Jiang Yi had, after all, studied Daoism for three years. He wasn't the type to waste money just to fool around.
He pondered deeply.
'My teacher once said that the first step on any of the myriad great paths is always Qi Cultivation.'
'The First Layer of Qi Cultivation involves Opening Meridians for Muscle Transformation and building strength. The Second Layer is for Bone Transformation, making the body resilient.'
Throughout the Five Domains Under Heaven, regardless of whether one walked the Immortal Dao, the Demon Dao, or any other path, all Cultivators had to start with Qi Cultivation.
The Qi Cultivation First Realm was divided into the Twelfth Layer Floors. Only by ascending step by step to Perfection could one attempt Foundation Establishment.
The first Four Layers involved Opening Qi Meridians, Nourishing True Essence, and tempering the physical body.
Once the muscles and bones were tempered as hard as iron and the internal organs became a single, integrated whole, the body, as a furnace, would reach perfection.
Then, one could break past the Fifth Layer, open the "Primordial Inner Mansion," absorb Spiritual Energy, and build up one's reserves.
In the entire Qianji Sect, across the Outer Sect Four Peaks—Red Flame, Soul Nurturing, Herb Gathering, and Clothes Sewing—the most outstanding individuals were merely at the level of the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer.
'Muscle and Bone Transformation... I've completed them both.'
Jiang Yi took a deep breath and channeled his strength slightly. He could feel his qi and blood surging like a lit beacon fire, threatening to burst out from the forest.
This was a sign of a massive increase in his physique!
Now at the Qi Cultivation Second Layer, his sinews were thick and tough, his bones were hard as iron, and his strength was immense. A casual swing of one arm could unleash a thousand pounds of force!
In the mortal world, he would be an unstoppable force!
'This two-day wait for this 'Opportunity' wasn't in vain.'
Jiang Yi was deeply satisfied, even a little dazed.
He thought back to the body's original owner. After three years of arduous cultivation at the foot of the mountain, he had finally, with great difficulty, succeeded in Opening Meridians. This allowed True Qi to course through his body in a full Circulation, enabling him to step into the Qi Cultivation First Layer.
Later, he was assigned to Red Flame Peak in the Qianji Sect as a Mortal Servant. No matter how grueling the work, he always persisted in his meditation, Breathing exercises, and Cultivation.
Another four years passed like that, and he had barely managed to crawl his way to the Perfection stage of the Qi Cultivation First Layer.
'Years of bitter Cultivation can't compare to a single night's gains.'
Jiang Yi murmured silently to himself:
'No wonder the Daoism teachers always said, "Those who follow the path of Cultivation to ascend and achieve Divine Techniques are always accompanied by Opportunity and guided by their own fate." How true those words are!'
A chilly wind swept through. Snow rustled down from the treetops in the forest, landing on his shoulders, but it was instantly melted by his surging qi and blood, turning into a wisp of steam.
Jiang Yi understood. This was because he had just broken through to the Second Layer. His life force was so vigorous and vibrant that his internal qi and blood were like runaway horses, difficult to rein in and control.
He suppressed his surging thoughts and boiling qi and blood, then strode toward the Big Mixed Courtyard.
"Brother Yi, didn't you take time off? Why are you up so early..."
Just as he arrived at the Big Mixed Courtyard, Jiang Yi ran into He the Venerable, who was heading to work.
The man was just thinking it was strange. Brother Yi had been through a two-day ordeal that had practically cooked his handsome young face, so why wasn't he still resting in bed?
But as the words reached his lips, he looked up and was stunned.
"Well, I'll be! Brother Yi, when did you reach the Qi Cultivation Second Layer?!"
He the Venerable froze on the spot, staring intently at Jiang Yi's now fair and smooth face, and clicked his tongue in amazement.
"No wonder that hussy Luo was always clinging to you a couple of years back. Brother Yi, you really are a handsome one. What a pretty boy."
He the Venerable was a boisterous man, and his loud exclamation instantly livened up the Big Mixed Courtyard.
Old Li, who lived at the other end, pushed his door open. He and his wife both worked on Red Flame Peak. The two were diligent and hardworking, saving every talisman-coin they earned. It was said they were saving up to send their son to study Daoism and join a better Sect.
"Brother Yi, your qi and blood are so vigorous! The constitution of a young man is truly strong!"
Old Li was in his early forties, but his hair was graying and sparse on top, making him look closer to sixty.
Like He the Venerable, he had aged prematurely from doing too much heavy and miscellaneous physical labor.
"Remember to eat well for the next few days. After Muscle and Bone Transformation, you urgently need nourishment. The more you eat, the stronger your body will grow."
Jiang Yi cupped his hands in thanks for the advice.
Having entered the Qi Cultivation Second Layer, his muscles and bones were stronger and his physique had grown, creating a greater need for nourishment from Spiritual Objects.
He understood this principle, of course.
That was why, on his way back to the Big Mixed Courtyard, Jiang Yi had been considering whether he should splurge and spend some talisman-coins on a few extra bowls of Spirit Rice.
He the Venerable was half envious and half jealous as he said:
"Brother Yi, you're not even eighteen yet, are you? At your age, I had just managed Opening Meridians and barely stepped into the Qi Cultivation First Layer.
With such gratifying Cultivation progress, you might even have a chance to rush to the Fifth Layer before your term is up and you have to leave the mountain."
