Chapter 3: This person has a deficiency of Yang Qi, and it’s on par with you.

Cultivators in the world must progress through three realms: Shedding Mortal, Qi Movement, and Profound Mystery. These three realms are collectively known as the Qi Transformation Realm.

The Qi Transformation Realm, as its name suggests, is about refining essence into Qi. This "essence" is not ordinary essence, but "essence energy." "Essence energy" is the foundation and quintessence of life, the very source of a person's vigor and spirit. This so-called 'essence energy' is also what the Wonderous Palace targets for its essence absorption. Primordial yang is but one type of 'essence energy.'

Therefore, the Shedding Mortal stage involves tempering the physical body, igniting potential, and inducing the metamorphosis of the flesh.

Simultaneously, by employing breathing exercises and guiding techniques, working both internally and externally, one cultivates a sensation of Qi—this is known as Qi Movement.

When the true Qi within the body pervades one's entirety and circulates through the meridians to connect with the divine soul, the soul platform becomes clear. At this point, one can wield spells and techniques—this is Profound Mystery.

...

So that's how it is. The Shedding Mortal Realm is essentially about tempering the body. Since my body is currently undergoing nirvana, isn't it equivalent to tempering? Wen Zhixing, who was sitting cross-legged, muttered to himself.

Then I don't need to practice this so-called Wonderous Skill right now. As long as I continually use Revival of the Withered Tree for nirvana, my realm will also improve!

His eyes brightened as he understood the key point.

Although the Shedding Mortal Realm is named Shedding Mortal, very few actually manage to transcend their mortal bodies. Those who can truly Shed Mortal are the legendary Sons of God. For most cultivators, what they need to do is to refine their bodies and stimulate their potential enough to produce a sensation of Qi.

The Shedding Mortal Realm has nine levels. Most of the furnaces in the Wonderous Palace can only cultivate up to the third level. Even if you have exceptional talent, the Wonderous Skill will limit you. It will make your foundation weak, creating a grand but empty framework.

...

A moment later, Wen Zhixing stood up from the cold bedstead, supporting himself with his hands. He stretched his body, and a rare, satisfied smile appeared on his face. "I feel much better physically."

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Strong and powerful heartbeats resonated within his body. His previously emaciated body was now filled with vitality and vigor. With each breath, the flow of Qi was prolonged.

"As expected of 'Revival of the Withered Tree'," Wen Zhixing said, looking down to examine his own body. "The recovery effect is truly extraordinary."

His frame was still thin, but it seemed slightly more filled out, smoothing out some of the wrinkles in his skin. In seven days, he felt as though he had rejuvenated by at least a decade.

——

[Name: Wen Zhixing.]

[Life-span: 17/35.]

[Constitution: Revival of the Withered Tree (Blazing Gold).]

[Fortune Points: 0.]

[Fortune Fragment: None.]

——

"My life-span has increased! No, it should be said that it has been restored!" Wen Zhixing checked his attribute panel and saw his life-span jump to thirty-five; he finally let out a sigh of relief.

It seemed that as his body recovered, his life-span would also be restored. For now, there would be no worries about life-span depletion.

With Revival of the Withered Tree, my chance of survival in the Wonderous Palace has greatly increased. Wen Zhixing's eyes sparkled. He now had a little more confidence.

[The life-span consumed for collecting Fortune Fragments will not recover automatically.]

Hmm? Upon seeing the new prompt on the interface, Wen Zhixing felt a slight sinking in his heart.

I indeed took things for granted.

Quickly, his brows relaxed again. It made sense. Gaining strength in games always comes at a cost, and here, spending life was the same principle.

Wen Zhixing accepted this calmly. No matter. There would always be a way to increase his life-span.

THUD!

Just at this moment, a faint thud sounded as the slightly ajar door was pushed open. Accompanied by light laughter, a figure stepped in from outside, unbidden.

"Wen, how's your recovery going?"

