Cultivation nerd a xianx.., p.14
Cultivation Nerd: A Xianxia Progression Fantasy, page 14
The old granny waited patiently until I finally grew fatigued, offering only a nonchalant hum when I ceased. Thankfully, my legs didn’t ache more than they would from a brief run. The Turtle Shell Body was perfect for what I had lacked.
“Since I’m not free, may I inquire about what’s happening outside?” I asked, retrieving the tea I had set aside. Its flavor mirrored the tea I often enjoyed with the old janitor.
“Well, a Spring of Power was discovered near Greengrass Town, and someone managed to steal it right from under our noses. There’s now a hunt for the thief,” she explained, her expression clouding with disapproval. “At least that bastard’s nephew didn’t get his hands on it.”
The notion of someone stealing from a prestigious sect like ours sounded straight out of xianxia protagonist material. Stealing such a valuable resource that sects invested considerable effort to obtain required exceptional skill and audacity. Even when rival sects were involved, such resources were safeguarded with the utmost vigilance, given their critical importance in cultivation.
Stealing something of that magnitude was akin to making a horde of enemies, each eager to exact revenge.
I often joked about the tropes of xianxia protagonists. But this situation really resembled one—a character who stole from dangerous sects and formidable adversaries, only to find his own clan targeted once his adversaries couldn’t apprehend him. Some were hypocritical enough to decry their enemies as dishonorable scum for such acts, conveniently ignoring their own similar tactics.
Did something as ridiculous as someone favored by the heavens actually exist? An actual protagonist?
I was curious, since if they did exist, I would have to reconsider everything I knew about this world…
17
ADVANCING
A week had passed since I began practicing the Rushing Bull Step in my cell. Little had changed aside from my continued training regimen.
The prison environment had grown increasingly dull. The initial sense of novelty had faded, leaving a longing for the simple pleasures I once took for granted—like sharing tea with the old man or venturing into the forest to inhale the clean air before demolishing a few trees.
To alleviate the monotony, I conducted some tests and compared my current stats to those from the previous assessment. One number caught my attention as I recorded my findings, prompting a frown of confusion. “This can’t be right.”
Name: Liu Feng
Age: 16
Talent: C (53 Spiritual Root branches)
Cultivation: Body Tempering (eight-star)
Strength – 7.7 → 7.9
Agility – 7.5 → 7.9
Endurance – 7.9 → 8.2
Qi – 0
Techniques:
– Piercing Fang Fist (Mortal Grade)
– Rushing Bull Step (Mortal Grade)
– Turtle Shell Body (Mortal Grade)
It made no sense. Liu Feng’s past experiences breaking through minor realms contradicted this outcome.
Liu Feng had previously relied on pills that forcefully strengthened his body to achieve breakthroughs—a method considered normal in cultivation circles. It had felt as though his body was being torn apart, utilizing pills to stimulate muscle growth, cleanse bone marrow, and eliminate impurities.
How had I seemingly broken through a bottleneck, then? Was my method flawed? Had I miscalculated the numbers somewhere along the line?
“Oh? Already at eight-star Body Tempering? Congratulations,” the old woman remarked. Startling me quite a bit. I hadn’t even noticed her arrival.
Truth be told, I had grown somewhat weary of her presence and conversation. Despite being the sole individual I could interact with, her company left much to be desired.
Nevertheless, as a core elder in the sect, she possessed a wealth of knowledge about cultivation. While I harbored numerous questions—chief among them how she had discerned my breakthrough—many seemed like trivial thoughts of a curious mind. Unlike me, who relied on physical indicators like strength and punch to gauge my progress, she seemingly could assess one’s cultivation level with a glance.
“Well, this breakthrough is as surprising to me as it is to you. I didn’t even feel it passing,” I admitted, furrowing my brow to convey a sense of concern. In matters of cultivation, being an outlier could lead to unforeseen consequences. I had no desire to be such an anomaly when I knew so little. “What do you think caused it?”
“Likely a combination of factors, such as real life-and-death experiences and you training every waking minute,” she replied calmly, indicating she had already discerned the underlying reasons. “Also, you don’t seem to have used pills.”
As expected of a core elder, her insight into cultivation was extensive. This development didn’t seem like a bad thing.
“While elixirs and pills often worsen bottlenecks, especially the cheaper stuff, they can also quicken progress and save considerable time. If someone were to train for an hour a day with pills, it would yield results equivalent to training around the clock without them,” she advised, her gaze sharpening as it always did when she was about to say something important. “Finding a balance between pill usage and training is crucial. Additionally, allow your body time to recuperate from the impurities left by pills and elixirs. Pushing yourself to extremes, working sixteen-hour days, and piling on pills could prove dangerous, potentially resulting in permanent damage. I knew someone in my youth whose dantian ruptured due to greed and overconsumption of pills while fatigued. However, concerns like dantian ruptures are typically reserved for higher realms.”
I contemplated her words, committing them to memory. Overall, it seemed that while pills could offer shortcuts and expedite progress, they carried their own set of risks and pitfalls.
