At this moment, Han Jihai was deeply shocked.
Originally, he feared Lin Chen would become arrogant and complacent, so he only mentioned that Lin Chen's talent was decent and didn't praise him too much.
But upon hearing that Lin Chen had entered the Qi Refining Stage in just three days, he was still stunned.
No, to be precise, Lin Chen took only two and a half days.
"How long did it take me to enter the Qi Refining Stage back then?"
Han Jihai fell into reminiscence.
That was nearly two hundred years ago.
Being of Wood and Fire Dual Spirit Roots, he was considered a genius in the Sect.
At that time, he took half a month to enter the Qi Refining Stage, which was already quite a proud feat.
His master even rewarded him with many pills upon learning of it.
But now, his apprentice took only three days to enter the Qi Refining Stage.
This difference...
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but wonder:
"Could it be, was I mistaken?"
"Chen'Er... is he the reincarnation of a Nascent Soul True Man who is re-cultivating? Hiss~"
Han Jihai took a cold breath inwardly, but outwardly he still pretended to be calm.
"Oh? You've entered the Qi Refining Stage... Let me verify."
Saying this, Han Jihai then asked Lin Chen to circulate his Spiritual Energy.
Lin Chen did not hold back, gathering the Spiritual Energy within his Dantian into his hand.
Han Jihai remained silent for a long time upon seeing this sight.
The shock he received grew even larger!
Lin Chen not only entered the Qi Refining Stage but had even started exploring the Spirit-Inviting Technique...
He was already able to initially mobilize the Spiritual Energy within his body!
Back then, how long did it take him? It seemed almost a month?
At that speed, he was already called a genius...
Lin Chen looked at Han Jihai, who was silent in front of him, feeling a bit panicked and nervously asked:
"Master, why aren't you saying anything? Did I make a mistake in my cultivation?"
Upon hearing Lin Chen's words, Han Jihai snapped back to reality and cleared his throat, saying:
"Ahem, it is indeed entering the Qi Refining Stage... Three days to enter the Qi Refining Stage is not slow!"
"However, you must remember not to be complacent!"
"Your aptitude is excellent in Changchun Sect, but what about beyond Changchun Sect?"
"Not to mention across Profound Yellow Continent, even within Qing State, your aptitude doesn't rank top."
After a pause, perhaps to strengthen his argument, Han Jihai added:
"Do you know Jiang Liqian, who was taken in as a direct disciple by the Sect Leader?"
"Hmm, she's considered our Changchun Sect's prodigy... She entered the Qi Refining Stage three days ago!"
"You should aim for her, strive to catch up!"
After hearing this, Lin Chen nodded seriously.
His upbringing had shaped his humble character, and he knew there were always skies beyond skies, people beyond people.
"A prodigy girl, Jiang Liqian... I will catch up soon!"
Lin Chen thought to himself.
Han Jihai then observed Lin Chen's expression, seeing him stay silent for a while, thinking he was hit by the news.
He quickly said:
"Of course, among cultivators, your aptitude is already excellent."
"Since you've already completed Qi Introduction to body, I must now teach you the formal cultivation technique!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Chen's heart was stirred, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Han Jihai took out an ancient book, slightly yellowed, seemingly with some age.
Han Jihai slowly said:
"This cultivation technique is called 'Evergreen Technique,' a top-tier technique that can reach Core Formation Stage."
"It was passed to me by your grandmaster back in the day, in the whole Changchun Sect it is considered top-tier!"
"This technique is of the Wood Element, matching your Spirit Root... Moreover, the Wood Spiritual Qi produced by cultivating this technique has the effect of accelerating Spirit Plant growth, perfectly fitting our Pill Peak."
"Apart from that, the most important aspect of Evergreen Technique is its ability to extend lifespan!"
Upon saying this, Han Jihai somewhat proudly remarked:
"Chen, guess how old your master is this year?"
Lin Chen looked over Han Jihai carefully, though his hair and beard were white, his complexion was rosy, and his skin had few wrinkles, appearing immortal-like.
