Steady Cultivation: Starting With the Perk “Work Hard, Rest Hard” Chapter 4: The Inspiration from the Lecture
Previously on Steady Cultivation: Starting With the Perk “Work Hard, Rest Hard”...
Su Yuan checked the timepiece within the cultivation chamber and discovered that over an hour had elapsed.
“Precisely around 0.8 of a time cycle!”
Su Yuan abruptly comprehended that the duration for boosting cultivation efficiency amounted to one-tenth of the relaxation period.
In that instant, a distinct notion formed in Su Yuan's thoughts.
Gazing downward, he spotted that the Fragment Spirit Stones had crumbled into dust without his notice.
For the Fragment Spirit Stones to exert their influence, the third round of his Meridian Rotation surely wouldn't have precisely sufficient time— it would fall just short otherwise.
Su Yuan reflected briefly and attempted to commence cultivation independently.
The instant the cultivation technique initiated, issues arose. He managed to execute the Meridian Cycle solely relying on a single strand of spiritual energy. The three-in-one unique effect remained unattainable, as even with merely that strand as base, the technique's circulation speed halved compared to previously!
Upon completing the Meridian Cycle, he acquired an additional one and a half strands of spiritual energy: a full strand plus a partial one! The outcome plummeted dramatically yet surpassed that of typical low-grade spirit roots by a wide margin.
Su Yuan eased up: “Post-entry cooldown, the cultivation insights persist. They aren't erased due to the cooldown. My mastery of the cultivation technique has advanced considerably. Going forward, with finer spiritual energy manipulation and adept Meridian Rotation, I can replicate the post-entry effect, assuming resources suffice.”
Simultaneously, Su Yuan detected another issue. From the Meridian Rotation's inadequate expertise, his meridians endured notable harm. Presently, a faint throbbing ache persisted, preventing further cultivation. He required a half-time-cycle rest before continuing.
“The entry's impact remains extraordinary, enhancing cultivation across all aspects. Selecting this entry proved wise!”
Suddenly, a light flickered from the cultivation chamber—someone was at the door.
Su Yuan emerged from the cultivation chamber and entered the yard, spotting Zhang Wei peering inquisitively once more.
Su Yuan inquired puzzledly, “Zhang Wei, aren't you cultivating?”
“I spotted a announcement near the Lecture Hall. An inner sect senior disciple will soon deliver a talk. Care to join me?”
“Oh? For real? I'm available right now!” Su Yuan agreed with a nod.
Together, they made their way to the Lecture Hall.
En route, Su Yuan encountered Zhou Wuyou anew, this time trailed by seven followers, exuding immense dominance!
Zhou Wuyou noticed Su Yuan and Zhang Wei, a sneer of contempt crossing his gaze.
“Move aside!” Zhou Wuyou commanded.
Su Yuan and Zhang Wei had no choice but to step to the path's edge, observing Zhou Wuyou and his entourage depart.
“Such arrogance!” Zhang Wei's fury boiled. “If not for their numbers, I'd challenge him immediately!”
Su Yuan questioned curiously, “Haven't you gathered some followers yourself?”
Zhang Wei blinked in surprise. “When did I gather followers?”
“Didn't someone give you Fragment Spirit Stones?” Su Yuan pressed.
“That was merely an exchange! I'll repay it manifold later! Gathering followers involves handing out even more spirit stones—I'm no fool!” Zhang Wei boasted.
“Did your brother instruct you on that?”
Zhang Wei responded with pride, “Do I need instruction? I grasped it instantly!”
Su Yuan: “……”
“Fine, let's head to the lecture!”
They hastened to the Lecture Hall.
This marked the inaugural lecture session, drawing a large crowd, yet only 360 spots existed within!
Luckily, they arrived promptly and secured seats in the rear row.
Shortly, all attendees gathered!
The Lecture Hall's entrance sealed shut, forcing latecomers to depart with reluctance.
Overhead at the Lecture Hall, a silhouette soared on a blade, executing a 720-degree low-level somersault in the sky, then halted abruptly above the stage before descending gently like a drifting leaf to settle cross-legged on the elevated dais, unveiling a striking youth.
“Showing off again!” Zhang Wei remarked with envy.
Su Yuan concurred. These cultivators favored dramatic arrivals—likely to ignite the disciples' ambitions.
“Salutations, junior brothers and sisters. I am Zhuge Jian, an inner sect senior disciple at the ninth layer's pinnacle of Qi Refining, poised for Foundation Establishment breakthrough anytime. Today, I deliver your initial cultivation discourse: The Path of Qi Refining!”
“Qi emerges from heavens and earth, birthing myriad forms. It surges unpredictably, eternally revolving, assembling yet never scattering…”
Zhuge Jian plunged into the discourse right away. Layer upon layer of intricate phrases echoed into Su Yuan's ears.
Su Yuan absorbed it with a vacant stare. This session diverged entirely from his expectations.
He glanced at Zhang Wei and observed a contemplative expression there.
Scanning about, some listeners were utterly captivated by the talk, while others, akin to Su Yuan, appeared bewildered.
Quickly, Su Yuan discerned the pattern. From their complexions, those with refined, silky skin comprehended it, whereas those with coarse, tanned hides struggled. The disparity lay not in skin but origins.
Offspring from affluent homes had endured repeated teachings and possessed elevated erudition, easing their grasp of the material.
Underprivileged disciples often lacked basic literacy. Recalling cultivation techniques relied on enforced rote learning via practice, and here in the lecture, their gaps exposed themselves.
Undeniably, Su Yuan had forever been a mediocre learner across both existences.
