Chapter 11: Qi Gathering

In the heart of the city, before a towering skyscraper that seemed to pierce the heavens, Zhang Yu stood gazing upward. The building loomed so high that its peak appeared to touch the clouds, and faintly, he could make out what seemed like a celestial palace perched atop it.

This was the office building of Xianyun Group, located in the bustling center of Songyang City.

Beyond this structure, Zhang Yu's eyes were drawn to an even taller building in the distance, one that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. He recognized it as the city's tallest landmark, the Central Tower, rumored to have 999 floors. It was a sight he often passed on his way to and from school.

Now, his attention returned to the building before him.

"Xianyun Group, huh?"

On his way here, Zhang Yu had done some research on Xianyun Group. It was a massive enterprise under the umbrella of the Ten Great Sects, specifically the Wanfa Sect. The group's operations spanned a wide range of industries, including the development and sale of cultivation techniques, immortal education, and cultural products like books.

In the world of Kunxu, the Ten Great Sects were omnipresent, influencing every aspect of life—from basic necessities like food and clothing to the grand pursuit of immortality. Thus, it was no surprise to Zhang Yu that Xianyun Group, a corporate giant, was affiliated with the Wanfa Sect, one of the Ten Great Sects.

After entering the building, Zhang Yu approached the reception desk, stated his purpose, and went through a series of procedures: registration, contract signing, and a brief medical checkup. Finally, he was led to a room that resembled a classroom.

Inside, he noticed a few other students already seated. After waiting for some time, the room filled with fifteen students, and a middle-aged man in a sharp suit walked in. He began explaining the purpose of today's trial.

"Hello, everyone. I'll be your instructor for today."

"You've all signed the contracts, but I must remind you that everything discussed here today is strictly confidential. If any of you leak this information, no matter where you flee, we will find you."

The students exchanged uneasy glances, knowing full well that the man's words were no empty threat. Given the influence of Xianyun Group and its backing by the Wanfa Sect, such a promise was entirely credible.

"The cultivation technique you'll be attempting to learn today is called Experimental Technique 113. First, please watch the instructional video…"

According to the video, this technique was a Qi-gathering method designed for the Qi Refining stage. However, unlike basic Qi-gathering techniques, this one was far more complex, requiring the establishment of a intricate cycle of spiritual energy throughout the body.

By the time the video ended, most of the students were utterly confused. It wasn't until the instructor began explaining in detail that they started to grasp the basics, though the complexity left them feeling overwhelmed.

"Are we really supposed to practice something like this? Are we even qualified?"

The technique's energy pathways were so intricate that it felt like trying to paint the *Along the River During the Qingming Festival* on a single sheet of A4 paper. To Zhang Yu, it was akin to carving a flower on a piece of dung—utterly impossible.

Not only was it difficult to follow the energy pathways as demonstrated, but the students couldn't even memorize them. They forgot most of the instructions almost immediately after hearing them.

The idea of spreading this technique was laughable. The students had no confidence in their ability to master it, let alone complete the trial.

Sensing the students' apprehension, the instructor reassured them, "Don't worry. This trial doesn't require you to master the technique."

"In fact, it's impossible for beginners to master this technique on their own."

"What we're testing today is the auxiliary equipment designed to assist with Technique 113…"

The students were then led to a testing room, where sensors were attached to their hands, feet, chests, and backs to monitor their spiritual energy flow. Thin, needle-like devices connected to mechanical arms were positioned near them.

The instructor continued, "Once you begin practicing, these sensors will monitor your energy flow in real time."

"The Yuanci Needles will stimulate specific points along your energy pathways, guiding and correcting your flow…"

Zhang Yu quickly understood the process. It was like an automated navigation system—except instead of guiding a car, it was guiding spiritual energy.

However, the process was not without risks. The complexity of Technique 113's energy pathways meant that even the slightest deviation could cause the energy to go haywire, leading to discomfort, pain, or even internal injuries. Prolonged errors could result in severe damage, requiring either expensive medical intervention or sheer physical endurance to endure until the energy dissipated naturally.

The instructor added, "As stated in your contracts, your compensation will be based on the percentage of the energy pathway you complete. Only by completing 100% of the pathway will you receive the full 10,000 yuan."

"If you only complete half, you'll receive 5,000 yuan."

"Alright, if there are no further questions, you may begin."