For me, rushing through cultivation in my youth held little appeal. I wanted to savor the journey, experiencing cultivation without the need for shortcuts. After all, I had my entire youth ahead of me and intended to make the most of it.
This wasn’t the kind of experience one could enjoy twice. The joy of cultivating, even the mundane aspects, held a special allure for me. Skipping through it would be akin to missing the climax of a thrilling movie!
No, I had no intention of tainting my body with those pills. Who even tested them? What human trials were conducted, and what about long-term effects? I doubted anyone cared much; users were likely more concerned with immediate Qi gains than future consequences.
Perhaps when I grew older and found myself unable to progress, or if I fell too far behind my peers, I might consider pills and elixirs. But for now, I was content. Besides, I wasn’t exactly flush with spirit stones, so the choice wasn’t entirely mine to make.
For now, reveling in day-long training sessions brought me more satisfaction. There was little entertainment better than feeling the power course through my body as if I were living in a dream.
Following the interview, I anticipated another day dedicated to training. However, a few hours after the old woman’s mandatory visit, during which she shared anecdotes about her granddaughter’s sweetness and other trivialities, an inner disciple arrived with an impeccable blue robe and a gray one in hand.
“This is for you. As of today, you’re free. After a thorough investigation, the elders have concluded that you’re innocent and have no connection to the events outside.”
“I still don’t know exactly what happened,” I remarked. “Can I at least learn why I ended up here?”
The inner disciple nodded and closed the door behind him, likely activating any silence array embedded in the cell. Despite hearing doors opening nearby, I never caught a whisper from neighboring cells. Silence arrays seemed the only logical explanation—unless I was the sole prisoner and they were going to needless, extraordinary lengths to deceive me.
“Nobody is entirely sure what happened. Apparently, some treasure surfaced, leading to the deaths of a few outer elders and the injury of an inner elder,” he explained. “I’m sorry, but even we inner disciples aren’t privy to all the details.”
At least he was respectful, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the kindness I had encountered from most inner disciples thus far. It made sense; the young masters likely wouldn’t be tasked with such mundane duties.
As we exited the cell, the absence of the inner elder who usually manned the desk caught my attention. The distant light from the cave entrance beckoned, and I spotted a boat waiting at the edge—a floating vessel akin to the one that had brought me here.
Stepping onto the seemingly ordinary wooden boat felt peculiar; one would expect it to sway, yet it remained as rigid as a rock.
Heh, magical boats were rather remarkable.
Finding a comfortable spot proved futile; this was just like any other small wooden boat in that department.
“Do you know where I could get one of these?” I inquired.
Seated across from me, the inner disciple met my gaze. “Yes, but it’s rather impractical for anything beyond transportation, given its slow speed. Also, I’m unsure if outer disciples can possess items that enable them to fly over the sect’s walls.”
“Fly over the walls? Isn’t there a barrier array meant to prevent entry and exit?” I questioned.
“Probably. I haven’t tested it,” he said with a shrug. “Where should I drop you off?”
“Just somewhere in the nearby forest. I’ll find my way back,” I replied.
Navigating back would be easy, with the library tower serving as a landmark. However, for now, I enjoyed the thought of resting beneath the shade of a tree after a rigorous training session. It was the simple pleasures in life that one learned to appreciate, and prison had been sorely lacking in such comforts.
The inner disciple regarded me with a quizzical expression. But given the recent events, he was rather nonchalant and listened to my request without insistence. No doubt, he, too, wished to return promptly to his cultivation training—I knew that feeling well.
As soon as my feet touched the grass, I felt as light as a leaf carried by the wind. The crisp outside air enveloped me as I plopped down and rolled in the grass, eventually settling with the little turtle resting on my chest.
After a brief pause, the next moves were clear. I changed into my sect uniform, which the disciple had given me. I went to the dining hall, where I fetched two cups of tea, and walked toward the towering library in the distance.
The library greeted me with its familiar atmosphere, bustling with disciples engaged in various activities. The librarian acknowledged me with a nod and a faint smile, but otherwise, his reaction was subdued.
Scanning the room, I searched for the old goat to no avail. Just as I was about to ask the librarian, something nudged me to the side, and there stood the old guy.
“What took you so long to notice me, brat? Were you deliberately ignoring me to be rude?” he grumbled, his tone laced with aggression.
But that was the old man for you—always blunt. With a polite smile, I handed him his cup of tea. “Here. Take care of your tea addiction, old man.”
He huffed, accepting the tea begrudgingly. “Well, it’s good to see you back, kid.”
“I’m glad to be back,” I replied, a genuine smile gracing my lips.
Everything seemed to have returned to normal… or had it?
An uncomfortable sensation gnawed at my stomach. The tales of stolen treasures from the auction, the mysterious explosion, the Spring of Power—they lingered in my thoughts, breeding a sense of unease. Perhaps it was just paranoia, but something felt off.
I had entertained thoughts of protagonists and clichéd novels, but the likelihood of such a scenario seemed slim. The notion of someone favored by the heavens advancing at an unprecedented pace felt more like fiction than reality. However, my situation made such things much easier to believe.
