Chapter 518 - 248: Tempering
Heeding Teacher Xue’s solemn warning, Chen Chuan did not let his guard down. He focused with his entire being, steadying his mind and will. Two minutes later, he opened his eyes and looked at Teacher Xue.
Seeing the brilliant glimmer in his eyes, Teacher Xue knew his spirit was honed and focused to its absolute limit. He said gravely, "Chen, prepare yourself."
The moment his words fell, a brilliant light erupted from Teacher Xue’s eyes. Chen Chuan felt the world around him melt away and retreat, leaving him seated in a vast emptiness. Even the very concept of his own existence began to fade.
Unlike last time, however, the Heart Jade he had visualized was present. It was the only point of light in this space, and it anchored his existence.
Just then, a scorching brilliance appeared before him. An even more intense radiance tore through the void, bursting in like a great sun and expanding with incredible speed, threatening to instantly engulf his small speck of light.
Under such pressure, Chen Chuan instinctively condensed his spirit, making it even more solid and compact. In the next instant, he felt his consciousness RUMBLE, as if it were about to be dissolved by the radiance. Yet he held on tightly to that single spark of his inner self, his most persistent Heart Thought remaining unshakable.
After what felt like an eternity, the light finally receded.
His Heart Jade had been reduced from a glowing orb to a speck the size of a grain of rice. But after a moment, it began to radiate outward again, gradually returning to its original state.
This time, it seemed even more brilliant than before.
But before he could fully recover his Primordial Qi, the great, sun-like flame reappeared. It rushed forward with even greater intensity than before; it seemed the strength of his previous defense was utterly insufficient to withstand it.
Yet Chen Chuan remained steadfast, not wavering in the slightest.
’Because he knew that spirit relied on conviction. The more confident and resolute you are, the more it condenses. The more you doubt and hesitate, the harder it is to consolidate. Therefore, in a contest like this, if you retreat even an inch, the impossible becomes possible.’
’So no matter what, I cannot give up. I have to block it, even if it takes all my strength.’ He didn’t worry about anything or consider the consequences, knowing only that his tenacious, unyielding will had to endure.
After this impact, once the light had faded, it seemed as if nothing existed. And yet, that single spark of his mind remained, standing firm. Though it had become almost imperceptible, it was slowly recovering, until it was restored once more. This time, it was even brighter than before.
But this was not the end. Just as it had finished recovering, the great flame arrived for a third time.
This assault was repeated many more times. Each time, Chen Chuan’s Heart Jade was almost obliterated, but each time it stubbornly reformed from the faintest remnant. As the process continued, it became increasingly bright, transparent, solid, and firm.
After countless more repetitions, the brilliant light finally stopped appearing.
The void dissipated, and his surroundings returned to normal. He looked up to see the bright sun outside and Teacher Xue sitting there, a faint smile on his face.
He glanced at the time and saw that not even a minute had passed. In his perception, however, it had felt like an eternity.
Although his spirit had just been repeatedly tempered, he didn’t feel tired or weary. On the contrary, he felt fantastic, as if he had just emerged from a long, deep meditation, fully rested and restored.
Teacher Xue said, "If we had continued, we would have started consuming your Divine Constant. There’s no need for that. It’s enough for you to understand the process."
’He was quite satisfied with the test. With a tempering method like that, anyone whose will was even slightly unsteady would have passed out immediately.’
’There would be no point in even discussing technique. If one’s own heart isn’t firm enough, no amount of practice will help.’
He continued, "The Refining Method includes two types: Outer Refining and Inner Refining. What I just demonstrated was the External Refining Method. Now, I will show you an Inner Refining technique. Pay close attention and feel it out."
As he spoke, light once again spilled from his eyes.
Chen Chuan quickly focused his mind to perceive it. The last time their spirits had connected, they needed physical contact, but this time they didn’t. This was because his spirit was now more solid and condensed, able to withstand and analyze the thoughts being transmitted from Teacher Xue.
When Teacher Xue’s demonstration concluded, Chen Chuan realized this Refining Method seemed to be related to the cultivation and nourishment aspect of the Meditation Method.
When he voiced this question, Teacher Xue replied, "Your feeling is correct. In the old days, the methods for nourishing and refining were one and the same. The Meditation Methods I mentioned before originally included this component.
But times have changed. When it comes to pure Refining Methods, the old ways can’t compare to modern ones. You could even say they’re outdated.
You can practice the Inner Refining Method on your own. As for the External Refining Method, while I can’t be there to help you every day, the academy has Hong Fu. For your daily cultivation at Wuyi Academy, you can have Hong Fu train with you.
