and experience not just read and listen to words...’
Finlay repeatedly recalled the words imparted to him. He opened his eyes as he touched a warm metal cup with tea. He repeatedly inquired what he felt, explored deeper and deepened his comprehension using his imagination.
He imagined the vibrations in the atoms and the quantum effects of heat. When he felt warmth upon the touch, he imagined how the higher amplitude of vibrations from the hot metal surface transferred energy through direct collisions to the atoms in his hand and how that transferred to the nerve ends to create a signal for a hotter temperature. He then tried to imagine how the metal’s molecular structure and properties affected how the heat was absorbed faster from the liquid inside the cup, how the increased transfer of heat to the surroundings from the metal surface as opposed to the liquid surface affected the distribution of the heat inside the container, how the convection currents affected the said distribution.
He then considered the aspects of radiation and how the whole system is subtly affected with that aspect. As Finlay tried to delve deeper and deeper, subconsciously, the Qi that radiated off his contained hints of his understanding and his will. When it came in contact with the world outside, the will of the world observed the act, like an examiner. Once Finlay’s intuitive comprehension reached a threshold, he opened his eyes and looked around. Subconsciously, he could see and imagine the subtle mechanics of heat and cold all around him. He tried to use his ability to sense Qi to observe better and instantly, he was able to perceive a lot more. He almost felt like he could see the temperature of various things as if he had an infrared vision.
When he first saw such a scene, there was a subtle shift in his perception and his presence. Unknown to him, there was an almost imperceptible glow around him as he reached basic enlightenment in the concept of heat & cold or also known as temperature. When Finlay finally came out of his dazed state, he couldn’t help but sigh at how wondrous the Dao, the very threads of the fabric of reality, was. Although he factually understood the significance and incredible nature of it before, gaining enhanced vision with the ability to directly see heat and cold did amazing things to his mental state.
Still in a sort of a daze, he exited his seclusion only to encounter a shocked Lu Bao.
“Senior brother! Is everything fine? Should I call the doctor?” Lu Bao couldn’t help but shout worriedly, leaving Finlay confused. It was only after Lu Bao calmed down that he told how Finlay hadn’t exited his room in 5 days and even the blacksmith visited their place in worry. Fortunately, the old man was more experienced and asked Lu Bao to not disturb Finlay unless Finlay didn’t exit for a week.
‘Now that I think about it, I feel famished. My hands seem a bit skinnier too. Driving my brain into overdrive for 5 straight days without food seems to have taken a small toll on my body.’
Filay promptly apologised to Lu Bao for causing worry and then proceeded to stuff his stomach with food both cooked and raw. He still felt like he could eat some more but held off overdoing it for now. He slightly tidied himself and visited the blacksmith.
“Brat! You asked me to take you in as an apprentice yet go missing for so long. What exactly happened?! What’s with your haggard look?”
Finlay couldn’t help but awkwardly cough as he replied, “*cough* *cough* sorry about that old man. I kind of lost track of time comprehending a technique.”
“Wow! Must be an incredible technique…”
Finlay didn’t comment further on that and just asked to continue his apprenticeship. He only had a little over a week’s time before his chosen graduation date. Although it truly didn’t matter when he could leave, he felt like staying in the valley was only going to slow him down from he on out.
----------------------------------------
With the limited time, Finlay primarily focused on completing his Elemental Qi side of the Yin/Yang body cultivation. He simply used the special elixir that was given by Senior Kang to complete that element. He had more trouble with the Lightning attribute. With limited time, he had to, in the end, resort to external resources to complete the lightning element’s cultivation.
Although he achieved a full completion with all of the attributes for the Body transformation stage, he didn’t experience any major change except for feeling a bit stronger with more Qi. He even felt like the Lightning and Yin/Yang Elements’ Qi was still remaining in his cells instead of completely integrating themselves with his body like the five elements before. He was a bit puzzled by it, but didn’t have the time to explore the issue before the end of the month.
Congratulations on completing the Sixth Element of cultivation of the Body Transformation realm.
Restriction Unlocked on skill : Analyse (Grade E+ –> Grade E+)
Congratulations on completing the Seventh Element of cultivation of the Body Transformation realm.
Restriction Unlocked on skill : Analyse (Grade E+ –> Grade E+)
With such a busy schedule, his progress in Alchemy lacked focus and hence didn’t go much farther. His Formations study on the other had improved vastly as he had to concentrate on it both during his self study and for the apprenticeship. By the end, he was able to lay down some rudimentary Tier 1 formations but he was still a bit unsatisfied with their fitness, but more practice required more time and better resources, so he was forced to wait till he graduated.
