Gan Kingdom, Zhou Mansion.
Inside the antique-style room, Zhou Qing opened his eyes. "Two months," Zhou Qing sighed. Zhou Qing was a transmigrator from Earth, who arrived in this world two months ago, becoming the young master
of the Zhou family. The Zhou family was a prominent family in Gan Kingdom, having produced three prime ministers. Zhou Qing's father in this life, Zhou Shizhong, served as the commander of the Imperial Guards in the capital. The Imperial Guards protected the palace, and the commander-in-chief led them; one could imagine Zhou Shizhong's position in the Gan Kingdom's emperor's heart. Now, the Gan Emperor was old, and the eldest prince, a man of both literary and military prowess, was the tacitly agreed-upon successor. Zhou Shizhong, having grown up with the eldest prince, was part of his core group. With this connection, the Zhou family would prosper for decades to come. Born into such a family, and being the most pampered third young master, Zhou Qing basically had everything he wanted. "It's almost time tonight." Zhou Qing looked down. Lines of illusory text kept changing. [00:08:33:25 remaining until opening time] The illusory text had appeared since Zhou Qing transmigrated to this world. After studying it, Zhou Qing realized that this line of text represented a countdown. Initially, the countdown was sixty days. Now, with eight hours remaining, the countdown would reach zero. Zhou Qing was eager to see what would happen after the countdown reached zero. Just as Zhou Qing was staring at the illusory countdown below, "Knock knock knock—" A knock came at the door. Immediately afterward, a deep voice rang out. "Young Master, you've made a gain, a great gain." Hearing this voice, the image of a kind and robust man naturally appeared in Zhou Qing's mind. Zhou Dachun.
Zhou Dachun wasn't originally surnamed Zhou. Due to his innate superhuman strength, he was adopted by the Zhou family at a young age and given the surname
Zhou. Later, when Zhou Qing was born, Zhou Dachun was assigned to protect him.
Zhou Dachun wasn't very bright, but he was extremely loyal and deeply trusted by Zhou Shizhong.
"What's the news?"
Zhou Qing got up, opened the door, and saw Zhou Dachun.
"Young Master told us to keep an eye on Lin Peiqin. Just now, that young master of the Lin family lost his mind at the gambling den and said he'd offer his family heirloom as payment for ten thousand taels of silver..."
Zhou Dachun said with a grin.
"Lin Peiqin? The Lin family?" Zhou Qing
immediately understood what was going on.
The Lin family was also a prominent family in the country, but they had declined in recent decades.
Zhou Qing was interested in the Lin family because he had heard that their ancestors had once included immortals!
That's right.
Immortals existed in this world.
They were the legendary cultivators.
However, cultivators lived in seclusion and rarely showed themselves.
As a transmigrator, Zhou Qing was naturally very interested in cultivators, so he instructed Dachun to keep an eye on the Lin family.
Lin Peiqin, the young master of the Lin family, was an idle and incompetent gambler.
So Zhou Qing had one of the gambling dens under the Zhou family's control set a trap for him.
This led to the scene Zhou Dachun described.
"Where's the family heirloom?"
Zhou Qing immediately asked.
The gambling den Lin Peiqin frequented was a Zhou family property, and Zhou Qing, the third young master of the Zhou family, naturally had the highest authority.
"Here it is."
Zhou Dachun immediately produced a wooden box.
"The manager of the gambling den checked it; there's a book inside, quite old." Zhou Dachun
handed the wooden box to Zhou Qing.
"A book?"
Zhou Qing took the wooden box, opened it, and glanced
inside. There was indeed a book.
The pages were ancient, and the first page read "Qi-Inducing Technique. "
Zhou Qing vaguely sensed that this book was not simple; it wasn't a so-called martial arts manual, but perhaps related to an immortal ancestor of the Lin family.
"What else has happened recently?"
Zhou Qing asked casually while studying the ancient book.
Having learned from his previous life, Zhou Qing paid close attention to intelligence and instructed Zhou Dachun to keep an eye out.
"What happened?"
Zhou Dachun thought for a moment and immediately replied, "The northern barbarians have invaded several times recently. Yesterday in court, the First Prince volunteered to personally go to the northern border and lead the army to repel the barbarians."
Zhou Dachun's tone was full of excitement. "The First Prince is both a man of great talent and strategy; he repelled the barbarians many times ten years ago. This time, his personal journey to the north will surely bring him victory!"
This event brought the First Prince immense prestige, gaining support not only from many officials but also positive feedback from the common people.
"What?"
Zhou Qing was stunned, his brows furrowing. "The First Prince is going to the northern border personally? At this time?"
Emperor Gan was already over sixty years old. At this time, why would the First Prince, as the crown prince, choose to leave the capital?
Zhou Qing sensed something was amiss.
In his previous life, Zhou Qing was very interested in history and studied the rise and fall of dynasties.
Many dynasties declined due to unstable power transitions.
The transfer of the throne is of paramount importance. Now, Emperor Gan is old, and who knows when he will die? Why did the eldest prince choose to go on a campaign at this time?
What if his capital is attacked during the campaign?
If Emperor Gan were to die unexpectedly, and the eldest prince were not in the palace, who knows what might happen?
