C23 Initiated

As Wu Shanbao braced himself for another wave of pain to course through his body, a figure emerged silently behind him. Elder Moo, observing Wu Shanbao's drenched form, was somewhat taken aback.

Given his own capabilities, Elder Moo could tell that the fluctuations emanating from Wu Shanbao were the result of his cultivation technique practice. But what was Wu Shanbao's level? Merely at the Body Refining Realm, he should have only been able to achieve a beginner's grasp of the technique. Yet, the Spiritual Force he was generating seemed to surpass even some practitioners' mastery levels!

This kid's cultivation technique was peculiar, indeed.

As Elder Moo pondered, Wu Shanbao could no longer withstand the agony.

Blood spurted from his mouth as he felt the strength in his limbs fading away.

Elder Moo immediately sensed Wu Shanbao's deteriorating mental state and, alarmed, hastened to his side, placing a palm on Wu Shanbao's back.

Elder Moo's face darkened at the sensation of resistance.

The cultivation technique Wu Shanbao was practicing was actively rejecting his power. Elder Moo realized that although it wouldn't be too challenging for him to overcome the technique's resistance with his full strength, doing so could potentially cause irreversible damage to Wu Shanbao's body—a risk Elder Moo was unwilling to take.

With a look of indecision in his eyes, Elder Moo withdrew his hand and sighed deeply.

Kid, whether you succeed in mastering this technique is entirely up to you. I can only step in to save you from losing your mind and ensure your safety.

Wu Shanbao was completely drenched in sweat, his consciousness hanging by a mere thread. He could only muster a wry smile.

Oh, Master, are you setting me up for failure?

As he coughed up another mouthful of blood, Elder Moo was startled, realizing that Wu Shanbao must have reached his physical limits. Spiritual Force swirled in his hands, ready to intervene and abruptly halt the cultivation.

But before Elder Moo could act, an item on the table began to glow, levitating above Wu Shanbao's head.

Elder Moo's gaze sharpened as he realized that the object that had inexplicably taken flight was the wooden sword Wu Shanbao had brought with him.

Taken aback, Elder Moo's actions slowed.

The peach wood sword radiated pulses of light, enveloping Wu Shanbao's body. Despite his fading consciousness, he could feel the pain in his body gradually ebbing away.

What was happening?

Yet, Wu Shanbao had no time to ponder. He sensed the Spiritual Force reaching its climax, the process nearly complete.

Wu Shanbao inhaled deeply, his hand shaping into a palm, as a low groan escaped his lips, mingled with a barely audible chant.

"Fan in hand... ascend... the Nine Heavens, I shall... I shall rise through the Ninefold Skies."

The pain vanished as if by magic when it converged to a single point.

Strength surged through his limbs and torso, warmly cloaking Wu Shanbao. The sensation was indescribably blissful, as though all prior suffering had never existed.

Wu Shanbao's body convulsed uncontrollably. "Have I... have I succeeded?"

Then, he felt hands cradling his voice, and a familiar, somewhat aged voice assured him, "Child, you have succeeded."

In that instant, his guard completely dropped, and Wu Shanbao's world plunged into darkness.

That voice, of course, belonged to Elder Moo, who had been by Wu Shanbao's side throughout. Elder Moo himself seemed bewildered.

He had heard Wu Shanbao's incantation: "Fan in hand, ascend the Nine Heavens, I shall rise through the Ninefold Skies."

A mysterious light stirred in Elder Moo's heart. After a while, he pushed these thoughts aside.

"Such fortune this young one has."

Elder Moo then reached out and grasped the peach wood sword that had hovered in the air, curiously tracing its smooth patterns.

Now, the sword had lost its prior glow, and there were even cracks at the tip.

"It seems... a master crafted this to ensure the child's safety," Elder Moo mused, fondly handling the peach wood sword, reluctant to let it go.

He questioned whether he himself had the skill to create such a peach wood sword.

"Lucky kid," Elder Moo murmured as he gently laid Wu Shanbao on the bed, wiped down his body, and then left without a trace.

Wu Shanbao had no idea how long he had been out cold. When he came to, the distant sound of a rooster crowing reached his ears. Blinking awake, memories of the previous day's events flooded back, and he sprang up from the bed, invigorated by an unfamiliar surge of energy. His expression transformed from confusion to sheer joy.

He had done it! He had truly succeeded!

Tears threatened to spill from Wu Shanbao's eyes in his elation. Despite his overwhelming emotions, his sharp mind was riddled with questions. He had been certain he lost consciousness the day before, so how had he come to wake up? Could it be that the Fan Spirit had revived?

Scanning the room, Wu Shanbao's gaze landed on the peach wood sword resting at the head of his bed. He picked it up, astonished, and noticed the subtle cracks along its surface. A thought struck him as he recalled the light that had saved him earlier.

Could the peach wood sword have been his protector?

This realization brought a lump to his throat. The sword was the last gift from his mother. If it had indeed saved him, it was as if her spirit continued to watch over him.

Holding the peach wood sword close, he inhaled its familiar scent, and for a moment, he was transported back to the blissful days of his childhood, with his parents by his side, free from all worries.

After a lengthy pause, Wu Shanbao reverently placed the sword back on the table. It wasn't that he didn't want to keep it with him, but his simple hemp clothes could only carry so much. Considering his options, he decided the fan should remain close at hand.

Having settled his affairs, Wu Shanbao sat on the bed, lost in thought, until another clear crowing snapped him out of his reverie. He leapt to his feet.

"Oh no, I've got to water the plants! What time is it now?"

Just then, an elderly voice tinged with resignation called from the doorway.

"Young man, you've been asleep for a whole day. You're only waking up now, after the rooster's crowed twice."