Ah! Nothing is better than to watch Thrice Reckless running for his life from a fussy Venerable Spirit Butterfly, after dealing with Shuhang.
As I watched Thrice Reckless continue to run for his life, I couldn't help but think of a genius idea. Why not introduce Shuhang to the world of cultivation through me? I mean, I'm practically an expert at this point, and I'm sure I could teach him a thing or two. As I pondered over my idea and how best to implement it, I realized that two whole days had passed.
Now, you might be thinking, 'Two days? That's not that long!' But trust me, when you're sitting there, watching Thrice Reckless beg for his life, time seems to stretch out like a piece of chewed gum. Especially if you use time manipulation powers, to stretch the time flow in the surrounding area. But even after all that time, I couldn't help but find it all amusing. In fact, I was so entertained that I didn't even notice that Northern River's Loose Cultivator and Skylark, also came to watch the scene unfold.
Are all cultivators nowadays so bored, do they not have any loved ones the need to take revenge for, back in the Heavenly Court Era there was much more violence and slaughter. Now that I think about it, I'm in this modern era since over a year and up until now I didn't meet any 'young masters'.
Where have you gone, my precious source of entertainment?
Did their brains develop over time, or did their families restrict them more. Now that I think about it, didn't Northern River's Loose Cultivator once mention in the original novel that cultivators below the Inborn stage wouldn't be allowed to leave their sects.
That explains a lot! All these young masters are forced to cultivate at their respective sects until they give up being 'young masters'.
After my short break, I decided to head back to my university, after all, soon an event will happen that I don't want to miss.
As I stepped into my room, I immediately noticed a new accessory around Shuhangs neck - a dazzling necklace that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly aura. As I saw this, I just thought, 'Soft Feather' sure is good at repaying the Karma she sowed.'
However, something seems off about him. His mind appears to be on the verge of breaking after being exposed to the world of cultivation for the past few days.
As far as I remember from the original, today is the day Soft Feather was supposed to deliver a package to Shuhang. Seeing this, I quickly fused with the surrounding space to become invisible, so that I could observe Shuhang trying to refine pills using the electric stove in his dormitory. As I watched him struggle, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. I mean, who even uses an electric stove to refine pills?
After repeated failures, he finally succeeded in refining the body tempering liquid he had been trying to make. I couldn't help but be impressed - after all, he has managed to do so using an electric stove!
As Shuhang took the body tempering liquid, his eyes widened in shock. It is as if a veil has been lifted from his mind, and he finally realized that cultivation was real. I couldn't help but chuckle - it took him long enough!
After realizing that cultivation was real, Song Shuhang was faced with a difficult decision. Should he stay silent and continue living an ordinary life, or should he actively join the Nine Provinces (1) Group and pursue the path of cultivation?
Naturally, he chose the second option. With trembling fingers, he began typing his first message to the group. The excitement and nervousness he felt were palpable, and I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.
At first, the group members were surprised that a mortal like Shuhang had even stayed in the group until now. But as he began to explain how he had refined body tempering liquid using an electric stove and a soup pot, their surprise turned into amazement.
I could practically feel the shock reverberating through the group chat as Shuhang described his method. Who would have thought that a mere mortal could accomplish such a feat using such rudimentary tools? It was truly a testament to Shuhang's ingenuity. No cultivator would even have such an idea in the first place.
As the discussion continued, I couldn't help but notice the various group members offering their assistance and advice to Shuhang. It was heartwarming to see how the group came together to help someone who was new to the world of cultivation.
Northern River's Loose Cultivator, the good guy he is, soon began introducing Shuhang to the different paths a cultivator can take. He typed, "Based on the Nine Provinces Group's tradition, you have two choices now. Become a loose cultivator or join a sect of one of the seniors in the group."
He then proceeded to explain the various advantages joining a sect has over becoming a loose cultivator, "Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. But, generally speaking, joining a sect has a lot more advantages than being a loose cultivator. So, let me tell you about joining a sect first.
After you join a sect, you will get a master who will teach you how to cultivate and impart experience to you, which will spare you making mistakes during cultivation and save you lots of time. As long as you have enough talent and diligence, you won't be lacking resources, techniques, and cultivation caves. Comparatively, this option is more suitable for a person who devotes themselves entirely to cultivation.
However… if you join a sect, you have to abide by the rules of the sect and work for it. After all, nothing can be accomplished without rules. Since you've received so many resources from the sect, you have to repay it. Especially if you enter a sect like the one of Great Master Profound Principle—you'll have to shave your head and abide by all kinds of Buddhist rules. You'll have to say goodbye to your family in the earthly world and diligently cultivate until you finish your apprenticeship as well. If you're not lucky, you'll never be able to see your parents again.
Not only the sect of Wandering Monk Profound Principle's, other sects also need you to stay away from your loved ones more or less. After all, a sect is not a tray of loose sand. They need their disciples to live in the sect. Disciples can rarely go out before they finish their apprenticeship."
Hearing this, Shuhang immediately excluded this option as he thought it wasn't suitable for him due to him not being ready to leave his family and homeland for cultivation. He was still sentimentally attached to this earthly world.
Northern River then proceeded to introduce loose cultivators, "Ahem! Now, let me tell you about being a loose cultivator. As you can see, I'm a loose cultivator myself," Northern River's Loose Cultivator laughed. "Compared with joining a sect, a loose cultivator has no teacher teaching him how to cultivate, no resources, and no cultivation cave. He has to completely depend on himself. The only benefit, perhaps, is freedom?"
As Shuhang contemplated about his future in the world of cultivation, he made a decision that would change the course of his life forever. He has already decided to become a loose cultivator, knowing that joining a sect would mean sacrificing his relationship with his family. It was a difficult choice, but one that he knew he had to make.
As I saw the message from Shuhang, where he stated that he wants to become a loose cultivator, I couldn't resist the opportunity to offer him a different option. "Don't be in a rush to decide, Shuhang. You could become my disciple instead! Unlike all others in this group I have a technique that allows you to compensate for your Inborn true Qi, that already dissipated due to your advanced age" I suggested, knowing that I was the most qualified to teach him.
The group was surprised by my offer, and many of them began to ask questions. "What kind of technique can compensate for the loss of Inborn true Qi?" Su Clan's Seven asked. After all, such a technique is unheard of.
"Inborn true Qi?" Shuhang typed in confusion. "What is that?"
Northern River's Loose Cultivator, quickly responded. "Inborn true Qi is the energy that is present in a cultivator's body from birth. It is what makes cultivating easier for young cultivators and harder for those who start later in life, due to it dissipating after reaching a certain age."
Shuhang was stunned by this new information. "So, I lost my chance to cultivate because I'm too old?"
"Not necessarily," I interjected. "I have a technique that can help you compensate for the loss of Inborn true Qi. With my guidance, you can still become a powerful cultivator." then I continued "Even if you refuse my offer you can still cultivate, however it will be many times harder"
The group was impressed by my offer, and many of them chimed in with words of encouragement. "You should definitely consider it, Shuhang!" Seventh Cultivator of True Virtue suggested. "It's not often that you get an opportunity like this."
Feeling overwhelmed by the support of the group, Shuhang took a deep breath and typed his response. "I'm willing to give it a try!" he wrote. "Please teach me, Master!"