Chapter 4: The Seeds of Potential

As the village chief observed the group of youngsters practicing the Essence Gathering Method, his sharp eyes caught sight of Lin Feng sitting quietly on the edge of the field. Unlike the others, who struggled to even sense the spiritual energy around them, Lin Feng seemed to adapt almost effortlessly. Within minutes, a faint shimmer of energy swirled around him, subtle yet unmistakable—a sign that he had successfully begun absorbing ambient qi.

The old man's lips curled into a faint smile. "Impressive," he murmured under his breath. It wasn't every day he saw someone grasp the technique so quickly, especially among beginners. However, his expression soon turned somber as his gaze lingered on Lin Feng's faintly glowing aura. Shaking his head slightly, he thought to himself, "Unfortunately, his Grade 9 Martial Soul will hamper his progress."

The village chief knew all too well why higher-grade Martial Souls were considered supreme. These souls were inherently closer to the forces of heaven and earth, making it easier for their wielders to sense and absorb spiritual energy. For cultivators with such souls, an hour of focused practice could yield results equivalent to a full day—or more—for those with lower-tier abilities. Though Lin Feng showed remarkable ingenuity and adaptability, the inherent weakness of his Martial Soul would inevitably slow him down in the long run.

Still, the village chief chose not to voice these thoughts aloud. He understood the importance of motivation, particularly for young cultivators just beginning their journeys. Dampening their spirits now could hinder their growth far more than any natural limitation ever could. Instead, he kept his observations to himself, watching silently as Lin Feng continued experimenting with his unique approach.

Perhaps, the old man mused, there was more to this boy than met the eye. After all, talent wasn't always measured by the grade of one's Martial Soul—it was often shaped by determination, creativity, and the courage to defy expectations.

After allowing the youths to practice for several hours, the village chief stepped forward once again. His commanding presence immediately drew everyone's attention, and the chatter among the group died down.

"Before we conclude today's session," the village chief began, his voice carrying across the open field, "I want to explain something crucial about the path you are embarking upon—the stages of cultivation."

He paused, ensuring he had their undivided focus before continuing. "Cultivation is divided into three primary realms: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core. Each realm represents a significant leap in power and understanding."

Raising one finger, he elaborated, "The Qi Refining Realm is where every cultivator begins. Here, your goal is to absorb spiritual energy from the surroundings and channel it into your Martial Soul. This strengthens both your soul and your connection to the forces of heaven and earth. Without mastering this stage, advancement becomes impossible."

Raising a second finger, he continued, "Next comes the Foundation Establishment Realm, where you must fortify your physical body to withstand the immense energies coursing through you. Some achieve this through rigorous training or medicinal aids, while others rely on sheer willpower. Only when your foundation is solid can you hope to ascend further."

Finally, raising a third finger, his tone grew reverent. "And then there is the Golden Core Realm, the pinnacle of cultivation for many. In this stage, you compress all the spiritual energy within you into a single, pure core located at the center of your being. Those who reach this level possess extraordinary power—capable of feats beyond imagination. A single strike from a Golden Core cultivator could level mountains or obliterate armies."

His words sent shivers down the spines of the assembled youths. Even talented individuals like Li Wei and Mei Ling exchanged uneasy glances, realizing just how daunting the road ahead truly was.

As the hours passed, some of the more gifted participants began showing signs of progress. Li Wei, whose broadsword Martial Soul gleamed with a steady glow, managed to draw wisps of spiritual energy toward himself. Similarly, Mei Ling's vine-like manifestation pulsed faintly as she absorbed ambient qi. Both wore expressions of triumph, though neither achieved the same level of control as Lin Feng.

Sensing that the group had reached its limit for the day, the village chief raised his hand, signaling them to stop. "That's enough for now," he announced. "You've made commendable efforts, but remember—cultivation is a lifelong journey, not a sprint."

Stepping closer to the group, he scanned their faces intently before speaking again. "Li Wei," he called out, causing the muscular youth to straighten proudly. "Mei Ling," he added, nodding approvingly at the shy girl. Then, to everyone's surprise, he called out a third name. "Lin Feng."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Many found it hard to believe that someone with a Grade 9 Martial Soul had earned recognition alongside prodigies like Li Wei and Mei Ling. Yet, no one dared question the village chief's judgment.

