Cultivation... Cultivation

Fear and reverence impose restraint, while tradition can establish belief. The dean's regulations must surely reflect this sentiment. However, the first rule of the Freshman Hall is rather peculiar and somewhat lacking in humanity."

Qiu Lu suddenly interjected, the first half of his statement resonating with sophistication, while the latter half elicited eye-rolls from many, as he bizarrely connected the prestigious badges of honor to the rule forbidding entry into others' rooms, showcasing a rather disjointed line of reasoning.

"This is a stipulation set forth by Dean Zhang, and it undoubtedly carries its own unique rationale," retorted a voice among the freshmen, who had grown weary of the youthful yet arrogant boy.

Qiu Lu scoffed, "Who says Dean Zhang is infallible? I recall the professor mentioning before our arrival that Qing Luan Academy welcomes any form of inquiry."

It seemed that by using Dean Zhang's own regulations to counter his authority, Qiu Lu had woven himself into a perplexing conundrum, a hint of self-satisfaction surfacing on his attractive face.

However, the one-eyed black-robed instructor coldly interjected without hesitation, "What the dean states is undoubtedly correct."

Qiu Lu faltered momentarily but still insisted, "I harbor no disrespect towards Dean Zhang, yet to claim that his words are beyond reproach is rather absolute, wouldn't you agree?"

"My assertion that the dean's words are correct stems not from his perfection, but from his unparalleled strength—strength so formidable that no one in the entire Yun Qin Empire can rival him," the one-eyed black-robed instructor replied icily.

Qiu Lu's face paled as the realization struck him: if he were to debate with someone who was invincible throughout the Yun Qin Empire, and that individual were to dispatch him effortlessly, then that person would indeed be deemed correct.

Lin Xi, however, couldn't help but smile subtly, recognizing that the middle-aged man had indeed brought significant changes to this ancient world. The one-eyed black-robed instructor, through such dialogue, had already begun to convey the academy's principles of conduct.

The one-eyed black-robed instructor cast a glance at the silent Qiu Lu and continued, "Now, I shall impart to you the most fundamental regulations of the academy. Besides our mandatory courses in the Zhi Ge department, there are numerous elective courses available... A detailed list will be posted at the entrance of the Freshman Hall shortly. Once you accumulate sufficient credits, you may leave the Freshman Hall and explore a wider array of subjects and trials."

"What I am about to teach you is a compulsory course for all departments: the cultivation of soul force."

With that single statement, the tranquil atmosphere by the stream in the secluded valley fell into complete silence.

"At last, it begins," Lin Xi focused intently on the one-eyed black-robed instructor.

"If we were to simplify our physical bodies as mere shells, then the blood coursing through our veins serves as the source of power that drives us to eat, sleep, and move... every action. Similarly, soul force can be understood as a substance akin to our blood within. However, for most individuals, their soul force is far too weak to even perceive, rendering it ineffective."

"Meditation and certain medicinal aids can strengthen our soul force, allowing it to serve its purpose. Initially, one can control the flow of vital energy within, altering bodily functions and enhancing strength; at higher levels, it can manifest physically, enabling one to vanquish adversaries."

"In truth, nearly all methods of meditation share commonalities; the key lies in achieving a tranquil mind. As for the spiritual herbs known to enhance soul force growth, they become ineffective once one reaches the fourth stage, when the soul force solidifies."

The grass hut remained enveloped in silence, as all the freshmen understood that the primary objective of the Zhi Ge department was to engage in combat, to terminate threats with lethal force, and that soul force was the essential source of power in most confrontations. Thus, even if doubts lingered in their hearts, none dared to interrupt, fearing they might cause the instructor to omit something crucial.

"Achieving tranquility means cultivating a peaceful heart, free of distractions, forgetting both self and surroundings, and solely attuning to one's spirit and soul."

The one-eyed black-robed instructor continued slowly and articulately, "For all practitioners, the most challenging task is to perceive the whereabouts of their spirit and soul. We are aware that our observations, actions, and thoughts are governed by our spirit and soul, yet we cannot pinpoint their essence."

"Though prolonged stillness breeds awareness, if one can genuinely enter a meditative state, even if they cannot sense their soul force, it will inevitably experience some growth. However, for the average person, the time required often stretches excessively, preventing the vast majority from breaking through this barrier to become practitioners."

