Chapter 89: Tempering the Self (1/2)
Cloudsoaring Mountain…
Standing on the mountaintop, surrounded by a boundless white fog, the master of the Cloudsoaring sect, Jiang Zhisu, was gazing at the back of the mountain, his green robes fluttering against the wind.
Jiang Lingzhu and Li Fan stood beside him, and just like him, they were also looking at the back of the mountain, their eyes filled with disbelief.
“The flow of the spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth seems to have changed…” said Jiang Zhisu.
After staring for a while, Li Fan said, “Based on my calculations, Nie Tian ought to have reached the top already.”
Jiang Zhisu said gently, “It’s begun.”
“Father, why did martial granduncle chose Nie Tian?” Jiang Lingzhu asked, puzzled.
Li Fan furrowed his brow and said, “Actually, I find it quite strange myself. I failed to spot any special cultivation talent on him. Pan Bai of the Spiritual Treasure sect is well-known for his ability to recognize talent, and since he set his mind on Nie Tian, he must have something unique. But, even if that was true, it was still very unlikely for martial granduncle to pick him, right?”
Jiang Zhisu shook his head and said, “I also have no idea why. In martial uncle’s entire life, he has only taken in a total of three disciples, with Nie Tian being the third. You probably have heard of the first two, and know what cultivation stage they’re at and their current status.”
Li Fan’s heart was filled with veneration upon hearing these words.
Jiang Zhisu remained silent for a while before saying, “Martial uncle hasn’t made a breakthrough in years, and his time… is about to run out. If there are no surprises, Nie Tian is very likely his last disciple. Actually, I originally assumed that he wouldn’t take in any more disciples; who would have thought that he would set his eyes on Nie Tian. However, it’s our sect’s fortune that martial uncle has taken in a new disciple.”
“I wonder how many steps he’ll be able to take.” Curiosity was written across Li Fan’s face.
Eyes narrowed, Jiang Zhisu used his soul to sense the flow of the spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth in the vicinity of the Cloudsoaring Mountain. “The first two of martial uncle’s disciples both turned out to be more successful than their master. I hope that Nie Tian will too. After today, we’ll have a clearer understanding of Nie Tian’s potential.”
Upon hearing his words, both Li Fan and Jiang Lingzhu’s eyes brimmed with admiration, as if they knew what Nie Tian was experiencing at that moment.
…
On the back of the mountain…
Having walked seven steps, Nie Tian couldn’t move his legs even the least bit.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Just as he was catching his breath, rapid and vigorous heartbeats once again sounded out from within his chest.
Nie Tian, who was on the verge of losing consciousness, remained where he was and used his soul to sense the changes inside of him.
He discovered that countless strands of unknown energy were roaming about inside of him, carrying pure and refined power, as they constantly entered and exited his flesh, bones, and internal organs.
He no longer forced himself to take steps forward, but rather attempted to use the Qi Refining Incantation to control the strands of energy.
As soon as he started, he could keenly feel the numerous strands of energy frantically surging forth into his spiritual sea.
In only a flash, his spiritual sea was brimming with spiritual power, but the mighty spiritual energy in him was much stronger than the energy he had acquired from the spirit beast meat in the Green Illusion dimension!
When he tried to use the Qi Refining Incantation to expand his spiritual sea, he discovered that his spiritual sea seemed to be ripped apart and sewn back together, expanding rapidly.
Not only that, but along with the acceleration of his heartbeat, he gradually gained control of the strands of energy that were originally rampaging uncontrollably in his flesh, bones, and internal organs.
Before long, he sensed that the energy was disappearing at an astonishing speed.
He was actually absorbing it!
Before long, he snapped out of the muddleheaded state he had been in, and regained command of his own body, even though he was still feeling incomparably sore and painful.
“Continue!” The urging voice once again echoed out from within the thatched cottage.
Nie Tian gritted his teeth and took another step forward.
The moment he stretched out his leg, he felt drops of murky sweat flowing out from his body, dripping down as he moved along.
THUMP!
When his foot landed on the ground, another surge of energy flowed into him through his sole.
As soon as it entered Nie Tian’s foot, the surge of energy once again split into countless strands of energy, dispersing into every corner of his body.