From the folds of his robes, the elderly man produced three small, crystal-like stones, each roughly the size of a thumb. They shimmered faintly, exuding an otherworldly aura that captivated everyone present.

"These are Spiritual Stones," the village chief explained, holding one aloft for all to see. "They form when spiritual energy crystallizes over centuries within certain rocks. Such stones are exceedingly rare, especially in our humble village, where we only have access to a single, small mine."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Their uses are manifold. Primarily, they serve as reservoirs of concentrated spiritual energy, which can accelerate your cultivation process significantly. Additionally, they are invaluable for refining weapons, artifacts, medicinal pills, and countless other applications—skills you may learn if you're fortunate enough to join a sect or venture into nearby cities."

The village chief then gestured to the stones in his hand. "These particular stones are of the lowest grade—Lower-Class Spiritual Stones. As you grow stronger, you may encounter Middle-Class and High-Class variants, each containing exponentially greater amounts of energy. But heed my warning: such treasures are coveted beyond measure. In the outside world, wars have been waged and lives lost over possession of even a single stone."

Handing a stone to each of the three chosen youths, he added sternly, "Use them wisely. Waste not a single shred of their energy, for resources like these are irreplaceable."

With that, he dismissed the group, waving them back toward the village center. Before they dispersed entirely, however, he called out one final reminder.

"Today's session is over, but don't think this means you can relax. The village has prepared a hearty meal of chicken soup and rice for all of you—a reward for your efforts. Enjoy it, but remember: starting tomorrow, the training will intensify. Cultivation is not easy, and neither is survival in this world. Do not grow complacent."

His parting words hung heavy in the air as the youths filed away, their minds buzzing with newfound knowledge—and anticipation for what lay ahead.

After the village chief dismissed them, the group dispersed with a mixture of excitement and determination. The promise of a hearty meal filled with chicken soup and rice was enough to lift their spirits after hours of grueling practice. As they walked back toward the village center, laughter and chatter broke out among the youngsters. Each carried dreams of greatness, fueled by the knowledge that they had taken their first steps on the path of cultivation.

Li Wei strode confidently at the front of the group, his broadsword Martial Soul shimmering faintly as he held the Spiritual Stone tightly in his hand. Mei Ling followed quietly behind him, her delicate fingers tracing the smooth surface of her own stone, her eyes gleaming with quiet resolve. And then there was Lin Feng, walking slightly apart from the others, his mind racing with possibilities.

Unlike the rest, who clutched their stones like prized treasures, Lin Feng's thoughts were elsewhere. He wasn't thinking about how to use the stone for traditional cultivation methods—he was already planning something far more unconventional.

Back in his small hut, Lin Feng wasted no time. Closing the door firmly behind him, he sat cross-legged on the cold wooden floor and activated his holographic panel. The sleek interface materialized before him, glowing softly against the dim interior of the room. Without hesitation, he reached for the Spiritual Stone and activated the import function .

In an instant, the crystal vanished from his palm, leaving only empty air behind. If anyone else had witnessed this act, their eyes would have turned red with anger—or perhaps disbelief. Didn't he know that absorbing spiritual energy directly from such a valuable resource was one of the most efficient ways to cultivate, especially in the early stages? To squander it so recklessly seemed almost criminal.

But Lin Feng didn't think like everyone else. His mind worked differently, driven by curiosity and innovation rather than tradition. Once the stone was safely stored within his panel, he opened the editor and began manipulating its properties. With a few mental commands, he reshaped the crystalline structure into a swirling orb of concentrated energy. Then, using the animation function, he programmed it to emit steady waves of spiritual energy, mimicking the natural flow of ambient qi but amplified exponentially.

Satisfied with his adjustments, Lin Feng hit the export button . A burst of white light erupted from behind him as a translucent replica of the Spiritual Stone manifested as his Martial Soul. Unlike the original, however, this version radiated a brilliant glow, pulsating with an overwhelming amount of spiritual energy. It hovered silently in the air, emitting soft hums that resonated through the tiny hut.

Lin Feng could feel it immediately—the sheer density of spiritual energy flowing into his body. It was unlike anything he had experienced before. Every fiber of his being tingled with vitality, and his mind sharpened to an almost supernatural clarity. The sensation was intoxicating, filling him with a sense of power he had never known.

"HAHAHA!!" he laughed aloud, unable to contain his exhilaration. "This is incredible! Who needs traditional cultivation when I can create my own shortcuts?"