At least they still received their own three sets of disciple robes, followed by Father Tang and Mother Xu, who were a bit faster than Tangxi Xuan.
[Tangxi Xuan, 21 years old, top-grade, four spiritual roots: fire, thunder, wind, light, ordinary physique, no cultivation base.]
[Tangxi Hua, 50 years old, top-grade, three spiritual roots: metal, fire, earth, decent physique, no cultivation base.]
[Xu Wanqing, 47 years old, top-grade, three spiritual roots: fire, wood, light, weak physique, no cultivation base.]
The Mysterious Jade Stele displayed the three names and basic information in shimmering golden light, signifying their official enrollment as members of the Taichu Cultivation Academy.
[Mission Progress: Recruit five new students for the academy 3/10, academy uniforms distributed]
Tang Ximo ignored Little Golden Dragon’s progress notification and looked at the three family members, who were reaching out to catch the suddenly appearing clothes with puzzled expressions.
Tang Ximo smiled and explained, “Since the dormitories haven’t been built yet, our academy uniforms are directly issued to the new students. They are all graded Dharma Tools, and the three sets of clothes per person are a mission benefit I fought for… Would you like to try changing into a set?”
Upon hearing this, Tangxi Xuan, the attention-seeker, immediately and enthusiastically picked a red-and-black two-piece set for himself.
Father Tang chose Snow-Covered Pine, while Mother Xu opted for Ink-Wash Winter Plum. With that, all three sets were tried on and showcased.
The clothes they wore today weren’t particularly thick, so they could simply slip the issued academy uniforms over them.
Once they put on the uniforms, they realized these were no ordinary mortal garments. Not only was the material special, but it also seemed to contain a delicate flow of spiritual power.
Instantly, they felt as if they were enveloped in a layer of gentle spiritual power, forming an invisible barrier.
Though this barrier was faintly perceptible, it gave them an unprecedented sense of security.
The show-off Tangxi Xuan held the remaining two sets of clothes in one hand, placed the other behind his back, and stood tall and proud in front of the stele.
“Sis, do I look like the kind of character described in novels—a spirited and dashing young man!”
Tangxi Xuan: Just missing a treasured sword.
As he spoke, he made a great effort to strike poses befitting a young man, while also greasily flicking the two strands of bangs that nearly poked his eyes.
His exaggerated movements and expressions were reminiscent of a baboon, making Tang Ximo want to slap him to calm him down, but she feared this unlucky brother might lick her hand.
Tang Ximo: Disgusted, she turned her head away—out of sight, out of mind!
She stood up and walked over to them, saying softly, “Mom, Dad, let me teach you how to perform Qi Induction!”
With that, she led Father Tang and Mother Xu out of the main hall, afraid of being pestered by the greasy Tangxi Xuan behind her.
But how could a sticky nuisance be easily shaken off?
The plaza attached to the main hall could accommodate tens of thousands of people at once. Usually, disciples of the sect would meditate and cultivate or gather here for lectures.
“Before the secluded meditation chambers are set up, this plaza will be a precious place for your cultivation and meditation at this stage. It will help you better focus and calm your minds, making it suitable for beginners to perform Qi Induction.”
She selected a few commonly used soft cushions from her Spiritual Abode—these were precious items she had managed to acquire from her master.
After all, her master valued enjoying life, and none of the things he used were ordinary.
The soft cushions were arranged in a row, each corresponding to one of the three family members. Tang Ximo stored the two sets of clothes they had placed aside, sat cross-legged, and began the day’s Qi Induction lesson.
The three of them were quick learners, eagerly mimicking every move, their eyes fixed intently on Tang Ximo’s hand seals, afraid of missing any crucial detail.
“The path of Cultivation is fraught with difficulties. The realms are divided from low to high as follows: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, Void Refining, Unity, Great Ascension, and Tribulation Transcendence. Beyond that, we won’t discuss for now. Except for Qi Refining, which is divided into nine layers, the others are divided into four stages: early, middle, late, and great perfection…”
They listened attentively, gaining a clear understanding of the previously unfamiliar Cultivation realms.
Next was today’s lesson on Qi Induction. Tang Ximo tried her best to explain the method in the simplest terms.
“Qi Induction is the first step in Cultivation. First, form a lotus seal with your hands, then relax and try to sense the Spiritual Qi hidden in the air. Communicate with this Spiritual Qi, then attempt to draw it into your body, allowing it to circulate through your meridians, and finally gather it in your Dantian.”
“Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly. Carefully sense the presence of Spiritual Qi bit by bit. As long as you can feel the Spiritual Qi, you can guide it into your body through your breath, allowing it to circulate and eventually settle in your Dantian.”
Under Tang Ximo’s calm and steady guidance, the three gradually settled down, closing their eyes and relaxing. As she spoke, Tang Ximo continued to observe their states.
The serene and composed Xu Wanqing was clearly the first to enter the proper state, and Tang Ximo nodded with satisfaction.
Mom will probably be the first to achieve Qi Induction.
Soon after, Tangxi Hua also entered the state, closely following Xu Wanqing’s footsteps.
The couple’s daily life was relatively uneventful; they had a detached view of worldly matters and were better able to let go of mundane concerns, focusing more intently on Cultivation.
Only Tangxi Xuan, the restless one, couldn’t sit still, swaying left and right. Perhaps he was still preoccupied with his budding livestreaming career, which delayed his focus for a while.
In terms of speed, he once again ended up being the slowest one.
Bored, Tang Ximo casually took out the small alchemy furnace her master had given her, lit the fire, and began refining identity Jade Tablets. During the process, she didn’t forget to enlist Little Golden Dragon’s help.
Glancing at the three who were concentrating with their eyes closed, sensing Spiritual Qi, a sly glint flashed in her eyes.
“A-Long, let’s make a bet! I bet they’ll all achieve Qi Induction before midnight tonight. How about it?”
Hearing her words, Little Golden Dragon immediately knew she was planning to take advantage of the main system again—though the main system always tacitly played along.
“Sure, what are the rewards and penalties?”
Tang Ximo smiled confidently. “If I win, reward us with a dormitory building for the academy. It has to be modern-style single or double rooms, spacious and bright, with private bathrooms. If I lose, the number of people for the first task increases to twenty. How’s that?”
“I think it’s difficult. Spiritual Qi is hard to draw in. Can they do it?”
Little Golden Dragon held the materials, saying it was difficult, but its round eyes showed no sign of trouble. Instead, they sparkled with a hint of mischievous glee, as if looking forward to the spectacle.
“Have faith in our family. They can definitely do it.”
The spiritual flame extinguished, and warm Jade Tablets emerged from the furnace. She could produce a whole batch in one go; now, all that was left was to inscribe Formations onto the Jade Tablets.
From the morning sun shining over Taiwei to the bright sun accompanied by a gentle breeze, time flowed slowly as Tang Ximo inscribed Formations onto the Jade Tablets.
“A-Mo, it’s noon.”
Little Golden Dragon’s words meant: It’s time for lunch!
With the final Jade Tablet Formation set in place, Tang Ximo let out a long breath—it was finally complete.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to eat some incredibly delicious frog.” After stretching, he teleported into the city with Little Golden Dragon.
Tang Ximo followed the server to weigh the frog, while Little Golden Dragon inside the space skillfully scanned the code to order.