Ethan looked at his instructor, puzzled. "Observing the Mountains and Seas?"
Marshal coughed twice and explained, "Each method, though broadly similar, emphasizes different aspects. Some focus on quick results, achieving breakthroughs in a day, which is not impossible. Others emphasize the quantity of Yuan Force—the more you have, the stronger your endurance. As for 'Observing the Mountains and Seas,' it emphasizes the foundation."
"As the saying goes, a tall building rises from the ground. When you practice this method, you may progress slower than others at first. But the advantage lies in a solid foundation, making further cultivation easier."
Suddenly, Marshal was seized by a fit of violent coughing. He quickly took out an inhaler, took a puff, and then continued, "Now, I will formally explain how to cultivate 'Observing the Mountains and Seas.' Do not interrupt me. If you have any questions, I will give you time to ask them later."
Without waiting for Ethan's response, Marshal took out a remote control and activated it, lighting up the large screen on the wall of the training hall. The screen displayed a painting that appeared to be an enlarged mural. In the painting, towering mountains rose majestically, while the vast sea stretched out with endless blue waves. The mountains in the foreground and the sea in the background complemented each other, creating a scene of grandeur and vastness.
"Memorize this image," Marshal instructed. "During your cultivation, you must envision this painting in your mind. But at this stage, focus on the 'mountains.' Pay particular attention to the peaks and the mountain's form. Envision the stability and loftiness of the high mountains to settle your Yuan Force, allowing it to merge into your skin, flesh, tendons, bones, and even every organ in your body. When you cultivate the aura of 'mountains towering and peaks numerous,' you will have reached the completion of the primary Visualization Techniques. Then you can break through to the 'Observing the Seas' phase, which is the cultivation of intermediate Visualization Techniques."
Marshal then guided Ethan on how to combine visualization with breathing, how to sense the elemental forces of the world, and how to draw them into the body through the practice of inhalation and exhalation. This lecture lasted nearly two hours. Throughout, Ethan heeded his instructor's advice, not interrupting even when he had questions, keeping them to himself.
"In summary, the 'Observing the Mountains and Seas' technique allows you to complete both primary and intermediate levels of cultivation. That's all I have to say for now. If you have any questions, ask them," Marshal concluded, followed by another bout of coughing.
Ethan didn't immediately ask questions. Instead, he silently moved to the side of the training hall, fetched a folding chair, opened it, and placed it beside Marshal. Marshal glanced at the chair but didn't hesitate to sit down. Only then did Ethan pose his questions.
"How many levels are there in Visualization Techniques? How many stages are there in each level? Do different levels require the cultivation of different methods?"
Ethan asked a series of seven or eight questions. Marshal smiled and replied, "According to our findings in that 'world,' Visualization Techniques are divided into Elemental Construct, Awakening, and Gathering Seas realms. But we found that too cumbersome, so we simplified it to basic, primary, intermediate, and advanced levels. Beyond advanced, there are levels like Mysterious Transcendence, Blade Opening, and Feather Transformation. But you're still far from reaching those, so I won't go into detail now. Each level is divided into five stages and a 'Completion.' You can break through even without reaching Completion, depending on the situation; it's flexible. Different levels indeed require the cultivation of different methods. However, the academy can only provide up to advanced methods, and certain conditions must be met. For those beyond, you'll need to find other channels or even explore that 'world' to have a chance of obtaining them."
Marshal answered all of Ethan's questions. After taking note, Ethan said, "I have no more questions."
"Then begin your cultivation," Marshal said, watching as Ethan used the method he had just taught. Ethan consciously controlled his breathing while visualizing the grand painting of mountains and seas in his mind. At first, he struggled to balance the two tasks, either messing up the rhythm of his breathing or unable to maintain the mental image. Marshal patiently corrected him until Ethan found the knack. His breathing gradually changed, and he felt warm currents from the air slowly entering his body and circulating throughout.
