Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Breaking Through to Foundation Establishment

After hearing Wuding’s candid words, Helang finally understood. It turned out that when they returned to Tianshan that day, his little disciple had worried that he might feel unsettled without someone to serve him and had earnestly pleaded with Wuding to take care of him if he had the time, ensuring he wouldn’t feel lonely or bored.

Wuding, who had always loved wandering around, had long wanted to drag Helang along with him. However, seeing that Helang’s heart was constantly preoccupied with his disciple, Wuding had refrained from disturbing him. This time presented a good opportunity. Moreover, the little disciple’s sincerity and concern for his master had moved him. The boy had even summoned the courage to ask him directly, leaving Wuding unable to refuse.

Helang felt a slight warmth in his heart. Lifting his wine cup lightly with his index finger, he thought about his disciple and was surprised to realize it had been a full month since he had last seen him.

His daily schedule had been filled to the brim by Wuding, and he had momentarily forgotten to think about his disciple. Now, as the memory surfaced, his heart was in slight disarray. He felt as though he hadn’t fulfilled his responsibilities as a master.

Since the disciple had come to him, they had never been apart for more than a day. Now, the boy was alone—how was he managing life on the mountain? Was he eating properly? Could he be in danger? Why hadn’t there been a single message from him? Could something have gone wrong?

Once this thought arose, Helang, filled with remorse, could no longer sit still. He gathered plenty of prepared food and fruits and ascended the mountain to check on his disciple.

Since the exotic beast was slain last time, much of the perpetual mist on Qingqu Mountain had dissipated, leaving it less foreboding. Villagers at the foot of the mountain, upon hearing that the beast lurking on the peak had been eliminated, had begun sending woodcutters to work on the mountain. Travelers no longer needed to take long detours, and the mountain no longer felt so desolate.

Guided by the traces of energy left on some of his disciple’s belongings, Helang quickly used his artifact to locate him.

This span of time wasn’t particularly long or short. Jiang Hanzheng appeared much the same as usual, but there was a subtle change in the calmness of his expression, as though he had undergone a profound transformation.

Helang silently observed for a while and noticed that his disciple was completely immersed in cultivation. From the slightly overgrown grass around him and his stiff posture, it was clear he had been meditating without pause. There were no signs of daily life in the area; he must have remained seated there the entire time.

Narrowing his eyes, Helang observed carefully. He realized the aura around Jiang Hanzheng had grown significantly stronger. A thought dawned on him—could it be that in this half month, the boy had ceased eating and drinking because he had achieved Foundation Establishment and entered the fasting stage?

A mix of relief and helplessness tightened Helang’s throat. Noticing the fluctuations in the energy surrounding Jiang Hanzheng, Helang grew concerned that further cultivation might lead to qi deviation. Without hesitation, he cast a spell to awaken him from his meditative state.

As Jiang Hanzheng regained focus and recognized his master’s face, his heart swelled with joy, like fireworks bursting in his chest. He wanted to rush forward but was completely drained of strength. His legs, stiff and numb, almost gave out beneath him.

Frowning at his disciple’s pale and bloodless face, Helang quickly caught him, supporting him gently to sit on the grass. He laid out some food and water.

Jiang Hanzheng, seeing the subtle expression on his master’s face and his silent movements, couldn’t guess what was on his mind. Feeling anxious, he studied his master’s expression. Hoping to cheer him up, he offered a shy smile. “Master, your disciple has achieved Foundation Establishment. I—”

“I already knew,” Helang interrupted without delay.

Although his disciple had quickly broken through in cultivation, Helang felt little joy in his heart. A persistent unease gnawed at him. He spoke gently to advise his disciple, “Diligence and perseverance are virtues, but you must also know your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard, lest it backfires.”

Jiang Hanzheng had forced his mortal body to reach Foundation Establishment, abstaining from food and water, and pushing himself to the brink. If the breakthrough had failed, how much damage would his body have suffered?

Jiang Hanzheng lowered his head in silence, his jaw moving slightly, showing no remorse despite his master’s words. This stubbornness was something Helang was seeing for the first time.

Knowing that his disciple had worked hard, Helang felt it would be unkind to criticize him too harshly. Gently patting the boy’s head, he asked softly, “Why were you so desperate to cultivate? There are still a few months before you turn sixteen. Even if you wish to surpass Kong Huai, there’s no need to rush.”

