Chapter 13: Qualifications

Chen Lin possessed the four spiritual roots of Metal, Wood, Water, and Fire. Aside from Earth-attribute spells, which required a medium, he could practice all others directly.

It might seem that having more types of spiritual roots was an advantage, but in reality, more roots meant more impurity, leading to slower cultivation. Only those with a single spiritual root were truly the favorites of heaven.

He flipped through the book, page by page.

A total of six lowest-level spells were recorded. The only slightly advanced one was the Wind Control Technique, which barely qualified as a flight spell; this was the primary reason he had chosen this particular spellbook.

There were many types of flight spells, but not many that could be practiced during the middle stage of Qi Refinement. This one was the most suitable.

After reading for a while, Chen Lin determined which spells he needed to learn first.

First was the Object Manipulation Technique.

This was a must-learn; without it, one could not command magical tools. He couldn't exactly hold a magical tool in his hand and use it like an ordinary weapon!

Next, naturally, was the Wind Control Technique.

In truth, the simplest way to fly was via object-riding, but the prices of flight-type magical tools were extremely high, and he could not afford them. As for the spectacle of sword-riding flight that could traverse thousands of miles in an instant, those were controlled by Natal Magic Treasures, which was even further beyond his aspirations.

Setting aside all distractions, he began to study the spells.

Three days later.

Chen Lin's face was as purple as an eggplant, his eyes bulging as if they were about to fall out. His legs were set in a horse stance, and he was pointing a single finger at the short sword on the table, looking as though he were struggling with severe constipation.

The short sword was trembling incessantly, as if it were having an epileptic seizure.

But no matter how much effort he exerted, he could not make the short sword leave the tabletop.

Chen Lin slumped to the ground in frustration, staring blankly at the short sword, a sense of powerlessness washing over him.

This scene was far too different from what he had imagined!

In his mind, spells were merely tricks for the application of spiritual power; as long as one understood the principles, one should naturally be able to use them.

However, the reality was that after three full days of practicing to the point of forgetting to eat and sleep, he lacked even the ability to make the short sword fly, let alone manipulate it to fight enemies.

Forcing himself to suppress the urge to give up, Chen Lin threw himself back into his cultivation.

Several more days passed.

Chen Lin's mouth twitched as he watched the Xiaoyao Sword wobble in a small, crooked circle before falling to the ground with a loud *clatter*.

This was merely an entry-level Object Manipulation Technique. Under normal circumstances, one should have mastered the basics within a few days. If one were a person of extraordinary talent, they might even master it effortlessly.

Yet, his cultivation was so agonizingly difficult.

At this rate, it would likely take a month just to reach the point where he could use it as easily as his own limbs. For someone as eager as him to escape this place, how could he endure such a delay?

Despite his resentment, he temporarily ceased practicing Object Manipulation and turned to the Wind Control Technique instead.

A few days later.

Chen Lin pushed the door open, his face filled with gloom.

He took a breath of the long-awaited fresh air, which helped dissipate some of the stifling frustration in his chest.

The Wind Control Technique was even harder than Object Manipulation; after several days of practice, he had yet to grasp its essence.

If a lowest-grade spell required this much time, wouldn't learning advanced spells take years? If that were the case, with so much time wasted on learning spells, where would be the time left for actual cultivation?

Standing outside the door for a while, Chen Lin pondered a solution.

He felt that the problem likely stemmed from his inability to shift his mindset. The scientific system of his previous life was entirely different from the cultivation system here; his ingrained way of thinking was interfering with his understanding of cultivation principles.

However, he had no good way to solve this. This was the disadvantage of not having a master.

Chen Lin had wanted to find someone to discuss it with, but the few residents in the courtyard were all in the early stages of Qi Refinement and were not yet at the stage of practicing spells, so he had to drop the idea.

"If all else fails, I'll just have to spend some spirit stones to hire someone to explain it to me," he muttered to himself. He locked the door and walked out of the courtyard.

Midway, he found a secluded spot, changed his attire, and put on a disguise mask he had never used before. In an instant, he transformed into a fair-skinned young man.

Of course, this method of disguise wasn't particularly extraordinary; anyone with a discerning eye could tell it was a mask. But it didn't matter. Many people used disguises, and it was a common sight. The goal wasn't to impersonate someone specific, but simply to conceal one's own identity.

Water Moon Pavilion.

After standing at the entrance for a moment, studying the flowing characters on the plaque and weighing his coin pouch, Chen Lin slowly walked inside.

"May I ask, fellow Daoist, are you here to gather information or to seek answers to questions?"

The shop was relatively quiet. Seeing someone enter, a pleasant-looking middle-aged woman immediately approached.

"I would like to consult on some matters regarding spell cultivation. Is that possible?" Chen Lin asked somewhat uncertainly. He had heard that this shop could provide explanations on cultivation knowledge to rogue cultivators, but he had never been here before.

"Of course. May I ask which spell you wish to consult about?" the woman asked with confidence.

"Oh, it's the Object Manipulation Technique." Seeing her demeanor, Chen Lin felt reassured and spoke.

The woman visibly froze, then asked in an uncertain tone, "If I heard correctly, did you just say the Object Manipulation Technique?"

"Ah, yes. Is there a problem?" Chen Lin looked at her in confusion, wondering if her attitude meant she was trying to exaggerate the difficulty to hike up the consultation fee.

However, he was quickly proven wrong. Her expression darkened, and she said coldly, "What is there to clarify about a mere Object Manipulation Technique? Are you here to cause trouble?"

Seeing this, Chen Lin hurriedly explained, "You misunderstand. I have just broken through to the middle stage of Qi Refinement and am encountering spells for the first time. I haven't been able to master it, so I came seeking help." He then gave a slight bow.

The woman's expression softened slightly, and she stared at Chen Lin with interest for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"So that's the case. I overthought it. Object Manipulation is just a low-level spell; as long as you practice diligently, it's impossible not to learn it. How long have you been practicing?"

"About ten days," Chen Lin answered truthfully.

"Ah!"

The woman froze, then looked Chen Lin up and down again, leaving him feeling bewildered.

"You haven't been able to learn Object Manipulation in ten days? To be blunt, for a fellow Daoist to advance to the middle stage of Qi Refinement, I suspect it wasn't through normal cultivation, was it?"

Before Chen Lin could respond, her temperament suddenly shifted. She gave a cold, sidelong glance and sneered, "A mere Object Manipulation Technique... this Fairy learned it in just one day. And you actually took ten days? Haha!"

Chen Lin's face darkened. She had practically called him a loser to his face.

Seeing that Chen Lin remained silent, the woman knew her guess was correct. After a moment of deliberation, she held up two fingers.

"Two methods. The consultation fee is ten low-grade spirit stones!"

Since he was already here, Chen Lin was prepared to spend money. He silently took out ten low-grade spirit stones and placed them on the table.

The woman quickly pocketed them and said, "First, use an Enlightenment Pill. The medicinal power of just one pill will be enough for you to master this spell. Second, purchase a Transmission Jade Slip. This will also allow you to master it quickly, though it is quite hard to find a slip that records such a low-level spell as Object Manipulation."

Pausing, she continued, "If you prefer the second method, this shop provides a custom production service. Not just for Object Manipulation, but for other spells as well. Our prices are absolutely fair to all!"

Chen Lin's eyes lit up. He had truly overlooked the option of a Transmission Jade Slip.

(End of Chapter)