Chapter 88: Translucent Pill
Elder Wen, this is what happened.
The Elder listened attentively to Han Lingyuns story. Other the two years at the White Tiger School, Han Lingyun had developed a close relationship with Elder Wen. Perhaps he even felt closer bond to him than to his disciple friends. As such, Han Lingyun dutifully recounted the unexpected encounter. The only thing the young disciple didnt mention was the mysterious jade.
By the end, Elder Wen was left slack jawed. I had no idea this mysterious senior was actually such a prominent figure. I always thought he was some kind of Rogue Cultivator with a Dao that revolved around teaching and knowledge. As for the pill, I will check the registers at the pill pavilion first, but I seem to have a vague recollection of it. I cant confirm that it doesnt have any hidden characteristics though.
If this pill appears to be what the Senior claimed, will you actually take it, disciple Lingyun?
I was leaning towards that choice but losing all my cultivation isnt so simple. I still wanted to hear your advice on the matter, teacher.
Its indeed true that having to cultivate back will make you lose time in your prime years for cultivation. However, I am almost certain that it would be worth it in the end. You will keep your comprehension and spirit and getting back your initial cultivation will be much faster than the first time you cultivated. The opportunity for a grade 5 talent is very desirable.
Even though your body would have lost every trace of qi, you dont lose all the strength your body accumulated with time because qi has already modified your constitution. The body strengthening stage should therefore go much faster.
As for the qi condensation stage, you wont face any restrictions due to comprehension. Doubled with an increase in talent, I wouldnt be surprised if it takes you one year to get back your original cultivation, or even just half a year.
The thing is, you might be overwhelmed by a profound sense of weakness at first. When you where once able to fly in the skies and crushing boulders with a distant wave of a finger, going back to being a mortal could be a huge mental blow. Well, you would still be a super strong mortal but you will become the weakest disciple of the whole promotion for a time. Only take this path if you think that you are mentally strong enough.
Everyone will continue to make progress when you are back to square one. The benefits on the long term however, are just too attractive to pass this opportunity.
Han Lingyun was of a similar mind. I think that mentally, there wont be an issue. What worried me more was the time lost and the consequences in future rankings and for my treatment.
Hmm you are right. Actually, I think that the issue is too big to not involve a sect protector at the very least.
Han Lingyun kept his head down in shame. He was going to eat the translucent pill but he subconsciously just wanted more encouragements.
Dont worry Lingyun, Ill support you either way.
He smiled. Thats all I wanted to hear. Its decided, Im eating it.
All right you can go then. You really made your mind quickly. But I wont be waiting for you Lingyun so you better speed up.
I will. Ah but before I go, I should talk to you about ones spirit world, I dont know if your teacher mentioned it before.
I think she mentioned it when first explaining why picturing the yin concept would help in my cultivation, but I dont remember much.
Han Lingyun looked into her eyes. If you manage to do it, you should try to incorporate more concepts. Or perhaps focus on that yin concept to a deeper level. For example, try to imagine different moons that represent different facets of the Yin idea. The increase in cultivation speed I had experienced was due to my ability to incorporate the concepts of Water then Wood and fire in my mental world, the world where I picture myself in with the qi around when in deep cultivation. When I imagine myself cultivating in my spirit world, its as if the environment helps me circulate qi, its quite a magical feeling.
If it works so well, why wasnt I instructed to do it?
Its because you are not likely to be able to succeed before reaching the Foundation Establishment realm. But I have the feeling that you might have a good chance, especially with your already close nature with the Yin concept as you previously described to me.
Okay, Ill try to follow your advice then. Wang Yimo smiled enchantingly.
The two went on to discuss some of the technicalities of the method and what Han Lingyun had to face after consuming his pill.
Like always after having passed some time with Wang Yimo, Han Lingyun exited with a smile on his face and reached his own house. He activated some formations he had previously installed and finally swallowed the translucent pill.