Chapter 17: Cultivating Immortality

After waiting for a short while in the garden, Elder Sun returned with a dark expression, seething with anger. When he had discussed this matter with the Sect Leader earlier, he had endured no small amount of ridicule from his Senior Brothers nearby. He thought to himself, "Once I get all the gourds, refine the Medicinal Pills and consume them, my cultivation will greatly increase. Let's see if you can still laugh then."

Upon entering the garden and seeing Wang Lin, he immediately flared up in anger and shouted, "Wang Lin, from today onwards, you are my Disciple, Sun Dazhu! From now on, diligently Cultivate Immortality and do not disgrace your Master's name!" After speaking, he threw out a flat, small pouch and added, "This is the identity marker for Inner Sect Disciples, and also a Storage Pouch. It can hold many things. Your clothes and Cultivation Technique are all inside; take a look yourself."

Wang Lin quickly picked it up, his heart filled with excitement. His parents' expectant gazes flashed in his mind; he could finally Cultivate Immortality. This time, he sincerely called Sun Dazhu 'Master'.

Sun Dazhu grunted in acknowledgment, then shifted his gaze and said, "From now on, you will live in the room in the back. Without my permission, you are not allowed to leave."

After speaking, he picked up a stone from the ground and threw it towards the garden gate behind him. A purple light flashed, and the stone instantly shattered into fine dust, dissipating in mid-air.

Having done all this, Sun Dazhu cast a cold glance at Wang Lin, then ignored him and walked into the living quarters.

Wang Lin's pupils contracted, and he was secretly startled. He gripped the Storage Pouch, turned, and entered his room. Upon entering, he saw nothing but a small bed. Wang Lin didn't mind and sat on the bed, examining the Storage Pouch in his hand.

The small gray pouch didn't seem extraordinary. Wang Lin picked it up and inverted it over the ground, and several items immediately fell out: a red Inner Sect Disciple uniform and a thread-bound booklet.

Wang Lin's face lit up with joy. He snatched up the booklet, his heart pounding with excitement. He opened it, and on the first page was written:

"Three Chapters of Qi Condensation."

He read until late into the night, lighting an oil lamp and closing the booklet. He now had a slight understanding of Cultivating Immortality. These Three Chapters of Qi Condensation described three levels and belonged to the most basic Cultivation Technique. It stated that the Qi Condensation stage had fifteen layers, and only by Cultivating to the third layer could one obtain the subsequent Mind-Cultivation Technique.

The so-called Qi Condensation focuses on breathing in Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, accumulating Spiritual Qi into the body, transforming the Mortal physique, and laying a foundation for the future.

This is also where a cultivator's natural talent is most tested. If one has sufficient Spiritual Roots, the speed of absorbing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi will be very fast, and the cultivation process will naturally improve significantly. However, if one's talent is ordinary, it is very possible that they will never reach above the third layer in their entire life, and some may not even reach the first layer.

Wang Lin regarded these Three Chapters of Qi Condensation as a treasure. He immediately memorized the Mind-Cultivation Technique for the first three layers, sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, and began to breathe in a 'one long, three short' manner as required by the Mind-Cultivation Technique. The 'one long' meant a long inhalation, while the 'three short' meant that the exhalation time was only one-third of the inhalation. With this counter-intuitive breathing method, he absorbed Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi into his body at the fastest possible speed.

The booklet had noted that cultivators often feel a sensation like ants crawling within their bodies during their first breath. This is a sign of Spiritual Qi entering the body. One should not be nervous but relax their body and mind, imagining themselves becoming ethereal and fusing with the heavens and earth.

After a long time, Wang Lin helplessly discovered that not only did his body feel nothing, but he was also left somewhat breathless by this strange breathing method.

Wang Lin sighed lightly. He knew that Inner Sect Disciples all possessed abundant talent and Spiritual Roots, and this booklet was originally meant for them. His own talent was mediocre, so he naturally couldn't compare to them in cultivation.

However, he didn't get discouraged. After catching his breath, he continued to breathe.

The night slowly passed. By early morning the next day, Wang Lin still hadn't felt Spiritual Qi enter his body. Having not slept all night, his head felt heavy and dizzy. He climbed out of bed and pushed the door open.

Outside, gentle breezes blew, and the fragrance of herbs filled the air. He took a few deep breaths, and his fatigue slightly diminished. He missed the Spring Water Gourd in his heart, thinking that if he could drink a few mouthfuls of the spring water now, he wouldn't be so tired.

However, now was not the time for rash actions. He was very confident in where he had hidden the Mysterious Pearl and the Dew Gourd. It was a secluded spot he had searched almost half the mountain peak to find. Even if someone happened to pass by, they would never discover where he had hidden his treasures.

Strolling through the herb garden, Wang Lin found an empty spot. He sat down cross-legged and continued to breathe. Soon after, a very faint sensation of ants crawling subtly appeared. Wang Lin paused, immediately becoming overjoyed. Just as he was about to continue, his Master's shout suddenly came from beside his ear: "Wang Lin, what are you doing? Come out quickly! I'm telling you, from now on, you are not allowed to breathe in the herb garden!"

Wang Lin opened his eyes and saw Sun Dazhu staring at him with a gloomy expression. He remained silent, stood up, and left the herb garden.

Sun Dazhu snorted coldly and said, "You certainly know how to pick a spot. This herb garden is where the Spiritual Qi is densest. If you absorb all the Spiritual Qi and these precious herbs die, your little life won't be enough to compensate."

Wang Lin glanced at Sun Dazhu and respectfully said, "This Disciple did not know. I will never breathe here again in the future."

Sun Dazhu's expression softened slightly. His gaze shifted, and he suddenly said, "However, if you can get me another gourd, although I can't let you Cultivate in the herb garden, I can give you a Low-Grade Spirit Stone. With this item, your Qi Condensation will be much easier."

Wang Lin lowered his head, a flicker of mockery passing through his eyes. He said, "This Disciple can go back to the mountain spring to look. If I'm lucky, I might even pick up another one."

Sun Dazhu pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering, and he nodded, saying, "It's good that you go and look. Remember, as long as you bring me back another gourd, I will give you a Low-Grade Spirit Stone!"

Wang Lin looked up at Sun Dazhu and asked, "Is Master's word true? You'll give me a Spirit Stone if I bring back a gourd?"

Sun Dazhu's face showed joy, and he quickly said, "That's right, as soon as I see the gourd, I will definitely give you a Low-Grade Spirit Stone."

Wang Lin sneered inwardly, but on the surface, he was respectful and nodded in agreement.

Sun Dazhu formed a hand seal with his right hand, muttering incantations. With a flick of his arm, the garden gate creaked open. He stroked the beard on his chin and said with a smile, "Go now, and return quickly."