C5 In Class

"Now, let's begin our lesson," Lee Xuan cleared his throat and began, "Our first task is to become aware of the presence of spiritual energy between heaven and earth."

"Cultivation is akin to becoming one with nature. Essentially, your being should merge seamlessly with the cosmos, as if you are the very essence of this realm, and the universe breathes with you. It's said that humans follow the laws of the earth, the earth follows the laws of the heavens, the heavens follow the Dao, and all are interconnected in the breath of the cosmos. To be one with nature is to embody the Dao."

Noticing the four students looking somewhat bewildered, Lee Xuan instructed them to close their eyes.

With their eyes closed, they heard Lee Xuan's soothing voice, "Imagine yourself adrift in an endless sea, like a solitary boat or a fallen leaf, gently floating on the water's surface. In this moment, you are the embodiment of simplicity and nature."

"The breeze caresses you, and you drift with the currents, merging with the world around you. You are an indispensable part of this scene, akin to the radiant moon, a twinkling star, or the blazing sun, amidst the drifting clouds."

Under Lee Xuan's guidance, the four students gradually entered a meditative state, their breathing slowing to a peaceful rhythm.

Lee Xuan observed them, his concern growing. The concentration of spiritual energy in this world was not strong, and even with the aid of the Spirit Gathering Array, it was only average compared to the cultivation world.

Moreover, Zhang Yi and Qiao Yun possessed only a medium-grade Spirit Root, which meant their sensitivity to spiritual energy was somewhat limited.

He worried they might end up mistaking him for a charlatan.

After some time, everyone except Loong Ling emerged from their meditative state.

The three exchanged glances, and Zhuh Feng inquired if the others had experienced anything.

Zhang Yi, frustrated, exclaimed, "Experience? I fell asleep!"

Beside him, Qiao Yun's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she admitted, "I fell asleep too."

Zhuh Feng, pensive, shared, "I did sense something vague and extraordinary. It's hard to describe, but it felt like all the meridians in my body were opening up and stretching."

Lee Xuan nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Zhuh Feng's sensitivity to the Spirit Vein was indeed superior to the other two. He was already on the cusp of a breakthrough.

The trio suddenly remembered Lee Xuan and turned to him with hopeful eyes, seeking guidance.

Lee Xuan gestured for silence and pointed towards Loong Ling, who was deep in meditation at the side.

Realizing Loong Ling was still immersed in her practice, they immediately quieted down, not wanting to interrupt her focus.

Loong Ling's presence was calm and rhythmic, with a wisp of mist swirling around her. Out of nowhere, a current of air was drawn into her, filling her being.

After what seemed an eternity, Loong Ling let out a deep breath.

Opening her eyes, she perceived the world with newfound clarity.

The other three rushed to Loong Ling's side, eager to know her condition.

With a shy blush, Loong Ling met their concerned looks and admitted, "I'm not sure if I've succeeded."

"Describe what you felt," Lee Xuan prompted.

"It's as though the whole world is crystal clear. I can see every detail up to ten meters away, from blades of grass to the tiniest ants—all within my field of vision."

"Stand up," he instructed.

Loong Ling rose to her feet, following Lee Xuan's direction. He scooped up a handful of pebbles and tossed them at her without channeling any Spiritual Qi.

To Loong Ling, the pebbles seemed to move in slow motion. She effortlessly sidestepped, catching one mid-air and crushing it to dust that scattered on the breeze.

"Congratulations, you've made it," Lee Xuan said, beaming with pride.

Internally, Lee Xuan was impressed. An Earth Grade Spirit Root truly was remarkable!

A surge of excitement washed over Loong Ling's face as she exclaimed joyfully, "Yes, I'm a Cultivator now!"

Seeing Loong Ling's success, the others couldn't help but feel a twinge of urgency, their eyes pleading with Lee Xuan.

Turning to Loong Ling, Lee Xuan encouraged, "Share with us how you achieved this breakthrough."

Loong Ling settled down and, after a moment of thought, shared with the trio, "It's like I'm in a dream, in a pond with one white and one black fish. I kept playing with them, and then they seemed to swim into my body. That's when I woke up."

"Man, I was almost asleep too. I thought I couldn't doze off, but then I just woke up," Zhang Yi remarked.

Subsequently, the three resumed their cross-legged positions and entered a meditative state as Lee Xuan had previously instructed.

Lee Xuan approached Loong Ling and took her hand. Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she found Lee Xuan's hand surprisingly warm and comforting. Gazing up at Lee Xuan, who stood a good half-head taller, his handsome features left her feeling somewhat elated.

"Well done, you've reached the second level of Qi Refining," Lee Xuan said, releasing her hand and snapping Loong Ling out of her reverie.

"Ah?" Loong Ling blushed even more deeply as she realized she had been daydreaming.

She had thought...

Lee Xuan coughed, masking his own awkwardness. Having lived two lifetimes, he could easily guess Loong Ling's thoughts. But this system, requiring him to touch another's hand to sense their energy, was truly inconvenient.

He resolved to find an opportunity to upgrade this ability—it was just too awkward.

Lee Xuan moved to observe the other three, noting their steady, rhythmic breathing. He silently nodded, recognizing their close encounter with a pivotal threshold. It remained to be seen whether they could cross it.

Suddenly, their breathing became hurried. Lee Xuan knew they were growing impatient.

"Steady your breath, don't rush! Feel the Qi that flows through the heavens and the earth," he instructed calmly.

Lee Xuan's brow furrowed as their breathing steadied, yet the elusive threshold seemed to drift further away. He quickly positioned himself behind them and channeled a stream of his spiritual energy into the nape of their necks, aiding them in their quest to grasp the essence of Spiritual Qi.

Time passed, and the day shifted from morning to evening. The waning light of the training field bathed the three figures in a warm glow.

The three individuals abruptly opened their eyes, their faces lighting up with a hint of surprise. As Loong Ling had described, their vision had indeed become sharper.

They leapt to their feet in excitement, only to discover that they could now jump nearly half their own height. They exchanged glances, their faces alight with the thrill of their newfound abilities.

Were they Cultivators now?

Lee Xuan clapped his hands and announced, "Well done, all of you. Congratulations, you have now officially crossed the threshold into the world of Immortal Cultivation. From here on out, you must continue to strive for excellence!"

Upon seeing Lee Xuan, the trio immediately knelt down. Zhang Yi apologized, "We're sorry for our earlier ignorance. We should never have doubted you."

Zhuh Feng and Qiao Yun chimed in agreement, realizing that they had been drifting away from the mystical black and white fish until a mysterious energy had entered their bodies, drawing the fish closer. Who else could have been responsible for this but Lee Xuan?

With a wave of his hand, Lee Xuan helped them to their feet. "Now that you've joined my Qingyun, you must redouble your efforts," he said calmly. Turning to Loong Ling, he instructed, "Take them to the dormitory, the same one you stayed in last night. Each of you can choose a room."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a sword zipped across the sky. Lee Xuan sprang onto it and soared away, leaving the four onlookers blinking in astonishment.

Could he truly fly on a sword?