Zhou Qing frowned deeply. The Zhou family was now deeply intertwined with the eldest prince.
If the eldest prince did not end up on the throne, the Zhou family's fate would not be good.
"Young Master?"
Zhou Dachun noticed the change in Zhou Qing's expression and asked with a puzzled look.
"Nothing."
Zhou Qing shook his head.
He would remind his father, Zhou Shizhong, about this matter in a few days.
Perhaps he was overthinking it. Since the eldest prince dared to choose to go on a campaign at this time, he must have confidence.
And although Emperor Gan was old, he should still have some time before his death.
After dismissing Dachun,
Zhou Qing continued to study the ancient books.
Time passed.
In the blink of an eye, it was evening.
After half a day of study, Zhou Qing deduced that the ancient book contained a profound breathing technique.
Through breathing, one could draw in the ethereal 'qi' and gather it within the body.
This was called Qi Refining.
Once a substantial 'qi' was condensed within the body, one could enter the Qi Refining stage.
"Qi Refining stage?"
Zhou Qing thought expectantly.
This Qi Refining stage should be the beginning of cultivation.
"However, according to the ancient book, to draw in the ethereal 'qi,' one needs spiritual root aptitude. Without spiritual root aptitude, let alone drawing in 'qi,' one can't even sense it,"
Zhou Qing thought to himself.
Spiritual root aptitude must be very rare here; otherwise, the Lin family wouldn't have failed to produce a single cultivator in so many years.
"I wonder if I have spiritual root aptitude..."
Zhou Qing thought silently.
"Time's up."
Zhou Qing collected his thoughts and closed the ancient book.
Although he really wanted to try sensing the ethereal 'qi' using the method described in the book
, there was something more important right now.
Thinking of this, Zhou Qing immediately looked down.
The illusory countdown kept changing.
[00:00:00:10 remaining until start time]
The countdown formed by the illusory text reached its final ten seconds.
In the blink of an eye, ten seconds passed.
Under Zhou Qing's gaze, the illusory countdown finally reached zero.
*Buzz—
* The illusory characters rapidly began to reform.
[Name: Zhou Qing]
[Race: Human]
[Strength: Mortal]
[Age: 16]
[Talent: None]
[Simulation Attempts: 1]
...
At the same time,
a flood of information surged into Zhou Qing's mind.
"So that's how it is... I can consume simulation attempts to simulate the future, ending either by actively withdrawing or dying within the simulation."
"Each simulation ends, I can choose to inherit all my cultivation, realm, memories, and skills from the simulation."
"If I don't choose all cultivation, realm, memories, and skills, I can also choose any treasure I possessed in the simulation to bring back."
"Furthermore, based on my performance in the simulation, I can gain a talent after each simulation?"
Zhou Qing held his breath. Before transmigrating, he had played many simulation games.
If simulation was truly possible, his future would be limitless.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's start the simulation!"
Zhou Qing composed himself and, without much hesitation, chose to begin the simulation.
*Whoosh.*
The illusory characters rapidly changed.
[In the first year, you were sixteen, and began studying the *Qi-Inducing Technique* day and night.]
[In your spare time, you sought out your father, Zhou Shizhong, and expressed your concerns about the First Prince's personal journey to the northern battlefield.]
"This feeling?"
Zhou Qing stroked his chin. Although the simulated future was presented in text form,
Zhou Qing discovered that he could interfere with his choices within the simulation if he so desired.
Or rather, once his simulated self found himself in a dilemma, he would need to actively make a choice.
[Your father, Zhou Shizhong, upon learning of your concerns, was filled with relief and said, "My son also knows how to care about the court."] [
Then, your father, Zhou Shizhong, explained why the First Prince had acted that way.]
[First, the eldest prince possesses the strength of a martial arts grandmaster, capable of taking on a hundred enemies single-handedly on the battlefield. Coupled with his princely status, if he personally goes to the northern front, he can repel the barbarians within a year at most.]
[Although the old emperor is old, his health is still robust; living another ten or eight years is not a problem.]
[Repelling the barbarians will help the eldest prince further solidify his position and prestige, greatly benefiting his future succession to the throne.]
[Second, currently, none of the other princes are particularly capable.]
[The old emperor has nine children: six princes and three princesses.]
[Except for the eldest prince, the remaining princes lack sufficient prestige.]
[Listening to your father Zhou Shizhong's explanation, you are still somewhat worried, but seeing Zhou Shizhong's confident expression, you know it's inappropriate to continue persuading him.]
[As the young master of the Zhou family, your status is indeed high, but that's all—it's just status. You don't have much decision-making power within the Zhou family.]
[And even if you persuade Zhou Shizhong, what then?] The Crown Prince's mind is made up. Now, everyone in and outside the court knows that he is about to personally go to the northern battlefield. If he doesn't go now, it will greatly affect his reputation.
You can only hope that everything goes as the Crown Prince predicts, and that the northern battlefield will be quickly resolved.
To prevent the worst-case scenario, you secretly arranged more than ten "secret bases" in some corners of the capital, filled with enough food, water, silver, and identity documents.
You hope that these "secret bases" will never be used.
Six months later, the Crown Prince, accompanied by his officials, went to the northern battlefield.
