Yuan and his wives roused themselves early, well aware of the extensive journey ahead of them. Time was precious, especially after their extended stay in Pinebrook Village.
Upon waking, Yuan greeted his wives with his customary morning kiss, a tender display of his affection. Anna and Emma swiftly set to work, preparing breakfast for the group. Meanwhile, the others freshened up by the river.
During the dual cultivation with Julie and Ava, they experienced a unique sensation. It was as if a newfound energy coursed through their bodies, and a subtle strength seemed to have taken root within them.
“Julie, have you also felt this mysterious energy within you?” Ava inquired, her curiosity piqued. She wanted to ensure she wasn’t alone in sensing this change.
Julie nodded, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. “Yes, I’ve sensed it too. It feels like it’s a part of me, and it’s surprisingly invigorating. How about you, Big Sis?”
Ava’s smile widened. “I’m experiencing the same. It’s odd, but I feel more energetic today. I believe it’s because of our dual cultivation with Yuan.”
“I’m in complete agreement, Big Sis,” Ava concurred, her expression filled with contentment.
Yuan, who had been listening to their conversation, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, that’s because I infused a substantial amount of Yang Qi into your bodies. It has enhanced your physical attributes. The mysterious energy you’re feeling is none other than ‘Qi,’ the life force that cultivators like us use to grow stronger with each breakthrough.”
Ava’s eyes widened in comprehension. “Ah, I see now… So, this is what Spiritual Qi is. It’s truly fascinating and profound. No wonder we feel stronger despite losing our mana.”
“So, does that mean we become cultivators now just like you guys?” Julie’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to step into the realm of cultivation alongside Yuan and his wives.
Yuan offered a wry smile, gently shaking his head. “Not necessarily. While anyone can have Qi in their body, it doesn’t automatically make them a cultivator. To truly become one, you’ll need to absorb Spiritual Energy from the air, a process I’ve explained to you both.”
Julie and Ava’s expressions fell, disappointment etched across their features.
Observing their dejected looks, Yuan couldn’t help but chuckle. “You needn’t be so disheartened. While you haven’t become cultivators yet, I’ll find the best techniques that suit you both. Just be patient, alright?”
“We’ll wait for you to find the right cultivation techniques for us,” Julie sighed, and Ava nodded in agreement.
“I promise you won’t have to wait long.” Yuan’s smile was tender as he placed gentle kisses on their foreheads.
Returning to the campsite, Anna regarded them with curiosity. “What kept you three? Breakfast is ready. Come, let’s eat so we can resume our journey.”
Yuan, Julie, and Ava nodded, promptly taking their seats to partake in the morning meal. Meanwhile, Anna and Emma cleaned their kitchen tools at the river, stowing them away in Anna’s spatial ring.
After finishing their breakfast, Yuan extinguished the campfire, ensuring no traces would lead any potential pursuers their way. Julie and Ava tended to the horses, then mounted them back to the carriage.
Shortly after, Anna and Emma returned from the river, seeing that Yuan, Julie, and Ava had completed their tasks. They approached the trio, Anna’s face adorned with a smile.
“You three did a commendable job. Now that everything is in order, let’s continue our journey, shall we?”
“Absolutely. No need to linger here. Let’s move out!” Yuan nodded, leading the way into the carriage. The others followed suit, eager to press on with their travels.
Lily resumed her position as the carriage driver, her mother Anna giving her an apologetic look. “Lily dear, I’m sorry for putting you in charge of the carriage again.”
Lily quickly reassured her, “No need to apologize, Mom Anna. I actually enjoy handling the carriage.”
With a rumble and the soft sounds of the horses, the carriage set off, moving smoothly along a less rugged road compared to the forest path. This made the ride more comfortable for Yuan and his wives, despite occasional bumps that were inevitable even with shock absorbers.
As the carriage sped along, Yuan was startled by Nora’s voice in his mind. It had been days since he last heard her.
[Host, why don’t you check your current status now? Remember, you haven’t checked it for a long time.]
Yuan considered for a moment before replying, “Now that you mention it… indeed, it has been a while. There must be significant changes from before.”
He realized he had nearly forgotten how his status looked. Immersed in his new life and focused on cherishing moments with his wives, he hadn’t spared a thought to check his status, even once.
‘Sigh! How could I forget such an important thing? I was so absorbed in this new life that I neglected to check my status…,’ Yuan lamented with a sigh.