Jiang Hanzheng shook his head, a single tear falling onto his collar. His face scrunched up, and he sniffled, his master’s question having struck a nerve. His voice trembled with emotion.

“It’s because I’m too weak. That’s why Master always worries about me, risking danger to seek the Bodhi Seed and exhausting all your efforts to help me. If anything had happened to you back then, I wouldn’t have been able to repay you even with my life. So even if it costs me this worthless life, I must become strong enough to ensure Master never faces such peril again.”

Helang, understanding the source of his disciple’s determination, allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. Gazing seriously at Jiang Hanzheng’s resolute expression, he gently rebuked, “What worthless life? You’re a renowned inner disciple of the Tianshan Sect—don’t belittle yourself!”

Jiang Hanzheng’s lips trembled slightly as he murmured an acknowledgment. Seeing his master return to his usual demeanor, he couldn’t help but smile through his tears.

Helang frowned at his disciple’s reddened nose. Pulling out a handkerchief, he carefully wiped away the tears and scolded softly, “You’re about to become a stalwart young man. How can you still be so soft? Kong Huai never cries; he only makes others cry…”

Noticing more tears welling up in his disciple’s eyes, Helang hurriedly wiped them away again. “Fine, fine. I won’t mention him anymore. Stop crying—it’s unseemly.”

Jiang Hanzheng wiped his face with his sleeve and nodded firmly. He then began to share his cultivation experiences with his master.

With the help of the Bodhi Seed, he had started absorbing multiple spiritual energies simultaneously. Only one or two attributes remained before he could fully unlock his Five Elemental Roots, allowing him to master techniques of all five elements—a promising future.

Though Jiang Hanzheng’s forced breakthrough had been reckless and taxing on his body, it had nonetheless succeeded. In just half a month, he had achieved Foundation Establishment.

Even Kong Huai, a prodigy with an unparalleled single spiritual root, had taken six months to reach this level. Jiang Hanzheng’s feat was sure to cause a stir within the sect.

For the past few weeks, Jiang Hanzheng had not been seen in the sect. Meanwhile, the two senior cultivators Wushang and Wuding had been leisurely traveling, with no sign of the boy they often viewed as an eyesore. Some had speculated maliciously that Wushang had abandoned him.

But upon his return, news of Jiang Hanzheng’s Foundation Establishment spread, leaving many in stunned disbelief.

At the age of fifteen years and eight months, Jiang Hanzheng had achieved Foundation Establishment several months earlier than Wushang’s first disciple had. He had surpassed what was once considered legendary and become the sect’s new legend.

Even the sect leader and elder sages took notice, offering high praise.

“Young talent truly surpasses the old generation—a miracle among those with impure spiritual roots.”

“Indeed, as expected of a disciple taught by Wushang.”

Initially, they had doubted Wushang’s decision to accept someone with impure spiritual roots, even advising him against it. But Wushang had insisted, and they had dismissed it as indulging a failure. When Jiang Hanzheng began showing progress, they attributed it to Wushang’s use of precious resources.

Now that he had successfully established his foundation, they couldn’t help but reevaluate their views. Silently, they admired Wushang’s ability to nurture even those considered hopeless.

Jiang Hanzheng smiled at the elders’ words, feeling a touch of pride at their recognition.

To receive acknowledgment from the sect’s most revered figures made him feel worthy of being his master’s disciple. Moreover, many were beginning to associate his name alongside his master’s, filling him with a sense of fulfillment.

However, alongside this joy, Jiang Hanzheng also felt a pang of inferiority and self-doubt.

The admiration and envy of others came rushing in like a tide, overwhelming him before receding just as quickly.

Instinctively, he glanced at his master. Helang stared into the distance, a faint smile on his lips, as though all of this was only natural. It seemed he was simply affirming that his disciples were destined to be the best.

Jiang Hanzheng lowered his head, sighing softly. Of course, his master always stood at the pinnacle, looking down on everything. He had only just begun his ascent—how could he hope to excite his master?

Though his master had high hopes for him, Jiang Hanzheng wondered if he would ever shine as brightly. How many years would it take to catch up to his master’s footsteps?

He had relied on countless transformations and rare resources to reach this point, earning his master’s attention and affection in the process.

Right now, his master indulged him in every way, showering him with love. But if he failed to live up to expectations, would his master’s gaze remain fixed on him?

Countless questions swirled in his mind, but one thing was certain—he dreaded losing his master’s attention the most. The mere thought of returning to the aimless days of his past was unbearable.