The visitor was not Qiu Yinger, but rather a slender man in his twenties. He spoke as if he cared, but his demeanor was somewhat condescending. The man was quite handsome, with a pair of phoenix eyes that were narrow but held a hint of a feminine and sinister air. His face had an unhealthy pallor, and the fatigue in his eyes was evident despite his efforts to hide it. Just like Wen Zhixing, he seemed frail as well.

The instant he saw Wen Zhixing, he glanced him over from head to toe a few times, then a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. Having not seen him for many days, Wen Zhixing's rate of recovery had greatly exceeded his expectations.

[This person is as depleted in Yang Qi as you.]

"Oh, it's Zhang. Please, come in and have a seat." Upon seeing the visitor, Wen Zhixing inwardly frowned but showed no hint of dissatisfaction on his face; instead, he greeted him with a smile and rose to welcome him.

This person was named Zhang Tiancheng. He had also visited once during this time. There was no need to elaborate on his status; he was the personal furnace of a female Elder of the Wonderous Palace, just like Wen Zhixing. Both were fellow sufferers, fallen souls at the mercy of fate.

However, this Zhang Tiancheng was unlike the typical furnace. With his nimble "unique skills," he had managed to become the favored plaything of that female Elder. His life might be unsavory, but until he fell out of favor, there was no immediate danger to his life. This was unlike the other furnaces of the Wonderous Palace, who were nominally disciples of the sect but held a status lower than anyone else's. Those with good cultivation prospects who progressed quickly might manage to stay alive. Those with poor prospects and little value were quickly drained dry.

"Wen, how's your health? Any discomfort?" Zhang Tiancheng made himself comfortable without standing on ceremony, sitting down on a side stool and crossing his legs as he asked.

"Thank you for your concern, Zhang. Thanks to the elixir provided by Qiu, my health has improved quite a bit these past few days," Wen Zhixing stepped forward, slightly bowed his head, and replied with a smile.

He knew in his heart that Zhang Tiancheng was essentially a spy for the Wonderous Palace. Every action he took recently was under surveillance. Zhang Tiancheng's current visit was to check on his condition. Every furnace of the Wonderous Palace was considered a prime Great Replenishing Pill, so they had to be well-guarded.

"Elixirs..." Zhang Tiancheng's eyes narrowed meaningfully upon hearing the word. He then probed further, "By the way, Wen, have you started practicing any cultivation skill? I have some insights into the Wonderous Skill. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask."

"Well... I've been busy resting and recovering these past few days and haven't begun any cultivation practice," Wen Zhixing explained, a somewhat embarrassed expression on his face.

Zhang Tiancheng didn't mind and continued, "That's a pity. By the way, our sect holds Teaching Days every month. When the time comes, Wen, you can join me."

"Then, thank you very much, Zhang..."

"Heh, it's nothing..."

"..."

The two engaged in idle, insubstantive chat. In reality, it was Zhang Tiancheng asking the questions and Wen Zhixing giving the answers. To Zhang Tiancheng's indirect probes, Wen Zhixing naturally "spoke without reserve," confidently blabbering nonsense.

Meanwhile, his gaze involuntarily glanced at the top of Zhang Tiancheng's head. Above it, a halo of gray light was visible.

[Discovered Fortune Fragment. Would you like to spend one month of life-span to randomly draw it?]

A transparent reminder box flickered gently, as if to nudge Wen Zhixing.

Wen Zhixing made up his mind instantly, without hesitation.

Draw!

[Commencing random extraction of Fortune Fragment.]

The next moment, a halo of gray light above Zhang Tiancheng's head began to spin and leap, diving straight into Wen Zhixing's mind.

[Gray Fortune Fragment +1.]

[Gray Fortune Fragment (1/1) has been collected in full. No need to combine; you can obtain one of the following fortunes:]

[1. Gain 2 Fortune Points.]

[2. Receive the fortune that belongs to Zhang Tiancheng.]