Free Web NovelChapter 502: Chapter 217: Immortal Cultivation Sect, One in Ten Thousand (2)
"Eunuch Liu."
At last, Chu Lingguang saw Eunuch Liu, Liu Xun, at the entrance.
The last time they met, Eunuch Liu had traveled a thousand miles just to save him from the people of the Celestial Fragrance Pavilion. As a result, he was poisoned by the Celestial Fragrance Powder and had no choice but to completely dissipate his cultivation to survive.
This time, even if Eunuch Liu hadn’t come looking for him, Chu Lingguang had planned to visit him anyway, and had even prepared some gifts.
Today, they met again.
Chu Lingguang was no longer the man he once was.
Not only had he placed second in the Qiling Prefecture Provincial Martial Arts Examination, but after Eunuch Liu’s departure, he had also become an expert at the Qi Sea Perfection realm. Furthermore, his Sea of Consciousness Power had evolved, and he had successfully awakened the Potential Energy of ’Slowness.’ Now, his Flesh and Blood Divine Abilities and his Sea of Consciousness Power resonated in near-perfect harmony, allowing him to withstand even Yan Zhen’s Sword Momentum.
Seeing Eunuch Liu again, Chu Lingguang first assessed the change in his aura. He found that although the eunuch had recovered some of his power, he was still a far cry from his peak.
At an age like Eunuch Liu’s, once one’s cultivation declined, one’s appearance would age rapidly. Though only a few months had passed, Eunuch Liu now looked six or seven years older than the last time they’d met.
He stood at the entrance of the posthouse like a shrunken old man.
He had left the city in plain clothes, looking unremarkable. He hadn’t alerted the posthouse officials, appearing just like a rather tidy commoner peering out from the doorway.
Seeing him in this state, Chu Lingguang felt a deep sense of guilt. The man had only ever wanted to teach him the Soft and Flexible Technique. And although he’d had a falling-out with Guo Wei, he had still helped Guo Wei in the end. All in all, Chu Lingguang still owed Eunuch Liu Favors.
"Lin Guang pays his respects, Eunuch Liu."
Chu Lingguang descended the steps, intending to give Eunuch Liu a formal bow. As a Martial Arts Scholar, he no longer needed to perform a kneeling salute, not even to Governor Zhang Tao. But before Eunuch Liu, whom he regarded as an elder, he wished to show his gratitude and respect.
"There’s a teahouse up ahead. Their morning tea service is booming. Let’s the three of us go get a bite."
But before Chu Lingguang could kneel, Eunuch Liu pulled him away. Xuanyuan Jinkang followed behind them, a glum look on his face.
The three of them arrived at the teahouse.
The morning market was packed, and the teahouse was overflowing with customers. It was only after Xuanyuan Jinkang showed a Token to the manager that they were given a private room. A short while later, all sorts of dim sum and tea were served.
Eunuch Liu spoke as he ate. "Chu Lingguang, I’ve come to see you today for two reasons. First, to congratulate you on standing before Yan Zhen and taking second place in Qiling Prefecture, earning the chance to study at the Imperial City Academy. Second, there’s a small matter I’d like to ask of you."
"Please speak freely, Eunuch Liu. If it is within my power, I will do everything I can."
Chu Lingguang put down his sticky rice chicken and said with a serious expression.
"It’s nothing too serious, really. I just wanted to ask you to help me look after this disappointing apprentice of mine at the Imperial City Academy."
Eunuch Liu pointed at Xuanyuan Jinkang.
"Master, I don’t need anyone to look after me."
Xuanyuan Jinkang put down his chopsticks. He hadn’t expected Eunuch Liu to come to the posthouse so early in the morning just to ask Chu Lingguang to look after him. He had thought that Eunuch Liu was still preoccupied with Chu Lingguang, hoping to take him on as a disciple.
"Silence! Don’t think you’re the same as Lin Guang, that you can just cultivate at the Imperial City Academy until the Imperial Examination begins. Do you have any idea what the rules are there?"
Eunuch Liu scolded.
"This disciple does not know."
Xuanyuan Jinkang shook his head.
"At the Imperial City Academy, if you perform well, you might receive guidance from the Practitioners of Yuanchu Mountain. Even if they only offer a word or two of advice, it will benefit you for a lifetime. But not just anyone gets a chance like that, you understand?"
Eunuch Liu said, his tone earnest and profound.
"We would be honored to hear the details."
Chu Lingguang said respectfully, his expression growing solemn.
He finally realized that Eunuch Liu hadn’t called him out merely to ask him to look after Xuanyuan Jinkang, but to inform him of the rules and various things to be aware of within the Imperial City Academy.
Both Chu Lingguang and Guo Wei knew that while Eunuch Liu’s power in the Imperial City wasn’t enough to blot out the sky, he was still a significant figure. At the very least, he was a familiar face to the emperor and knew things most people didn’t. It wouldn’t be surprising if he knew all the rules of the Imperial City Academy, or even the backgrounds of some of its instructors.
"You will be studying at the Imperial City Academy for nearly five months. During that time, there will be one exam per month. The better your results, the better the treatment you receive. In that respect, it’s not much different from the Trial Ground."
"The only major difference is that the competitions there are rather cruel. While they won’t go so far as to have you kill each other, they will torment your Mental Realm to help you achieve breakthroughs. They might even stimulate your Sea of Consciousness. If one of you has outstanding Sea of Consciousness Power, you’ll receive preferential treatment at the academy. You might even get to meet a Practitioner from Yuanchu Mountain and receive one-on-one guidance. But that is extremely rare, so don’t get your hopes up."
"What you need to focus on is using every method possible to achieve a transformation in your Mental Realm. As long as your Mental Realm reaches the required standard, regardless of your actual combat ability, you’ll have a much greater chance of meeting a Practitioner from Yuanchu Mountain. With their help, you might even break through the Qi Sea and step into the True Martial Realm."
Eunuch Liu said earnestly.
"What?"
Both Chu Lingguang and Xuanyuan Jinkang found it somewhat unbelievable.
Xuanyuan Jinkang couldn’t help but ask, "Master, as far as I know, to break through the Qi Sea and enter the True Martial Realm, one must rely on the power within their Dantian to evolve every aspect of their body. Can the Practitioners of Yuanchu Mountain really just offer a bit of casual advice and allow anyone to step into the True Martial Realm?"
