Page 7

Following the instructions in the Transmission Guide, she placed the book in front of her, sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and began channeling spiritual energy.

A faint purple aura slowly flowed through her meridians, and she felt as though her soul had left her body, entering another realm.

A golden figure sat cross-legged in front of her, mirroring her position. The figure repeatedly formed intricate hand seals. At first, the speed was slow, but it gradually accelerated.

Realizing the significance of the actions, Qin Shu hurried to follow along, mimicking the figure's gestures. However, the figure's movements soon became so fast that it created afterimages, leaving Qin Shu unable to keep up. She sighed, determined to memorize what she could and practice later in private.

When the golden figure noticed her faltering, it stood up, conjuring a golden sword in its hand.

Qin Shu was stunned. Wasn't she here to practice alchemy? Why was swordsmanship involved? Was swordsmanship a mandatory course at Xuantian Sect?

On second thought, it made sense. After all, in eight years, she would need some means of self-defense.

But then another problem arose—she didn't even own a sword yet!

As soon as the thought crossed her mind, a purple sword appeared in her hand, its hue resembling the color of the spiritual energy in her dantian.

The golden figure began moving, demonstrating slashes and thrusts repeatedly.

It was Qin Shu's first time wielding a sword, so she did her best to imitate the moves.

This time, however, the golden figure slowed its movements to a crawl, so slow that she could clearly see the trajectory of the sword tip and the muscle movements in its arm.

Focusing all her attention on her own arm holding the sword, Qin Shu began to feel something click.

The sword, she realized, was simply an extension of the arm. Precision wasn't driven by the wrist but through a harmonious balance of force.

Just as she felt she was getting the hang of it, she was abruptly ejected from the illusion. Opening her eyes, she found herself back in the golden, resplendent hall. In front of her lay a cyan book.

Her dantian felt slightly uncomfortable. Upon examining it, she realized her spiritual energy had been almost completely depleted, leaving only a small, bean-sized wisp.

Staying longer wouldn't yield further results, so she sighed, carefully put the book back in place, and used a handkerchief to clean the cushion she had been sitting on. She bowed toward the empty space and quietly left the hall.

The sun had risen outside, yet the tranquil Transmission Hall remained deserted.

Qin Shu found it strange. Did cultivators in this realm really lack diligence? With such advanced 3D holographic teachings, wouldn't consistent practice ensure rapid progress?

She mused briefly but didn't dwell on it, descending the mountain.

Her descent was smooth, and as she approached the foot of the mountain, the surroundings grew livelier.

Qin Shu stopped a passerby to ask for directions to the Alchemy Sect's dining hall. Once pointed in the right direction, she felt reassured.

Thankfully, the sect provided meals. After all, she was only ten years old. Even with the Golden Rainbow Pomegranate Tree, she wouldn't last long on her own.

As she entered the dining hall, a sense of belonging washed over her. The place was bustling with kids around her age, their chatter filling the air.

"Qin Shu! Over here!" someone called out.

Turning toward the voice, she saw it was He Xin, a twelve-year-old girl who was something of an old acquaintance. Like Qin Shu, she hailed from Fan Yin City, and they had arrived at the sect together on the same flying ship.

"You're in the Alchemy Sect too? What a coincidence! Where's your residence?" He Xin was naturally outgoing, her round almond-shaped eyes sparkling with warmth, making it hard for Qin Shu to decline a conversation.

"Near the cold pond," Qin Shu replied vaguely.

He Xin thought for a moment before nodding in understanding.

She then asked, "Why are you eating so late? There's not much left now, though the spiritual rice here is quite different from what we've had before."

Instinctively wary of strangers, Qin Shu avoided divulging too much. "I overslept. Yesterday was exhausting," she said briefly.

He Xin covered her mouth, chuckling. "Once you're on the immortal mountain, you should focus on cultivation. By next year, we'll need to support ourselves. You'd better start channeling spiritual energy soon."

Qin Shu nodded, noticing the dining hall was gradually emptying. She excused herself, saying, "I should get my food first."

He Xin added, "I'll head back then. They mentioned earlier that we shouldn't wander for the next few days and should focus on cultivating. Those with exceptional talent can channel spiritual energy within three days, but for outer disciples like us, it'll take at least ten days."

Qin Shu: "???"

Ten days or more? Then how did she manage it in a single night?

Her mind buzzed with questions, but she knew better than to reveal anything. Without overwhelming strength or a powerful backer, she didn't want to draw attention.

Seeing her dazed, He Xin urged, "Go eat. I live near the big willow tree in the east. Come find me if you need anything."

Qin Shu nodded, watched He Xin leave, and then went to get her food.

After finishing her meal, she took a free spiritual fruit back home, remembering the injured little snake.

The fruit was a common Zhi Ling Fruit, sweet but lacking spiritual energy—perfect for children who hadn't yet mastered fasting.

It was Qin Shu's first time trying it, and she found the taste delightful. It reminded her of loquats, sweet and refreshing.

The little snake was so small that one fruit should suffice.

On her way back, the surroundings grew lively as more people explored the immortal mountain for the first time. Qin Shu, however, had no interest in sightseeing. Her priority was advancing her cultivation as quickly as possible.

After scanning her identity token, she entered her room, finding everything just as she had left it—the bundle she had opened on the table and the pink snake staff lying next to it.

Nothing had moved, as if frozen in time.

With a mischievous grin, Qin Shu manipulated the snake's tail, bending it into a pink heart shape. It might make a cute desk decoration, she thought.

Who could resist a pink heart?

Just like earlier that morning, she pried the snake's mouth open and fed it pieces of the Zhi Ling Fruit.

This time, she took a closer look at its tiny sharp teeth, wondering which were venomous. She had no clue.

Still, her fear of snakes seemed to diminish rapidly. The little black snake now felt more like a toy in her hands.

After feeding it, she reshaped the snake into a pink heart, clapped her hands in satisfaction, and sat cross-legged on the cushion to absorb spiritual energy.

She thought her previous night's experience would make this attempt easier.

However, as she closed her eyes and tried to sense the faintly glowing colorful particles in the air, she froze.

Her eyes snapped open, disbelief written all over her face.

What... was going on?