Choosing Cultivation Technique 2

"Can I learn all of them?" Fang Wang asked.

Zhou Xue's expression twitched slightly, her eye rolling with a hint of amusement. His arrogance was undeniable.

"Learning multiple cultivation techniques is impractical," Zhou Xue explained patiently. "Each technique cultivates a different kind of spiritual power. Studying too many at once can cause chaos in your energies. It's better to master one technique thoroughly."

Undeterred, Fang Wang asked, "If I choose one and find it unsuitable, can I switch to another?"

"Alright then, since you saved my life."

Unable to suppress a chuckle, Zhou Xue smiled, but the laughter triggered a painful cough.

Fang Wang, unsure if he should offer help, simply watched as she recovered.

"Which technique would you like to start with?" Zhou Xue asked, her voice weakened after the coughing fit.

Fang Wang considered his options and said, "Let's start with the Solaris Scripture. Tackling the hardest one first will make the others seem easier."

Zhou Xue promptly began explaining the Solaris Scripture, including its foundational Qi Gathering Method.

Fang Wang listened intently, filled with anticipation. Mastery of the cultivation technique was essential for him to embark on the path of cultivation.

As Zhou Xue passed on the technique, she felt a mix of emotions. "I never imagined I'd teach someone like this. Is this what it means to have a family? Ruo Lan was right; relying on others is futile. I must cultivate a force I can trust. My rebirth must be a divine sign for a new path."

Watching Fang Wang absorb the teachings so earnestly, Zhou Xue felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Now that she had a second chance at life, she wouldn't settle for mere immortality.

Fang Wang, absorbed in the Solaris Scripture, was oblivious to her thoughts.

After Zhou Xue completed her teaching, Fang Wang's mind was overwhelmed, and his vision blurred.

The next moment, he found himself inside the Heavenly Palace. As he adjusted to his surroundings, he couldn't contain his excitement.

"I did it!"

The realization that he could cultivate the Solaris Scripture filled him with elation. Mastering this technique, especially to Great Perfection, would significantly enhance his abilities.

With determination, Fang Wang began cultivating the Solaris Scripture. The technique had nine levels: the third level granted the Solaris Flame, the sixth level offered resistance to all types of fire, and the ninth level allowed the condensation of Solaris True Fire.

Starting with the basic Qi Gathering Method, Fang Wang felt as though years were passing within the Heavenly Palace. The first level took what felt like a decade to master.

"Could my talent for cultivation be that poor?" Fang Wang wondered.

Disbelieving, he pressed on with his practice. To track the time he spent, he visualized a large clock within the Heavenly Palace. The clock, though ancient in design, was similar to a modern Earth timepiece, with markings to record years.

Despite his efforts, the time required to master the second level of the Solaris Scripture was double that of the first. Fang Wang had to set aside his doubts about his talent and concentrate fully on his cultivation.

Time seemed to flow endlessly as Fang Wang became immersed in cultivation.

After two hundred and thirteen years, he finally achieved Great Perfection with the Solaris Scripture. Flames began to orbit behind his head, forming spheres of fire—Solaris True Fire.

The Solaris True Fire, while appearing ordinary, absorbed sunlight, increasing its power the longer it burned.

When Fang Wang opened his eyes, his gaze was hardened, not from worldly experiences but from intense dedication.

He realized he had spent two centuries within the Heavenly Palace, but in reality, it had been an instant.

Looking at Zhou Xue, who remained weakly in bed, Fang Wang prepared to rejoin the outside world.

"This month, you should focus on cultivating the Solaris Scripture. Once I'm healed, we'll set out. Great Abyss Gate recruits disciples every five years, and if we miss this year, we'll have to wait another five," Zhou Xue said softly, her gaze somewhat peculiar.

Since teaching Fang Wang the Solaris Scripture, she had felt a subtle change in him, though she couldn't quite pinpoint it.

"If you are the reborn Immortal Venerable, why not establish your own sect?" Fang Wang asked, puzzled.

Zhou Xue gave a resigned smile and replied, "Cultivation isn't that simple. The blessed lands of Celestial Cavern and various resources in Great Qi have long been divided by the Nine Great Sects. And since my rebirth, I also need to walk the path of cultivation again. Joining a sect provides not only resources but also protection."

Fang Wang nodded. Seeing her growing paler, he said, "You should rest and heal. We can talk more afterward."

After speaking, he stood up, ready to leave.

"Oh, and last night, that cultivator left behind two magic artifacts. Since you killed him, they rightfully belong to you. Once I'm healed, I'll give them to you and teach you how to control them so that your starting point in cultivation will be higher than others," Zhou Xue said suddenly.

Fang Wang didn't turn back but merely raised his hand in acknowledgment and replied, "Keep them for yourself. You introduced me to the path of cultivation; consider these as repaying that favor. Later, pass on some spells to me."

Without pausing, he quickly left the room.

When the door closed, Zhou Xue smiled and muttered to herself, "Taking him as a disciple isn't a bad idea, but since we are of the same clan, why fuss over formalities?"

Returning from rebirth, Zhou Xue resolved not only to cultivate herself but also to guide the Fang Residence in cultivation. The betrayal she experienced in her past life had shown her that no matter how powerful she became, without a trustworthy force, her path could end in ruin.

Setting aside the debt of the Fang Residence raising her, the presence of a genius like Fang Wang made nurturing him worthwhile.

