Chapter 0435 – Nannan’s Cultivation

To reach a meditative state during the very first visualization—this was undoubtedly a sign of extraordinary talent and comprehension.

Once one could fully visualize and grasp the Daoist rhythm, it became much easier to draw out one's innate qi and open up the Divine Sea. This essentially meant that after only a single cultivation session, she had stepped into the path of cultivation. Even back then, neither Zhao Ziyan nor Tang Zitong had shown such promise.

Yi Tianxing didn't say much, nor did he wake her.He simply stood quietly by her side, acting as a guardian during her practice.

The Scripture of Seated Forgetfulness was one of the gentlest foundational cultivation methods. It allowed for the opening of the Divine Sea without danger, even for complete novices. Everything unfolded naturally.

Boom!!

With her focus immersed in visualization and deep meditation, strands of Daoist rhythm began to circulate. The surrounding heaven and earth energy instinctively converged toward Nannan.

At her navel, a point of divine light suddenly blossomed. The glow resembled the opening of primordial chaos, piercing through the world. Waves of spiritual energy surged toward her body like a tidal flood.

"Her aptitude really isn't great. She's only managing to retain less than a tenth of the energy drawn in."

Yi Tianxing frowned slightly and shook his head inwardly. Normally, at least 20 to 30 percent of the spiritual energy drawn in should remain within the body for refining. But Nannan could only retain about 10 percent. Her physique lacked a strong natural resonance with spiritual energy.

That was the crux of the issue—aptitude.

Those with extraordinary constitutions, like innate Dao bodies, didn't even need to cultivate actively; energy would naturally flow into them. They progressed at a breathtaking pace. In contrast, those with mortal physiques were like blocks of stone, retaining barely any spiritual energy. The refining process for them was far more grueling.

The divine glow at her navel grew even more intense as torrents of energy poured in, enhancing the radiance.

The cultivation session lasted for nearly an hour.

Eventually, Nannan slowly opened her eyes, delight gleaming within them.

"Big Brother, I think I opened up my Divine Sea! I don't even know how it happened, but when I saw the visualization diagram, I just fell into it. It felt like I became a stream of energy—it was really strange!"

Nannan's voice brimmed with excitement.

That first taste of cultivation was intoxicating, indescribably wondrous. She could feel a constant stream of warmth rising from within, a newfound sense of power surging through her body.

She felt as though one punch could shatter stone.

"How large is your Divine Sea, Nannan?"Yi Tianxing asked, brows slightly furrowed. The Divine Sea was the foundation of any cultivator. Its size directly determined how much true qi it could store and, thus, the duration and power of any future combat. Yi Tianxing's own Divine Sea spanned nine zhang across—a top-tier size.

"Not very big—about the size of an old well," she replied.

Her Divine Sea was only about one meter wide—not even a full zhang. That kind of size was almost a mockery of the term. The amount of true qi it could store was far below average. In real combat, her endurance and abilities would be severely limited.

"It's fine. Opening your Divine Sea is the first step to unlocking your body's hidden treasures. From here, you'll need to keep gathering and refining spiritual energy into your own true qi. Then, open the twelve meridians and eight extraordinary vessels, one by one. But first, I'll teach you a body refinement technique—also based on visualization. With success, it can actually transform your aptitude."

Yi Tianxing nodded calmly, choosing not to dampen her spirits. Being able to open a Divine Sea at all showed she had great comprehension.Body refinement techniques came in several forms. Some involved external physical training—stances and punches to temper the flesh. Others used visualization to trigger Daoist resonance, drawing in energy to temper the body from within.

The latter required extremely high mental focus and willpower. The process felt like being slashed by blades or pierced by needles. Every step forward meant enduring inhuman pain.

Without further words, Yi Tianxing transmitted the full technique for the Vajra Dragon Elephant Art (金刚龙象功) directly into Nannan's mind—including the visualization diagram, carved into her very soul and memory.

"Watch me go through the routine once. Then you'll try visualizing it."

With that, Yi Tianxing planted his feet firmly, standing like a towering Dragon Elephant holding up the heavens.

Dragon Elephant Stomps the Earth!