Zhang Yu glanced at the information displayed on his Yushu:

**Zhou Tian Qi Gathering Technique - Level 0 (0/1)**

He thought to himself, *"Does this mean I only need to practice it once?"*

Closing his eyes, Zhang Yu began circulating his energy according to the technique, starting from his dantian and moving it toward his spine. He felt a slight prickling sensation on his back, signaling the Yuanci Needle guiding him to the correct pathway.

Following the needle's guidance, he slowly directed his energy along the prescribed route.

---

Meanwhile, outside the testing room, a group of researchers observed the students' progress.

"They've started."

The lead researcher, a man with disheveled hair, stared intently at the screen displaying real-time data on the students' energy flow. The screen showed visual representations of each student's energy pathways, with correct pathways marked in green and errors in red.

As time passed, the number of red errors on the screen increased, and the assistant's expression grew more disappointed.

"Professor, the precision of the Yuanci Needles still needs improvement. They're not accurate enough to guide beginners through Technique 113's pathways."

"Perhaps we should recruit test subjects with higher Dao Heart levels?"

The professor frowned. "Both Technique 113 and the Yuanci Needles were designed for beginners. I won't change that direction."

"Besides, those with higher Dao Heart levels have better techniques to pursue. Technique 113's passive Qi-gathering effects are less competitive for them. It's beginners who truly need this kind of support…"

At that moment, one of the students let out a muffled groan and spat out a mouthful of blood.

The professor coldly ordered, "Get him out of here. Don't let him disturb the others."

As the first student was carried away, more began to show signs of distress. Some turned pale, others cried out in pain, and a few even fainted. The professor's expression darkened with each student who failed.

"This batch of students is too weak. Can't we recruit more capable ones?"

The assistant whispered, "Professor, after the last round of trials caused so many injuries, no schools are willing to cooperate with us anymore."

The professor snorted. "They're just poor students. If we can perfect Technique 113 and the Yuanci Needles, the market for beginners will be enormous. What does it matter if a few hundred die in the process?"

By now, only three students remained in the testing room. Two of them had fewer errors and were still managing to maintain control. The third, however, was pale and trembling, yet he persisted.

The professor raised an eyebrow. "This one has made quite a few mistakes. He must be in excruciating pain. How is he still going?"

The assistant asked, "Should we stop him?"

The professor shook his head, intrigued. "If he's so determined to earn this money, let him. Besides, more data on errors during complete energy cycles will only benefit our research."

---

Inside the testing room, Zhang Yu gritted his teeth, determined to push through. Every time he considered giving up, a chilling sensation from the ritual's power and the countdown in his mind spurred him on.

*"This stupid thing! Always nagging. If you're so smart, why don't you try it?"*

As he continued, Zhang Yu felt his energy occasionally deviate from the correct pathways, causing it to scatter and wreak havoc within his body. The sensations alternated between burning heat and freezing cold, accompanied by unbearable itching.

Finally, after completing the entire cycle, he glanced at his Yushu and saw that **Zhou Tian Qi Gathering Technique - Level 0 (0/1)** had changed to **Zhou Tian Qi Gathering Technique - Level 1 (0/20)**. He let out a sigh of relief.

Zhang Yu admitted he had taken a gamble, but it had paid off. Memories of practicing the technique hundreds, if not thousands, of times flooded his mind, making it feel as though he had been training for months.

At that moment, Zhang Yu felt confident that he could use the Zhou Tian Qi Gathering Technique to rein in the scattered energy within his body and establish a stable energy cycle. However, he chose not to act immediately. Instead, he stood up slowly, his body still trembling from the ordeal.

The instructor approached, looking surprised. "Are you alright?"

It was the first time he had seen someone with such a high error rate manage to complete the technique.

Zhang Yu clutched his stomach. "I feel like my insides are on fire. It's so itchy and painful… My upper body feels like it's burning, and my lower body feels frozen. It's unbearable."

The instructor quickly offered, "Let me take you to the medical room for a checkup."

"No need!" Zhang Yu waved him off. "What I mean is… I want more money."

The instructor studied him for a moment, noting Zhang Yu's trembling and pale complexion. "1,000 yuan, and you'll sign another contract stating that anything that happens to you afterward is not our responsibility."

After some negotiation, Xianyun Group agreed to increase Zhang Yu's compensation by 3,000 yuan, on the condition that he absolved them of any liability for his condition.

---

(End of chapter...)

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