Chapter 31: A Favor, the "Golden Turtle Spirit Technique

Chapter 31: Chapter 31: A Favor, the "Golden Turtle Spirit Technique

Li Changsheng looked at it curiously and placed both hands on the Pulse Testing Stone.

A gentle energy surged from the Pulse Testing Stone and circled through his body. The originally transparent stone was now tinged with a faint gold, and at its core, a conspicuous splash of crimson appeared.

A look of understanding dawned on the middle-aged man’s face when he saw the faint gold, but he seemed somewhat surprised by the crimson at the core.

Li Changsheng didn’t understand what this meant and looked at the middle-aged man in confusion.

Just then, the handsome youth beside the middle-aged man suddenly spoke. "No wonder they’re sending him to the Ten Thousand Mountains. His elemental Spirit Vein is too weak." He then added in confusion, "But a fifth-grade aptitude can still develop a characteristic?"

’Ten Thousand Mountains?’

Li Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat. This was the second time he’d heard the name, and from the youth’s tone, it didn’t sound like a good place.

The middle-aged man waved his hand, putting away the Pulse Testing Stone. He shot the youth a glare before turning to Li Changsheng with a smile. "Your Spirit Vein is of the metal attribute. Although it’s a bit weak, having a core characteristic makes it pretty good."

Li Changsheng was completely bewildered. He didn’t understand at all and hurriedly asked, "Sir, what exactly are elemental Spirit Veins and characteristics?"

The middle-aged man paused for a moment, his eyes flickering thoughtfully, then said with a smile, "As everyone knows, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi is divided into the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. From these, other variant attributes like ice, lightning, poison, and so on are derived."

"To become a Cultivator, one must be born with a Spirit Vein."

"The attribute of your Spirit Vein is determined by which type of Spiritual Qi it naturally has an affinity for."

"Furthermore, they are graded into five aptitudes based on how quickly the Spirit Vein can absorb Spiritual Qi. First-grade is the best, and fifth-grade is the worst."

At this, the middle-aged man paused and gave him a deep look. "You have a fifth-grade aptitude."

Li Changsheng bowed slightly. "Thank you for telling me, Sir." Then he asked, still confused, "Sir, what about the characteristic?"

"You can call me Steward Wu."

Wu Yong waved his hand and explained patiently, "A characteristic is a special ability contained within one’s Spiritual Power."

"For example, take two wood-attribute Spirit Veins. One might have the characteristic of ’Wither’, while the other has ’Growth’."

"Spiritual Power with the Wither characteristic is like a plague that clings to the bones. It’s not only highly destructive but also incredibly difficult to deal with. On the other hand, the Growth characteristic has no killing power, but its Spiritual Power can accelerate the growth of Spirit Plants, which is also an extraordinary ability."

"Therefore, when choosing a Cultivation Technique, in addition to matching your attribute, it’s best to pick one that helps you utilize your characteristic."

"Of course, a characteristic can only be used to its full potential by a Vein Condensation Realm Cultivator. During the Qi Cultivation Stage, your Spiritual Power is only faintly tinged with the characteristic, so it won’t be very powerful."

Li Changsheng cupped his hands in a fist-and-palm salute. "Thank you for the clarification, Steward Wu. I will not forget your kindness in answering my questions."

’Isn’t this the very reason I explained everything so carefully?’ The smile on Wu Yong’s face deepened.

The youth to the side glanced thoughtfully between Wu Yong and Li Changsheng.

Wu Yong smiled. "Your Spirit Vein is metal, and your characteristic leans toward blood. Do you have any thoughts yourself?"

Hearing this, Li Changsheng’s eyes lit up. ’Is he going to guide me?’

He immediately bowed deeply. "Please, Steward, help me. Changsheng will never forget your grace."

Wu Yong was clearly pleased with his reaction. With a flip of his hand, he produced three jade slips and placed them on the table.

"Here are three Cultivation Techniques. One focuses on offense, one on Escape Techniques, and one on defense."

Just as Li Changsheng stepped forward to examine them, Wu Yong suddenly said, "I advise you not to choose the offensive Cultivation Technique."

Li Changsheng quickly replied, "Please, Steward, teach me."

Wu Yong pondered for a moment before asking, "Do you know what kind of place the Ten Thousand Mountains is?"

Li Changsheng shook his head.