The following year, at the age of seventeen, you vaguely sensed the "qi" permeating the heavens and earth.
So you tried to draw this "qi" into your body.
The most difficult part of cultivating the "Qi-Guiding Technique" is the first step, which is to sense the existence of "qi".
As long as you can sense "qi", it means that you have spiritual root aptitude and the possibility of becoming a cultivator.
Seeing this, Zhou Qing was excited.
His biggest worry was that he didn't have the aptitude for spiritual roots.
Now it seems he's been quite lucky in this life.
"I wonder what level my spiritual root aptitude is..."
Zhou Qing thought to himself.
According to the description in the "Qi Induction Technique," spiritual root aptitude is also divided into high and low grades.
The lowest is naturally the low-grade spiritual root, followed by the mid-grade and high-grade spiritual roots.
It is said that above the high-grade spiritual root, there are even rarer aptitudes, but those are beyond the scope of the "Qi Induction Technique."
[After a night of effort, you tried to guide the 'qi' into your body, but with little success. Undeterred, you persevered.]
[The next day, as you strolled through the mansion, you noticed your father, Zhou Shizhong, walking out with a serious expression. Your elder brothers, Zhou Wen and Zhou Wu, also looked grave.]
[You approached them and asked what had happened.]
["His Majesty has suddenly fainted, and all the imperial physicians have been summoned."]
[Your second brother, Zhou Wu, said in a low voice.]
[This matter is a top secret in the palace. Only Zhou Shizhong, as the commander of the Imperial Guards, had some prior knowledge of it. Zhou Wu, as the second son of the Zhou family, who was always by his father's side, also knew about it.]
[Upon learning of the old emperor's sudden collapse, your brow furrowed with unease, sensing something serious was about to happen.]
[That night, you had Da Chun keep watch outside the door.]
[The first half of the night passed without incident. Just when you thought everything would be over, you vaguely heard the sounds of fierce collisions.]
[This was followed by the sounds of fighting.]
[Finally, a deep, resounding voice echoed.]
"Zhou Shizhong is a traitor, and the entire Zhou family must be executed!"
[You jolted awake, realizing your worst fears had come true.]
["Da Chun!"]
[You pushed open the door, wanting Da Chun to escort you out of the Zhou residence.]
[But Da Chun wasn't there; the sounds of fighting must have distracted him.]
[Without hesitation, you quickly left the room, intending to escape through the back door of the Zhou residence.]
[Regardless of whether the Zhou residence could hold off the enemy, your immediate priority was self-preservation.]
[Shortly after leaving the room, dozens of tall figures clad in armor arrived.]
[The leading figure, with piercing eyes, spotted you immediately.]
["Capture him!"]
[The dozens of armored figures rapidly approached.]
[You felt utterly hopeless; with your small frame, once surrounded, there was no chance of escape.]
[However, you sensed that the enemy didn't seem intent on killing you, otherwise they wouldn't have given the order to "capture."]
[Just as you were about to be overtaken by the dozens of tall, armored figures...]
["Young Master!"]
[A roar rang out]
[It was Da Chun]
[Da Chun, a figure as large as a small mountain, stood behind you]
["Young Master, run! I'll hold them off!"]
[Da Chun strode towards dozens of tall figures clad in armor]
[A flash of swords and spears filled the air]
["Run!"]
[You didn't hesitate at all; this was an opportunity Da Chun had bought with his life]
[Those dozens of tall figures in armor wielded weapons, while Da Chun didn't even have a decent weapon. Charging forward like this was tantamount to suicide]
"Good Da Chun!"
Outside the simulation, Zhou Qing's expression couldn't help but move. Although he had long known that Da Chun's loyalty was beyond question, he was
still somewhat touched when he saw Da Chun risk his life to give him a chance to leave.
[Soon, you left the Zhou residence through the back gate.]
[This back gate was incredibly well-hidden; even most of the servants in the residence didn't know about it.]
[After leaving the Zhou residence, you didn't wander aimlessly. Instead, you followed a route you had memorized and arrived at a 'secret base' you had prepared long ago.]
[Over a year ago, you prepared more than ten 'secret bases' scattered throughout the capital.]
[You never expected they would actually come in handy today.]
[In the small courtyard, you composed yourself. This 'secret base' was located in a corner of the capital, yet you could still hear the sounds of fighting.]
[You were filled with worry. Although you had escaped, what about all the people in the Zhou residence?]
[But at this moment, you could barely protect yourself and had no energy left to worry about anything else.]
[Several hours passed when you suddenly saw a dark figure dart in.]
["Oh no!"]
[You were terrified. Had the enemy tracked you here using the traces you left behind?] [
But soon, you realize that the dark figure that darted in, its clothes tattered, is none other than Da Chun.]
["Da Chun!"]
[You widen your eyes and can't help but exclaim, "You're not dead?"]
"Young Master, I have mastered Iron Shirt Technique to perfection. Ordinary swords and blades cannot kill me."
[Da Chun explained honestly.]
["I see." You also noticed that beneath Da Chun's tattered clothes, his skin was a rich, bronze color.]
[Iron Shirt Technique is a top-tier external martial art in the martial arts world. When mastered to perfection, it makes one impervious to swords and blades.]
