Chapter 124 - 110: Descending the Mountain

Chapter 124: Chapter 110: Descending the Mountain

As the morning sun rose in the east, several hundred people had already gathered. The auras unconsciously emanating from the Outer Sect Cultivators in the first few rows revealed they were all in the Late Period of Qi Cultivation.

"Only those... in the Late Period of Qi Cultivation are qualified to sit in the first three rows." Noticing the flash of curiosity in Zhao Zuo’s eyes, Zhao Qingmeng couldn’t help but point this out.

She had wandered around for a bit before returning to Zhao Zuo’s side.

"Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

Zhao Zuo didn’t reply, resuming his mental practice of drawing the Heavy Mountain Spirit Patterns.

About half an hour later, the surrounding chatter suddenly ceased. Zhao Zuo slowly opened his eyes. An old man in a red Taoist Robe now stood on the stage. His posture was ramrod straight, and while his face showed his age, he radiated immense vitality, and his eyes were crystal clear.

He held a long staff that looked like a tree branch. Three emerald-green leaves grew from its tip, emitting a soft light that seemed to wash over the crowd in serene waves.

Zhao Zuo felt his mind become more Pure Quiet than ever before, and his focus sharpened completely.

"So it’s Steward Mo’s class," Zhao Qingmeng whispered.

"I see that most of the disciples here today are in the Middle Period of Qi Cultivation, so let’s discuss the breakthrough to the Late Period!"

At these words, Zhao Zuo immediately focused his full attention. ’This concerns my own path; I can’t afford the slightest carelessness.’

Steward Mo’s voice was very gentle, and he taught in a gradual, easy-to-understand manner. He summarized simple points in a few sentences, while taking more time to explain profound concepts. Compared to the experience Shen Yunjiao had shared, his explanation was far more detailed and covered how to handle many different situations.

"Throughout the Qi Cultivation Realm, the breakthrough to the Late Period is the only hurdle that can be fatal. It tests a Cultivator’s mentality, will, and physical fortitude, making it a weaker version of the trial for Foundation Establishment."

The red-robed steward’s voice echoed across the platform and spread even further. Even the disciples who were already in the Late Period of Qi Cultivation listened with rapt attention.

After finishing a key point, the red-robed steward took a couple of sips of clear tea to moisten his throat.

Down in the audience, someone raised their right hand, clearly wanting to ask a question.

"The disciple there, please ask."

The Outer Sect disciple rose calmly, bowed in thanks, and then asked his question.

"Why is the breakthrough to the Late Period of Qi Cultivation dangerous enough to cause death? Is it because one’s physical constitution isn’t strong enough?"

"That... is a very good question." Steward Mo smiled and continued.

"There are two common explanations for this in the Cultivation Realm. The first is that cultivation in the Qi Cultivation Stage is a process of continuously expanding the Dantian’s capacity to store Mana. However, the human body has a limit of six such expansions. Therefore, the seventh expansion is equivalent to shattering that limit, which makes it far more dangerous."

"The other explanation," Steward Mo said, "is that the trial of the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer is a test from the Heavenly Dao for all Cultivators."

After receiving his answer, the disciple cupped his hands in thanks and sat back down.

"Of course, there’s no need to lose heart or feel hopeless. Thanks to the efforts of our predecessors, there are now many safety nets for the breakthrough to the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer. For example, if you prepare items for Heart Protection and Protective Veins, as well as Replenishing Essence Pills, you won’t necessarily die even if you fail. At worst, you will just be weakened for a period of time."

Zhao Zuo mentally noted the types of Pill Medicine Steward Mo had mentioned. ’Pills for Protective Veins and Replenishing Essence Pills are quite common, but that Heart-Protecting Pill... I’ve never heard of it. I’ll need to ask around and prepare a few sets of Pill Medicines for the breakthrough to the Late Period.’

’Better to be safe than sorry.’

Steward Mo then introduced some Spiritual Objects that could be used as substitutes for Pill Medicines. Some of these Spiritual Objects were even far more effective than their pill counterparts. For instance, the Heart-Protecting Lotus was much more potent than the Heart-Protecting Pill.

Zhao Zuo listened intently from start to finish. The gaps in his foundational knowledge were rapidly being filled. He now felt he had a solid grasp of the process for breaking through to the Late Period.

He was so engrossed in the lecture that he lost all track of time.

He could now obtain this once-invaluable knowledge at no cost. ’So this is what it means to have a great tree providing shade.’

"Alright, that will be all for today," Steward Mo said.

"And one last thing..."

"On the path of Cultivation, do not neglect the cultivation of your will. Only a strong will can overcome adversity and allow you to become the Dominator of your self."

"Sword Intent, saber intent... these are nothing more than manifestations of will."

A thoughtful expression appeared on Zhao Zuo’s face. ’This is a concept I’ve never encountered before.’

"Something like ’will’ is not a Realm people like us can hope to attain," Zhao Qingmeng suddenly interjected, as if trying to dissuade Zhao Zuo from any unrealistic notions. "Among the thousands of disciples in the entire Moyun Sect, only the former True Inheritor Chief—now the Punishment Elder—has mastered Sword Intent."

"True. I’m hardly a genius," Zhao Zuo sighed.

Zhao Zuo knew he could never become so singularly obsessed with the sword.

During the break, Zhao Zuo drank some cool water and waited patiently for the next lecture.

Each lecture session had three parts, lasting a total of six two-hour periods.

About a quarter of an hour later, a thin old man in grey robes appeared on the stage. He held a fist-sized purple incense burner and had the transcendent air of an immortal.

’It’s him! The Alchemist who was being all ambiguous with Zhao Qingmeng in public. I can’t believe he’s not a disciple, but an Outer Sect Steward.’

"My surname is Tian. Today’s lecture will be on how to control the temperature of the flame during Alchemy."