Ron knew this was a critical moment; during the last body tempering, this energy had almost torn him apart.
But this time, he had grasped the essentials.
He took a deep breath and began to try to guide this violent energy using the unique rhythm of the Corona Breathing Technique.
At first, this force was still difficult to control, raging through the meridians like a raging fire.
But as the breathing was regulated, the violent energy gradually calmed down and began to run along a specific trajectory.
[Perfect guiding rhythm detected]
Control level: High
Gain additional attribute boost: Constitution +0.2
[Body Condition: 1.2 → 1.4]
Just as the energy was about to be fully guided into the meridians, Ron suddenly felt something strange.
In his perception, the flowing energy seemed to form a pattern, like a miniature sun slowly rotating within his body.
This reminded him of the illusion he saw during his first body tempering, but this time, the image was clearer, and he could even sense a certain profound meaning contained within it.
"Concentrate fully." Andrei's voice suddenly turned serious. "You should be able to see something now."
Indeed, in Ron's perception, the sun was not just a pattern, but more like a manifestation of some kind of pattern.
Its operation is perfectly in sync with the rhythm of the "Corona Breathing Technique".
[Unlock Special Perception: Sun Wheel Rhythm-]
The understanding of positive energy has improved slightly.
[The speed of practicing the "Corona Breathing Technique" has increased slightly.]
"I see." Ron finally understood.
This breathing method is called "Corona Breathing" not only because it can guide energy similar to that of the sun, but also because it imitates the laws of the sun's movement.
As the last bit of energy completely merged into his meridians, Ron slowly opened his eyes. He found Andrei looking at him with a peculiar gaze.
"You," Andrei seemed to want to say something, but hesitated for a moment: "You saw the sun wheel pattern?"
Ron nodded: "Not only did I see it, I also sensed the pattern within it."
"It's unbelievable." Andrei's expression became complicated:
"Even I only had this realization after reaching the second stage of cultivation, and you've only completed your second body tempering."
He didn't finish speaking, but Ron understood what he meant: this understanding of the essence of breathing techniques was far more meaningful than simply completing physical training.
......
On his way back to the dormitory area, Ron kept thinking about his experiences that day.
The reason he was able to maintain the vitality of that glowing star grass was entirely because he unintentionally used the rhythm of the "Corona Breathing Method" while tidying it up.
Each guided breath allows the energy within the medicinal herbs to flow in a specific rhythm.
"What are you thinking about?" Andrei's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"I was thinking," Ron stopped in his tracks, remembering the bottle of artificial stardew:
"Do all extraordinary powers possess a specific 'rhythm'?"
What do you mean?
"Just as starflowers maintain their activity with a specific rhythm, burning essential oils also need to be combined with the rhythm of breathing techniques to be effective."
Ron explained, "So, mental power, is that also true?"
Andrei became interested upon hearing this: "You mean, if we can find the 'rhythm' of mental energy, it might speed up meditation?"
"It's worth a try." Ron nodded. "Mrs. Allen said she would teach me how to prepare simple potions today, and perhaps I can get some inspiration from it."
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the dormitory area.
As soon as I stepped onto the steps, I heard a series of hurried footsteps.
A young woman dressed elegantly but somewhat disheveled hurried past them, her strong perfume masking the slight smell of fish and sweat.
Ron recognized her as Emily, one of their fellow trainees.
According to her previous self-introduction, she seemed to be a noble lady from a ducal family.
But at this moment, the duke's daughter was dressed like a hostess at a special event, with her collar wide open, her exquisite makeup somewhat smudged, and a hint of rosy blush on her lips.
Upon seeing Ron and Andre, Emily blushed, gently covered her face with her hand, and quickened her pace, disappearing around the corner of the corridor.
"Another one." Andrei gave a disdainful sneer. "Three people have chosen this path this month."
"What's the meaning?"
"You don't know?" Andrei glanced at Ron's confused expression:
"Apprentices who pass the examination have the right to hire servants. For those who see no hope, seeking refuge with an apprentice in advance is not a bad way out."
His tone carried a hint of sarcasm:
"Emily went to Marcus's apprentice in Tower Three. I heard that guy has a particular fondness for collecting these 'beautiful female servants' and already has five or six."
Ron then realized what was happening, noticing a sudden shadow of gloom appearing on Andrei's face:
"Speaking of which, Marcus and his twin brother have been researching some kind of mental energy extraction curse magic lately, and I heard that one of their servants has been turned into an idiot because of it."
He paused, his voice low: "But even so, people still rush in one after another. In the Black Mist Forest, just being able to stay is the greatest wish for many."
Ron remained silent. This was the world of wizards—the strong had the power of life and death over the weak, and this hierarchical concept was deeply ingrained.
"However, on the other hand," Andrei said, slightly calming his emotions:
"You've found a good path. Mrs. Allen may be strict, but at least she's not."
He didn't finish speaking, but Ron understood what he meant. The old witch looked terrifying, but in reality, based on their interactions over the past two days, she was actually quite kind.
"Speaking of which," Ron said, remembering the bottle of artificial stardew, and started making conversation, "why do you think Apprentice Holt would give me such a precious potion?"
"They probably saw your talent." Andrei shrugged.
"In the Black Mist Jungle, no act of goodwill is without reason. If you are promoted in the future, you may have to pay a corresponding price."
Every gift bestowed by fate has already been secretly marked with a price.
Ron nodded; he knew perfectly well the meaning behind this "gift."