บท 28: Talisman
Li Wei carefully opens a pouch, pouring a measured quantity of bone essence into the mortar's bowl. The essence forms a fine, powdery mound. He then adds a few drops of water to the bowl, mixing it with the essence using a stick. He aims for a specific consistency – a balance that is neither too wet nor too dry. He adds water drop by drop, mixing diligently after each addition.
Once the mixture achieves the desired texture, Li Wei scoops a small amount with his fingers and transfers it onto the pill-rolling board. He uses a gentle, circular motion on the concave surface of the board to roll the mixture into a small, spherical pill. Each movement is deliberate and steady, ensuring uniformity in the size and shape of each pill.
The process is repeated meticulously, scooping, placing, and rolling until he has a line of perfectly formed pills along the edge of the board. "Every pill must be precise."
With practice, Li Wei's movements grow more efficient. He continues rolling pills, creating a steadily increasing collection. He pauses occasionally to check the consistency of the mixture, adding more water if it begins to dry.
After hours of diligent work, the essence from the first pouch is transformed into neatly crafted pills. Li Wei stores them in a pouch and then proceeds to the next pouch, replicating the process.
Throughout the task, Li Wei remains focused and aware of the importance of these pills. "They need to look like the sect made them," he thinks. "Otherwise nobody will be willing to trade with me."
As he scrutinises each pill, he realises that the perception of quality is crucial. "Appearance is everything," he thinks. "Even the slightest imperfection, a mere blemish on the surface, could deter potential traders. They might assume a defect in appearance means a defect in quality."
Li Wei considers the nature of the disciples within the sect - how they value the aesthetic and apparent perfection of cultivation resources. "If there's even a hint that these aren't up to standard, even if they're perfectly effective, they'll be dismissed as inferior," he contemplates. "It's all about the perceived value."
Li Wei takes extra care to ensure that each pill is as flawless in appearance as potent in effect. "I need these trades to be successful," he reminds himself. "And for that, these pills must be beyond reproach, both in appearance and quality."
After several hours of focused work, Li Wei finally converts four essence pouches into pills.
"Now that they're pills, they take up more space than when they were a fine powder," Li Wei observes, considering the change in volume from powder to pill form.
He first addresses the pouches, filling each one methodically. Li Wei ensures the pills are snugly packed but not so tightly that they might be crushed. He seals each pouch carefully, satisfied with the quantity they can hold.
With four pouches filled, Li Wei focuses on the remaining pills. He picks up the ceramic cup, previously used in the pill-making process. "These will have to go in here for now," he thinks, recognising the cup as the best immediate option for the excess pills.
Li Wei begins placing the surplus pills into the cup with deliberate care. He arranges them in layers, utilising the space efficiently. The pills fit neatly inside, their uniform shapes making it easier to optimise the limited space. He places the cup on his table.
He tidies up his workspace, putting away the pill-rolling board and the mortar's bowl. He sits back, already planning how to trade the pills for new techniques.
"Now, how to trade," he thinks, his mind shifting to the intricacies of bartering within the sect. He recognises the delicate balance between offering valuable items and maintaining his safety and secrecy.
"I need to target disciples who can offer something valuable in return," he muses. "Every Outer Disciple is in need of bone pills."
"I can't have too many disciples coming to my cave at once. It would draw unnecessary attention."
"I need to make sure these trades stay under the radar," he thinks.
Over the next few days, Li Wei takes some more bone essence, expecting to feel their effects as swiftly as before. However, the change is not as immediate. It becomes apparent to him that reaching the 7th level requires a substantially greater amount of essence. Each time he consumes essence, the anticipated surge in his Qi is slower and less pronounced than he's accustomed to.
In addition to taking the essence, Li Wei continues to practise the Bone Shot technique from within his cave. He selects a specific rock as his target, aiming to improve his precision with the skill. He decides to use the same finger for practice, conscious of not wanting to inflict further damage on his other fingers. The decision, however, means repeatedly subjecting the same finger to strain and injury, which he accepts as a necessary sacrifice for improvement.
Each time he executes the Bone Shot, he focuses intently, channelling his Qi towards his fingertip and projecting it at the rock. Despite his concentration, the improvements in accuracy are minimal. He hits the stone, but the projection often veers slightly off his intended mark. The slight deviations are frustrating, but he persists, recognising that mastering such a technique is gradual.
