C18 Aura Converger

Given that the Inner Sect disciples were outnumbered by the Outer Sect disciples by about ten to one, their living arrangements were not as uniform as those of the Outer Sect, who resided together in several large houses. The accommodations for the Inner Sect disciples were significantly more comfortable, with every pair sharing a quaint pavilion. These quarters were serene and tranquil, with spiritual energy far denser than that of the Outer Sect.

Ye Xuan and Mu Hua were assigned to the same charming pavilion, which was split into two levels. They could each choose either the upper or lower floor. After a brief discussion, Ye Xuan opted for the upper level, leaving Mu Hua to settle on the lower level.

Upon reaching the upper floor, Ye Xuan was pleasantly surprised by the room's layout. It was thoughtfully arranged, well-lit, and well-ventilated—a stark contrast to the spartan accommodations he had experienced in the Outer Sect.

After getting acquainted with his new surroundings, Ye Xuan retired to the bedroom for some much-needed rest. The recent examination had taken its toll on his energy. Seated cross-legged on the soft bed, he entered a meditative state for cultivation. Invisible strands of cosmic energy in the air coalesced and flowed into Ye Xuan's body. With the infusion of cosmic energy, the subtle signs of fatigue on his face gradually dissipated until they vanished completely. After an hour of cultivation, Ye Xuan opened his eyes, which now sparkled with a sharp, piercing light.

He pushed himself off the bed and stood, stretching his limbs as a symphony of crackling bones filled the air. Ye Xuan exhaled deeply, ridding his body of the impurities expelled during his cultivation. The vital force within him had grown ever so slightly during that hour.

This modest increase in vital force should not be underestimated. Every powerful cultivator has achieved their formidable abilities through relentless, daily cultivation, amassing power over years of unwavering dedication. They possess the might to rend the heavens and reshape the earth.

Intermittent effort, like fishing for three days and sun-drying nets for two, only erodes one's resolve. It is through daily, consistent cultivation that one can amass power and unleash their true potential when it counts. Ye Xuan was well aware of this principle, and thus, his dedication to cultivation remained unshaken, come rain or shine.

Gazing out the window at the early morning sky, Ye Xuan decided to take a stroll around the Inner Sect. Descending the stairs, he noticed Mu Hua sharing tea with a young lady seated on a chair. This was Bai Lan'er, the same girl Ye Xuan had encountered in the herbal garden. Dressed in a light blue gown that accentuated her shapely figure, she sported a pair of charming twin ponytails that bounced energetically as she sipped her tea.

Hearing footsteps, both Mu Hua and Bai Lan'er looked up, greeting Ye Xuan with gentle smiles.

"Ye Xuan, you've finally come down. Sister Bai has been waiting for you for quite some time," Mu Hua said, approaching Ye Xuan and clapping him on the shoulder.

"Waiting for me?" Ye Xuan asked, puzzled. Mu Hua could only offer a helpless shrug, indicating he was also in the dark about Bai Lan'er's reasons.

Bai Lan'er gracefully rose to her feet and approached Ye Xuan. "Do you need something?" Ye Xuan inquired, as she neared him.

"You should call me Sister Bai," she corrected him with a playful roll of her eyes.

"But you're younger than me; isn't it a bit odd to call you Senior Sister?" Ye Xuan remarked, noting her delicate yet petite stature.

Bai Lan'er huffed, "Does it really matter who's older? It's about who joined the sect first."

Unable to win the argument, Ye Xuan conceded with a sigh, "Sister Bai."

"Good, that's better. I'll let your earlier slip-up slide," Bai Lan'er said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

Ye Xuan addressed the girl before him, who bore the innocence of youth, "Sister Bai, did you need something from us?"

"Indeed, I did. You helped me out last time, and even though we shared the rewards, I still feel like I came out ahead."

"If it weren't for your help, I would have ended up empty-handed, and I might have even sustained some serious injuries."

"So, today, I'll act as your guide within the Inner Sect. I'll show you around as a way of repaying the small favor you did for me."