Zhou Xue closed her eyes, using her convalescence to organize her thoughts. She realized that rebirth was not just about correcting past regrets but about forging a stronger path than before. With careful planning, the missed opportunities of her previous life could be seized.

Furthermore, she knew she must keep her rebirth a secret. Even in the Upper Realm before her rebirth, such an experience would have seemed unfathomable, and if others believed in her rebirth, their thoughts could turn treacherous.

...

Back in his room, Fang Wang sat cross-legged at the desk, activating the Solaris Scripture and absorbing nature's spiritual energy.

Without any hindrance, he quickly formed a whirlpool of qi around his body as the invisible and colorless spiritual energy from nature surged into him, providing a refreshing clarity.

Though he had felt a similar sensation while cultivating in the Heavenly Palace, it was nowhere near as intense as the feeling in his physical body.

He became engrossed in the exhilarating Qi Gathering process, unable to extricate himself.

The power of the nine-layer Great Perfection of the Solaris Scripture was immense. Fang Wang didn't know the progress rate of other cultivators, but he was certainly enjoying the experience; the Solaris Spiritual Power had already begun to condense in his Dantian.

An hour later, he successfully entered the first layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.

After a day and night, he advanced strongly to the second layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.

In the following days, Fang Wang remained in his room, focusing solely on Qi Gathering. Initially, his parents would visit him, but upon learning that he was cultivating, they refrained from disturbing him, instructing the maids to deliver meals daily instead.

Following the recent battle, Fang Wang's status within the residence had skyrocketed, making him the pride of the Fang Family. However, the details of his cultivation were kept private, and Fang Meng even ordered the suppression of any information about the demonic cultivator, stating only that the Fang Residence had been attacked by a group of mysterious martial artists.

...

In a quiet study.

The Emperor of Great Qi sat in his chair, holding an ancient book. Despite his youthful appearance, he seemed to carry the weight of many years.

An elderly minister entered and bowed at the table.

"Your Majesty, the Southern Hills plan failed, and the Immortal Master that your servant requested has also perished," the old minister reported quietly, his official attire highlighting his slightly corpulent figure and grizzled hair. His expression remained stoic.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor of Great Qi's hand trembled as he set the book down and stared blankly at the old minister. "Didn't you assure me it was foolproof?"

The old minister sighed, "The fact that an Immortal Master was killed suggests that the Fang Residence either possesses such power or is under its protection. I miscalculated, thinking it was foolproof. However, I have sent a letter to that person; he assured me there would be no complications. He will likely handle it himself."

The Emperor of Great Qi gazed out the window, murmuring, "The allure of cultivation and the prospect of immortality... I have sacrificed so much without success. How did the Fang Residence come by such support?"

The old minister remained silent, equally perplexed and unwilling to risk further investigation for fear of alarming the situation.

After a moment, the Emperor of Great Qi returned his gaze to the old minister and said, "Let's leave it at that for now. I will act as though I am unaware of this matter. Handle it discreetly."

The old minister nodded in agreement.

The Emperor of Great Qi waved his sleeve, and the old minister bowed and departed.

"The world often speaks of the allure of imperial power, but what is that compared to immortality?"

The Emperor's deep sigh echoed through the study, his voice tinged with helplessness.

...

Half a month into his seclusion, news of the massacre at the Fang Residence had spread throughout Great Qi, igniting discussions in every state and county. The Fang Residence even sent representatives to the Imperial City to protest their innocence, causing unease among the noble families. The Duke's Mansion, being a significant institution, made the situation particularly alarming. What sort of audacious power could have dared to attack them?

That day.

Zhou Xue came to visit Fang Wang, who rose to greet her. They sat at the table, and Fang Wang poured her tea.

"You've recovered from your injuries remarkably quickly..." Fang Wang noted, alarmed inwardly. Zhou Xue's wounds had been severe enough that normal recovery would have taken at least half a year.

Zhou Xue, now fully restored to her striking form, was dressed in bright red, drawing attention effortlessly. Compared to half a month ago, her demeanor had grown even more striking, with a sharpness in her eyes. She studied Fang Wang closely and asked, "How is your training with the Solaris Scripture going?"

Fang Wang thought to himself that it was progressing exceptionally well, having achieved the nine-layer Great Perfection. However, with Zhou Xue's past as a demonic cultivator, he chose not to disclose everything. Despite their recent alliance, he remained cautious.

"It's going well. I feel I can continue to improve," Fang Wang responded. After practicing the Solaris Scripture, he had no immediate plans to pursue other techniques like the Spring Autumn Art or the Devouring Heaven Demonic Art.

The Solaris Scripture was immensely powerful, and half a month of cultivation had already advanced his realm to the sixth layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.

Zhou Xue's gaze remained enigmatic as she observed him.

Fang Wang felt a surge of anxiety under her scrutiny, worried she might have detected something amiss.

Zhou Xue eventually averted her gaze and said softly, "We will set off in thirteen days. I have selected nine Fang Family Disciples, including both you and me, to head to the Great Abyss Gate."

Fang Wang nodded, his eyes full of anticipation. Mastering a Cultivation Technique was only the beginning; he needed to learn powerful spells as well.

"Ahem, Zhou Xue, could you teach me a spell?" Fang Wang asked politely, his tone a touch cheeky.

Zhou Xue regarded him with a smile that was more amused than approving and replied, "Of course. Given the strength of your Ariel Sword Art you must have considerable talent in the Sword Dao. I have a set of Swordsmanship techniques that, if mastered, will allow you to dominate others in the same realm."