Chapter 6: Warning

"System? Hello, system? Are you there?" Ji Jiuxuan tried calling out to the system, but the silence remained unbroken.

Given what had just happened, she was certain the system was capable of conversation. Either there were certain restrictions, or else the system was simply pretending to be unresponsive.

This time, the system didn't freeze for an update—the luminous screen stayed lit, but Ji Jiuxuan had already been sent back.

When she woke again, Ji Jiuxuan learned that her uncle, Ji Mingsi, had returned to the southern shores. Wen Ying explained that, because of what Ji Jiuxuan had seen in the Ancestral Dao Pavilion, her uncle had hurried home to intensify his search for news of her parents.

And today, Ji Jiuxuan was preparing to begin the process of channeling spiritual energy into her body.

"Miss, you have already memorized the incantation very well. Just follow the method I taught you before," Wen Ying said.

With her hands forming seals, Ji Jiuxuan sat cross-legged upon a meditation cushion within the spirit-gathering formation, a cushion known for its calming properties. Wen Ying sat opposite, offering guidance.

Compared to the typical cultivation novels, where beginners are left to their own devices or gather en masse on a public square to draw in spiritual energy, Ji Jiuxuan's experience was the high-end version of personal instruction.

Following Wen Ying's directions, Ji Jiuxuan swiftly cleared her mind and sank into meditation.

Before long, she was delighted to sense crimson motes of spiritual energy rapidly converging around her.

She hurriedly guided the energy toward her fingertips, reciting the incantation as she did so.

The pain of the energy expanding her meridians felt as though her flesh were being peeled away—so excruciating that she trembled, cold sweat beading along her brow.

Ji Jiuxuan understood that she had to endure. Whether she would remain a cripple in this life or set foot on the path of immortality depended on this moment.

She refused to become a useless person. She still wished to search for her father and mother, to travel every corner of the cultivation world, admiring its myriad beautiful landscapes.

It was said that the most delicious ingredients in this world grew only in perilous and remote places. She yearned for enough strength to taste every delicacy under the heavens.

So she had to succeed.

Clenching her teeth against the pain, she persevered. Gradually, more and more spiritual energy gathered within her, circulating through her body with the incantation and finally pooling in her dantian, forming a barely visible mist.

As time ticked by, Ji Jiuxuan, preparing to end her cultivation, was startled to find that the spiritual energy in her body had begun to circulate on its own.

Before she began her practice, she had read many books on the subject. Normally, after channeling energy into the body, a cultivator would need to meditate daily to increase their spiritual reserves and progress in cultivation. Her situation, however, was different.

Opening her eyes, Ji Jiuxuan looked at Wen Ying and asked, puzzled, "Aunt Ying, is it possible for spiritual energy to circulate naturally after drawing it into the body?"

Wen Ying smiled. "Of course. That’s exactly what’s happening to you."

Seeing Ji Jiuxuan's astonished expression, Wen Ying explained gently, "The cultivation method for channeling energy into your body was tailored specifically for you. Over the years, I've been conditioning your body and have improved the technique to suit your needs."

This revelation delighted Ji Jiuxuan, who looked at Wen Ying with excitement. So this was what a true expert looked like. "Aunt Ying, you can modify cultivation methods?"

"Yes, and no," Wen Ying replied, understanding the girl's confusion. "Perhaps it's fate. When it comes to you, I seem to have an extraordinary talent. Modifying cultivation methods is not something that can be done casually."

Wen Ying herself found it odd. For others, she had no such ability. But whenever she looked at Ji Jiuxuan, the suitable techniques would surface in her mind, and upon closer study, they proved perfect for the girl.

It was as though they were custom-made.

After hearing this, Ji Jiuxuan was convinced there must be a reason behind it. But Wen Ying had said she’d forgotten much of her past, so the answer remained a mystery.

"Aunt Ying, I’ll keep your secret," Ji Jiuxuan said playfully, then nestled into her embrace and added earnestly, "Thank you, Aunt Ying."

Perhaps due to her experiences in her previous life, Ji Jiuxuan was highly sensitive to whether others treated her with sincerity or deceit. Wen Ying always made her feel genuinely cared for. She could see for herself all that Wen Ying did for her, and she was grateful for it.

"Silly girl, you never need to thank me. Your happiness is all I desire."

Wen Ying was usually reticent, even feared within the sect, but Ji Jiuxuan was always the exception.

At that moment, Wen Ying produced two jade slips. "This is the 'Profound Flame Yin-Yang Technique,' a heavenly-grade cultivation method, and a matching 'Extreme Fire Sword Art.' Take these and study them well."

"Aunt Ying, did you create these as well?" Ji Jiuxuan asked, curious if even these could be modified.

"No, your grandfather is busy, so he asked me to pass them on to you. He chose them himself from the Scripture Pavilion. They're very suitable for your current level."

Wen Ying chuckled, ruffling her hair. "The 'Profound Flame Yin-Yang Technique' is already well-suited for you; there’s really nothing to modify."

"Alright, go run your laps now, and practice your sword and fist techniques as usual." With that, Wen Ying left to attend to her own affairs.

Ji Jiuxuan didn’t mind the training. Ever since she could walk steadily and run without trouble, Wen Ying required her to do these exercises daily, gradually increasing the number.

Wen Ying had always said that, even as a cultivator, body training was vital.

For spellcasters, who tended to be physically fragile, extra body training was never a mistake. For sword cultivators, physical strength was even more essential, making such exercises indispensable.

Originally, Ji Jiuxuan hadn’t thought much of it—until reality proved her wrong.

Because her spiritual energy now circulated naturally, exercises that had become as routine as drinking high-tier spirit beast milk suddenly changed.

Running was manageable, but when she practiced her fist techniques, she noticed the surrounding spiritual energy swirling around her. With its aid, every punch and kick felt different.

As she completed the sequence, it seemed the technique itself tempered her body, and under the influence of spiritual energy, each movement felt as though she were pressing against a thousand pounds.

Fortunately, two years of relentless practice had etched every step into her memory, so she had no fear of making mistakes.

Gradually, Ji Jiuxuan realized that as she performed the routine, the spiritual energy she stirred would spread into her muscles and bones, nourishing every part of her body.

Though she was exhausted, she found the feeling exhilarating.

Time passed. Normally, she could repeat her fist routine ten times within an hour, but today she managed only three rounds before she was left gasping for breath.

Just as she prepared to finish her remaining sets, the system issued a warning: "Warning, warning, training time for this item has ended. Please cease immediately, host."

Ji Jiuxuan paused briefly, recalling the system's previous mention of penalties—just extra rest time.

If she trained an extra hour, she'd simply have to rest for two more. It seemed the consequences were minor.

This penalty was acceptable to her, so Ji Jiuxuan paid it no mind and persisted in finishing her remaining practice.