Personally, I harbored little concern for others’ cultivation speeds. I had long realized that comparing oneself to others was a futile endeavor. Each person moved at their own pace, and comparisons only led to disappointment.
Even if there were heaven’s favorites out there, as long as they stayed far away from me, I’d continue training in my Mortal Grade Martial Arts as always. Complaining or getting angry about such things was futile; it would only distract me from my training. The world was unfair, and I had accepted that before coming here. Some people were born rich and wouldn’t have to work a day in their lives, while others would have to break their backs to be able to live.
“What’s got you looking so serious?” the old janitor asked.
“As a hardened criminal, I have much to contemplate nowadays,” I joked.
“Heh.” He shook his head. “Hardened criminal? Do you think I don’t know about those cells? They’re better than most mortal houses, and you don’t have to worry about things like the cold or excessive outside noise due to the engraved arrays.”
Actually, the cells were pretty chilly if someone were a mortal, but I decided not to mention that. “You’re just jealous that I’m a hardened criminal now and you’re not.”
“Keep talking nonsense, and I’ll throw this tea in your face,” he threatened, his eyes narrowing. It seemed he might actually do it, but then his demeanor softened, and he sighed. “Just make sure to take care of yourself, kiddo. The world out there is a crazy place.”
Despite our banter, my thoughts drifted back to the peculiar incidents involving the Spring of Power and others. For now, though, I lacked proof of any such occurrences. I resolved to keep an eye out, as everyone who had read a xianxia novel knew that while a heaven’s favorite might benefit from misfortune, they were often surrounded by disaster.
“I’ll have you know that I fought eight guys in prison. All one realm higher than me, and I beat them all to assert dominance,” I boasted.
“Try coming up with a more believable lie,” the old man retorted. “We both know you’re not the type to do that. You’re more of a background guy.”
Damn, he knew me well.
“And as I already told you, I know how comfortable those prisons are,” he added with a knowing grin.
18
HAUNT THIS STICK INSTEAD
My third day out of prison began like many others, with breakfast in the cafeteria.
I had never been much of a breakfast person in my previous life, but since inhabiting Liu Feng’s body, I found myself adopting his habits. I actually quite enjoyed breakfast now. Sometimes, I wondered how much of Liu Feng’s personality I had inherited. It would be worrying if I started spouting phrases like “you’re courting death.”
But dwelling on such thoughts served no purpose. I knew just how to shake myself out of such ruminations: a grueling twelve-hour training session. After that, I wouldn’t be thinking much of anything.
“Liu Feng!” A familiar voice called out to me, and I knew only one person would address me in the cafeteria.
It was the overweight guy whose name I hadn’t bothered to learn yet. I regretted not asking him when I took over as Liu Feng. Now, asking would be too awkward. Despite that, he was a nice guy and good company. He was the only one who kept me informed about the happenings around the sect, as I paid little attention to rumors.
After all, with at least twelve hours of training a day, how could I keep up with gossip?
“Yeah, hi… man,” I replied as he sat beside me, his plate containing a surprisingly modest portion of food.
Was his obesity the result of a technique? Or perhaps he was one of those people who ate little but still ate often.
“You know, I was quite worried about you when the inner disciples came and started asking strange questions. They only mentioned it was for an investigation.” He sighed, finishing his food quickly. Then he turned to me, a concerned expression on his face. “You’re the only friend I have here, and I’d be really sad if you were executed for treason or something.”
His words struck a chord, and I suddenly felt guilty for not knowing his name and being so self-centered since arriving here.
I was a lousy friend.
“You know.” I nodded, meeting his gaze. “I would also be pretty sad if something happened to you, too.”
The young man smiled. “I knew there was a soft side hidden behind that tough exterior.”
“Yeah, yeah, make fun of the tough guy.” I waved him away.
He chuckled at the jest and leaned in closer. “I’ve been hearing rumors about the prison since you were imprisoned. It seems like you got into a bit of a complicated situation.”
“Are you going to tell me what happened already, or are you just going to tell me how screwed I am?” I asked half-jokingly.
“I could keep you in suspense a little longer,” he teased. “But seriously, there’s a whole conspiracy going on. Many cultivators died, even some at the Foundation Establishment level. There were no survivors, not even anyone who witnessed it from afar.”
So, there were no living witnesses to the incident? I felt a rush of relief, knowing I had escaped before getting entangled in such a mess.
However, amidst the chaos, there was a silver lining. The girl I left behind during the fight probably wouldn’t return seeking revenge like a typical villain who miraculously grows stronger. Probably was the keyword here, as one never knew these things.
I could only hope she was not the daughter of some monstrous cultivator or sect leader. It was the main reason I hadn’t mentioned her during the interrogation with the core elder. There was no way to tell who she was. For all I knew, this was just needless worry, and she was some rogue cultivator with no connections.
Still, knowing all this, the village was likely destroyed. I winced at the thought. For ordinary people, clashes between cultivators were akin to natural disasters. It was a shame; the villagers had seemed like good people. Sadly, they were too close to the explosion.
But there was a good chance that the jade-like beauty and perhaps the person she sought had survived the ordeal.
