Renxian nodded with confidence, sitting cross-legged in the water that submerged his chest. Just like the method he felt the flow, those two beautiful eyes were closed, and all concentration was within the mind. Wandering to the subconscious in a matter of time.
[Feel the flow, feel the nerves. The Heal Technique requires a scattered focus throughout the entire body.]
"Why not focus on specific wounds?" Renxian, who was curious, interjected.
[The method is different this time. Gathering the flow in one spot would create an explosion, a destructive force. Whereas the Heal Technique must open all channels to allow the flow to stream through them, connecting with the nerves.]
[By default, the flow is a restorative essence. When it spreads throughout will accelerate the healing factor, which can be further enhanced in Gate 2.]
"Interesting," Renxian remarked, impressed, and wearing a faint smile. "Could you tell me about all the Gates themselves?"
[Certainly. Gate 1 is the foundational stage, where cultivators learn to manipulate the flow in their surroundings. This level primarily encompasses breathing exercises and light martial arts techniques.]
[Gate 2 introduces intermediate martial arts training. At this stage, they have already harnessed the flow within their souls. Therefore, crucial aspects like developing the flow towards restorative and destructive can be practiced at this level.]
[As you are aware, Gate 3 is focused on elemental forces. Transforming the flow into other forms is quite difficult. It demands heightened concentration and a balanced heart to unleash elemental aspects.]
[And now, you are at Gate 4, which is the culmination of an experienced cultivator's abilities. In this stage, it means you have mastered the three levels below and can even use the power of the flow for your skills. This will increase damage output or accelerate restoration.]
"Is that all?" the man exclaimed with his eyes still closed, a touch of surprise evident in his expression.
[No, there is one more, but no human can reach Gate 5: Immortality. Yet, perhaps someday, it might not be impossible. Mystical Beasts can be classified in this tier because they don't die. Their souls linger in the world and are reborn somewhere.]
"Even Bloodtusk, the one I defeated?" Renxian chimed in, seeking confirmation.
[Yes. He will be reborn somewhere else.]
Renxian pondered this notion. So, in essence, they would be reborn in a different location but within the same body? Did this imply that their life cycle would endure through the ages, and the title of "Mystical Beast" would never fade away? His wonder at the world of Nusa was obvious and couldn't be concealed.
"I wish I could live here forever," Renxian chuckled at the prospect.
[Focus on your Dual Cultivation to elevate your level; that is what matters most for you at this moment.]
"Alright, show me how to do the Heal Technique!" Renxian's voice carried a noticeable excitement as he readied to learn.
[Indeed. Focus and channel your awareness throughout your entire nerves. Imagine the flow like a river, toward its hidden destination.]
Renxian adhered to the system's instructions, and with each deep breath, he sensed something out of the ordinary. The sound of the river dissipated, and he no longer felt the water against his skin. He found himself in a state of sensory deprivation, unable to hear or feel anything.
Instead, a familiar voice began to resonate in his ears, and a glimmer of light materialized before his eyes, steadily drawing nearer. It became evident that Renxian now found himself in an indoor setting, bathed in the sunlight pouring in through the windows.
He cast his eyes around, taking in the confusion. Books scattered haphazardly, the unmade bed a jumble of sheets, and a cup of instant noodles sat in front of him, releasing a trail of hot steam. The room's blue color, and the well-known study desk, left no room for doubt. This was his bedroom!
"What? Have I returned to my world?" his eyes scrutinized the open book in front of him. "Cultivation novel? This can't be; am I transmigrating back?"
A moment later, a shattering sound pierced the air, startling him from his wooden seat, and a rush of apprehension from memories snatched his chest. Nonetheless, he summoned the courage to inspect what was happening behind the entrance of the locked door, which he opened with trepidation.
His eyes widened in sheer disbelief at the scene that unfolded outside his room. Chaos reigned as objects were strewn across the floor, and fragments of glass were scattered about. In the living room, an adult man stood, and beneath him, a woman wept and seemed to contend.
