Chapter 13: Teaching and preparing for the war

Liu Haoyu looked at Shi Yun softly, his gaze filled with both pride and expectation. "Very well, Yun'er. Now it's time for you to prepare for what lies ahead. We have a long journey before us, and there is much for you to learn. Your first goal is to cultivate to the Golden Core stage. Strength will be your foundation, and you must hone it carefully."

He paused, his tone growing solemn. "However, remember this above all: never trouble ordinary people. Beware of committing sins. Even if you cannot help others, you must never bully or oppress them. These are principles you must carry throughout your life. Save the innocent whenever you can. Punish the wicked, and deal harshly with those who commit grievous sins. You do not act for yourself alone; you act for the will of this universe and beyond. Even heaven itself cannot stop your master's will."

Shi Yun knelt, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Master. This disciple will follow your teachings and never disappoint you. I will carry your words in my heart and act with righteousness."

Liu Haoyu's expression softened, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "Good."

"Then I'll get going, Master." Shi Yun rose and left swiftly, determination radiating from him.

When he reached his room, he immediately checked the contents of the space ring his master had given him. His eyes widened with astonishment at the treasures within: abundant cultivation resources, high-grade pills, advanced cultivation manuals, formation books, puppets, talismans, and stacks of high-grade spiritual stones. Gratitude swelled in his heart as he whispered to himself, "Master has truly given me everything I need to succeed. I will not let him down."

Meanwhile, Yu Miao sat on a swing beneath a grand tree in the garden, lost in her thoughts. Her face bore an expression of deep worry, a stark contrast to the peaceful surroundings. As someone who had lived her entire life in the safety of Earth, the very idea of war, killing, and danger was unfathomable. Even though she knew this world was different—perilous and brutal—she couldn't suppress her fear and unease. She did not want to change herself or her beliefs even if it is a different world.

Liu Haoyu approached her quietly, noticing her distress. "Yu Miao," he called gently.

Startled, she looked up, her large eyes meeting his. "Huh? Yes, Lord?"

"What's troubling you?" he asked, his tone kind and patient.

For a moment, she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground. Finally, she looked up, her expression hesitant. "My lord… I feel scared and sad. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a selfish coward. I hate seeing others in pain, but I also hate the idea of involving myself in things beyond my control. All I want is to live happily and make others happy, but… isn't that selfish? Isn't it hypocritical to care for others only because their happiness makes me feel better?"

Liu Haoyu's voice was steady and reassuring. "No, Yu Miao. You're not selfish, nor are you a hypocrite. Everyone has the right to choose their path in life. You've done no wrong, and your feelings are valid. You don't have to kill or fight if you don't want to. If healing the wounded is what you wish to do, that's more than enough."

"Really?" she asked, her face lighting up with hope.

"Really," he affirmed.

Her mood shifted almost instantly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "If I can't kill, then I'll at least beat up the bad guys!" she declared, jumping off the swing.

"Bye, dear lord! I'm off to study ways to punish evil!" With that, she waved enthusiastically and ran off, leaving Liu Haoyu both speechless and amused. Watching her disappear into the distance, he couldn't help but chuckle, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

In her room, Yu Miao eagerly flipped through books, searching for special herbal recipes and techniques to incapacitate enemies. Her determination brought a twinkle to her eyes as she muttered, "Just wait, evil-doers. I love playing the most! Yu Miao is selfish and will always be, hm!" She nodded her head convincingly too.

Half a month passed in intense cultivation. Shi Yun devoted himself entirely to refining his strength, using the wealth of resources his master had provided. With the help of potent pills, advanced manuals, and high-grade spiritual stones, his progress was astonishing. He meditated for hours each day, circulating his spiritual energy and refining his foundation, carefully solidifying his control over the power within him.

Through tireless effort, he reached the peak of the Foundation Building realm. The spiritual energy in his dantian was dense and vibrant, glowing with promise. However, the next step—the Golden Core stage—was no simple feat. Breaking through required not only immense energy but also an unshakable will and profound understanding.

Shi Yun sat cross-legged in his room, surrounded by an array of glowing spiritual stones. The air hummed with energy as he prepared to condense his Golden Core. He recalled his master's words, letting them guide his thoughts. "I must align myself with the will of the universe," he murmured, closing his eyes.

With a deep breath, he began. The energy in his dantian surged, spiraling into a vortex. The process was excruciating, every fiber of his being stretched to its limit. Sweat poured down his face, but he remained resolute. The cries of the suffering he had heard weighed on him, fueling his determination.

Hours turned into days as he refined his energy into a golden, radiant sphere. At last, a brilliant light erupted from within him, filling the room with warmth and power. Shi Yun's eyes snapped open, a golden glow flickering within them.

He had succeeded. The Golden Core stage was his. He checked his body and could feel a glowing golden sphere inside the depth of his meridians full of power.

Shi Yun rose to his feet, his aura now calm yet boundless. "Master," he whispered, "I will honor your teachings and bring justice to this world."

Liu Haoyu, resting with his eyes closed outside, feeling the gentle breeze, curled up his lips and nodded gently as if he heard something.