"So why can't the Qi Cultivation stage be divided into a hundred levels?"
At first glance, the idea actually sounded somewhat reasonable.
If the writers of those street-stall cultivation manuals heard it, they might nod along knowingly, perhaps even take Ye Ling as a kindred spirit.
But in orthodox academic circles, such talk was nothing more than nonsense. Aside from adding a bit of humor and gossip, it held no real value.
The way cultivation realms were divided had always been determined by the defining characteristics of each realm.
Although the Qi Cultivation stage was split into ten levels, its core purpose was to expand the Dantian's capacity and accumulate strength. The distinguishing feature of each level lay in the size of the cultivator's Dantian.
Once one reached the Foundation Establishment stage, however, each realm itself was separated by gaps as vast as deep chasms. The differences between early, middle, and late stages were likewise enormous.
For ordinary cultivators, there was simply no need for further subdivision.
Yet to Bai Yiyi, Ye Ling's words were like a sudden awakening, striking her mind and instantly plunging her into a state of enlightenment.
When Ye Ling saw her expression shift from contemplation to one of utter calm, free of joy or sorrow, he instinctively fell silent.
He had never seen someone enter enlightenment before, but even an idiot would know that this was not a moment to make a sound.
Bai Yiyi did not keep him waiting long. After about five minutes, she nodded with a look of clarity and said,
"Indeed. Breaking a large problem into many smaller ones truly does help in overcoming bottlenecks."
Ye Ling wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but Bai Yiyi now seemed to carry a subtle Dao aura about her. She was speaking plainly, yet every word held a quiet strength that made him feel inexplicably comfortable.
[Quest Progress (2/3)]
In truth, this method only worked for geniuses.
For ordinary people, let alone breaking a difficult problem into smaller ones, even recognizing the existence of the problem itself was an immensely difficult task.
But once he gained Bai Yiyi's approval, Ye Ling immediately felt a difference. Problems that had once seemed incomprehensible now broke apart in his mind into relatively simple pieces.
He still might not be able to solve them, but with the System's assistance, those problems were broken down even further, until they became things he could handle with ease.
I love you, Master!
Ye Ling's evaluation of Bai Yiyi rose yet another level. With such an easily persuaded Master backing him, wouldn't it be effortless to reach the top of the world and live as a carefree slacker?
"This is all thanks to you, Master, for guiding me onto the path of cultivation," Ye Ling said. "Otherwise, I would still be nothing more than an ordinary mortal."
He stood up and bowed deeply to Bai Yiyi, his gesture filled with sincerity.
Though he could not yet repay a drop of kindness with a spring in return, he firmly believed that any favor received must be repaid.
No matter the circumstances, since Bai Yiyi had led him onto the path of cultivation, she deserved this bow.
Ye Ling regarded Bai Yiyi as a precious treasure, and Bai Yiyi likewise saw Ye Ling as a rare gem.
Putting aside his terrifying talent alone, his respect for his Master was already enough to earn Bai Yiyi's wholehearted appreciation.
It wasn't that no one had come to the Heavenly Peak seeking a Master, but none of them had ever taken her seriously. Every single one of them had gone straight to her junior sisters instead.
Even though she was clearly the Sect Master!
How infuriating!
But Ye Ling was different.
Polite, well-mannered, and dignified, he carried himself with remarkable grace. Despite being a genius among geniuses, he remained humble and respectful at all times.
Bringing Ye Ling into the sect had been nothing more than her duty as a Master, yet he repaid it with such a sincere bow. He was truly the disciple she had always dreamed of.
Yet her own poor aptitude weighed heavily on her heart. The more Ye Ling revealed his astonishing talent, the more determined she became to yield the position of Master to her junior sisters. She could not allow her own selfish desires to bury the genius standing before her.
Moreover, with Ye Ling's talent, she was confident that even her sharp-eyed junior sisters would take a liking to him. With just a little matchmaking on her part, she could at least secure him a position as a martial uncle.
Based on her understanding of Ye Ling, he would still treat her with respect regardless. That alone would fulfill her goal.
With that in mind, she stood up and helped Ye Ling to his feet. Her red lips parted as she said softly,
"My good disciple, you're being too courteous. Passing on techniques is simply a master's duty. You need only focus on cultivating diligently."
As she spoke, a thread-bound book appeared in her jade-like hand.
"This is our sect's introductory secret manual. Although you can advance simply by absorbing the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, having a cultivation method will naturally let you achieve twice the result with half the effort."
Seeing Ye Ling accept the manual, she added,
"As for body tempering, I'll guide you into it tomorrow."
While they were talking, the sun outside had already begun to sink toward the west. Only the final streak of red light remained on the horizon, and darkness was about to fall over the land.
"Yes, thank you, Master."
Ye Ling had no objections to this arrangement. In the short time they had spoken, he had already advanced to the Third Level of the Qi Cultivation stage. That alone was enough to satisfy him.
No—if cultivators outside were to learn of this speed, they would probably die of envy.
Even those with extraordinary talent needed at least a week to go from drawing qi into the body to reaching the Third Level of Qi Cultivation.
Only Ye Ling, this complete freak, could directly use his Mental Force to seize Spiritual Qi after the System distorted reality itself.
Otherwise, even an Immortal Lord reincarnated would be incapable of such a feat.
"Our sect's cultivation method is called the 'Great Void Record,'" Bai Yiyi continued. "It was compiled by my master's master, the Nine Heavens Immortal Maiden, after a thousand years of enlightenment. Its defining trait is that every cultivator gains different insights from it."
She then began explaining the cultivation method to Ye Ling in more detail.
"Different insights?"
Ye Ling's interest was immediately piqued, and he asked,
"Does that mean one can cultivate along different paths?"
"Exactly."
Bai Yiyi cast Ye Ling an appreciative look. This newly accepted disciple truly had not disappointed her.
She continued explaining,
"The Great Void is the Dao itself."
"All things are born from the Dao and return to the Dao. Thus, on the path of the Great Void, every road can lead forward."
"That's why when cultivating the 'Great Void Record,' all you need to do is walk your own path."
Her explanation was simple and clear, and her expression unusually serious. If Ye Ling did not still remember her earlier cute, almost childish demeanor, he might truly have been fooled.
To be honest, if this were a rigid, by-the-book cultivation method, Ye Ling would probably have just gone through the motions. With the System backing him, cultivating any method was never going to be a problem.
But a method that allowed one to walk different paths caught his attention immediately.
Didn't this cultivation method perfectly align with his System?
At his current level, the difference between him and ordinary cultivators was not yet obvious.
But with the System's capabilities, walking an unconventional path was only a matter of time.
With this cultivation method as cover, even if he used the most outrageous cultivation techniques in the future, others would still accept them.
Think my cultivation is unreasonable?
Have you asked my grandmaster who ascended to the Immortal Realm?
I've got backing.