The man then roughly slapped the black-haired woman until she tumbled to the floor, his stare now shifting to the frozen Renxian. His face, bearing a resemblance, closed in on the young man, heedless of the sharp shards underfoot.
"This useless child has dared to leave his cage!" the man, who happened to be Renxian's father, exclaimed. "Get out of here! Make yourself useful instead of wasting your time on those worthless books!"
Renxian remained silent, and instead, he asked, "Father, what have you done to Mother?"
"Why do you ask? Aren't you just like her?" the man retorted, roughly and without compassion, grabbing his son's hair and throwing him onto the sofa. "Both of you are burdens and contribute nothing!"
"Coincidentally, you were about to leave your room, my boy," he reached for a broom in the corner of the room and began approaching Renxian. "Because this way, it will be easy for me to do this."
His hand lifted, and the thick wooden broom landed on Renxian's huddled form, who was trying to protect his head with his hands. The strikes came not just once but often, until at some point, the broom was swung with all the strength he could muster, shattering upon contact with Renxian, jolting him awake with a start.
Still in the water of a river within the world of Nusa, Renxian returned, now under a sun whose rays no longer scorched his skin. The light on the horizon had shifted into shades of red, indicating that the day had turned late afternoon, leaving Renxian somewhat disoriented. Had that memory consumed so much time, even though it felt like a brief moment?
He turned his head upon hearing Siuxa's cough from her spot, indicating that she had also regained consciousness. Renxian rose, realizing he was now completely naked. "Oh, darn, my clothes!" He covered himself with an amount of cloth and closed the still-weak woman.
Siuxa exerted herself to open her eyes, even though it felt difficult. Groans of discomfort slipped from her lips as she glanced around, gradually adjusting to her familiar surroundings. With great effort, she struggled to rise, her body throbbing with unbearable pain, and she had to rely on her hands for support.
It was at that moment that she noticed leaves wrapped around her waist, exposing her abdomen to the breeze. Several of her previously injured areas appeared to have improved, leaving only deeper wounds. Her wide brown eyes were filled with a mixture of confusion and surprise.
"How are you feeling?" Renxian moved toward her and knelt beside her.
"Renxian... what..." She started hesitantly but then recalled the Enraged Mad Imp creature's attack. "That beast, what happened?"
Renxian tried to offer a smile. "I'm afraid we need to retreat for now."
Siuxa lowered her head after observing Renxian. Her expression turned melancholic, and she bit her lower lip before saying, "This is all my fault... you shouldn't have saved me."
"What? What are you talking about?" The man bun shocked.
"It's because I forced you to confront that monster, and it ended up like this," her voice quivered, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm nothing more than a burden to you."
Siuxa inexplicably became more and more distraught until she covered her face with her hands. "I haven't changed at all... I'm still a weak woman with no value."
Renxian was taken aback by her words, and his mind raced back to the knowledge of Siuxa's harsh background – a world where her identity had been commodified, controlled, and stripped of worth. He couldn't even begin to imagine the wickedness of the struggle she had endured to change her life and rise above it.
In comparison to his own experiences, Siuxa's life had been much more hellish. He couldn't help but wonder why someone who had endured such trouble hadn't been awarded an opportunity like his – a chance at transmigration into a new body and a better life.
[That is why you are here, to change her fate.]
The man, who sympathized with Siuxa's circumstances, offered a warm smile and reiterated, "Didn't I tell you that I would help you cultivate?"
Siuxa's tears ceased, and she turned to Renxian, her eyes filled with renewed hope. Gently, he brushed a fallen leaf from her dark hair and said, "This isn't your fault. All I see in front of me is a strong woman who tried her best she could to make a better life for herself. And, as my companion, I won't allow you to suffer more."
Overwhelmed by the emotions and unable to bear the sadness of Renxian's words, Siuxa collapsed with an unbearable cry against the man's figure. Renxian, taken aback, embraced her, doing his best to offer comfort and reassurance.