"Lin Guang, this spear is called Lightning. It was forged from a special ore called Water Origin. When you hold it, it feels weightless. This spear was passed down from your grandmaster to your master, and now your master is giving it to you."
Master Yan, worried that Chu Lingguang didn’t understand the value and significance of the Lightning Spear, took it upon himself to explain.
"Ah... Master, this spear..."
As soon as he gripped the Lightning Spear and felt how unusually light it was, Chu Lingguang knew the weapon was extraordinary, but he hadn’t realized its deeper significance.
"Don’t overthink it. Just accept the gift your master is giving you."
Guo Wei didn’t want Chu Lingguang to feel weighed down by the Lightning Spear.
"Master, I swear I will use this spear to win you the honor you deserve," Chu Lingguang declared resolutely.
"Your sincerity alone is enough for ."
Guo Wei smiled, then took out a brocade box. He opened it to reveal two perfectly round, lustrous, and translucent jade stones that were obviously priceless.
"I’ve already made inquiries. The instructor sent down by the Court to oversee your cultivation is nad Li Dayao. The man loves nothing more than playing with Baoding balls. When you get to the academy, rember to give these to him. In return, he’ll teach you a more advanced Breathing Technique."
Guo Wei handed the brocade box to Chu Lingguang.
"Thank you, Master."
The brocade box felt heavy in Chu Lingguang’s hands, a testant to how Guo Wei had thought of everything for him.
’I’ll have to repay this kindness one day.’
"When you’re out on your own, rember to always be patient and exercise restraint," Guo Wei said earnestly. "Once you’re at the academy, make sure to listen more, observe more, and speak less. When I co to get you, tell everything you’ve seen. I’ll use that to formulate a new cultivation plan for you."
"Yes, I’ll rember," Chu Lingguang said, taking the words to heart.
"You’re heading to the academy tomorrow, so rest well today. When Wang gets back later, I’ll have him take you out for a stroll. Your Master Yan has rented a Song Boat, so we’ll all go moon-gazing on it tonight," Guo Wei added.
"Great."
Chu Lingguang’s face lit up.
Every Song Boat on the South City Canal was presided over by a famous courtesan. Master Yan was so extravagant he’d actually rented an entire boat. ’Looks like I’m in for a real treat tonight.’
Chu Lingguang’s mind raced with possibilities.
「After leaving Master Yan’s study.」
He checked his status panel.
Favor Points: 1763
Turtle Breath Technique (123/500)
Heaven and Earth Art (166/1000)
(Remaining Lifespan: 99 years)
Chu Lingguang noticed that ever since he’d used the Turtle Breath Technique to achieve Heaven and Earth Resonance two nights ago, its stat value had changed significantly. He still hadn’t managed to recapture that feeling of resonance, however, but it was clear he now had a much deeper understanding of the technique.
Looking at his 1,700-plus Favor Points, Chu Lingguang decided to raise both the Turtle Breath Technique and the Heaven and Earth Art to the Perfection level. Both of these skills had been rewards from his Favors, and they had helped him imnsely during the Daoist Examination.
The information on his panel changed.
Favor Points: 552
Turtle Breath Technique (500/500)
Heaven and Earth Art (1000/1000)
(Remaining Lifespan: 99 years)
Chu Lingguang saw that he still had over five hundred Favor Points remaining. While the Turtle Breath Technique and the Heaven and Earth Art had both reached Perfection, his remaining lifespan hadn’t increased at all.
’I don’t know if it’s because my Breathing Technique hasn’t evolved, or if the Turtle Breath Technique and the Heaven and Earth Art simply don’t extend one’s lifespan. Or maybe I just haven’t grasped their true secrets yet, so I can’t use them to live longer.’
So many questions.
For now, Chu Lingguang couldn’t figure any of them out.
He tried circulating the Turtle Breath Technique.
He wanted to find that feeling of Heaven and Earth Resonance again. He was keenly aware that once he entered that state with the Turtle Breath Technique, it not only strengthened his Qi Power but also healed his injuries and even enhanced his senses.
His victory over Yan Chengdu yesterday had been entirely dependent on the Turtle Breath Technique. It had healed his aching arm, enhanced his senses, and helped him activate the third layer of his Skillful Force.
「A mont later.」
It was as if Chu Lingguang’s very presence had vanished. He could perceive every slight movent in the area around his room.
"Young Master Chu."
A Martial Artist from Master Yan’s household ca to call him.
"Young Master Chu, your two senior brothers are back. Master Yan sent to let you know."
The Martial Artist called out twice from the doorway.
The door was tightly shut.
Not the slightest sound ca from within the room.
’That’s strange. Where did he go?’
The Martial Artist was puzzled. ’I’m sure I saw him go back to his room just now. How could he have vanished in the blink of an eye?’
’As a Martial Arts expert with many years of cultivation, I should be able to tell if soone’s in there just by standing at the door and sensing for them.’
But there was nothing. Not a single sound.
’He’s probably in the Inner Courtyard practicing his Spear Technique. The kid’s a hard worker. That must be it.’
The Martial Artist decided to go look for him in the Inner Courtyard.
"Master Liao, I’m here."
Sensing the man was about to leave, Chu Lingguang quickly stopped circulating his technique and erged from his Turtle Breath state.
Unfortunately, he hadn’t managed to find the feeling of Heaven and Earth Resonance. However, he could now enter the Turtle Breath state at will, completely concealing his presence and becoming as still and undetectable as a block of wood.
In the world of cultivation, there is a Kung Fu known as the Listening Skill.
Many Martial Artists practice it.
Guo Wei was no exception.
When traveling, the Listening Skill is an essential Kung Fu for anyone in the Jianghu, as it allows one to detect the slightest sign of trouble.
Master Liao had obviously practiced the Listening Skill as well, though his proficiency didn’t seem very high.
For Chu Lingguang, a re junior, to be able to use the Turtle Breath Technique to completely evade Master Liao’s senses through a closed door was remarkable. In the future, if he ever had to fight soone in the dark, the Turtle Breath Technique would prove to be an invaluable, unexpected asset.
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