[Of course, this imperviousness is relative; it doesn't mean true invulnerability. If faced with an army of thousands, one would still be worn down.
] ["How did you find this place?"]
[You continued to ask.]
A Google search on TWKAN
reveals [This is your secretly prepared 'secret base,' unknown to anyone in the Zhou household, including your trusted confidant, Da Chun.]
["Young Master, I can remember your scent."]
[Da Chun pointed to his nose.]
[It turns out, Da Chun has the ability to locate targets by scent.]
[Finding this place is the result of Da Chun tracking your scent.]
[You scrutinized Da Chun repeatedly.]
[This guy is exceptionally talented.]
["Young Master, what exactly happened at the manor?"]
[Da Chun's simple mind was unusually filled with worry.]
[While covering your retreat, Da Chun sensed dozens of terrifying auras.]
[The owners of these dozens of terrifying auras were dealing with the true powerhouses of the Zhou family.]
[That's why Da Chun was able to escape the Zhou family after holding off those dozens of armored figures.
] ["We'll only know later..."]
[You sighed.]
[Although you didn't know the specific details, you already had a guess in your mind.]
[The Zhou family has been prominent for generations. In the capital, only the emperor could touch the Zhou family.]
[But under normal circumstances, the old emperor would never touch the Zhou family.]
[In other words, someone used the old emperor's orders to attack the Zhou family.]
[This person's true goal was the throne.]
[The Zhou family has great influence in the capital. The head of the Zhou family, Zhou Shizhong, is the commander of the capital's imperial guards, wielding military power.]
[Now that the Crown Prince is far away in the Northern Border, if any member of the royal family is interested in the throne, the first person they will deal with is Zhou Shizhong, the Zhou family.
] ["Master won't let them get away with this!"]
[Da Chun couldn't help but say.]
["Master?"]
[You remain expressionless.]
[Since they dare to make such a big show of attacking the Zhou family,]
[it means Zhou Shizhong is finished. Even if he's not dead, he's completely incapable of resisting.]
Outside the simulation, Zhou Qing's expression was grim.
When he heard that the Crown Prince planned to go to the Northern Border, Zhou Qing had this worry.
He didn't expect these worries to become a reality.
"Who is it?"
Zhou Qing frowned.
Although his worries had become a reality, the good news was that all of this happened in a simulation.
In reality, Zhou Qing had ample time to avoid it.
What puzzled Zhou Qing was which member of the royal family had such a large-scale operation.
Since the Crown Prince dared to go to the Northern Border, he must have enough confidence to ensure that the country wouldn't be out of his control. And
that was indeed the case.
Deeply favored by the old emperor, and raised as the crown prince from a young age, the Crown Prince was the de facto future emperor throughout the country.
To shake or seize the Crown Prince's throne...
unless external forces intervene.
"Barbarians?"
Zhou Qing mused.
"Continue the simulation."
Zhou Qing composed himself and continued looking at the illusory text.
Any further speculation was just speculation; he could simply observe the simulation results.
[For the next two weeks, you and Da Chun remained hidden in the 'secret base.']
[Having prepared your identity documents beforehand, you successfully navigated several searches.]
[A month later, you finally received the relevant information.]
[The Zhou family intended to collude with the Lie Kingdom in a rebellion.]
[Fortunately, the Fourth Prince discovered this in time, averting disaster and immediately taking control of Zhou Shizhong.]
[Now that the matter has been thoroughly investigated, the Emperor has decreed that all 106 members of the Zhou family be immediately sent to the execution ground.
] ["The Fourth Prince?"]
[You feel a chill in your heart; the mastermind behind it all has finally surfaced.]
[As for the Zhou family's intention to rebel? That's a joke. The Zhou family holds such high positions; why would they rebel?]
[After a moment's thought, you immediately took Da Chun out and went to Qiu Yue Fang, reserving a private room on the third floor.] [
Qiu Yue Fang is located on Zhu Que Road, a famous brothel in the capital, and Zhu Que Road is the only way to Cai Shi Kou (the execution ground).]
[That night, you and Da Chun spent the night on the third floor of Qiu Yue Fang.]
[The next day, you went to the window of the private room on the third floor and looked at Zhu Que Road in the distance.]
[At this time, Zhu Que Road was crowded with people from the capital, and prison carts were escorting the Zhou family members to Cai Shi Kou.]
[You saw your mother, your eldest brother Zhou Wen, your second brother Zhou Wu, and many other members of the Zhou family. All the Zhou family members had numb eyes, clearly having suffered inhuman torture.]
["Madam! Eldest Young Master! Second Young Master!"]
[Da Chun's eyes were bloodshot. Da Chun had grown up in the Zhou family since childhood and was deeply influenced by their upbringing. He had long considered himself a member of the Zhou family. Now, seeing his wife and young masters being humiliated like this, how could he bear it?] [
"Young Master, I saved Madam!"]
[Da Chun looked at you, his voice urgent.]
[You were also furious, but your remaining rationality prevented you from making an immediate choice.]
Seeing this,
lines of illusory text continuously coalesced.
[Please make the following choices:]
[One: Immediately have Da Chun save your mother and elder brothers, then leave the capital according to the pre-planned route.]
