After finding the cultivation technique and trying it for the first time, JoyBoy cultivated for the entire night.
He only realized that it was morning when Tang San told him that it was morning and tome to leave.
Surprised that the entire night passed by so quickly, JoyBoy quickly cleaned himself up before changing his clothes and leaving with Tang San.
The real reason he was able to cultivate without any worries was because he knew from the novel that after reaching bottleneck, one can still continue to cultivate. The extra absorbed spirit power will be used after the next spirit ring is absorbed.
"Still, I must make sure to keep track of passing time when I cultivate otherwise it might create some unwanted issues in the future", he thought.
They met with Grandmaster and left together with him through the big academy gates.
"We will go four hundred li northeast of Nuoding city to Spirit Hunting Forest. There is where the empire holds spirit beasts captive. Certainly can find something that suits you both."
"Captive? Spirit beasts can also be held captive? Teacher, you can explain spirit beast lore to us, right?." Tang San asked.
Grandmaster nodded and gave explanation on spirit beasts and spirit rings. He told them about different types of spirit rings, describing their colours based on the age.
"Those that are regularly captured by the country, supplying spirit masters with spirit beasts to hunt and kill, for the most part are ten years and hundred years. Few thousand year spirit beasts appear."
While they were conversing, JoyBoy was silently walking beside them memorizing every bit of knowledge that came from Grandmaster.
At the inner city wall, they hired a carriage after collecting some food and water and left for the Spirit Hunting Forest.
At the forest's edge, large houses were constructed, or rather shops. The sound of every kind of ware being cried out, a strip of man-made paved simple path freely among them. The forest of shops for the most part were peddling weapons, defensive tools and all kinds of food supplies.
While speaking, Grandmaster had already brought Tang San and JoyBoy to arrive at the Spirit Hunting Forest entrance. After showing his token, they entered the forest.
Once inside, Grandmaster summoned his martial spirit, explained a little about it to Tang San and JoyBoy and asked it to open up a path.
While walking behind it, he never forgot to instruct his students. He gave Tang San and JoyBoy a short sword saying that they will first hunt a spirit ring for Tang San.
While traveling, they met a variety of spirit beasts. Grandmaster gave Tang San and JoyBoy, introductions to these spirit beasts' names, specific properties and method of distinguishing cultivation age.
JoyBoy was happily following them memorizing every bit of information. He was once again glad that he chose Grandmaster as his teacher.
What he was learning here couldn't be learned outside by common spirit masters. He was sure that even spirit hall didn't have such detailed knowledge about spirit rings.
"I've carefully studied very many spirit masters undergoing growth and failure. Four hundred twenty three years should be the limit of what one can endure for the first spirit ring. Therefore, I hope that your first spirit ring will be as close to that limit as possible."
Once it was evening, they found a proper place to set up camp. Even now, Grandmaster was giving instructions on various things.
"This is called snake repelling powder, essential to adventures. Remember, in forests, especially within forests with spirit beasts, you must as much as possible not use fire. Even though the vast majority of wild animals and spirit beasts all will fear firelight, there are also several especially formidable spirit beasts that like fire. In case that you meet them, unless your own cultivation has become sufficiently formidable, you will undoubtedly die."
Once they ate their meal, Grandmaster again quizzing JoyBoy and Tang San's understanding of spirit beasts from the daytime, in order to give them a deeper impression.
Just like what happened in the story, they were attacked by first, a group of wolves and then a datura snake.
He easily got rid of the wolves while also showing them spirit rings from the wolves. The snake however was a problem for him because it was nearly 400 years of age.
After a bit of struggle, the snake was finally killed by Tang San using all of his skills. All of this was seen by JoyBoy who had already summoned his martial spirit.
"Damn, that was close. I was really worried that maybe that snake would come after me. I don't know whether I would be able to use even a tiny bit of Power Gem's abilities. I am keeping this summoned until he has absorbed the spirit ring from the snake.
Still, those throwing techniques were really cool.
I have already seen how he did it and memorized it. After I go back, I have to start practicing what I have learned until now. Especially the movement technique and the throwing technique.
I should also increase the Saitama exercises to 40 sets per day. Now that I have started cultivation I am sure my growing body should be able to handle it, especially after I get my first spirit ring. Huh?"
When he thought about getting his first ring, his martial spirit trembled a little, his illusionary gem glowing before going back to normal.
"I wonder what was that about ? Still, I don't like it that I have to kill someone to advance my cultivation even if it is a spirit beast. I can understand killing in self defense but just to advance my cultivation ? How is this not different from evil spirit masters ?
I know that others may think that I am just wasting my time but I still want to give it a shot. I have something that others don't, the Power Gem! Alright I have decided, I will try to breakthrough to the next level without having to kill any spirit beast.
After Tang San is done absorbing the ring, I will speak with teacher about my decision. Why should I depend on a spirit beast for power when I already have the source in my hands ?"