Bai Lan'er said this while gazing into Ye Xuan's eyes, which were as serene as an ancient pond.

Ye Xuan and Mu Hua exchanged a glance and nodded subtly. They had planned to explore the Inner Sect that day anyway, and Bai Lan'er's offer to guide them was timely. With Sister Bai, who knew the Inner Sect well, they would avoid aimlessly wandering and save a lot of time.

"Then we'll be in your debt, Sister Bai, for showing us newcomers around the Inner Sect," Ye Xuan said with a smile to Bai Lan'er.

Bai Lan'er appeared to relish the way Ye Xuan spoke to her, a pleased expression blooming on her petite face as she gently nodded her snow-white chin.

"Follow me, then. Let's head to a sanctuary of cultivation within the Inner Sect," Bai Lan'er said, tossing her cute ponytail behind her and stepping out of the pavilion with a light gait. Ye Xuan and Mu Hua quickly followed, both keenly interested in the sanctuary of cultivation Bai Lan'er had mentioned.

As the trio made their way along the wooded paths of the Inner Sect, many curious glances were cast their way, mostly centered on Bai Lan'er, while Ye Xuan and Mu Hua were largely overlooked.

After some time, Ye Xuan noticed that many disciples were all heading in the same direction, as if drawn by something ahead.

"Do you know what the biggest difference is between the Inner Sect and the Outer Sect?" Bai Lan'er asked, batting her bright, adorable eyes at Ye Xuan and Mu Hua.

"I've heard that there's a place within the Inner Sect that houses a special magic circle. Meditating there allows one to absorb spiritual energy at a much faster rate than in the outside world. This magic circle is a type of Aura Converger, part of the first level of necromancy, aptly named the Aura Converger," Ye Xuan elaborated, his refined articulation causing Bai Lan'er's eyes to light up with interest.

"You really do know your stuff," Bai Lan'er complimented Ye Xuan. It was surprising for a newcomer to be so familiar with the Inner Sect's exclusive Aura Converger. She had planned to impress them with her knowledge, but Ye Xuan turned out to be quite informed.

"To practice within the Aura Converger, you need Spirit Value. I heard you came in first and were awarded three hundred Spirit Value—that's a substantial sum," Bai Lan'er said to Ye Xuan with a smile.

"It was just a bit of good fortune," Ye Xuan responded, dismissing the topic with a wave of his hand. His gaze was fixed on the large pavilion that was coming into clearer view as they approached. The pavilion, a single-story structure cloaked in black, exuded a sense of sturdiness.

Upon reaching the pavilion, they looked up at the grand inscription above the entrance: Etherwell Chamber.

"Thanks to the Aura Converger inside the Etherwell Chamber, the spiritual energy here is far denser than outside. Training here can be incredibly efficient," Bai Lan'er explained.

"Inside the Etherwell Chamber, there's an Aura Converger Praying Mat that's directly linked to the Aura Converger. A groove in the stone tablet in front of the mat is where you insert the Purple Card, which then generates a light barrier around the mat," she continued.

"The barrier is designed to prevent spiritual energy from escaping. The stone tablet's groove has five levels indicating the density of the energy. The further down you go, the more spiritual energy is released from the mat, but it also means a greater consumption of Spirit Value."

Once inside the Etherwell Chamber, Bai Lan'er enthusiastically detailed the features to Ye Xuan and Mu Hua. With her thorough briefing, they grasped the intricacies of the cultivation method.

Bai Lan'er watched them, barely concealing her delight as they appeared keen to test out the Aura Converger, clearly piqued by her introduction.

After exchanging a glance, Ye Xuan and Mu Hua each chose an unoccupied Praying Mat nearby, ready to see for themselves if the Aura Converger was as extraordinary as Bai Lan'er had described.

After witnessing the pair settle onto their meditation cushions to begin their cultivation practice, Bai Lan'er chose a cushion nearby and commenced her own cultivation.