"Typically, it is during the stillness of night, when all is quiet, that one can most easily enter a meditative state, yielding optimal results. Thus, nightfall marks the commencement for every practitioner. However, if other practitioners approach while one is meditating, the disturbance of soul force may lead to terrifying and unforeseen consequences; some may suffer paralysis, while others may lose their faculties. This is precisely why the dean strictly prohibits all students from entering others' rooms under any circumstances."

Having imparted this knowledge, the one-eyed black-robed instructor produced a white jade elixir vial from his robes and addressed the Zhi Ge freshmen still awaiting his next words, "Each of you will receive one; consume it immediately."

"Many of you may recognize this as the Mingzhen Pill, unique to our Qing Luan Academy, which can aid you in overcoming the hurdle of perceiving your soul force along your path of cultivation." Noticing the fervor in the eyes of the students, the instructor nodded in approval.

...

A pill, no larger than a soybean, rested in Lin Xi's palm. Its soft, glowing hue resembled the misty rain of southern provinces, emitting a fragrance reminiscent of gardenias.

"This academy, reformed by you, is indeed quite direct..."

Lin Xi shook his head with a wry smile, swallowing the pill. Although the professors had hinted multiple times during their arduous journey from Lingxia Lake to the Teng Tian Mountain range that the strength of Qing Luan Academy's students stemmed from superior cultivation conditions and resources, he had not anticipated such a straightforward approach, distributing such a significant pill in the very first lesson.

From the instructor's succinct explanation and the expressions of the golden-spooned youths who clearly recognized the pill's value, Lin Xi understood that it must be extraordinarily precious.

The pill almost dissolved upon entry, its flavor a delightful blend of sweet and sour, akin to the taste of a kiss.

The one-eyed black-robed instructor's single eye scrutinized each student as they swallowed the pill, coldly stating, "Now, you may attempt to calm your minds, striving to forget both self and surroundings, and begin meditating."

"In here?!" several golden-spooned youths exclaimed in astonishment, "Sir, did you not just say that the best time to enter a meditative state is during the dead of night? And we are all so close together..."

Though the grass hut was quiet, the gentle sounds of flowing water, the chirping of birds, and the caress of the breeze were all distractions, and the gathering of so many individuals rendered the space unsuitable for cultivation.

Yet, the one-eyed black-robed instructor's expression turned coldly sardonic as he barked, "With your current level of cultivation, even if you are piled together, how could your soul force possibly affect those nearby? If I can teach you meditation in such an environment, then what issues could possibly arise when you practice alone in the Freshman Hall at night? Close your eyes and remain silent! From this moment forth, you shall not open your eyes until I instruct you to do so."

With eager anticipation, Lin Xi closed his eyes, only to hear the instructor's stern voice continue, "For those encountering cultivation for the first time and struggling to achieve tranquility, you may try employing the three methods of breath, awareness, and guidance. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and as you swallow, imagine the heavenly waters pouring down your throat, nourishing your entire being, and repeat this cycle, gradually emptying your mind of all thoughts."

Lin Xi did not force himself to challenge the meditative state of forgetting self and surroundings solely through stillness; instead, he followed the one-eyed black-robed instructor's guidance.

Having never before engaged in soul force cultivation, Lin Xi, viewing himself as a traveler, possessed a heart purer and more radiant than most in this world. Free from the shackles of fame and fortune, he found himself unexpectedly entering the meditative state required for cultivation faster than several "border barbarians" who had practiced for years.

As the stream babbled, birds chirped, and a gentle breeze blew, Lin Xi's mind initially drifted to the swaying weeds on the plaque of Deerwood Town, and the image of a large figure, a small one, and an old yellow dog standing at the town's entrance. Yet, these thoughts only served to calm him further, and he gradually forgot his own existence. He seemed to stand in an endless expanse, where only a swirl of azure light remained in his vision, akin to a spinning wheel, with warm currents gathering beside it, slowly forming a flowing golden light.

...

The one-eyed black-robed instructor silently observed this group of Zhi Ge freshmen.

Outside the grass hut, the sunlight shifted from pale to intense and then back to soft, as most of the freshmen, who had initially closed their eyes but displayed occasional changes in expression, gradually became exceptionally serene. Several of them, however, began to emit heavy snores.

"Alright, open your eyes!"

With a voice as sharp as the unsheathing of a blade, the one-eyed black-robed instructor commanded, causing Lin Xi, who appeared calm and composed, along with all the Zhi Ge freshmen, to startle and open their eyes. Those who had been snoring immediately flushed with embarrassment. Lin Xi, however, found himself momentarily stunned, realizing that he had inadvertently transitioned from dawn to dusk.