Hengsheng stepped out of the Library after spending an entire month absorbing all the knowledge from the second floor. He had scanned a staggering five hundred thousand books into his mind space. To his surprise, the Library's contents extended beyond cultivation techniques—it included a wealth of information on various subjects.
The first-floor topics went deeper on the second floor, such as the lore of Lan clan ancestors, details about forbidden areas, and beginner guides to professions like Alchemist, Formation Master, Blacksmith, Artificer, Amulet Maker, Runic Engraver, and many others. Hengsheng hadn't realized the cultivation world harbored so many professions, though he noted that alchemy was by far the most popular. Its profitability made it a cornerstone of the cultivation economy.
Hengsheng himself felt a growing interest in acquiring professional skills—not only to enhance his knowledge but to make money independently. As someone from Earth, the idea of depending solely on his family’s resources felt strange and unsettling. But he knew such a mindset was unique to him; the Lan clan's members had no qualms about using family resources, believing it was their birthright.
As Hengsheng looked around for his royal servant, Lan Ju, he spotted her sitting cross-legged on a large rock not far from the Library. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be deep in cultivation. Not wanting to disturb her, Hengsheng gestured to a passing young man—a new generation clan member unlucky enough to cross his path.
“Tell Lan Ju I’ve left the Library,” Hengsheng ordered.
The young man nodded hastily and rushed off, relieved to escape further interaction.
Hengsheng then made his way back to his family's residence. Once there, he decided to request an audience with his mother before officially becoming a cultivator. Following one of her servants, he was led to Wang Lianxue’s chamber.
As the door opened, Hengsheng saw his mother seated gracefully inside. Her long black hair flowed elegantly down her back as she arranged tea on an intricately carved table. The soothing scent of jasmine filled the air, creating an atmosphere of calm.
Upon hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw her son enter with a firm posture and a serious expression.
“Greet, Mother,” Hengsheng said, bowing respectfully.
“Sheng’er, you’ve come,” Wang Lianxue replied warmly, though her sharp eyes immediately caught the subtle change in his aura. “Your presence feels different today. Sit with me, my son, and tell me what weighs on your mind.”
She gestured for him to sit across from her. Pouring tea into a porcelain cup, she slid it toward him with practiced grace, her gaze steady yet tinged with curiosity and concern.
“Mother,” Hengsheng began, “today I will break through the Body Awakening realm and become a true cultivator. I came to tell you this in advance.”
Wang Lianxue’s eyes softened at his words. Setting her teacup down gently, she reached across the table to grasp his hand, her touch warm and reassuring.
“Sheng’er, this is a monumental step on your cultivation journey,” she said with pride. “As your mother, I have always believed in your potential, even when others doubted. Remember, the path of cultivation is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and enlightenment.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
She paused, her gaze filled with maternal pride and intensity.
“Embrace this breakthrough with confidence but also caution. Should you encounter any obstacles, know that I am here to support you.”
Releasing his hand, she offered a serene smile.
“Go forth, my son, and may the heavens favor your endeavors.”
Hengsheng smiled, stood up, and bowed deeply.
“Thank you, Mother. I promise I will become the strongest cultivator this world has ever seen. I will make you proud.”
With that, he stepped back and left her chamber. As the door closed behind him, Wang Lianxue’s serene expression gave way to a hint of worry. His excessive declaration of ambition lingered in her thoughts, but she chose to believe in her son’s determination and potential.
Hengsheng returned to his chamber, preparing for his breakthrough into the next cultivation realm. Sitting cross-legged on the cultivation mat, he closed his eyes and entered his mind space. He focused on his next task: creating the System Core—an AI he had designed to serve as the administrator of his systems and regulate the connection between his mind space and the real world.
With a single wish, a blue orb materialized before him, its radiant glow pulsating steadily.
[Ding!]
[It’s a pleasure to serve you, sir.]
Hengsheng smiled with satisfaction. He knew this creation lacked true will or sentience, like the other creatures he had simulated in his mind space. However, that made it perfect for its role.
“I’ll name you Blue,” he said decisively.
[Name appointed: Blue.]
“Blue,” Hengsheng commanded, “absorb all the stored knowledge into your system and upgrade the Strongest Cultivator System.”
[Acknowledged. Please wait a moment.]
Moments later, the orb pulsed brightly again.
[Ding!]
[The Strongest Cultivator System has been upgraded.]
Hengsheng nodded in approval. He continued with his orders. “Blue, analyze all cultivation methods stored in the mind space and create optimized techniques.”
[Ding!]
[Processing… {234/75,399}]
The process took some time as Hengsheng waited, feeling the subtle hum of energy within the mind space. Finally, the system reported back.
[Ding!]
[Analysis complete. Generated: 57 new cultivation methods.]
Hengsheng scrolled through the list, his curiosity piqued. Cultivation methods, unlike Qi techniques, weren’t ranked purely by grades. Instead, they outlined unique paths, tailored to different types of cultivators. While higher-ranked methods typically provided clearer guidance to greater power, their effectiveness often depended on compatibility with the user.
As he reviewed the list, he noted that all the methods were superior to the advanced Qi Gathering techniques he had seen in the Lan clan's library. However, three methods stood out from the rest.
[Golden Qi Supremacy Method] This cultivation method closely resembled the Golden Sword Sect's renowned technique, designed to refine spiritual qi into the purest form of Metal Qi. Hengsheng pondered its origin for a moment. It made sense—the Golden Sword Sect, as the supreme overlord of the Golden Pillar Continent, would naturally develop methods that maximized the advantages of the land’s abundance of Metal Qi.
[Pure Sword Heart Sutra] This method focused entirely on pursuing the Dao of the sword. It was highly advanced, almost too much for the Qi Gathering realm. Cultivators just starting their journey and unfamiliar with the concept of Dao would find it nearly impossible to follow. Only those born with extraordinary talent and an innate connection to the sword could successfully cultivate it. For anyone else, it would become a bottleneck, preventing them from advancing to the next realm.
[Vast Meridian Refinement Art] Unlike the other methods, this one seemed underwhelming in terms of power. It didn’t refine spiritual qi to its highest purity, nor did it resonate with any particular Dao. However, what caught Hengsheng’s attention was its focus on absorbing spiritual qi, expanding meridians, and refining them to hold immense amounts of energy. Cultivators following this method would ultimately possess an extraordinarily large Qi reservoir, up to 100 times greater than what the basic methods could achieve. For someone pursuing a path of overwhelming resources and cheats, this method was perfect.
Hengsheng smirked, having already made up his mind. "Blue! Assign [Vast Meridian Refinement Art] as my cultivation method."
[Ding!]
[You have cultivated: Vast Meridian Refinement Art.]
With the cultivation method now set, all that remained was to activate it in the real world.
Hengsheng opened his eyes, the corner of his mouth curling into a grin.
"System, activate," he murmured, his voice filled with anticipation.