With only 2 days to go before the next pill distribution, Finlay finally managed to craft a mid tier 1 sword with a magical formation that released a sharp blade extension all around it. Finlay was very pleased with the result. He chose this simple design as the first step in creating a lightsaber. He even added a small Qi circuit that detected the wind movements near the sharp Qi edge and played *Brrrrrmm* sounds when moved about.
The old man was very confused at Finlay’s seemingly childish toy design, nonetheless, the sword itself was well made and he declared the end of Finlay’s apprenticeship. He even submitted an official application with the sect to allow Finlay to be recognised as a budding blacksmith and crafter.
Although his alchemy lacked focus, Finlay nonetheless churned out tons of pills and got completely involved in the secret drug trade in the valley. He even made large scale deals with the gangs, accumulating immensely. If anything, these thrilling and secretive events are what kept his boredom and stress at bay the past month.
On the final day, Finlay took Lu bao to the most expensive places at the market to allow him to shop or eat to his heart's content, he even took him to the sect sponsored restaurant to fulfil his old promise. Before long, the all important day arrived. Finlay came early to the gathering at the square where people gather to receive their allocated pills. He took the chance to meet and greet almost everyone he had some relationship with.
He met the neighbours who allied with him on the first day, the sentimental senior, Meng Peng, the Alchemist brother in his 4th year, Wang Doshan. Finlay even had to reluctantly greet the accompanying NPC-P as well. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find Dokgo Xu and his group. As they waited for the right time, Finlay spent some time giving some final advice and saying his goodbyes to Lu Bao, who was incredibly shocked the previous day when Finlay said he was applying for graduation today. But he recovered very quickly as he thought it wasn’t particularly strange for someone excellent like Finlay to graduate in 4 months.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“*sigh* Senior brother, I still can’t get over the speed of your graduation. Please know that I’m your first true admirer. I realised the truth as early as when he joined here. It seems my intuition is pretty powerful alterall…hahahaha.”
“Brother Bao, let’s not talk about that. I’m more worried about leaving you alone. I have left a small gift for you at home. There should be enough resources for you to cleanly complete your cultivation.”
“How can that be allowed, senior brother?? You’ve already done enough for me. I truly can’t accept anymore from you.”
“Hahaha I knew that was exactly what you were going to say. That’s why I left them at home instead…Brother Bao, remember to ask for advice with your seniors and if you really come across any big issues, ask the blacksmith. He owes me a favour.”
Lu Bao stopped arguing by now and was intently listening and nodding his head at Finlay’s serious advice.
“Also…I know you dislike unnecessary blood and gore, but you should gain some experience in the hunting zone before you leave the valley. Who knows? You might stumble across something far more valuable as well. Even after my extensive adventuring, I’ve probably explored less than 10% of the men’s side of the hunting zone.
“If everything goes well, we should be able to meet up before long. Good luck!”
By now, the pill distribution started and lined up as well.
“You too, senior brother. I hope your next steps go smoothly without hurdles.”
Finlay simply accepted the well wishes and once he received his quota of the pills, he handed them over to Lu Bao and sent him off. He didn’t immediately go to the administrative building responsible for reporting for graduation. He went to meet up with the blacksmith to say his goodbye.
“...Alright take care old man. I’m sure we will meet again. By the way, I told my good brother that you owe me a favour and to ask you for help in case he runs into trouble.”
*sort*
“Brat what nonsense are you spouting now? When did I owe you a favour??” the old man couldn’t help expressing his indignation.
“C’mon old man don’t be like that. Help me out here. He’s a good lad.”
Remembering the boy’s future prospects, the Blacksmith pushed down his annoyances and reluctantly agreed. As Finlay was leaving, he stopped him and placed a sword in a scabbard in his hand.
“Oh this?!...”
It was the sword Finlay made at the end of his apprenticeship. It was actually made using the blacksmith’s resources and was not considered sale worthy due to the crude finish and was supposed to be recycled. The blacksmith touched it up, polished it properly and added some decorations turning it into a beautiful sword with a very attractive yet functional grip and pommel. Even the scabbard was well crafted and tastefully designed.
“I’ve added some useful things you seem to have forgot and I partially upgraded the blade and added a water attribute to the existing Qi circuits. It can be considered a peak Tier 1 weapon now if you include the scabbard, which allows charging a strong first attack. Is it to your satisfaction?”
