Du Bu Si noticed Han Yu's confusion and chuckled and teased him with a playfull smile on his face
. "Ahem! There's not much I can do about my current state,"
Han Yu sighed, feeling helpless. After taking the Xuanshui Pill and Soul Ascension Pill, his physical condition had improved, but he still faced a negative buff that reduced his constitution by a quarter. What could have been a doubled physique was now only at 75%. He hoped to find a way to remove this negative status soon.
"Hanhai City is located in the northwest of the empire. We've already covered more than half the distance," Du Bu Si explained, taking a sip from his water bag. "We'll arrive in a day or two."
"Is there a good training spot in Hanhai City?" Han Yu asked, puzzled. With his current weak strength, he thought it would be better to slowly cultivate his soul power in the sect and then focus on obtaining a soul ring.
Du Bu Si nodded. "Absolutely! Hanhai City has unique resources that can help you strengthen your body and soul. It's crucial for your development as a disciple of the Body Sect."
Han Yu furrowed his brow, contemplating Du Bu Si's words. "So, most disciples leave the sect to train in the field?"
Du Bu Si nodded. "Exactly! The body Sect emphasizes practical experience over traditional cultivation methods. We believe that real-world challenges shape stronger warriors."
"But with my current eighth-level soul power, who can I possibly fight?" Han Yu expressed his concerns.
Du Bu Si chuckled. "You underestimate yourself. It's not just about the level of your soul power; it's about how you use it and the skills you develop along the way. Plus, you'll have my guidance."
Han Yu took a deep breath, trying to find reassurance in Du Bu Si's words. "So, the goal is to gain experience and improve my skills?"
"Exactly!" Du Bu Si replied enthusiastically. "Every encounter is a lesson, and you'll learn far more out there than you would by simply meditating in the sect. Trust the process, and you'll grow stronger."
"On one hand, we're searching for the original martial soul for the sect, and on the other, we're training to improve our own strength. Actual combat is the fastest way to advance," Du Bu Si explained.
Han Yu nodded, finally grasping why the Noumenon Sect had so few members.
"Okay, let's set off!" Du Bu Si declared, lifting Han Yu under his arm with ease.
Hanhai City
After two days of travel, they finally arrived at Hanhai City. The city was bustling and expansive, serving as the only coastal hub in the empire with a thriving trade industry.
Soul masters were plentiful, and taverns lined the streets, filled with boisterous patrons engaged in drinking and brawling. Beautiful waitresses navigated through the crowd, laughter ringing out as they served.
Du Bu Si led Han Yu to a modest hotel and stepped up to the counter to book two rooms.
"Have a good rest today. Tomorrow, I'll take you out to sea for training. I also need to prepare some things for you, so stay in the room and don't wander," Du Bu Si instructed before leaving.
Han Yu couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. It seemed Du Bu Si was quite confident leaving him alone.
With no other options, Han Yu settled in to practice. A faint glow of soul power enveloped him, and he felt the energy within his body gradually increase. As he focused, it felt like there was a progress bar in his mind, slowly filling up with time.
"At this rate, it'll take a while to reach level ten," Han Yu thought, shaking his head. His innate soul power was around level eight and a half—not particularly high, but not low either. It would likely take him a few months to reach the tenth level.
"At that time, I will have a plan for the fairy grass and the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm to see if I can get them," Han Yu mused, considering his timeline. Long Aotian was a few years older than him, likely a bit younger than Beibei, placing him around the same age as Huo Yuhao and the others.
However, it seemed that the first soul ring he obtained wasn't from the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm, as his journey had been quite challenging.
After Du Bu Shi disappeared for a whole day and night, he finally returned at noon the next day.
"Good disciple, follow me and let me train you well!" he said, a strange smile playing on his lips, eyes glinting with mischief.
"Teacher, could you please speak more seriously? Let's just get to the training!" Han Yu replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
"Okay, stop talking and keep up," Du Buushi said, turning to lead the way. Han Yu quickly followed him to the beach.
As they arrived, Han Yu's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the blue sea. It was his first time at the beach, and he hadn't expected such stunning scenery.
With a wave of his hand, Du Buushi conjured a small boat that glided across the water. It was compact but more than sufficient for the two of them. They soon arrived at a small island.
Han Yu scanned the area; the island was modest in size, easily viewable in its entirety. The only greenery present was some bluesilver grass, with no other plants in sight.
"This is a shallow sea near the deep sea," Du Buushi explained. "Tides come in daily. Your task is to avoid being swept away by them."
"This will enhance your physique," Du Buushi said, pulling out a large cauldron and laying a thick blanket around it.
Han Yu's eyes widened in disbelief. He had anticipated that his training would involve the sea, but he hadn't expected it to be this extreme. The impact of rising tides could be dangerous, especially for someone with his current strength.
"Teacher, isn't this too difficult? With my condition, I might get swept away when the tide comes. You don't want your apprentice to disappear so soon!" he protested, a nervous smile creeping onto his face.
"Don't worry," Du Buushi reassured him. "With me here, nothing serious will happen. You won't harm your body. Do you see this cauldron?"
Du Buushi smiled and gestured to the three-legged cauldron beside him. "This is what I'll use to help you recover. I'll prepare a special potion from the Body Sect's secret methods. Once that's ready, you can practice in the cauldron."
Feeling reassured by Du Buushi's preparations, Han Yu took a deep breath, determination flickering in his eyes. Since he had come this far, he was ready to give it his all. "Yes! Teacher!" he replied, nodding firmly.
"In that case, take off your clothes and get into the water. You'll start by just acclimating," Du Buushi instructed.
Han Yu quickly stripped down to his shorts, exposing his ribs. He glanced at his figure and let out a wry smile before walking to the edge of the island. Slowly, he sank into the water, the cool waves enveloping him.
The sea water was icy cold, sending a shiver through Han Yu as he stepped in. The chill seeped into his chest, and he felt the weight of the water pressing down on him. His heartbeat quickened, and a tightness gripped his chest, as if an unseen weight was pressing down, making it hard to breathe.
"Get ready! The tide is coming soon," Du Buushi called out, glancing toward the horizon. Han Yu followed his gaze and saw waves building in the distance, surging forward with increasing force.
Panic threatened to rise in him, but he focused on Du Buushi's words. This was part of his training. Summoning his resolve, he steadied his breath and prepared to face the oncoming tide.