Chapter 413 295: Taking It Seriously

'The Blood Strengthening realm... cultivating Qi and Blood, increasing Physical Ability, strengthening the body...'

Zhao Xuanqi's thoughts stirred. 'Even though the worlds are different, the names have changed, and the cultivation methods vary, the essence is largely the same. This so-called Blood Strengthening realm is probably equivalent to the Cross-Training realm from the Martial Arts Secret Transmissions.'

He was, however, more interested in this world's methods for applying power.

From the high platform, Hua Guangcan continued explaining to the many New Disciples how to draw the Blood Qi Rune. Then, he had the Skill Transmission Disciples fetch paper and brushes and distribute them to everyone.

"Special-made Cinnabar is quite valuable. For now, you will use ink as a substitute. Only after you become proficient at drawing the Technique and pass an assessment can you receive Special-made Cinnabar and proceed to the next stage of training."

"And remember, when I say 'proficient,' I don't just mean drawing on a flat surface, nor do I mean only with your dominant hand. In a combat situation, if you have a sudden encounter with Evil Spirits, they won't give you time to draw a Technique. They will end your lives as quickly as possible."

"Therefore, the upcoming assessment requires you to complete the Blood Qi Rune on both your left and right palms within three breaths—all while running. Only by doing so will you pass and be able to receive Special-made Cinnabar for the next stage. This is the most basic requirement. You must remember that any detail can mean the difference between life and death, success and failure. The speed at which you draw the Technique can even determine the outcome of a battle. You must not take this lightly."

"Are there any other questions?"

Hua Guangcan asked the crowd slowly.

"Steward, if we tattoo the Technique onto our bodies, wouldn't that save us the time spent practicing it?"

Someone raised their hand and asked.

"Once a Technique is drawn, it begins to react with the body. Even if you don't activate it with Blood Qi, your Physical Ability will be slowly consumed for as long as the Technique exists. You could even exhaust all your strength and die. Therefore, when a Technique is not in use, you must wipe it from your body."

"Furthermore, you might need more than one type of Technique in a battle. Having a specific Technique tattooed on your body will interfere with the execution of others, which is a foolish thing to do. However, if the corresponding Technique is drawn onto a talisman using a special method, it can be activated when needed, saving you the drawing process. But talismans are difficult to make and expensive, so they can't be used as a conventional tool."

"As they say, the Celestial Dao rewards the diligent. There are no shortcuts on the path of cultivation. To gain anything, you must pay the price."

Hua Guangcan answered.

Afterward, a few more New Disciples boldly asked questions, all of which Hua Guangcan answered in turn.

"All right, begin your individual practice. Outside of this morning's lesson, you will spend all your time today becoming proficient at drawing the Technique. If anyone believes they've mastered it, come find me for the assessment."

Seeing that there were no more questions, Hua Guangcan said flatly.

Soon, the Skill Transmission Disciples brought out the materials for everyone to practice with.

Each person was given half a bucket of black ink, which was a specially made solution. The color was very faint when applied to the hand and would vanish completely once it dried.

Once they had the ink, everyone immediately began dipping their fingers into it and practicing how to draw the Blood Qi Rune on their palms.

This was the most basic of Techniques, so its structure was relatively simple, and the stroke pattern wasn't too difficult. It was fairly easy to learn and memorize. After about an hour of practice, many of the New Disciples could grasp the basic structure of the Technique.

However, everyone has a dominant hand. While mastering the skill with one's dominant hand was relatively easy, it became incredibly difficult when they switched to their non-dominant hand.

For example, when a grown man throws a stone with his dominant hand, he naturally looks powerful and commanding. But if he uses his non-dominant hand, his movements become more awkward and effeminate than a girl's.

If such a simple action as throwing a stone was like that, what more for drawing a Technique more complex than any written word?

Furthermore, being able to draw it steadily wasn't enough. The assessment required them to complete the drawing while running *and* within a time limit, which made things even harder.

While practicing with their non-dominant hands, many New Disciples made awkward motions with contorted expressions, scratching their heads in frustration. It was as if their own bodies no longer belonged to them.

As the sun climbed higher, the sunlight grew scorching and the temperature rose. Many disciples began to sweat profusely, a sense of anxiety rising in their hearts. Yet, Hua Guangcan showed no intention of letting them move to a shadier place to practice.

Cultivation was about training the body, but even more so about training the mind. If one couldn't even control their own mental state, what hope was there for advancement?

Hua Guangcan lightly stroked his beard, observing the performance of the disciples.

'Generally speaking, an ordinary person without training would find it difficult to meet the assessment's standard without a week of practice,' he thought. 'Those with decent talent take three to five days. The even more remarkable ones—it's not unheard of for them to pass within a day. It took me two days to pass this assessment. I wonder how this batch of New Disciples will do.'

Meanwhile, Zhao Xuanqi dipped his finger in the ink and, in a flash, completed the drawing of the Blood Qi Rune on his palm.

Not just on one palm, but on both.

'This body has no lingering will to get in my way. With my powerful Spirit, my experience, and the bodily control of a Martial Arts Master, drawing this basic Technique is child's play. There's no difficulty whatsoever.'

'In fact, I could stand up and pass the assessment right now, effortlessly.'