Did I hear that right? Demon beasts are that powerful?
Wang Tian observed the astonishment on Lin Yan's face and, with a nod of affirmation, conveyed a crucial lesson to his disciple.
"My dear disciple, in the days to come, never engage in combat with a demon beast surpassing your strength," he advised, emphasizing the importance of discernment and caution in facing formidable adversaries.
Giving an affirmative nod, Lin Yan asked his last question, "Master, what about Talent?"
"Hmm. Talent is the coveted aspiration of every cultivator, yet bestowed upon only a select few," remarked Wang Tian, resuming his seat on the crag beside Lin Yan. With a reflective tone, he shared, "I possess high Talent and a double Spiritual root. Despite that, it took me over 90 years to ascend to the pinnacle of the Dantian Forging realm. However, the duration is inconsequential. The journey to immortality is paved with endeavours and challenges, my disciple."
As Wang Tian spoke, his words carried the weight of the hardships he had weathered in the past, evident in the aura that surrounded him. Continuing with a contemplative "Hm," he resumed, "Where was I? Ah, yes—Talent. You see, my disciple, there exist five discernible levels of talent as we currently understand. It begins with Low, progresses to Average, High, and Top, and reaches the pinnacle with King-level talent. Our revered Ancestor, for instance, possessed the rare distinction of King-level talent."
Hmm. So there is a king level above Top too. It must be pretty good, I guess...
Lin Yan heard his master patiently and then nodded his head.
He didn't ask any questions related to talent and realms as he already understood that part and asked, "Master, Are there any techniques for me to comprehend? Like any offensive techniques?"
Listening to his disciples ask about offensive techniques Wang Tian merely took out a scroll from his storage ring and gave it to Lin Yan.
Taking the scroll from his master's hands that looked nothing like an ancient technique in any way, he probed, "Master, what's this?"
"It's Mystic Palm Technique. Our sect's main offensive technique. It's quite destructive, so learn it only for self-defence, " Wang Tian said, giving further instructions to Lin Yan to not use the Palm technique carelessly, taking out another scroll from out of nowhere Wang Tian handed it over to Lin Yan and said, "This one is called Heavenly Wood Art. Our Ancestors used it to produce this massive forest in the sect. This was his best offensive and defensive technique. Only the Wood Heavenly Spiritual root user can operate it... Perhaps, this technique was meant to be given to you."
Clasping the scroll within his trembling hands, Lin Yan found his breath caught in the intricate cadence of anticipation, disrupted by the weight of ancient secrets now held within his grasp. He stood up and bowed to his master with a newfound respect, "Many Thanks, Master."
"Hmm. Now go forth. There are still two months before the inter-sect tournament commences, so strive to attain the mid-stage of the Qi Refining realm in the meantime." instructed Wang Tian as he gave Lin Yan the direction to the cultivation abode, "Straight In that direction, there are multiple empty caves. No one's using them, so you can have one for yourself."
Giving one last bow to his Reverend Master Lin Yan began to move in the said direction.
Hmm. It seems my master is a good person... Gave me two best techniques just like that. Ah right, I should have asked for movement techniques too. Hm? It should be a foot one, I guess...
After a brief passage of time, Lin Yan arrived at the designated location. The landscape unfolded before him, revealing numerous cave-like structures emerging from the earth. An uncanny sensation enveloped him, though not haunting enough to unsettle his resolve.
They look like those hermit dwellings I have seen in my past life... That one looks a little better.
Heading towards the leftmost corner, Lin Yan entered a two-meter-wide cave that, from within, bore an uncanny resemblance to a beast's lair. Despite not harbouring much enthusiasm for the cavernous abode, Lin Yan swiftly navigated to its deepest recesses.
Upon reaching the culmination of the path, Lin Yan observed a rather unremarkable scene—stone and roots dominating the space.
Opting for a pristine spot, he carefully settled in, shedding his robe and seamlessly stowing it away within his ring. Unfurling a neat cloth that he took out from his storage ring, Lin Yan placed it on the ground before taking his seat, embracing the simplicity of the surroundings.