Widow Qin, tying up her hair, stepped out of her room. Her dark eyes darted about, a smile playing on her lips.
"Brother Yi broke through to the Second Layer? That calls for a celebration. I have a 'bear gallbladder' in my room that I got from the Inner Sect. I'll steep it in wine for you later."
He the Venerable muttered under his breath:
"Sister Qin is being quite generous. A bear gallbladder from the Hundred Beasts Cave can't be cheap, can it?"
Widow Qin shot him a look and put her hands on her hips.
"I see Brother Yi as a little brother, so of course I'm not stingy. If you ever reach the Qi Cultivation Third Layer, you can call me 'Great-Auntie,' and I'll reward you with one too."
Stung by her words, He the Venerable, instead of getting upset, felt as giddy as if he'd swallowed an immortal pill. He chuckled and said:
"Thank you for the reward, Great-Auntie! Brother Yi and I are good friends. Just you wait, Brother Yi. After work, I'll get you a couple of Spirit Fish for a proper feast!"
Seeing that both Widow Qin and He the Venerable were offering "congratulatory gifts," Old Li wanted to offer something too, but his wife tugged on the corner of his sleeve, and he simply hung his head and said no more.
Jiang Yi took in everyone's reactions.
Even though they were in one of the Demonic Sects, everyone was willing to show their more personable side when there was an opportunity for human kindness.
As long as their fundamental interests weren't at stake, there was no need to scheme and backstab each other.
Jiang Yi cupped his hands toward his fellow workers and said:
"It's just a breakthrough to the Qi Cultivation Second Layer. No need for everyone to make such a fuss. If word got out, it would just be embarrassing.
How about this? After work tonight, I'll be the host. We can set up a table in the courtyard, have some meat and wine. What do you say?"
Hearing this, Old Li glanced at his wife again.
The hand that had been pulling his sleeve quietly let go.
Old Li chuckled.
"For most of us, reaching the Qi Cultivation Second Layer takes eight or ten years of bitter struggle. It's not easy for Brother Yi to have made such valiant progress.
I'll join the fun too! I'll contribute six taels of Spirit Rice to make half a pot of congee!"
Spirit Rice was precious. There wasn't nearly enough to make steamed rice, so making congee was the only option.
This way, Old Li and his wife could also get a good share, snagging a meal and a few bites of Spirit Fish. It wouldn't be a total loss just to give a favor.
Jiang Yi understood their careful calculations and didn't see anything wrong with it.
People at the bottom, treated like Cattle and Horses, didn't have the luxury of showing off wealth or giving favors freely. They had to pinch every penny and calculate every move just to survive.
He the Venerable gave a thumbs-up:
"Generous of you, Old Li!"
A long-absent, festive atmosphere filled the Big Mixed Courtyard. Jiang Yi thanked everyone one by one, and the yard only quieted down after they all left for work.
'For a Mortal Servant, the ceiling of what one can hope for in this life is probably the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer. It's impossible to even dream of anything higher.'
Jiang Yi went back to his room and gulped down two large bowls of Sweet Chrysanthemum Tea, calming his restless heart.
Joyful events truly lift one's spirits.
He had to admit that the congratulations and praise from his fellow workers in the Big Mixed Courtyard had made him feel a little giddy.
'Jiang Yi, oh Jiang Yi,' he thought, 'how can you let yourself get so complacent over the mere Qi Cultivation Second Layer?'
Jiang Yi steadied his mind, closed his eyes, and appeared to doze off.
A brilliant golden light shone in his eyes as the pages of the book suddenly appeared.
The first Opportunity was over, the cause and effect settled.
He could ask another question.
[I beg the Celestial Book, show me an Opportunity that I can obtain now and which will have No Aftermath!]
Jiang Yi used the same phrasing as before.
The Celestial Book's pages turned, the golden paper flickering.
[Subject of Inquiry: An Opportunity that aligns with yourself.]
[Deduction Time: One breath.]
[Deduction Result: None]
'As expected.'
Jiang Yi was not surprised.
Stuck on Red Flame Peak, how could there be so many Opportunities for him to stumble upon?
It was like fishing for a giant fish in a small pond; catching even one was a stroke of luck.
How could he expect a massive haul every day, always returning with a full load?
If it were that easy, Jiang Yi would start to worry that some powerful figure was secretly baiting the hook for him.
'Time to try a different question.'
Jiang Yi's thoughts shifted, and he formed new words on the Celestial Book Golden Paper.
[I am currently at the Qi Cultivation Second Layer. My Cultivation Technique is the unranked "True Meridian Qi Flowing Technique." Given that I have very little time for Cultivation, how can I ensure my Cultivation progresses? I beg the Celestial Book, show me a concrete and feasible plan!]
Since there were no Opportunities for now, he would have to rely on his own hard work!
[Subject of Inquiry: Personal Cultivation.]
[Deduction Time: One incense stick.]
Jiang Yi waited quietly.
With a HUM, the water-like ripples of light faded.
Dense, tadpole-like characters slowly materialized.
[Deduction Result: Friend of the Immortals, you are at the Qi Cultivation Second Layer and are in urgent need of nourishment from Spiritual Objects. However, with an unranked Cultivation Technique, your Breathing efficiency is low, and it is difficult to strengthen your True Qi.
Furthermore, since you do not have much time for Cultivation, under the current conditions, the following methods are recommended...]