[Two: Observe coldly.]
[Three: Unable to bear seeing your mother and brothers beheaded, immediately leave with Da Chun.]
In the simulation, Zhou Qing was influenced by emotions; after all, two years had passed in the simulation before this happened.
Two years of interaction with his mother and elder brothers naturally fostered some affection.
However, outside the simulation, Zhou Qing was incredibly rational.
"Choose Two."
Zhou Qing pondered briefly before making his choice.
First, he definitely couldn't choose one.
Since over a hundred members of the Zhou family were so openly dragged out for execution,
how could the mastermind be unprepared?
Perhaps it was a trap to lure out hidden members of the Zhou family.
As for option three? Since it's a fishing operation, everyone nearby is likely being monitored.
If Zhou Qing leaves with Da Chun now, it will inevitably attract attention.
Therefore, observing from the sidelines is the best option.
[You stopped Da Chun from intervening.]
[Although Da Chun was furious, he still obeyed you.]
[Soon, over a hundred members of the Zhou family were taken to the execution ground.]
[Just before the execution, dozens of figures suddenly leaped out from the crowd.]
["Madam, Young Master, don't be afraid!"]
[The leader roared, his aura blazing.]
[But the next moment, a rain of arrows fell, instantly killing most of the dozens who had rushed out.]
[The remaining people were immediately surrounded and quickly dealt with.]
["So it was a trap?"]
[You looked at the one-sided execution ground and sighed inwardly.
] ["And there was a fluctuation of 'qi,' the cultivators made their move?"]
[You fell into thought.]
[After two years of cultivating the "Qi-Inducing Technique," even if you hadn't condensed a complete 'qi' within your body, you were still quite sensitive to 'qi.' ]
[Just now, you vaguely sensed a fluctuation of 'qi' flash past.]
[You couldn't help but feel relieved. Thankfully, you hadn't let Da Chun intervene; otherwise, your fate would have been no different from those who rushed out.]
[You stayed at Qiuyuefang for three days, confirming everything was alright before leaving with Da Chun.]
["Young Master, where are we going now?"]
[Da Chun followed you, leaving the capital, and asked in a low voice.]
["Let's just find somewhere." You glanced at the capital one last time, then left without looking back.]
[You and Da Chun found a small town far from the capital and settled down.]
[As for your purpose... naturally, it was to cultivate the *Qi-Inducing Technique*. Only by mastering the *Qi-Inducing Technique* and becoming a cultivator could you avenge your parents and brothers.]
[In the third year, you were eighteen. You received news that the old emperor was seriously ill, the fourth prince was in power, and an imperial decree was issued ordering the eldest prince, who was far away in the northern border, to return.]
"..." Zhou Qing fell silent upon reading this.
Zhou Qing didn't believe the eldest prince was completely unaware of what was happening in the capital.
But even if he was aware, what could he do? Now, he was facing the decree of the ruler.
To return, or not to return?
[The First Prince did not return. Instead, he raised the banner of "purging the court of corrupt officials" and launched an uprising in the north, marching south.]
[In the fourth year, you were nineteen. The Fourth Prince mobilized the nation's elite forces to besiege the First Prince.]
[The barbarians seized the opportunity to attack, joining forces with the elite troops of the Qian Kingdom to launch a pincer movement. The First
Prince was attacked from both sides.] [In the fifth year, you were twenty. The First Prince was defeated and committed suicide.]
[In the sixth year, you were twenty-one. You continued your arduous cultivation of the "Qi-Inducing Technique." In the same year, you learned of the old emperor's death and that the Fourth Prince had succeeded to the throne of the Qian Kingdom.]
[In the seventh year, you were twenty-two. You continuously drew upon the mysterious "Qi" between heaven and earth, gathering it within your dantian. A complete "Qi" gradually took shape.] [In the eighth year, you were twenty
-three. You continued your arduous cultivation of the "Qi-Inducing Technique."]
[In the ninth year, you were twenty-four. You felt the "Qi" within your dantian becoming increasingly complete.]
[In the tenth year, you were twenty-five. You successfully condensed a complete "Qi" within your dantian, entering the Qi Refining stage.]
"Entered the Qi Refining stage?" Beyond
the Google search results for the Twkan simulation, Zhou Qing's heart surged with excitement. The Qi Refining stage was the beginning of cultivation, and those who reached this realm were called cultivators. "However, it took me ten years to condense a complete 'Qi' and enter the Qi Refining stage..." Zhou Qing stroked his chin. His spiritual root aptitude was probably not ideal. "Never mind, although it took ten years in the simulation, in reality, as long as I choose to end the simulation now, I can immediately inherit the Qi Refining stage cultivation..." Zhou Qing was delighted. Ten years in simulation, a moment in reality. What did spiritual root aptitude matter? "Continue, continue!" Zhou Qing looked again at the constantly changing illusory characters. [After entering the Qi Refining stage, you vaguely sensed changes in the world, but couldn't quite put your finger on what those changes were.] [You knew very well that your cultivation level was still insufficient. The Qi Refining stage is divided into nine levels, and you are currently only a lowly cultivator at the first level.] [You took out the "Qi Induction Technique" and began to peruse it again.] [After entering the Qi Refining stage, you vaguely sensed that this "Qi Induction Technique" seemed to have changed.] [Finally, you stared at the last page of the "Qi Induction Technique," and your cultivator's perception told you that this page contained extremely rare "Qi."] [You tried to channel the "Qi" you had condensed within your body into the last page of the "Qi Induction Technique."] [Suddenly, the pages began to blur, and a map appeared.] [The map marked various cultivation forces, large and small, as well as some dangerous places.] ["That ancestor of the Lin family certainly considered everything thoroughly," you thought to yourself, looking at the map.] [This map will definitely be a great guide for cultivators who have just embarked on the path of cultivation.] [You observe the map and discover that the closest cultivation force, or rather, gathering place for cultivators, to the Gan Kingdom is called 'Wushan Market'.] [The map also includes some information about 'Wushan Market'.] [You have decided to travel to 'Wushan Market'.]