Nora offered understanding words. [I won’t fault you for that. Your previous life was incredibly difficult. You not only lost your childhood friend but also met a tragic end. This life is a stark contrast.]
Yuan’s expression softened, a dreamy smile gracing his face. “There’s only one regret I have from my past life. It’s why I yearn to return to Earth—to fulfill my promise to Lulu.”
‘No matter what, I’ll find a way back to Earth one day and reunite with Lulu…’ Yuan’s determination burned in his eyes, his heart aching for the sound of Lulu’s cheerful voice and the warmth of her embrace.
Yet, he knew that with his current strength, such a reunion was impossible.
“Not only do I need to check my current status, but I also need to purchase cultivation techniques for Julie and Ava, as well as three martial techniques. I haven’t provided Rose with any martial techniques for self-defense,” Yuan muttered under his breath.
[You’re absolutely right, host. Strength in cultivation alone doesn’t guarantee safety. Martial techniques are essential for defense against enemies, be they monsters or mages.] Nora’s voice offered practical wisdom.
“Indeed, Nora. It’s not enough to be powerful through cultivation alone. Experience with martial techniques is crucial for true strength,” Yuan agreed, a smile gracing his features.
“Alright, Nora. Show me my current status. It’s been a while since I last took a look,” Yuan requested.
[Understood, Host!] Nora promptly replied, and a blue translucent screen materialized before him.
Name: Yuan Blank
Age: 19 years
Cultivation Technique: Transcendent Heavenly Scripture
Cultivation: Peak Ninth Level of Spirit Master Realm
Qi Experience: [9178939/10000000 Qi]
Legacy: None
Bloodline: None
Physique: Heaven Devouring Physique
Physical Strength: 28008
Mental Strength: 34045
Soul Strength: 34120
Physical Defence: 28005
Mental Defence: 34121
SP: 730↑ (+695)
«System Storage»
«System Shop»
«System Missions»
—
“Amazing! My stats have skyrocketed compared to before. I distinctly remember my stats being much lower.” Yuan was taken aback by the substantial increase, particularly in soul strength.
‘Ah, that’s right. I did consume a pill to boost my soul strength in the past,’ he recalled.
“I’ve accumulated quite a lot of SP during my time in the forest. Over 600 SP in one day—it’s astonishing!” Yuan’s excitement was palpable. The abundance of SP meant he could now purchase cultivation and martial techniques for Rose, Ava, and Julie.
‘Finally, I can provide them with the techniques they need. And I can also acquire ‘those’ pills for my two mothers…hehe!’ Yuan couldn’t contain his anticipation to see the effects of ‘those’ pills on his two mothers.
“Nora, for now please purchase cultivation techniques for Julie and Ava. I’ll give them once we set up a camp tonight, they can learn the techniques peacefully at night,” Yuan instructed Nora, knowing their eagerness to begin their cultivation journeys.
[Alright, Host. I understood,] Nora promptly replied and began searching for suitable cultivation techniques for Julie and Ava at the System Shop.
A moment later, Nora reported, [Host, I’ve found the best cultivation techniques for both Julie and Ava. However, those two techniques will cost 180 SP each, as they are Heaven Grade techniques.]
“180 SP for each?! That’s a considerable amount…” Yuan was taken aback by the cost of the cultivation techniques for Julie and Ava.
“Fine, Just purchase them anyway…” Yuan directed Nora to proceed with the acquisition.
“Understood, Host!” Nora promptly replied.
<Ding! You have bought ‘Resonant Soul Symphony’ for 180 SP! The item has been stored inside your System Storage!>
<Ding! You have bought ‘Heavenly Thunder Manual’ for 180 SP! The item has been stored inside your System Storage!>
<SP: 370 SP remain.>
Upon hearing the notifications confirming the successful purchase of the cultivation techniques for Ava and Julie, Nora’s voice echoed in Yuan’s mind.
[Host, considering Ava’s calm disposition and her remarkable soul strength, I chose the ‘Resonant Soul Symphony’ technique for her. It aligns perfectly with her, making her cultivation more efficient and rapid.] She continued, [And for Julie, given her exceptional affinity with thunder and her specialization in thunder spells as a mage, I selected the ‘Heavenly Thunder Manual’.]
“That’s excellent. I trust your judgment in this, Nora. You’ve chosen well for them,” Yuan responded to Nora with a smile of approval.