Descending the Mountain

Chapter 6

"Ugh—"

Rubbing his temples, Li Changmeng awoke and immediately glanced at the Spirit Embryo beside him.

Their shared consciousness revealed everything—it had cultivated for five full hours during his sleep. Compared to his main body's efficiency, this amounted to barely an incense stick's worth of progress.

Placing a hand on the embryo's head, he absorbed the accumulated energy.

"The spiritual energy feels unstable, but the quantity is small. Stabilizing it won't take long."

With renewed focus, he consolidated his gains.

First Layer of Qi Refining!

Though his spiritual reserves were meager, he had officially stepped onto the path of cultivation.

It was time to descend the mountain.

Faith cultivation required mortal worship—no amount of secluded training could match the efficiency of heartfelt prayers.

Yet he lingered. At Qi Refining's first layer, he needed a stronger foundation and practical spells.

The Spirit-Building Method offered two applicable techniques:

Five Elements Healing Art – a restorative spell.

Soul-Drive Technique – a method for controlling souls.

After a month of dedicated practice, he mastered both.

"Spirit shackled, will subdued! Soul-Drive—"

Outside Baiyun Temple, Changmeng pointed at a fleeing wildcat. A faint gray light streaked toward the creature.

Its body stiffened. Against its instincts, the cat staggered back toward him, eyes dull.

"Effective. Though it requires incantations, the stealth and control are satisfactory."

The Soul-Drive Technique could command living souls—for combat, or silent elimination.

Satisfied, Changmeng prepared to leave. Despite diligent cultivation, progress had slowed—faith offerings were now essential.

Releasing the cat, he returned to bid farewell.

"Master, I must descend to accelerate my cultivation. Once I reach late-stage Qi Refining, I'll return to aid your breakthrough."

Baiyun Daoist sighed and tapped Changmeng's forehead. A golden light seeped into his dantian.

"This shield can withstand Foundation Establishment attacks for fifteen minutes. Use it wisely."

A cloth pouch followed. "Mortal wealth matters. Avoid provoking karma through theft."

"Disciple understands."

The pouch's weight hinted at a substantial sum. Cultivators who harmed mortals often faced heavenly retribution—wise ones avoided such entanglements.

Packing his belongings, Changmeng descended the mountain.

"Brother Changmeng! Are you leaving?"

A familiar voice called out. Lin Xiaocui ran toward him, eyes glistening.

"Cultivation demands it. Focus on your studies—descend when you're ready."

The girl nodded, tears threatening to spill as she watched him vanish down the path. Then, she clenched her fists and returned to her books with newfound determination.

Three villages bordered Baiyun Mountain:

Xihe Village

Mingguan Post

Wang Hamlet

Changmeng chose Mingguan Post—a bustling trade hub—to establish his creator-god persona.

Dressed in simple gray temple robes, the eight-year-old's presence exuded an ethereal air.

By noon, he reached the village gates.

Women idled nearby, gossiping as he passed.

"Whose child carries such burdens?"

"Look at his daoist robes! A temple acolyte, perhaps?"

"Far comelier than my brat!"

A bold hand reached out, intent on pinching his cheeks.

Changmeng cleared his throat. "This humble Li Changmeng finds your village fate-bound. I seek to erect a temple here, bringing divine blessings."

"A temple? You're a daoist?"

"Where are your elders, child?"

The women tittered, amused by the precocious proclamation.