[On the path of cultivation, resources, companions, methods, and environment are essential. To go further, one must interact with other cultivators.]
[Wushan Market is built upon a second-tier spiritual vein. Cultivating in such an environment often yields twice the results with half the effort.]
[Your spiritual root aptitude is not ideal. If you wish to pursue the path of immortality, you will need even greater access to external environmental resources.]
[As for avenging your parents and siblings?] [Now that the Fourth Prince is the Emperor of the Qian Kingdom, he is not someone a mere Qi Refining Stage 1 cultivator like yourself can contend with.]
[You need greater strength.]
[You take Da Chun and, following the map's directions, head to Wushan Market.]
[Two months later, you and Da Chun finally arrive at Wushan Market.]
[Wushan Market is built atop Wushan Mountain, shrouded in mist and protected by an array.]
[Only true cultivators can penetrate the mist and enter.]
[You settle Da Chun at the foot of the mountain.]
[Da Chun is not a cultivator; even with your guidance, he will be discovered and expelled upon entering the market.]
[Wushan Market covers ten miles, its outer perimeter consisting of terraced spirit fields. Inside, there is a network of streets with diverse architectural styles.]
[You see cultivators constantly coming and going from the market.]
[At the market entrance, cultivators are on guard; anyone entering must register.]
[Displaying Qi Refining stage mana fluctuations, you receive an identity token from the guard.]
["Those entering the market are not permitted to stay overnight, nor to meditate or absorb spiritual energy, unless they stay in an inn or rent a cave dwelling. Those who disobey will bear the consequences."]
[The guard's tone was cold.]
["Understood."]
[You naturally understood the reason for this requirement.]
[It was to prevent cultivators from 'freeloading' the spiritual veins here.]
[Each spiritual vein has a limit to the amount of spiritual energy it emits.]
[After successfully entering Wushan Market, you immediately felt abundant fluctuations of spiritual energy.]
[You resisted the urge to immediately meditate and began to observe your surroundings.]
[As a newcomer to the cultivation world, your immediate priority is to find a stable 'job' that earns spirit stones.]
[Spirit stones are the universal currency of the cultivation world; cultivators need spirit stones for cultivation, setting up formations…]
[Over the next two months, you inquired everywhere and finally obtained some useful information.]
[Firstly, Wushan Market recruits spirit farmers year-round.]
[Spirit farmers are similar to ordinary farmers.]
[However, spirit farmers need to care for spirit plants.]
[A large number of spirit plants are planted around Wushan Market.]
[The work of spirit farmers is to use cloud and rain spells to irrigate the spirit plants at specific times, based on their growth.]
[Simply put, being a spirit farmer requires a lot of time and the income is not high, so no cultivator with a little ambition would do it.]
[A spirit farmer who takes care of ten acres of spirit fields earns around thirty spirit stones a year.]
["Spirit farmer?"]
[You don't want to become a spirit farmer.]
[Farming has no future; any cultivator can become a spirit farmer after a few days of practice.]
[This job is too easily replaceable.]
[Most importantly, the pay is too low.]
[Only thirty spirit stones a year?] [
Your goal isn't to be a spirit farmer, but to acquire true skills, such as alchemy, weapon crafting, and talisman drawing among the various arts of cultivation.]
[These are the most sought-after skills.]
[Wu Shan Market does indeed offer channels to learn these skills.]
[The first is to become an apprentice. Prepare an apprenticeship gift and become an apprentice of a particular alchemist, weapon crafter, or talisman master in the market.]
[According to the information Zhou Qing gathered, even the cheapest apprenticeship gift requires 500 spirit stones, and it's not enough to just give the gift; after becoming an apprentice, you need to pay a certain amount of spirit stones every year as 'tuition.']
[The second is to become an apprentice.]
[Many alchemists, weapon crafters, and talisman masters in Wu Shan Market are recruiting apprentices.]
[Apprentices don't need to pay an apprenticeship gift, but they must serve the alchemist, weapon crafter, or talisman master at all times.]
[Before becoming an apprentice, you will sign a spiritual contract, selling yourself to the alchemist, weapon crafter, or talisman master for the next ten to thirty years.]
[Compared to disciples, apprentices have no choice and must obey orders completely.]
[Of course, during the ten to thirty years of service, apprentices can learn some real skills and techniques.]
