The storage bag Eldest Senior Brother brought was like a clear signal, distinctly telling Tang Xiaoqi that the sect had already built a solid shield for him, but at the same time, it also meant the outside storms were even more turbulent than he imagined. This heavy protection didn't make him develop dependence but instead further stimulated the desire to become strong within him.
He couldn't forever hide under the sect's wings. His master's warning, the Temple Master's expectation, Third Senior Sister's protection, and that Shadow Serpent Pavilion watching with covetous eyes in the dark... All of it transformed into a powerful driving force, pushing him to quickly grow up.
Secluded cultivation! Only by single-mindedly secluded cultivating, putting all energy and all resources into improving strength, could he possess the power to protect himself and even counterattack in the possibly coming storm!
With determination set, Xiaoqi immediately took action.
He first went to the Merit Hall, almost completely spending the over two thousand contribution points in his name. He didn't exchange for any flashy magical artifacts or offensive talismans but exchanged everything for the most practical cultivation resources: large quantities of "Qi-Gathering Pills" for advancing Qi Refining cultivation, "Spirit-Nourishing Incense" for nourishing and strengthening the spirit and soul, "Body-Quenching Spiritual Liquid" for tempering physical strength, and dozens of portions of common medicinal materials for refining low-grade pills. He turned himself into a pure "consumables" household with only one purpose—improving cultivation foundation at all costs.
Carrying a mountain of resources back to his little courtyard, Xiaoqi began an almost ascetic-like cultivation life.
The daily schedule was packed full, precise to every shichen.
At first light, he rose, first consuming a Qi-Gathering Pill, then facing the rising sun to cultivate the "Everlasting Spring Art." The pill's power dissolved, guided by the Everlasting Spring Art's peaceful yet life-force-rich spiritual power, like spring rain nourishing his meridians and qi sea. Though progress was slow, the foundation accumulated day by day became increasingly thick and solid. The jade pendant on his chest continuously emitted warmth, like a silent partner, together with him swallowing heaven and earth's spiritual energy and pill essence.
In the morning, he went to his master's cave dwelling. Besides continuing to receive his master's guidance on the "Everlasting Spring Art," he began systematically learning alchemy basics. His master didn't have him start by refining complex pills immediately but taught from the most basic herb identification, mutual generation and restraint of medicinal properties, and fire control techniques. Xiaoqi learned extremely seriously, knowing that mastering alchemy could not only provide more stable, more suitable pill support for his own cultivation but also deepen his understanding of spiritual power and the medicinal properties of all things—crucial for any cultivator. He even tried using that frying pan to practice the most basic fire control, discovering it seemed to have some natural affinity for fire control, making his master click his tongue in wonder.
In the afternoon, it was basic artifact refining knowledge learning and practice. Also starting from identifying mineral materials and understanding basic formation runes. That "Miscellaneous Discussions on Artifact Refining" was read over and over by him. Though the "heart-refining" method within was abstruse and difficult, those basic artifact refining concepts and material knowledge greatly broadened his horizons. He became even more certain that that frying pan was no ordinary object, and "heart-refining" might be the only path to truly unlocking its mysteries. At night when warming the frying pan, he was even more attentive. Though progress remained maddeningly slow, he enjoyed it, able to clearly feel that subtle connection between himself and the pan was strengthening bit by bit.
At dusk, it was the unshakable sword technique practice and spell cultivation. The "Light Body Technique," "Concealment Technique," and "Vajra Shield" jade slips Eldest Senior Brother brought became his new cultivation content. The Light Body Technique could improve his movement speed and flexibility; the Concealment Technique concerned life-preservation, especially in situations where he might be tracked; the Vajra Shield was a basic defensive spell, exactly compensating for the singularity of his attack methods. He combined these spells' practice with the basic sword technique, moving and dodging, sword light and spiritual shields intertwining in the limited space of the little courtyard. Though not powerful, he was bit by bit solidifying his combat foundation.
Until deep night, when all sounds were silent, he would only then stop all cultivation, but not to rest. Instead, he lit a Spirit-Nourishing Incense stick, in the curling blue smoke meditating, reviewing the day's harvest, organizing spiritual power, warming his spiritual sense. The Everlasting Spring Art's nourishing effect on the spirit and soul was especially obvious at this time, letting him remain high-spirited even after high-intensity cultivation the next day.
Days like this were monotonous, exhausting, yet incomparably fulfilling. Xiaoqi was like a dry sponge, crazily absorbing all knowledge nutrients that could improve him, squeezing every bit of potential from himself.
The rabbit spirit seemed to also feel Xiaoqi's desperate effort, coming more frequently. Sometimes it would quietly lie by the medicine patch watching him cultivate; sometimes it would bring some better-looking low-grade spirit herbs to the door, then silently leave. Its spirituality grew higher and higher—even once, when Xiaoqi practiced the Concealment Technique, it actually subconsciously curled up, its aura becoming extremely faint, as if merged into the environment.
His master saw Xiaoqi's efforts, feeling gratified in his heart, and his guidance became even more attentive. Occasionally, he would also mention some strange tales and anecdotes from the cultivation world, or his understanding of the Dao and mental state, subtly broadening Xiaoqi's horizons and heart.
Time quietly passed in this tense yet orderly secluded cultivation.
One month, two months...
Xiaoqi's cultivation, pushed by massive resources and bitter cultivation, steadily advanced toward late Qi Refining. Though still some distance from breaking through, his spiritual power's purity and thickness far exceeded the same level. The "Everlasting Spring Art's" "endless life" meaning had initially merged into his spiritual power characteristics, making his recovery ability and endurance far surpass ordinary people.
In alchemy, he could already independently and successfully refine the most basic "Fasting Pills" and "Qi Recovery Powder." Though success rate wasn't high and quality only lower-grade, this was a breakthrough from nothing to something. Fire control techniques, especially with the frying pan's assistance, advanced rapidly.
Artifact refining knowledge accumulated quite a bit, and the "heart-refining" of that frying pan was still slow, but that mysterious connection between him and the pan grew increasingly clear. He could even vaguely feel that within the pan body, there seemed to exist some extremely complex, fine energy pathways like human meridians—just the vast majority were in a dormant, blocked state.
The three spells of Light Body Technique, Concealment Technique, and Vajra Shield were also initially mastered. Though not tested in actual combat, when employed they already had a proper form.
This day, Xiaoqi finished a day's cultivation, standing in the courtyard, feeling the surging spiritual power and increasingly resilient spirit and soul within, slowly clenching his fists.
He raised his head, looking at the scattered stars in the night sky. Starlight was cold, yet firmly shining, no matter how the world's winds and clouds changed.
Outside pressure remained, and undercurrents still surged.
But he was no longer that youth who still had panic in his heart when just encountering probes.
The determination for secluded cultivation was like bedrock, unswerving.