The repetition of the technique, coupled with the limited improvement, adds to his frustration. Li Wei had hoped that his progress at this cultivation level would be more pronounced. Realising that advancement at the 7th level is more challenging than anticipated is sobering. He understands that he must adapt his approach, requiring more patience and persistence than before.
Despite the challenges, Li Wei continues to consume bone pills and practise Bone Shot daily. He remains committed to his cultivation journey, even as the path becomes more arduous and demanding at this higher level.
Feeling the urgency of his situation, Li Wei's thoughts are tinged with frustration and impatience. "Shit, this is taking way too long," he thinks to himself, the slow pace of his progress weighing heavily on him. "At this rate, I'll end up as mincemeat."
"I have no choice but to use the Qi flow talisman now," he resolves. "It's time to use it; there is no use taking it to the grave."
"These resources are here today, but who knows about tomorrow? They might just disappear - stolen, lost, or I might not be around to use them," he says, thinking about the impermanence of his possessions and status within the sect.
"In a world where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, hoarding resources seems pointless," he continues, considering the sect's unpredictable and often dangerous life.
"Better to use what I have now, when it can actually make a difference," he concludes with a determined nod. "Holding onto these pills, waiting for some perfect moment... that's just a waste. They're no good to me if I'm gone, or if they're taken away."
"Hopefully, this talisman is effective. I really need it to work."
Li Wei prepares to set up the Qi flow talisman in his cave. He selects a spot on the cave wall. Carefully, he positions the talisman on the wall.
Standing up, Li Wei takes a moment to survey his preparations. The pouches, the set Qi flow talisman, and the quiet solitude of his cave set the stage for an intensive cultivation session. He feels a mix of anticipation and readiness, knowing that the Weinext steps in his journey require physical preparation and mental and spiritual fortitude.
Li Wei begins. He takes one of the pouches filled with bone essence and carefully pours a significant amount into a small bowl. Unlike his usual practice of mixing the essence with a lot of water to create a drinkable solution, Li Wei adds only a minimal amount of water this time. As he stirs the mixture, it transforms into a thick, white paste, much denser and more concentrated than the watery mixture he is accustomed to.
Preparing himself for the intense experience, he scoops up a large portion of the paste. Without hesitation, he gulps down the heavy sludge, feeling its weight and texture as he swallows. Almost immediately, he feels a terrifying warmth spreading through his body, clearly indicating the large amount of essence he has just consumed.
"It should be like the intrusion talisman, right?"
Approaching the Qi flow talisman affixed to the wall, he sits down, setting the bowl of paste beside him. He extends his finger, gently touching the talisman and releasing a small amount of Qi. The talisman responds, its characters lighting up briefly before returning to normal as he retracts his hand.
"Let's hope this wasn't a waste of money." Despite his doubts, there's an underlying current of expectation, a hope that the talisman will indeed enhance his cultivation.
Li Wei begins absorbing Qi from the essence he just consumed. His finger returns to press against the Qi flow talisman affixed to the wall. As he initiates the absorption, the talisman responds by glowing under his touch. He immediately notices an enhanced rate of Qi absorption. "Wow, the rate of absorption of Qi has definitely improved," he realises, impressed by the talisman's efficacy.
Settling into the process, Li Wei focuses on drawing in the Qi. While maintaining constant contact with the talisman, he senses a smoother, more efficient energy flow into his body. "With this talisman, this should be much easier."
With a deep breath, Li Wei braces himself for the demanding task ahead. He looks at the bowl filled with the thick, white paste. Knowing the potency of the mixture, he understands the need for caution.
Each gulp of the heavy sludge is a deliberate act, thick and difficult to swallow. Li Wei is acutely aware that he must absorb the essence's power from each mouthful before taking the next one. Failure to do so could be fatal, overwhelming his body with uncontrolled Qi.
The warmth from the essence spreads through him with each swallow, a clear indication of the Qi being absorbed. After each mouthful, Li Wei pauses, closing his eyes and focusing intently on his inner state, guiding and distributing the Qi throughout his body. He feels the energy coursing through him, powerful yet demanding his full attention and control.
This cycle of consuming and absorbing continues a slow and meticulous process. With every mouthful of the dense paste, Li Wei feels his Qi reserves growing, but he's also aware of the increasing strain on his body. He's walking a fine line, pushing his limits while trying not to cross into dangerous territory.
The process is time-consuming and physically taxing. Li Wei remains vigilant, monitoring his body's reactions closely.
Finally, as the last paste is consumed, Li Wei leans back, feeling exhausted.
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