[Both paths have their advantages and disadvantages. The first is naturally better, but it requires a substantial fortune; ordinary cultivators cannot afford five hundred spirit stones.]
[In terms of a spirit farmer's income, five hundred spirit stones would require a spirit farmer to save for more than ten years without eating or drinking.]
[You fall into deep thought, facing a crucial decision.]
The next moment, outside the simulation, the illusory text in front of Zhou Qing rapidly changed, offering three choices.
[One: Choose to become an apprentice.]
[Two: Choose to accumulate spirit stones and then use them to become an apprentice.]
[Three: Choose neither. If this place doesn't want me, there are other places that will. Leave Wushan Market and venture elsewhere.]
Each of these three choices can influence the final outcome of this simulation.
Zhou Qing looked at the three choices before him.
He immediately ruled out option three.
So far, Wushan Market was the most suitable place for a cultivator like him without a background to make his way in the world.
Other forces? Either sects or cultivation families.
Extremely exclusive.
After a moment's thought,
Zhou Qing also abandoned option two.
Becoming a disciple of a certain alchemist, weapon maker, or talisman master would certainly be best.
But Zhou Qing couldn't afford the apprenticeship ceremony and other expenses.
He couldn't possibly be a spirit farmer for over ten years? Accumulating spirit stones without eating or drinking?
The sunk cost would be too great; what if something unexpected happened? Wouldn't all his efforts be wasted?
Compared to that,
being an apprentice was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for Zhou Qing.
Although he would lose his freedom, at least he could learn something immediately.
And he could gain the protection of a certain alchemist, weapon maker, or talisman master.
"Option One,"
Zhou Qing stared at the illusory characters and made his choice.
The illusory characters changed again.
[You decide to become an apprentice.]
[Currently, there are three craftsmen recruiting apprentices in Wushan Market.]
[They are Alchemist Yun, Weapon Master Lu, and Talisman Master Zhao.]
[Among them, Alchemist Yun's apprenticeship contract is the most demanding, requiring a thirty-year commitment.]
[Talisman Master Zhao's contract only requires a ten-year commitment, and Weapon Master Lu's is fifteen years.]
[After careful consideration, you decide to become Alchemist Yun's apprentice.]
[Among the various arts of cultivation, alchemy is undoubtedly the most widespread. Every cultivator relies on elixirs throughout their cultivation journey.]
[This is the reason why Alchemist Yun dares to set the contract at thirty years.]
[Of course, it is also related to the fact that Alchemist Yun is a high-grade alchemist, while the other two are only mid-grade weapon masters and mid-grade talisman masters.]
[High-grade alchemists are among the best in the entire Wushan Market, belonging to the category of precious craftsmen.]
[You head to Alchemist Yun's alchemy workshop.]
[There aren't many cultivators willing to become Yun Danshi's apprentices. Including you, there are only four.]
[After all, a thirty-year indenture is too harsh. The lifespan of a Qi Refining cultivator isn't much different from that of an ordinary mortal.]
[Selling oneself for thirty years at once?] Few cultivators could accept this.
[You look at the middle-aged cultivator sitting in the main seat of the alchemy workshop.]
[This middle-aged cultivator, with a thin face, is none other than Alchemist Yun.
] ["Alright, since you're here, you must know my rules."]
[Alchemist Yun stands up, his gaze falling on you and the other four.]
["These are spirit contracts; sign them all."]
[Alchemist Yun waves his right hand, and four spirit contracts fall down.]
["The next thirty years will be divided into three stages."]
["Ten years for nurturing spirits, ten years for controlling fire, and ten years for condensing pills."]
[Alchemist Yun speaks.]
[You quickly sign the spirit contracts and listen obediently.]
[Nurturing spirits means cultivating spirit plants.]
[Spirit plants are the main raw materials for alchemy; every alchemist who wants to refine good pills must be proficient in the art of cultivating spirit plants.]
[Controlling fire involves the actual alchemy process, and condensing pills is the final step.]
["You don't need to feel wronged. As long as you complete the above three stages, becoming a low-grade alchemist is not difficult."]
[After speaking, Master Yun rose and left.]
[You have officially become Master Yun's apprentice, beginning the first stage: Ten Years of Spiritual Cultivation.]
Upon seeing this, Zhou Qing composed himself.
"Thank goodness it's only thirty years in a simulation..."
Zhou Qing thought to himself.
Selling himself for thirty years was indeed too high a price; otherwise, given Master Yun's reputation, he wouldn't have only a few apprentices.
However, for Zhou Qing, thirty years was merely time in a simulation; in reality, it would only pass in an instant.
[You have been assigned one acre of spiritual field, where several commonly used spiritual herbs for alchemy are planted.]
[A senior apprentice has begun to teach you how to cultivate these spiritual plants.]
[In the eleventh year, you are twenty-six years old, and have basically adapted to apprentice life. Apart from cultivation, you spend all your time cultivating spiritual plants.]
["Brother Zhou."]
[A young man approached and greeted you warmly.]
[The young man's name was Ye Feng, also an apprentice of Master Yun Dan, one of the four apprentices who joined with Zhou Qing.]
[Because Ye Feng's learning ability was relatively slow, he was often scolded by the senior apprentice who taught him Spirit Cultivation. Once, you couldn't stand it anymore, so you gave Ye Feng a few pointers in your spare time.]