He slightly shook his head, candidly saying, "I cannot guess, Master..."
Han Jihai said:
"Your master is 223 years old this year!"
Lin Chen was surprised upon hearing this.
Foundation Establishment Cultivators usually don't live past two hundred years, yet Han Jihai lived over twenty years longer?
This is the mystery of Evergreen Technique!
Seeing Lin Chen's astonishment, Han Jihai was somewhat proud:
"Actually your master can live another ten years... Had it not been for losing years due to failed Core Formation attempts in recent years, your master could have lived for two hundred and fifty years!"
"Hmph, hmph, all those Peak Masters and Elders from other peaks think I'm nearing my lifespan... They aren't even sure if they can live longer than me!"
Lin Chen repeatedly nodded in agreement after hearing this.
The Wood Element cultivation technique indeed excels in health and longevity, Wood Spirit Root cultivators often live the longest among their peers in the same realm.
Han Jihai was very satisfied with Lin Chen's receptive appearance, as it gave him, the master, a sense of pride.
"Ahem, Chen... I'll now pass the Evergreen Technique to you."
"This technique is divided into Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation Chapters, each having nine layers."
"When cultivated to perfection, it can reach the realm of Nine Revolutions Golden Core..."
After spending an afternoon learning, Lin Chen roughly memorized the Qi Refining Chapter of Evergreen Technique.
Afterward, Lin Chen only needed to cultivate independently to improve his Cultivation Realm.
The first layer corresponds to the First Layer of Qi Refining, the second layer corresponds to the Second Layer of Qi Refining, and so forth...
Han Jihai was pleased with Lin Chen's comprehension, and thus took out a bottle of pills, saying:
"This is the reward your master promised you earlier..."
"This pill is called Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill, which has the effect of cleansing the meridians and enhancing the physique."
"But remember, don't consume too many pills, otherwise accumulating Pill Poison will be harmful rather than beneficial..."
Lin Chen received the Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill, noting down Han Jihai's teachings one by one.
This was very helpful to him, a newcomer in the Cultivation Realm.
As Lin Chen prepared to return to his room to cultivate, Han Jihai thought of something and said:
"Chen, when do you plan to claim the Sect's reward for being the first to enter the Qi Refining Stage?"
Lin Chen thought about it and said, "Tomorrow morning I'll go claim it, or if someone gets it ahead of me, I'll be at a loss!"
However, Han Jihai shook his head and said:
"Wait another day, go claim it midday the day after tomorrow."
"Rest assured, apart from that girl Jiang Liqian, even Li Zhenqian with a True Spirit Root will take at least six days to enter the Qi Refining Stage."
"You have high aptitude, you must learn to hide your abilities, knowing that a tree that stands out in the forest will surely be destroyed by the wind..."
"Besides, sooner or later claiming the reward makes no difference for us, there's no substantial benefit to rush for it!"
Listening to this, Lin Chen gladly agreed.
Han Jihai's thoughts were aligned with his own.
Except he didn't know the cultivation speed of the other disciples, he didn't want to lose the reward.
Now, with his master's insight, he needn't be in such a rush.
Performing a courtesy, Lin Chen returned to his room to cultivate.
In the evening, Lin Chen ate Spiritual Food and ended his Breathing Techniques practice.
Then, he did not rush to cultivate Evergreen Technique but instead took out that bottle of Bone Marrow Cleansing Pills.
The Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill was only thumb-sized, completely smooth, white in color.
"Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill, for Martial Artists, is considered a legendary pill..."
"In the Cultivation Realm, it belongs to the First Tier Upper Grade Pill, with one pill valued at several Spirit Stones..."
Lin Chen took out and counted the pills, totaling ten.
This bottle of Bone Marrow Cleansing Pills was worth dozens of Spirit Stones.
"Let's try it, see if the pill is as mystical as the rumors say!"
Lin Chen took out one Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill and consumed it.