Dragon Elephant Turns Over!

Dragon Elephant Smashes the Mountain!

One move after another from the body refinement boxing style of the Vajra Dragon Elephant Art flowed from Yi Tianxing's hands. Each technique unleashed a tremendous force—like a true Dragon Elephant roaring, charging, and shattering mountains.

The overwhelming aura would terrify ordinary people to death on the spot. It was as if a mythical beast had locked onto them. Even the air seemed to tremble with the faint echo of dragon and elephant roars.

Every move concealed deep inner techniques. Observing from the surface revealed nothing. As the saying goes: One true word from a master is worth ten thousand empty scrolls.Trying to copy the movements without guidance was futile.

But in Nannan's eyes, excitement gleamed.

She seemed to catch a trace of mysterious Daoist rhythm in his movements. In her mind, the image of the Vajra Dragon Elephant became clearer and clearer.

Boom!

Unconsciously, Nannan began mimicking the punches as she visualized. Heaven and earth energy began subtly merging into her body, fusing into her limbs and flesh as she moved.

Even the meat porridge she had eaten earlier transformed into warm energy, naturally flowing into her body to support the process.

Body refinement essentially meant using one's own vital energy to temper the flesh. Without enough nutrition, one could cripple themselves rather than grow stronger.

Ordinary body refinement techniques could only draw energy from food, but the Vajra Dragon Elephant Art, through visualization, could attract spiritual energy to nourish the body—allowing rapid strengthening.

That's the rare and wondrous nature of a top-tier body refinement technique.

But again—it all hinged on whether one could enter the visualization.

Not everyone could manifest the image of the Vajra Dragon Elephant.

Yet for Nannan, it was as easy as drinking water. She crossed the threshold effortlessly. As the technique circulated, faint radiant light began to shine from her frail body, while specks of black filth seeped out through her pores.

These were bodily impurities.

"What terrifying comprehension. She reached entry-level understanding in a single demonstration. Such talent is frightening—photographic memory, extraordinary focus. Truly, when heaven takes something away, it gives something else in return."

Yi Tianxing nodded inwardly. Watching her fists swing, her body tremble in pain, he could tell she was enduring immense torment.The pain of body refinement was a true ordeal for anyone.

Even with amazing talent, she began to collapse during the second movement.

"That's enough for today, Nannan. Your body is still too weak for extended training. Take your time. Strengthen your body first. Diligence can make up for natural shortcomings—but only if practiced in moderation."

Yi Tianxing gently stopped her. He brought out a fresh bucket of water and had Nannan bathe, washing off the foul-smelling black impurities.

She changed into new clothes, ate, and went to sleep.

Everything proceeded in an orderly rhythm. She had steamed man-eater fish, three-flavor blood soup, a bowl of golden wheat rice, and a serving of Dongpo pork—cooked from feral black boar meat.

A feast of great nourishment.

After eating, Nannan soon drifted off into slumber.

Everything that happened today had completely turned her world upside down. She had gained a new brother, eaten foods she'd never imagined, worn beautiful new clothes, become a cultivator, and even opened her Divine Sea.

It all felt like a dream. The flood of experiences had overwhelmed her mind. First she was frightened, then elated—drained and exhausted, she fell into deep sleep.

"What a pity. I don't know how long I'll be able to stay by your side. Grow strong quickly. The road ahead will be yours to walk alone. In the end, everyone must rely on themselves."

Yi Tianxing gazed lovingly at the sleeping girl, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

He didn't sleep.

With a wave of his hand, the snow-white Ten Thousand Talisman Banner (万符幡) appeared. Runes shimmered across it, talismans swirling in motion.

He placed it by Nannan's side.

If anyone approached, the banner would activate, unleashing talismans to kill or defend. It would guarantee her safety.

"It's time to properly investigate the secrets of this Dark City. There's something off here—like a shadow of conspiracy. The most suspicious figure is the city lord. Rumors say that after showing himself once at the start, he hasn't appeared again. And even then, he was fully cloaked in black. No one has ever seen his face. It reeks of mystery."

Yi Tianxing muttered while swiftly striding out.