"The Ten Thousand Mountains, so named for its thousands of overlapping peaks and ravines, is also known as the Wanzhong Mountains Range."

"It contains countless heavenly materials and earthly treasures, but at the same time, it also holds infinite dangers."

"Venomous insects, ferocious beasts, lesser demons, and greater demons are rampant."

"With your level of cultivation, if you go there..."

Wu Yong shook his head. "It can only be described as perilous."

"Therefore, for you, offense isn’t what’s important. Survival is."

"And survival comes down to two things: running fast and being able to take a beating."

After speaking, Wu Yong pointed to the jade slips on the table. "Choose."

"Thank you, Steward Wu."

Li Changsheng’s expression turned grave. After offering his thanks, he picked up the jade slips one by one and pressed them to his forehead to inspect their contents.

The three Qi Refining Techniques were:

"Golden Blade Blood-crying Technique"

"Blood Essence Technique"

"Golden Turtle Spirit Technique"

Among them, the Golden Blade Blood-crying Technique was the most compatible. The Spiritual Power it cultivated was not only sharp but could also bring out his blood-attribute characteristic, allowing him to condense a strand of blood-crying Sword Qi within his body. The drawback was that practicing it would make him irritable, short-tempered, and bloodthirsty.

The Blood Essence Technique was completely focused on the blood attribute and came with the Blood Evasion magic. It was a passable match for him. The drawback was that using Blood Evasion consumed one’s vital essence blood. Consuming too much would damage his foundation and shorten his lifespan.

The Golden Turtle Spirit Technique was oriented toward the metal attribute. It came with the Golden Turtle Shield magic and also had the effect of nurturing the Spirit Vein to increase cultivation speed. Its drawback was that it required absorbing metal qi from spirit ores to practice, making it quite expensive in terms of Spirit Stones.

Li Changsheng put down the three jade slips, his expression deeply conflicted.

Wu Yong shook his head and sighed. "Alas, among these three Cultivation Techniques, the Golden Blade Blood-crying Technique is the most compatible with you. It’s a pity..."

Li Changsheng hesitated for a moment, then reached out and picked up the jade slip for the Golden Turtle Spirit Technique.

He cupped his fists in thanks. "Thank you, Steward. This humble one feels that my life is more important. I’ll choose this one."

’Of the three Cultivation Techniques, the Golden Blade Blood-crying Technique is too aggressive; I don’t want to die. The Blood Essence Technique is too extreme and could easily get me killed.’

’Only the Golden Turtle Spirit Technique is balanced and stable. It not only provides defense but can also increase my cultivation speed. Although it’s expensive in terms of Spirit Stones, I believe I can afford it.’

Wu Yong waved his hand, collecting the other two jade slips, and smiled. "The Golden Turtle Spirit Technique isn’t bad either. Although it requires spirit ores, considering your aptitude, it’s actually the most suitable for you." As he spoke, he flipped his hand over and produced a storage pouch, handing it to Li Changsheng.

"This is a storage pouch. Inside is a year’s worth of cultivation resources for you, as well as a book recording the sect’s rules and regulations."

Li Changsheng accepted it joyfully. ’Now *this* is how a sect is supposed to be!’ he thought to himself. ’Giving out so many things right after I’ve joined.’

Wu Yong continued, "In three days, a Flying Ship will be transporting outer sect disciples to the Ten Thousand Mountains. You will go with them then."

After saying this, he turned to the youth beside him. "Wu Meng, go find him some temporary lodging."

The youth, Wu Meng, nodded in acknowledgment and made a welcoming gesture. "Junior Brother Li, if you please."

Li Changsheng saluted Steward Wu with cupped fists. "Steward Wu, this humble one will take his leave now."

"Go on." Wu Yong waved his hand dismissively.

Wu Meng led Li Changsheng out the door.

In just a few moments, they arrived at a small, elegant courtyard.

Wu Meng pointed to the courtyard and said, "Junior Brother Li, you can cultivate here for now. Servants will deliver your three daily meals."

Li Changsheng glanced around and nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you, Senior Brother Wu."

Wu Meng smiled. "I won’t disturb your cultivation any further, Junior Brother Li. Farewell."

Li Changsheng cupped his fists and said, "Senior Brother, take care."

Watching Wu Meng’s back recede into the distance, Li Changsheng turned, entered the courtyard, and walked straight into his room.