[Having lived two lives, your learning ability is naturally beyond question.]
[From then on, Ye Feng clung to your coattails, calling you "Brother Zhou" all day long, and following your lead without question.]
["This is a Bigu Pill."]
[Ye Feng handed you the Bigu Pill for the month.]
[The Bigu Pill is an essential medicine for cultivators; taking one will keep you from hunger for half a month.]
[Every time you went to collect the Bigu Pill, Ye Feng would take it for you and give you the best quality one.]
[You naturally knew Ye Feng's intention in doing this; he simply wanted you to teach him a little more, so you didn't refuse.]
[In the twelfth year, you are twenty-seven years old. While cultivating spiritual plants, you secretly left behind a few of the best quality 'waste pills'.]
[Waste pills are the product of a pill refiner's failed attempt. They contain many impurities and are not suitable for cultivators to consume.]
[Therefore, waste pills are either buried in spiritual fields to cultivate spiritual plants or fed to spiritual pets and beasts.]
[However, there are exceptions. Some waste pills are of good quality, and if a cultivator occasionally consumes one, it won't cause much harm.]
[Just like 'expired food' on Blue Star in your previous life.]
[You secretly left behind a few of the best quality waste pills, naturally for your own consumption.]
[In the thirteenth year, you are twenty-eight years old. With the continuous cultivation of spiritual plants, you have gained a deeper understanding of the growth of spiritual herbs.]
[In the fourteenth year, you are twenty-nine years old. As an apprentice of Master Yun, you can naturally live in the market and enjoy the spiritual energy resources within the market. Although it is only the spiritual energy of a first-grade low-level spiritual vein, it is far superior to that of the outside world.]
[In the fifteenth year, you are thirty years old and have entered the second level of Qi Refining.]
"The second level of Qi Refining?"
A smile appeared on Zhou Qing's face.
Five years is twice as fast as going from the first level of Qi Refining to the second level compared to going from the mortal realm to the first level.
This is due to two main factors: firstly, the abundant spiritual energy within the market town.
Zhou Qing's previous cultivation environment was in a mortal realm with scarce spiritual energy, which is why it took him ten years to reach the Qi Refining stage.
Besides the spiritual energy environment, Zhou Qing's frequent consumption of high-quality discarded pills also played a role.
[In the sixteenth year, you are thirty-one years old, continuing to dedicate yourself to cultivating spiritual plants and training.]
[In the seventeenth year, you are thirty-two years old, realizing the difficulty of advancing from the second to the third level of Qi Refining, you increase the frequency of consuming waste pills.]
[Consuming waste pills easily accumulates pill toxins in the body, but in order to reach the third level of Qi Refining as soon as possible and gain hope of breaking through to the fourth level, which is the mid-stage of Qi Refining, you are willing to pay some price.] [In the eighteenth year, you are thirty-three years old, and the spiritual plants
you cultivated have gained the approval of Alchemist Yun, earning you a reward of ten spirit stones.] [In the nineteenth year, you are thirty-four years old, becoming increasingly adept at cultivating spiritual plants.] [In the twentieth year, you are thirty-five years old, having already reached the peak of the second level of Qi Refining, and plan to break through to the third level in a few years.] [In the same year, a major event occurred in Wushan Market.] [A secret realm emerged in a canyon not far from Wushan Market.] [By the time you learned of this, many cultivators had already obtained many precious resources from that secret realm.] [The matter of the secret realm not only caused a huge impact in Wushan Market, but also attracted other cultivation forces and independent cultivators from the surrounding area.] [Although you were quite curious about that secret realm, you had no intention of going to compete for it.] [As a mere Qi Refining Level 2 cultivator, your strength was too weak.] [However, you memorized a lot of information about that secret realm. Not participating in this simulation doesn't mean you won't participate in the next one, or the one after that.] [That night, Ye Feng found you.] ["Brother Zhou..."] [Ye Feng sat in front of you, hesitant to speak.] ["Just say what you want to say."] [You spoke.] ["I plan to go and explore that secret realm..."] [Ye Feng revealed his thoughts.] [It turned out that Ye Feng was extremely tired of cultivating spiritual plants day after day in the Pill Workshop.] [Ye Feng was terrified of this kind of predictable life.] [So after learning about the secret realm's emergence, he had the idea of going to compete for it.] ["You've only just entered Qi Refining Level 3..."] [You frowned at Ye Feng, "Also, what about the spirit contract?"] Before becoming an apprentice, Ye Feng had naturally signed a thirty-year spiritual contract. Leaving the alchemy workshop without Master Yun's permission would result in a backlash from the contract. "I've already spoken to Master Yun, and he's willing to let me go, as long as I can come up with one hundred spirit stones..." Ye Feng said bitterly. Hearing this, you finally understood why Ye Feng had found you. He had come to borrow spirit stones. You gazed at Ye Feng, lost in thought. You have spirit stones; in the ten years since becoming an apprentice, you've often received rewards from Master Yun for your excellent cultivation of spirit plants. But should you lend them to Ye Feng? You thought of how Ye Feng had served you faithfully for the past ten years. Finally, you decided to lend him fifty spirit stones.