Chapter 163 - 137: Talent: Qi Blood Derivation
He still had a chance to forge a corresponding Talent through the progress of his Cultivation Technique.
As for why he needed to choose a new Qi Refiner Cultivation Technique, it was because the cultivation speed of the Earth Element True Skill was far too slow. Moreover, by the time the technique advanced, he would have certainly already achieved Qi Sensing.
In that case, it would be completely useless.
Therefore, he needed to find a more basic Qi Cultivation Method.
’Since this Earth Element True Skill starts at Marrow Transformation, there must be a corresponding Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment Technique for the stages before it.’
’After all, people aren’t born at the Marrow Transformation level.’
Once he figured this out, Fang Yue couldn’t help but tap his head. ’Why didn’t I think of this when I was still in Shanyang Prefecture? It would have been much easier to find this kind of Cultivation Technique in the Prefecture City.’
’Looks like I’ll have to pay Master Fang Hu a visit and ask him about it.’
Fang Yue let out a soft sigh. Searching for a similar Cultivation Technique would have definitely been much easier in Shanyang Prefecture City than here.
But now that he was back in Xiahe County Town, going to Shanyang Prefecture City again would be a long journey and a waste of time.
’I’ll search in Xiahe County Town first. If I can’t find it, I’ll go to Shanyang Prefecture.’
Fang Yue didn’t plan on asking Chubby for help with this matter. After all, it concerned the secrets of his cultivation—the fewer people who knew, the better.
~~~~~~
「The next day.」
Fang Yue went to visit Fang Hu, but upon arriving, he discovered that Xiahe County had recruited a new batch of men for the Guard Army. Fang Hu had been sent to train the new soldiers and was not in Xiahe County Town.
So, Fang Yue had no choice but to seek out Master Zhang Boyang instead.
’Then again, seeking out this master might be even better than looking for Fang Hu.’
As a native of Xiahe County Town, Zhang Boyang would know a lot more about it.
Standing before the front door of Master Zhang’s home, Fang Yue couldn’t help but feel a little sentimental as he looked at the somewhat worn and mottled gate.
’It must have been almost two years since I last came here.’
Before, Fang Yue had been living in the countryside, and later, Master Zhang was conscripted into the army. He had planned to visit Master Zhang during the New Year this year, but he hadn’t been home.
The Gatekeeper said he had gone to the Prefecture City to attend his daughter’s wedding.
Master Zhang, who had always wanted his daughter to marry Fang Yue, had finally seen her wed.
He had heard a few days ago that Master Zhang was back, so Zhang Boyang should be home at this hour.
"It’s Nephew Yu’Er! What are you doing standing at the door? Hurry, come in, come in."
Just as he was about to knock, the door swung open. A much older-looking Zhang Boyang stood there, dressed as if he were about to head out.
But upon seeing Fang Yue, his face immediately broke into a smile, and he hurriedly invited him in.
They went in but didn’t enter the house itself.
It was clear Zhang Boyang still had to go out soon.
The two of them sat down in the courtyard pavilion, and a servant brought them tea.
"Sigh... It’s such a pity. Shu’Er refused to listen to me in the end... She missed out on you, Yu’Er. I just hope she doesn’t come to regret it."
Before Fang Yue could even open his mouth, Zhang Boyang spoke first, his words nothing but a sigh of regret.
Fang Yue could only make noncommittal sounds and sip his tea.
"Sigh. This is what happens when you get old—you get sentimental. Don’t mind me, Yu’Er."
Thankfully, Zhang Boyang seemed to realize how awkward Fang Yue felt and didn’t continue, instead asking the purpose of his visit.
Fang Yue immediately explained the reason for his visit.
"You want to learn about basic Cultivation Methods for Qi Cultivators? I think I’ve heard a little about that before."
Zhang Boyang pondered for a moment before he finally seemed to recall something. His expression immediately turned solemn, and he spoke to Fang Yue in a serious tone.
"Nephew, why are you asking about Qi Cultivator techniques? You mustn’t take the ’Qi Cultivation shortcut’ just because you find Marrow Transformation difficult. Only a peerless genius can succeed in the path of a Qi Cultivator.
Besides, it seems you need some kind of special aid to even practice it. Progress may seem incredibly fast, but once you walk that path, your Martial Dao will be forever stuck at the Bone Marrow Transformation Realm."
Zhang Boyang stared intently at Fang Yue, his gaze sharp, as if terrified Fang Yue would go down the wrong path.
After all, the cultivation methods of Qi Cultivators had once been sought after by Martial Artists who were approaching the end of their lives with no hope of breaking through to the Qi Sensing realm.
But without exception, all who tried to take this shortcut...
...either failed when they reached Great Success in Marrow Transformation and consumed a Secret Medicine to advance to Qi Sensing, resulting in severe injury or death due to their impure Primordial Qi;
...or their cultivation became permanently stuck at Marrow Transformation, unable to advance another step.
It was a path that had been proven to be a dead end.
Perhaps someone could succeed on this path, but they would have to be a true genius with a Talent for Qi Cultivation.
However, the prerequisite was that this genius hailed from a true Noble Family that was willing to support them. Otherwise, even a true genius would find this path exceedingly difficult.
’Could it be that Nephew Fang is also struggling with Marrow Transformation, heard about this crooked method somewhere, and now wants to try it?’
"Rest assured, Master Zhang. I’ve only heard of this path and want to learn more about it. That way, if I run into a Qi Cultivator in the future, I’ll know how to handle the situation."
Fang Yue smiled faintly and explained calmly, without his face flushing or his heart skipping a beat.
"That’s true; it’s always good to learn more. It’s just that most Qi Cultivator techniques have long since vanished. Perhaps you could try the Ghost Market," Zhang Boyang said after a moment’s thought.
After saying this, however, he still warned Fang Yue that he could observe them and broaden his horizons, but he must never attempt to practice them himself.
Naturally, Fang Yue promised he absolutely would not.