Hmm. It doesn't feel cold. My senses have sharpened since I have broken through to the Qi Refining realm. Abnormal heat and cold don't even affect me anymore. Sigh... Maybe it's because of 2× physical strength? I'll stay a week here and then I'll go to meet Xi'er. She must be missing me already...
Lin Yan took out all the things that his Master had given him. He had gained a total of 11 high-level and 10 average-level Qi Amplification Pills.
The remarkable strides he had made wouldn't be conceivable without the benevolence of his master, who effortlessly bestowed upon him ten high-level pills.
Hmm. I should save some for Xi'er, but given her lower talent, the impact on her would only be marginally greater... Wait, I can just increase her realm by having sex so there is no need to give her these pills... Hehe, I wonder how many layers I will break through within a week...
Lin Yan's grin widened into a wild expression as he eagerly delved into the examination of the newfound techniques. The scrolls bestowed upon him by his master were crafted from steel-wood paper, the pinnacle material in the desolate region for inscribing intricate techniques. Focused and determined, he unfurled the Mystic Palm Technique, embarking on the journey to decipher its intricate procedures.
Hmm... It's easy to understand. One merely has to flow the Qi through the meridians and burst it out from their palm holes... Interesting. It can be used by any Spiritual root user... Huh? Fire Users have the advantage?
Ah right, Fire is more like an explosive element so why wouldn't it be dominating... Curse it.
A few moments passed.
Upon committing the technique to memory, Lin Yan swiftly stowed it away in his storage ring. While effective for sparring, he acknowledged that against a foe wielding a fire root, it amounted to nothing more than a basic palm attack.
While retrieving the Heavenly Wood Art from the ground, Lin Yan indulged in a sip of his drink.
As he found the process of mastering the palm technique exceedingly dull, Lin Yan decided to infuse some enjoyment into the endeavour by savouring his expensive beer.
It was the only reason he could finish reading the whole technique.
Lin Yan opened the Heavenly Wood Art and began to understand it.
Hmm. It says one has to infuse refined Qi into the Spiritual Wood in the lungs while shaping it through your consciousness... And finally, let it out from your hands. Hands should be on the ground. Hmm. This technique is rather impressive. And It's only the first part... It says the minimum requirement of the realm to use the technique is the late-stage Qi Refining realm... Ancestor was at the peak of the Soul Foundation realm. He must have been quite strong to create such a massive forest in the core region...
Having grasped the essence of the technique, Lin Yan stowed it away in his storage ring before delving into the cultivation book bestowed upon him by his master.
It's just the cultivation guide... Haha... Alright, just read it completely, no need to use it ever...
Hm. For Mortal Body, one must refine the meridians... For Qi Refining, one must flow the Qi through the meridians and refine it with the help of the Spiritual root, while forcefully storing it at the navel... For Dantian Forging, one merely has to store the refined Qi inside the forged Dantian and enforce it again and again... Hmm, Interesting. One has to form a soul seed inside their dantian... Sea of consciousness will be open?
Engrossed in the cultivation guidebook, Lin Yan savoured each page, intermittently indulging in sips of beer. The cultivation-related insights proved both informative and entertaining, making it a leisurely experience as he relished every moment spent engrossed in the material.
After a few moments passed.
Lin Yan closed the guidebook and stored it inside his ring too.
"Seems the early realms don't hold that many secrets now," remarked Lin Yan as he lifted the lid of the gourd-shaped pill container.
Captivated by the alluring aroma emanating from within, Lin Yan found himself enchanted and irresistibly drawn to consume it.
What the fu... Is this? How can something smell so alluring?
Taking out one of the high-level pills, Lin Yan saw that it was gold in colour, while its texture was similar to the golf ball from his previous life, although it was smaller in size.
Eager to avoid further delay, Lin Yan promptly ingested the entire pill in one swift motion.