Su Yuan instinctively eyed the entry but, noting scant accumulated duration, abandoned activation and began woolgathering, his mind wandering into emptiness.
After some indeterminate span, a nudge struck his shoulder.
Returning to the present, Su Yuan regarded Zhang Wei quizzically.
Zhang Wei eyed him wordlessly and gestured forward.
Su Yuan beheld a sparsely populated Lecture Hall; the inner sect senior had departed, and most pupils had exited.
“It's finished?”
“What do you think! Over one time cycle has gone by!” Zhang Wei rolled his eyes.
Su Yuan coughed lightly and queried, “How much did you grasp?”
“Perhaps two or three parts out of ten!” Zhang Wei declared proudly. “Chiefly since Senior Brother Zhuge delved profoundly. The ensuing sections proved too sophisticated, yet I noted everything down. During future cultivation, I'll revisit and test it. Perhaps deeper realizations will emerge!”
“Hehe, in this area, I reckon I'm on par with high-grade spirit root bearers. I'm assured of my insight. My brother commended me on it!”
Su Yuan responded casually, “Well done then!”
Zhang Wei consoled him, “I see you didn't follow it. No need to feel down. Even full comprehension would merely hasten cultivation by two or three parts. It won't impact you greatly!” Zhang Wei chuckled robustly.
Su Yuan shot him a look and commented, “Has anybody mentioned you're inviting a thrashing? Now I comprehend why crowds shun you!”
Zhang Wei heaved a sigh, “I simply favor honesty! I comprehend the rules, I'm merely... inherently benevolent, right?”
“Depart!”
Su Yuan pivoted to exit.
“Hey, hold up for me!”
The duo strolled back abreast. Throughout, Zhang Wei eagerly narrated the lecture's essence, his face alight with victory.
Su Yuan pieced together portions after hearing a while.
Returning, Su Yuan gathered cultivation supplies, comprising a Fasting Pill, a Fragment Spirit Stone, and a vial of Meridian Nourishing Spiritual Water.
Inside, Su Yuan witnessed Zhang Wei soliciting resources from others once more. He shook his head and retreated to his quarters.
He inspected the system interface.
Work Hard, Rest Hard: Accumulated Rest Time: 1.8 time cycles.
Su Yuan mulled it over and awaited another time cycle.
Upon reaching 3 time cycles in rest time, he promptly triggered the entry.
He aimed to examine the entry's potency and determine if cultivation enhancement scaled linearly or curved with prolonged rest durations.
This instance reflected three time cycles' effect; subsequently, he'd trial six to form an approximate verdict.
Yet, the instant activation occurred, myriad phrases from the inner sect senior's recent discourse spontaneously arose in his consciousness.
Though he hadn't focused during it, his mind had inadvertently retained those utterances, now surfacing vividly.
What appeared baffling earlier simplified somewhat, and merging with Zhang Wei's earlier explanations, comprehension flowed more readily.
His command of the cultivation technique deepened gradually yet firmly.
Su Yuan hadn't anticipated the Work Hard, Rest Hard entry possessing such an aspect, but digestion awaited later.
He launched into Meridian Rotation and cultivation forthwith.
To his astonishment, this cycle still employed a single strand of spiritual energy, yet proceeded with exceptional fluidity. Post-cycle, he netted two additional strands of spiritual energy.
The result outshone solo cultivation, consumed far less duration overall, and inflicted negligible meridian strain.
“Evidently, three time cycles' effect holds merit, though distant from exceeding eight time cycles' potency.”
With residual time, Su Yuan resumed assimilating the lecture material.
Minutes passed, Su Yuan disengaged from the entry state, and his thoughts clouded slightly anew. In truth, clarity hadn't diminished; it merely seemed so after heightened lucidity.
Su Yuan reminisced the activation's sensation and contemplated deeply.
“If the Work Hard, Rest Hard cultivation mode equates to a minor epiphany, then greater normal accumulation yields superior cultivation outcomes! This buildup demands no active insight—incidental encounters suffice, such as mind-wandering in lectures, perusing casual tomes, or savoring natural vistas! All transform into cultivation sustenance amid minor epiphany!”
Just then, he'd fathomed roughly half the inner sect senior's lecture substance. He anticipated the forthcoming cultivation would boost by one part, a bonus windfall.
Su Yuan's gaze sparkled as he unraveled a fragment of the entry's application method!
With that resolve, Su Yuan stepped outside.
Swiftly, he reached a structure's facade.
The Library Pavilion!
The Library Pavilion starkly contrasted the Scripture Pavilion, despite near-identical titles. The Scripture Pavilion stored cultivation techniques—methods and arts—exchangeable via contribution points or Spirit Stones. The prior technique choice was novice welfare.
The Library Pavilion varied. It brimmed with diverse tomes—some on cultivation anecdotes, some life stories, some regional lore, some verses and melodies. Essentially, an expansive array. Access cost no points; it served as sect benevolence.
Su Yuan stepped into the Library Pavilion and beheld an elder disciple in miscellaneous attire slumbering.
“Senior Brother?” Su Yuan hailed.
The elder disciple roused, stretched with a yawn, and eyed Su Yuan's token. “Browse freely, but avoid disorder!”
“Many thanks, Senior Brother!”
Su Yuan saluted and commenced perusing the volumes.
The elder disciple covertly assessed Su Yuan and mused, “The valley freshly unlocked, and this lad seeks leisure reads? Evidently, no outer sect ambitions. Merely a day in, and surrender? I toiled three months then…”
He drifted into nostalgic recollections.