Lunch time.
In the square, Li Taixing, Lu Tong, Sun Bohu, and the rest of the Initiation disciples gathered under the guidance of Outer Sect members for their first training session.
On a raised platform, Luo Zhengyang observed the group. Under the stern direction of the Outer Sect disciples, the newcomers awkwardly began practicing the horse stance. The movement was foreign to most of them, their bodies clumsy and slow to adjust.
After numerous corrections and a few harsh words, the disciples slowly understood the proper form, but not without difficulty.
Li Taixing had mentally prepared himself for this, but he still couldn't shake his disappointment. The task was deceptively simple—stand in the horse stance for half a day. Those who faltered or grew tired were allowed to rest or quit. However, only those who completed one full shift without stopping would be considered qualified to move to the next stage of training.
The thought of repeating this basic exercise until deemed adequate broke many of the disciples' spirits.
"Damn it, I thought we'd be learning immortal techniques by now, not horse stance. I could've gone to a martial arts school for this," one disciple grumbled quietly.
"Yeah, what's the point of horse stance? If it mattered, I wouldn't have bothered joining a sect to cultivate immortality," another whispered.
Similar complaints rippled through the crowd, but only when the Outer Sect disciples were far enough away to avoid hearing them.
Luo Zhengyang, standing on the high platform, seemed to sense their discontent. A grin spread across his face as he approached the edge of the platform, leaning on the railing. His voice boomed out, scolding them sharply: "Is this all you've got?"
His piercing gaze swept over the group. "You want to cultivate immortality with this weak mindset? Look at you, disgracing yourselves."
He let out a snort of disdain. "Let me tell you something, and listen carefully! Don't underestimate the horse stance. This exercise is designed to cure your impatience, build your stamina, strengthen your resolve, and improve your endurance. It serves countless purposes."
He eyed the crowd coldly. "And you all can't even handle this?"
"Do you think you're worthy of becoming immortals?"
The disciples below fell silent, unable to meet his gaze.
"Let me make this clear: the horse stance is the foundation for entering the Body Refining realm. If you can't master this basic skill, how do you expect to move forward? If you can't endure this, I suggest you quit the Xuantian Sect right now, go home, and tend to your vegetable gardens."
"Do you even know why the Body Refining realm exists?"
Luo Zhengyang didn't wait for an answer. "It's to push your body to its limits. Only by breaking past these limits can you safely open the Spirit Sea within you. With the Spirit Sea, you'll be able to absorb Spirit Power, enter the Qi Gathering Realm, and truly begin your journey toward immortality."
He leaned further over the railing. "Without Spirit Power, you're just mortals. Do you think a mortal can cultivate immortals?"
"Even if someone grants you an empowerment, your body would explode from the power. Why? Because your mortal flesh can't handle the force of Spirit Power."
The disciples stared, wide-eyed and listening intently.
"The Body Refining realm strengthens your body so it can withstand Spirit Power. As you absorb more, your body will adjust, allowing you to store it within. Mortals lack Spirit Power because they haven't reached the Body Refining stage and haven't opened their Spirit Sea."
"Understand now?"
"Without Spirit Power, you can't cultivate your Spiritual Roots. Look at Martial Dao Great Masters—what do they have? Internal Energy. It's just a manifestation of their own strength. But they can't cast spells or wield Spirit Power. The most they can do is Qigong. And why? Because they haven't opened their Spirit Sea!"
Luo Zhengyang's voice echoed throughout the square, silencing any further complaints. His reasoning struck a chord with many.
Satisfied, he returned to his rocking chair on the platform and settled down comfortably, letting the Outer Sect disciples continue supervising the training.
Li Taixing, after hearing Luo Zhengyang's explanation, grew more serious. He knew that as long as he completed the task, he'd advance to the next stage of training. Quitting wasn't an option.
Thanks to the effects of the Bone Forging Pill, his body was far stronger than most of the Initiation disciples. While many wobbled, collapsed, and rested, Li Taixing remained firm, holding the horse stance without faltering.
Luo Zhengyang watched from above, shaking his head as more disciples were carried off to rest. "You all don't understand how to endure. This is your opportunity, and you waste it."
"Your efforts now will shape your future. Whether you become full-fledged disciples in three months depends on how hard you work. If you can't handle this, you may as well quit and go home."
His words spurred some of the disciples to push through their discomfort. They realized that if they gave up now, their dream of cultivating immortality would be over.
"If cultivating immortality were easy, everyone would do it. We have to endure this!" one disciple muttered, redoubling his efforts.
Meanwhile, Luo Zhengyang noticed Li Taixing, who stood unmoving like a statue. His posture was solid, unwavering.
"This kid... interesting," Luo Zhengyang murmured. He descended from the platform and approached Li Taixing, pretending to patrol before stopping in front of him.
"Have you trained in this before, boy?" he asked.
"No," Li Taixing responded.
Luo Zhengyang looked him up and down. "No? You're doing too well for a beginner. Must be your physique."
Li Taixing said nothing, knowing it was the Bone Forging Pill that gave him this strength. But from the outside, all anyone saw was his remarkable endurance.
"This guy's incredible!" one disciple exclaimed.
"Yeah, everyone else has fallen, but he hasn't budged," another remarked in awe.
Li Taixing sighed inwardly. 'I really didn't want this much attention...'