Top enlightenment at 100 years old Chapter 2: Epiphany, Perfecting the Cultivation Technique, Journey to the Family Treasury

Though the max-level enlightenment he had just obtained arrived in a quite mysterious fashion.

Yet should his speculation prove accurate, it had to be the golden finger he merited following his transmigration.

Merely, this golden finger manifested somewhat tardily.

Still, tardy aid surpasses none at all.

At the very least, it granted him a chance to alter his fate.

Right then, Ji Haoyuan's awareness had returned fully.

He reviewed every prior notion once again meticulously.

One surge after another of fresh comprehensions rapidly emerged within his thoughts.

[You ponder the various aspects of your past cultivation and gain an epiphany.]

[You ponder the various aspects of your past cultivation and gain an epiphany.]

[You ponder the various aspects of your past cultivation and eventually gain great insight, entering a state of enlightenment.]

Without warning, Ji Haoyuan's mind plunged back into that enigmatic realm.

Within it, he set about refining and correcting the numerous shortcomings and imperfections in the Fire Separation Technique.

Instantly, streams of prompts raced across his vision.

[In a state of enlightenment, you attempt to complete and modify the Fire Separation Technique and gain substantial results.]

[In a state of enlightenment, you attempt to complete and modify the Fire Separation Technique and gain substantial results.]

[In a state of enlightenment, you successfully improve the deficiencies and flaws of this Cultivation Technique and make it perfectly suited for your cultivation. In this situation, if you proceed with Foundation Establishment using this technique, your success rate will reach 99.9999%.]

Abruptly, Ji Haoyuan gradually lifted his eyelids.

Buried deep within his gaze, two threads of scarlet fire seemed to flicker past.

Yet soon, a mild vertigo assailed his mind.

The latest derivations appeared to have drained vast quantities of his mental stamina and bodily vigor.

He glanced at the hour once more.

Unnoticed, a full ten days had elapsed.

At that instant, the dawn sun ascended from the orient, dyeing the boundless heavens in radiant gold and crimson.

Ji Haoyuan remained standing, oriented toward the ascending sun, with a fierce determination blazing ever more fiercely in his bosom.

In this moment, the grudge lodged in his heart for fifty years felt utterly purged.

His whole form, inside and out, radiated renewed vitality.

Finally, he pivoted, cast a single look at the stone dwelling behind, and without pause, strode toward the clan vault.

En route.

He spotted several known faces among the clanfolk alongside numerous unknown youthful disciples.

Upon beholding Ji Haoyuan, the novices reacted mildly, yet those familiar countenances all betrayed profoundly intricate emotions.

Regret mingled there with letdown, resignation, and an indefinable bitterness.

After all, Ji Haoyuan had once kindled hope across the entire household.

Yet likewise, he alone had crushed that hope and plunged the family into an irredeemable chasm.

In such circumstances, none dared confront him with accusations or curses outright—a mercy born of his decades of tireless, selfless toil.

But Ji Haoyuan understood the lingering anguish, grudge, and gall festering in the clan's souls.

All of it might only fade come half a year or perhaps a full year hence.

Ji Haoyuan reflected inwardly.

He offered no greetings to any.

Until reaching the family treasury's entrance, where an elder with matching silver locks awaited.

Only then did he tentatively utter.

"Big brother."

This stood as his sole surviving blood kin in this body's line, the last direct relative breathing.

Ji Haochuan's weathered visage flickered with astonishment upon sighting Ji Haoyuan.

For in recent years, particularly post his dual Foundation Establishment flops, he had shunned spots like the family treasury.

His abrupt appearance left Ji Haochuan perplexed.

"Yuan, what matter brings you before your brother today...?"

Ji Haoyuan felt a brief stupor at Ji Haochuan's form of address.

It had been ages since anyone invoked him so.

Swiftly recovering, he mustered a pale smile and addressed Ji Haochuan:

"Brother, I've come today to claim certain items from you."

"Hmm...?"

Ji Haochuan's surprise deepened at hearing Ji Haoyuan's intent.

"Yes." Ji Haoyuan affirmed with a nod. "I wish to trade my leftover family merits from years past for a Water Crystal Stone plus pills to restore mana and boost life force."

Though he had mended every flaw in the Fire Separation Technique by now.

And tailored the version he cultivated into the ideal Cultivation Technique for his Foundation Establishment.

Foundation Establishment remained a momentous affair regardless.

Essential aids and groundwork could not be omitted.

Cultivation inherently relied on harnessing outer aids to fortify oneself, after all.

Even armed with max-level enlightenment, permitting slashes or even halving of required supplies via tweaks, derivations, and perfections to the Cultivation Technique.

He could not fabricate resources from void— no golden finger of ultimate insight could manage that feat.

Yet Ji Haochuan furrowed his brow at Ji Haoyuan's petition.

He scrutinized Ji Haoyuan intently, mulled it over, then voiced gravely:

"Yuan, speak true to your brother. What do you plan with these resources precisely?"

Ji Haochuan knew full well Ji Haoyuan's state precluded practical use of such goods.

Unless he aimed to...

Meeting his elder sibling's query head-on, Ji Haoyuan held his gaze steadily, declaring resolutely:

"Indeed, brother. I seek one final try."

Ji Haochuan's features shifted starkly.

But ere he replied, Ji Haoyuan pressed on:

"The family stands much the same with or without my presence now.

This marks my final plea as your little brother. I beg you, brother, grant it."

With those words, Ji Haoyuan offered a profound, respectful bow to Ji Haochuan.

He grasped acutely that touting assurance or excuses to Ji Haochuan now rang hollow.

Only invoking their fraternal blood tie might sway him.

For he alone had beheld his rise and tumbles.

None grasped the fixation and unslaked yearnings in his soul more keenly.

Gazing upon Ji Haoyuan, Ji Haochuan brimmed with turbulent sentiments.

Myriad recollections surged then—countless scenes of the brothers' shared youth.

Ultimately, he heaved a deep sigh, eyed Ji Haoyuan with poignant reluctance, and declared:

"Very well, then. I'll grant your final wish. Only pray you harbor no regrets."

Ji Haoyuan's countenance grew grave as he responded gravely:

"This defines my life's ambition. Whatever the end, I'll bear no remorse, nor resent the family ever."

"Good!"

Ji Haochuan nodded.