Firstly, Tu Syaoran had set his goal on obtaining a 'water repellent orb'. This was vital. Without it, there were essentially no other way for Tu Syaoran to cross the river.
Through the memories, he had also learnt how to craft many tools. One of these tools was the 'water repellent orb'.
A lot of these tools were very common. In fact many were used frequently as daily-life necessities, which reminded Tu Syaoran of things like mobile phones, cars, pens in his previous life.
Due to this, the recipe of crafting these tools were widespread. Coupled with the low amount of skill required, even mortals could craft tools - which were at the easier-end of the spectrum to craft.
In the mortal society, those mortals who could craft tools were respected and had the name of 'Divine Craftsmen'. Whereas, in the cultivation society, one would be frowned upon if they lack the ability or knowledge to craft a tool.
Despite this, in the cultivation society, the more advanced craftsmen would begin to comprehend and form runes. They were named 'Runic Craftsmen'. As a 'Runic Craftsman' your position in the cultivation society would be at the upper echelons, no matter where you go.
However, Tu Syaoran hasn't reached that level of mastery let alone being in touch with runes. Instead, he began focusing on gathering the materials for the 'Water Repellent Orb'.
Just like the 'Water Repellent Orb' in the panels of memories, he needed a nucleus and a backbone. In this case, the backbone (azure crystals) were easier to gather.
Tu Syaoran stood up and walked to the azure light source.
Suddenly, there was a burst of light. Following the crimson light that slashed out from Tu Syaoran, was a cluster of dust, in which came with a loud rumble.
Right at the moment when Tu Syaoran activated 'Behead' he took two steps back, avoiding the cluster of dust. As the army of dust began to fall to the ground, it revealed an injured azure crystal; half of its upper body had been broken off into many smaller piece, scattered on the floor.
Tu Syaoran, approached the many pieces of the azure crystal and grabbed the biggest chunk. According to the memories, he needed an azure crystal that was at least 400 grams. He estimated that the one he held in his hand was around 550 grams: it fully satisfied the requirement.
Next, was the nucleus. In the panels of memories, the nucleus used for the 'Water Repellent Orb' was a water-based core symbol called 'Water Bubbles'.
The problem was that Tu Syaoran did not have 'Water Bubbles' and to make things worst, 'Water Bubbles' were not found in his current environment.
Despite that, there was a solution to this. Although less effective, one could also use a different core symbol as the nucleus. However, the core symbol had to be water-based.
Fortunately, there was a body of water nearby; the vast river. Tu Syaoran, was confident that there were some water-based core symbol hidden in the vast river. If there isn't any, there was still aquatic animals.
The reason why Tu Syaoran was extremely confident because it was mainstream information: there were two orthodox ways to obtain core symbols; innate or in the wild.
When a mortal first awaken their core, some people also form a core symbol alongside the awakening. These core symbols are described as innate core symbols. They would get stronger with the cultivation level of the person until the core symbol reaches its limit.
Another aspect that made these innate core symbol stand out from the rest was that it tends to have more power and efficiency than regular ones.
Although innate core symbols had many benefits, it also had one major disadvantage; if the innate core symbol were to be damaged, the host would also suffer a mild to serious injury; if the innate core symbol were to break, the host would become crippled.
With that being said, mortals who awaken with an innate core symbol were rare; it was only guaranteed that one would awaken an innate core symbol if their core was above the A-grade rank. They were also more prevalent in rare constitutions and extreme talents.
On the other hand, core symbols could also be found in the wild. The type of core symbol tends to depend on the environment around it. It was unknown how these core symbol came to be but many expert placed the reasoning to the fact that they were all weak core symbols.
Rarely, would there be a strong core symbol. Finding core symbols that were 4-sided was like finding a stick in a stack of hay bale.
There was also a third but rather unorthodox method to obtain core symbols. Despite it being unorthodox, it was very popular as it served as a cheaper alternative: killing.
Although innate core symbols were uncommon, from time to time there will be animals who awakens an innate core symbol. By killing these animals, the cultivators could retrieve the core symbol. This method was also applicable to human cultivators with innate core symbol as well. However, unlike humans, animals were more likely to awaken a innate core symbol.
As a result of this, Tu Syaoran wasn't worried at all; he had saw hundreds of animals in the river during the panels of memories. The amount of animals was at its apex at the centre of the river; there were thousands or even ten thousands of animals.
Tu Syaoran felt it was a pity that he didn't see any core symbols: it could of made this process quicker and easier.
Nonetheless, he took of his robe and placed it on the boulder beside the river before diving into the water. Once again, he was submerged under the frigid water. As his eyes slowly opened, he was welcomed to a blurry sight of darkness. The only light source came from the azure crystal, revealing the pristine turquoise water.
At first Tu Syaoran felt a sting in his eyes as he opened them in the water but over time he got accustomed to it.
According to the memories, he had to swim around 650m before he would encounter some aquatic animals.
Immediately, Tu Syaoran began swimming. Even though, he enjoyed the relaxation given by the cold water, he knew staying in the water, especially cold water, for too long could become fatal. With each large stroke, he accelerated forward.
After the first minute, he counted that he had made around 50 strokes. He estimated that he had covered around 60m.
By the second minute he had made a total of 110 strokes. However, at the third minute mark, he began slowing down, making only 40 strokes a minute.
By the fifth minute, Tu Syaoran began to feel the fatigue settling in. His legs and arms that were propelling him forward was becoming sore.
Tu Syaoran realised that the situation wasn't looking good; his energy was dwindling as his limbs gradually became numb.
After 6 minutes of consistently swimming, Tu Syaoran came to an abrupt stop. Tu Syaoran began to sink. His upper chest was submerged under the freezing water. He quickly breathed in a mouthful of air as he relaxed his body. In the next second, his body came to a standstill; it was no longer sinking. Instead, Tu Syaoran body began to float.
He took this time to rest and recover his energy. He calculated that he had travelled around 300m.
After two minutes, Tu Syaoran began to make large strokes again as swam forward.
Although his speed was progressively slower than before, with each minute, he came closer to his destination.
At the tenth minute mark, Tu Syaoran began to feel the numbness of his intensely sored arm. He rapidly bit his tongue. The pain jolted him awake. His strokes became more fierce as his speed began to rise again.
He endured the hellish pain in his limbs as he continued forward. Each second that had passed felt like an hour to Tu Syaoran.
Ardours, strenuous and tiring, Tu Syaoran gritted his teeth. The freezing water began to get to him. It no longer helped him feel relaxed. Instead, it started to attack Tu Syaoran. It was as if the water had betrayed him. Betrayed him at the most critical moment.
Tu Syaoran tried his best to remain calm but as the seconds go by, his thoughts became more chaotic.
Signs of desperation were becoming apparent; his swimming started to become more frantic; his eyes slowly turned blood-red; his breathing became erratic.
Tu Syaoran realised he had made a grave mistake.
He had forgotten that this wasn't the body in his previous life.
This body was weak, frail and fragile.
Consequently, this miscalculation had placed in him deep trouble. Although, he was dumbfounded that he made such a mistake, he couldn't care less now.
He needed time. He need time to find a solution. However, time wasn't on his side.
Tu Syaoran tried to collect his thoughts but it failed: his mind was in disarray. He could feel his consciousness slowly slipping away.
A familiar feeling began creeping over him; he could feel that he was almost at death's door.