She can provide the most precise and appropriate assistance. As an active Consciousness Body, she has been honed over seventy years of sparring with generations of Wuyi Academy’s teachers, students, and Fighters. Other companies’ active Consciousness Bodies might have combat power, but they can’t compare to the likes of Hong Fu in this regard.
Unless..."
He paused, then changed the subject. "You’re at the Third Limit now. If you have the time, I suggest you apply for a teaching position. With your talent, the academy shouldn’t refuse. The resources available to a student are very different from those available to a teacher.
The academy is a platform. You should make the best use of every resource it offers. With a teaching position, you can also build your network by teaching students, not to mention collect teaching fees."
Chen Chuan said, "I still have many shortcomings."
Teacher Xue smiled. "You’re too modest. As a Third Limit Fighter, you’re more than qualified to teach some of the students. Even if you taught them nothing and just sparred with them, it would be enough.
Of course, this is just a suggestion. Applying for a teaching position takes time and energy. It is a bit early for you, so it’s not wrong to focus your time on cultivation instead."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I will consider it."
"Now, there is one more thing."
Teacher Xue sat up a little straighter. "I must remind you that while cultivating Spiritual Power is a path to advancement, it is still an extension of the self. You must learn to control it, not simply let it do as it pleases.
Those who train their Spiritual Power for a long time often suffer a side effect: they begin to project their spiritual reality onto the physical world. They start to believe that anything they can achieve spiritually, they can also achieve physically. This creates a blind, excessive confidence.
The problem is, these people are incredibly resolute, utterly convinced that their actions are correct. You can’t persuade them otherwise. They easily fall into extremism and cause trouble.
However, I must admit that those who indulge themselves in this way grow at an astonishing rate, provided they can stay alive.
In the old days, it wasn’t unheard of for such people to reach the highest levels, but they often became a scourge. Even today, there are Schools that specialize in this path, which is why we must take measures to prevent this from happening."
As he said this, his expression lost its earlier casualness and became extremely serious.
"I have a Dharma Gate, a Refining Method. It might slow your cultivation speed, but it will provide a more stable foundation, making your spirit gentler and more secure. Are you willing to learn it?"
He stared intently at Chen Chuan as he asked.
Chen Chuan answered without hesitation, "Please teach me, Teacher."
’Power you can’t control isn’t your own.’ He would rather be stable than pursue progress through such a radical method.
Seeing his decisive and sincere attitude, Teacher Xue’s expression relaxed slightly. He said, "Good. I will now teach you the Refining Method."
「Meanwhile, at Ferris Wheel Company Headquarters.」
Inside the security hall, Deputy Head of Security Song Zicheng watched a scene on a light screen from behind his sunglasses.
On the screen was a team from the Esoteric Review Bureau, dressed in robes with ritualistic patterns painted on their faces. Accompanied by company staff, they were conducting inspections throughout the premises. The one leading the team was none other than the newly appointed Deputy Director of the Esoteric Review Bureau, Lei Guangcheng.
Although Lei Guangcheng was on their company’s elimination list, it was obviously impossible to make a move under the current circumstances.
After a long while, a voice came through his Realm Token. "Manager Song, the Esoteric Review Bureau is preparing to leave. However, they said that to ensure our company hasn’t been infiltrated by a Cult, they need to station an inspection team here."
"Understood."
Song Zicheng knew this was Director Lei’s counterattack for the recent attempt on his life. He coldly watched Director Lei’s retreating figure on the light screen. ’These people truly are the company’s enemies.’
’But at least the elimination of the other targets has gone smoothly. More than half of the company’s potential future threats have already been dealt with.’
He had absolute faith in Wu Qi’s judgment. It was thanks to Wu Qi’s analyses and strategies—preemptively eliminating all sorts of enemies—that the Ferris Wheel Company had grown to its current size in such a short time.
Just then, another voice came through the Realm Token. "Manager, people from the Processing Bureau have arrived. They say they need to question us about the attack earlier today."
Song Zicheng said, "Have the public relations team and the Litigation Master team meet them first."
’He knew this was the consequence of failing to eliminate the target.’ They had faced such difficult situations before, but they had always managed to overcome them in the end.
’Besides, he knew the higher-ups hadn’t abandoned the plan. The current situation was just unfavorable for action. They would have to wait.’
’Just because they couldn’t handle this matter now didn’t mean other business couldn’t be done.’
He used his Realm Token to connect to a secure frequency. "Are you ready?" After a moment, a clearly distorted voice replied, "Our people have reached the perimeter of Huan Pang’s cargo warehouse. Everything is in position. Awaiting orders for the next step of the operation."
Song Zicheng replied in a cold voice, "Then begin."
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