Ethan followed his instructor's guidance, consciously directing these currents to his skin, allowing them to permeate every inch. As Ethan focused on his cultivation, he didn't notice his skin faintly glowing, showing slight rock-like patterns.
After an unknown period, Marshal indicated it was enough, and Ethan ended his first day of cultivation since entering the academy. He found his body drenched in sweat that was sour and slightly fishy. Marshal stood up and said, "Go take a shower. Continue your cultivation on your own, and let me know when you reach the 'primary second stage.'"
"How will I know when I've reached the 'primary second stage'?" Ethan asked, raising his hand.
Marshal coughed twice and said lightly, "You'll know when you get there. Remember, the first stage of cultivation is to let the Yuan Force fully penetrate every inch of your skin. Start with the limbs, then the torso, and eventually every part of your body, including the eyelids."
Ethan nodded, taking note. After leaving the training hall, he returned to his dormitory alone. Along the way, he saw many students returning, most with smiles on their faces, indicating a fruitful afternoon of classes.
When he reached the dormitory area, he encountered Bryce, who nodded at Ethan with a smile as if he had forgotten the morning's unpleasantness. Ethan ignored him, sticking close to the wall as he walked away. Bryce withdrew his gaze and entered his dormitory, where his phone rang just as his delicate-looking roommate came in. Bryce glanced at him, and the roommate slapped his forehead, "Oh no, I think I left something behind," and quickly left, making sure to close the door.
Bryce took a deep breath and answered the call. It was from Lionel. Bryce greeted with a "Dad," but there was silence on the other end. After a few seconds, Lionel's voice finally came through, filled with scorn.
"Foolish!"
Bryce's face shifted slightly, but he remained silent.
Lionel continued, "Who asked you to meddle? Did I need your help?"
"You should focus on your studies; that would be the biggest help to me!"
"But no, on your first day of school, you're already plotting murder."
"Do you really think that killing a savage from the surface will topple Victor?"
"If he were that easy to bring down, he would have fallen long ago."
After his tirade, Lionel fell silent again, then added, "You're not your brother; you don't have his vision or ability."
"So my expectations for you have always been low."
"Why can't you even meet that?"
Bryce's face flushed with anger, his breathing grew rapid, and he clenched his teeth, yet he remained silent.
Lionel went on, "Never mind, you've already challenged him to a death duel, so I won't say more."
"I'll provide you with resources as much as possible, but remember, if you lose on the arena or even get killed, that's your choice."
"Afterward, I won't and can't avenge you."
"Or would you like me to arrange for you to drop out?"
Bryce finally spoke up, his voice dark, "I won't drop out."
"I know you've never thought highly of me."
"I'll make you see differently."
"Right here!"
He pointed emphatically at the ground.
"Good," Lionel left with a succinct word and hung up the phone.
Bryce put away his phone and adjusted his expression. When the knock on the door came, he had already put on a smile.
"Come in."
...
The next day, cultural classes continued during the day. This time, the teacher was a woman in her early thirties with long hair tied in a high ponytail. She wore a bandage on her face, a tank top with a shirt tied around her waist, and work gloves on her hands, looking as if she had just come from a workbench.
"My name is Emar, and I'll be responsible for your mech knowledge classes," she introduced herself. She quickly scribbled some terms on the blackboard: Skeleton! Joints! Armor! Engine! Power Source!
After writing, she turned around, casually tossing the chalk aside, and began, "The skeleton of a mech is similar to the bones of an animal or the keel of a ship. It supports the mech's form and is the main internal structure that drives its movement. It largely determines the mech's mobility. In battle, a seasoned pilot must consciously protect the mech's skeleton. It's better to have the outer armor damaged or even destroyed than to allow the skeleton to be compromised. Because damaged armor can be easily repaired or replaced, restoring the mech to its original state. But if the skeleton is damaged, not only does the maintenance cost skyrocket, but it's also often difficult to repair. So you brats better be careful. If you damage the skeleton, watch out—I'll have your heads!"
Emar glared fiercely, her presence dominating the room.