Chapter 46 - Mortal Apprentice

As Tian Longmeng browsed through the material in the library, Elder Canglong called him inside the space once more.

"Well it is sad that we could not get the White Fire Chrysanthemum but at least we can use the 1000 Year Spirit Vine to create a decent weapon for you." Elder Canglong yawned.

Tian Longmeng had a series of questions to ask Elder Canglong, and it seemed as if he caught on as well since he gestured with his hands to speak.

Without reservation, Tian Longmeng proceeded. "Why would you even want the White Fire Chrysanthemum, and what even is a 1000 Year Spirit Vine?"

Elder Canglong somewhat expected this question, so he promptly replied, "I don't want the herb, it was for you. If we gathered some more items to go along with it and some bone dust of the Hou Tiger corpse then you would have a pill that could boost you to the Breaking Might Stage in one go."

Tian Longmeng nearly fell over. He just reached the Early Organ Mending Stage, so for the pill to have that much power to send him through one whole stage sounded ridiculous. No wonder Instructor Wang did not even have one in his possession.

Elder Canglong continued, "The 1000 Year Spirit Vine is simply put a young and malleable tree branch from a 1000 Year Tree that has been nourished in rich essence. These branches are perfect for making whip-styled weapons or to be cut and brewed for nourishment tea."

Tian Longmeng understood the explanation but something did not add up. "But, I am not fond of whips or long-range."

"I know that, so you will find out what we are doing with the vine later." Elder Canglong reassured him. "Anyway, you should have another question. Spill it."

Tian Longmeng figured that Elder Canglong would notice it so he spoke again. "Also, I noticed that the Sixfold- umm... tai-chi was extremely beneficial to my cultivation. So, why should I not practice it?"

Elder Canglong pouted and flicked his sleeve dismissively. "Because it is a damn waste of time. Just use your breathing technique and you will achieve better results quicker. Don't worry about any of these cultivation skills either, they will only limit your growth. When you breakthrough to Mortal Apprentice, I will give you a cultivation skill that is battle-ready."

Tian Longmeng was elated. There are two types of cultivation skills, one that directs how one should cultivate and one which uses the cultivator's abilities and creates a battle-suited technique from it. Tian Longmeng was getting bored of the material in the library because they all required that he follow a certain specified cultivation path in order to utilize their techniques.

Tian Longmeng is a person that likes to be free from constraints and do what he wants. Maybe that is why it is so hard for him to find friends in this martial academy - who knows?

However, Elder Canglong provided him with exactly the solution he was hoping for. A skill that did not require a preset cultivation in order for it to work. Tian Longmeng became even more enthusiastic for the breakthrough.

"Anyways," Elder Canglong interjected. "Even if you do not get that pill, I think you should be able to exchange your Moon jades for some decent pills."

Tian Longmeng's face blanked. So only pills that would be worth moon jades is considered decent? Remember that 1 moon jade is still 100 refined jades and thus can buy a variety of things. Consequently, because he sold the material in his bags at both Spring Well Villa and Tang Fei City, he currently has 22 moon jades; and that is without counting the 5 additional moon jades for reaching first place.

Tian Longmeng had an issue with the fact he had to spend so much money but he still walked over to the Alchemy and Medicine Facility to purchase such a pill.

Tian Longmeng took a second to bask in the sight of the gigantic building. It is one of the most evident buildings in the martial academy, and rightly so. These people are in charge of procuring pills, salves, and different medicine, and they buy and sell numerous herbs and alchemy-related items.

Tian Longmeng took a step inside the facility and walked through their maze of shelves towards the pill store section. The lady on duty saw him and clicked her teeth.

"What do you want?" She loured at him in annoyance. She had seen too many of these first-years come into the facility and request high-end pills only to hear that they can not afford it. This case was even worse because this one came and picked 2 Scarlet Fragmentation Pills, which are worth 1 moon jade and 50 refined jades each.

She was just about to mock him for his ignorance but upon seeing him drop 5 Moon jades on the table, all sound and breath was caught in her throat.

"What?!" She could not believe her eyes. They were undoubtedly the blue-hued jades, but how could a first-year have access to such riches.

"Is this enough?" The boy asked.

"No, this is actually more than enough. Here is your change." She could have schemed him out of the additional 2 moon jades; after all, he was ignorant about some things. However, she thought that he might be a child of a really powerful noble. Such children are normally expected to grow into someone formidable, so it would be best to get on his good side.

Tian Longmeng took his change and pills and went on his way. He bought 2 because he might need one when he uses the Inducing Strength Pill to break through to the Mortal Grand-Apprentice Realm.

He promptly returned to his residence where he quickly swallowed one of the Scarlet Fragmentation Pills and meditated. His breathing technique made quick work of the pill and distributed the essence so cleanly that Tian Longmeng did not even feel like he was breaking through.

In about 10 breaths of time, Tian Longmeng was already in the Early Mortal Apprentice Realm.

"Good, now let me teach you about the skill. It is named the Overbearing Tactics." Elder Canglong commenced his own lecture.