Of course it was to FInlay’s satisfaction. His eyes were gleaming as he unblinkingly stared at the sword in his hand. He originally was a collector type who always saved his fists, but the sword truly looked a bit crude and he knew wasting money now instead of saving them for his next realm was not a good idea so held off.
He emotionally thanked the old man and said his goodbyes. He stood before the stairs to the office where he was to report with a tightly tied together bunch of metal arrows and the bow hanging on his left shoulder. A bag with all his belongings like his cauldron, clothes etc was hung on his right shoulder. An elegant scabbard and sword hung from his waist. He slowly walked up to the desk.
“Hello, my name is registered as Ming. I entered the valley exactly 4 months ago and I wish to report my graduation.”
The student worker at the desk was initially not even looking at Finlay as he introduced himself, but when he heard 4 months followed by graduation, he stared at Finlay in pure shock with his jaw dropped.
He stood there in a daze for a long while before FInlay grew uncomfortable and cleared his throat, snapping him out.
“Pl–Please wait in the next room while I fetch an Elder.”
Finlay frowned at how the other party was so shocked but still seemed to believe him. He didn’t think much of it and waited in the room. And he waited for a long time. By the time he was starting to get impatient and annoyed, a middle aged elder in the late stage of Qi condensation took him on a flying tool out of the valley. Finlay simply followed behind, but was a bit confused at how the graduation process seemed to be a bit different from the usual method he heard of. He was simply supposed to be checked by an elder before being declared a graduate but that also didn’t happen.
As FInlay was growing anxious again, he flew over the mountains into the depths of the sect's territory. He eventually approached a peak. The flying tool slowed down as they approached a palace-like building, guarded by 2 unmoving soldiers in heavy armour. The elder simply dropped off Finlay before asking him to go inside.
“Little guy, hurry up and enter. Don’t make the esteemed one wait for long.”
Before the Finlay could recover from the confusion and ask who this esteemed one is or why he’d been bought here, the Elder quickly took off on his flying tool, leaving him. The perplexed Finlay didn’t have much of a choice as he cautiously approached the large front doors. The soldiers remained motionless as if they were actually statues. Finlay had to use all of his physical strength to push one of the doors just enough for him to slip inside.
The inside was a dazzling sight that left Finlay stunned, but unfortunately he didn’t have the time to marvel and satiate his curiosity for the finer things. He saw a long, bright hall with a large chair at the end, upon which Senior Kang was seated, looking straight at him with the at most intensely.
Identity :
Kang ???
62 yrs old
Male
???
Character type :
Neutral Good
Mortality :
Sura (Mortal)
Job :
NA
Titles :
Senior Elder - True Sky Immortal Sect
Cultivation Talent
Qi Cultivation : Low
Body : Low
Constitution : Yang
Cultivation :
(Spiritual)
Foundation establishment level - 8
“Brat! What is this about you graduating already?? This better not be a stupid prank of yours.”
To be continued.
Preview - System Status
Identity :
Finlay
Male
14 yrs old
–
Mortality :
Sura (Mortal)
Job :
None
Titles :
None
Cultivation:
Body Transformation stage completed level 9+ (Five Element cultivation + Lightning and Yin/Yang)(🠕)
Stats :
→open←
Skills :
The All seeing eye (Analyse) :
(Grade - E+)(🠕)
Authority granted by the first god of the world, Dinn. You can peer into the secrets of things and beings of this world as long as you know what you’re looking for. (Requires activation conditions)
Inventory space :
(Locked until Foundation Establishment)
Universal Language comprehension (Grade A+);
Mana Blast (Grade F+)
Preview - Stats
Spiritual :
Cultivation Talent :
S+ Grade (Appears as C-)
Divine Sense :
None
Law Comprehension :
S Grade
Physical :
Body Type :
Five Element body (Grade : B+(Aggregate)) (Appears as C-)
Elemental Attunements :
Metal
S- Grade
Five Element Body Type
(Dominant trait)
Earth
A Grade
Wind
C+ Grade
Fire(🠕)
C Grade
Water
D Grade
Light/Darkness(Yin/Yang)
D- Grade
Lightning (🠕)
F+ Grade
Other Talents :
Weapon Talents :
Sword/Bladed type
A+ Grade
Ranged
C+ Grade
Hand to Hand
C Grade
Polearms/Spear
D Grade
Soul based/Mental type
D- Grade
Qi Circuits :
(Arrays, Formations, Magical Restrictions)
B- Grade
Crafting Talent :
C+ Grade
Alchemy Talent :
D+ Grade