Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Hunter Or Prey?
After paying a hefty sum of 100 Spirit Stones, Vahn finally gained access to the knowledge concerning Foundation Establishment within the Scripture Hall. To keep his rapid advancement a secret, he paid the exorbitant fee without complaint, knowing the sect would never be generous with him.
His eyes quickly skimmed through the long, detailed texts, his powerful mind instantly grasping and retaining only the key points:
Condensation: Foundation Establishment is primarily about condensing the vast reservoir of internal Qi into a liquefied state. This dense, stable liquid effectively sets a permanent foundation inside the Dantian, which will later be used to form a legendary Golden Core.
Path Strengthening: The process requires strengthening the Qi Pathways to efficiently convert internal energy into various elemental energies, a crucial step for correctly executing his powerful Cultivation Arts (like the Nine Heavens Lightning Art).
Spirit Sense Development: To enter Foundation Establishment, one absolutely needs to develop Spirit Sense. This spiritual perception is vital for overseeing the complex, delicate procedure of foundation building perfectly and preventing internal damage.
Energy Control: Lastly, a practitioner needs sufficient experience in applying internal energy, whether through complex Cultivation Arts or raw manifestations of power. This control is necessary to effectively and safely condense strands of Qi into the required liquefied state.
Vahn realized he had the energy (thanks to the Spirit Stones) and the arts (thanks to the System), but he still lacked two crucial components: Spirit Sense and the necessary Energy Control.
To put simply, he needed a lot practical training.
Just staying couped inside his nest wouldn’t him all powerful.
It’s not like he relaised it just now. But he didn’t got any time to go on practical training till now.
But looks like the time had now come.
After leaving the hall, Vahn walked directly toward Serenity’s Peak to seek Seraphina’s insight on the competition and to say goodbye before embarking on his rigorous self-training regimen.
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Vahn found Seraphina waiting for him at Serenity’s Peak. When he revealed his exponential progress, reaching Qi Refining Stage 9 in a week, Seraphina was visibly impressed.
"You have reached Qi Refining Stage 9 in just a week. It’s truly impressive, Vahn. Not even those Holy Sons might not have achieved what you did."
Her blue eyes looked smithen. "Although... after what you did at the Primordial Tower, perhaps I should no longer be surprised."
She paused and studied his face. "Still, Vahn, it isn’t just your talent that moved me. It’s your diligence. That is rarer than divine bones."
Vahn’s throat tightened. His hard work amidst darkness and pain, finally felt recognised. He was happy, genuinely.
Now he finally knows he had someone who would appreciate his effort after each success.
She then gracefully shared her valuable insights into the Foundation Establishment realm. She taught him several ways to develop Spirit Sense, explained the subtle flow of spiritual energy needed for condensation and detailed the risks involved in forging a foundation. She also guided him through mental exercises, showing him how to weave his internal Qi into liquid strands to ensure he forged a Flawless Foundation.
They conversed easily, their instruction session filled with warm laughter. There were also several embarrassing moments when their hands and bodies brushed while she guided his movements personally, demonstrating the complex control required.
Zephya watched all this quietly from a sunny spot nearby. Any thought of revenge against Vahn had long since faded. Watching the genuine affection between the two, she had started accepting Vahn as a permanent part of their little family.
Afterward, Vahn said his farewells.
"I’m heading out on a training journey," he explained. "I need to gain practical control over my energy and develop my Spirit Sense before I attempt the breakthrough."
Seraphina, though visibly reluctant to see him go, stepped forward. She offered him another tender kiss on the cheek as a goodbye.
"Stay safe, Vahn," she whispered. "Don’t let the world steal you from me before you find what you’re searching for."
She then presented him with a beautifully carved jade amulet.
"This is an Escape Talisman. It’s a Spirit-grade artifact. If you ever find yourself in mortal danger that you cannot talk or fight your way out of, activate this. It will teleport you far away, instantly. Promise me you will use it."
Vahn, still feeling her warmth on his cheek, acquiesced.
"I promise. I’ll return before the competition starts. I will have to cheer for you, won’t I?" h
He had already calculated his path. So, without delay, he waved them goodbye and climbed down the mountain.
Seeing him depart, Zephya, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up.
"Master, should I follow him?"
Seraphina shook her head gently. "No. If he finds out, I am sure he will be secretly displeased. He wants to learn and grow by himself, so I will let him be. And I have full confidence he will come back alive safely."
Zephya rolled her eyes. She was unable to understand why her master was so confident in her young husband. No matter how talented one person might be, the outside world would not be kind to them.
Outside the secluded peace of White Lotus Sanctuary, the world was unforgiving and openly cruel. Humans often resorted to killing for even a single piece of Spirit Stone.
Human livss were that cheap.
It wasn’t just the threat of ruthless cultivators; the desolate lands were home to ferocious Spirit Beasts, always ready to devour an unwary soul without a moment’s notice.
In that brutal environment, there were only two paths: Hunt or Be Hunted.
If you weren’t strong enough, or intelligent enough to outwit your predators, death was the only ending awaiting you.
Vahn, who was determined to make this second life an absolute success, obviously wouldn’t just go out to be hunted. For the next week, he would be a Hunter.
This wasn’t just his inner resolve speaking
With his keen wits and newly overpowered Arts, he was confident enough to make that a reality.
But what he forgot to consider was that things rarely go as planned in the cultivation world.