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The Science of Cultivation - Chapter 201: Breakthrough Testing
🕑 Added 2024-12-12 23:30:01 +0000 UTCWith the computers in his lab helping him model the flows of Qi in the meridians, Li Lang was able to refine his technique rapidly and precisely. He made a new version of his technique for Long Yi to test out.
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Long Yi’s mastery of Qi within his body had reached new levels. Though Li Lang surmised his Qi had undergone a qualitative change, so his tests couldn’t accurately represent what a normal Energy Gatherer would experience, he still deemed the test worthwhile as he could verify the safety of the technique.
It took no time for Li Lang to teach the particular set of movements to Long Yi at all, and the test soon got underway. Just like in the previous instance, with Xiao Dong, Long Yi slowly transitioned from one martial stance to another. However, this time Li Lang had accounted for the delay between movements and ensured the various Qi channels within his body would converge in his dantian at the same time and with the same strength.
This meant the critical moment was at the end when the streams of Qi would finally meet.
“How much of your Qi is being affected by the technique?” Li Lang asked his latest test subject.
“Slightly more than a tenth. It should be fine.”
“Just make sure you stop as soon as you sense something wrong.”
While being occasionally questioned about his experiences, Long Yi was soon able to complete the prescribed set of movements. When he did, nothing particular happened. No discomfort, no pain, or anything to worry about.
“Is this supposed to happen?” he asked.
“Not sure. The physique of a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator may be different. This technique is meant to aid low aptitude Energy Gatherers in breaking through. In the first place, your grade three aptitude means you have enough control over Qi that you don’t need it.”
“So we didn’t learn much from this test?”
“No, not at all. We learned that it should be safe to practice. You may be more powerful, but that would mean any adverse reaction would be even more severe. If nothing happened, I think I can resume testing with Xiao Dong again.”
“Great! I’ll go call him.”
Li Lang looked as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he chose not to interrupt his friend. As Long Yi exited his room to call on their student, Li Lang sighed.
He was feeling a little guilty after the previous failed experiment. Thoughts of wanting to take the role of the tester resurfaced. He knew it wasn’t proper for the experimenter to take part, as he would be filled with bias toward his hypothesis, but he didn’t want any accidents to befall his students.
In a way, he admitted he had recruited them to take advantage of them, but that didn’t mean he only saw them as tools. He wanted them to succeed too. Some techniques he would make them test may limit their potential in the future as he searched for an optimal path, but it was still better than languishing as a low-talent Energy Gatherer forever.
Before he knew it, a knock soon rang out at the door, with Long Yi returning with Xiao Dong in tow.
“Teacher, is it true we’ll be resuming the tests already?”
Li Lang looked at him wistfully and nodded.
Seeing this, Xiao Dong thumped his chest, and he reassured his mentors.
“Leave it to me, then! I’ll make sure I won’t mess it up this time. And even if I do, it isn’t that big of a deal. Nothing a Recovery Pill can’t fix.”
“Xiao Dong, we believe we’ve addressed the issue that caused you to bleed in the previous attempt,” Li Lang clarified. “It shouldn’t happen this time, but the dangers are always present. Have you tried out the traditional breakthrough method yet instead? With your aptitude, it shouldn’t be much of an issue.”
“Not yet. I’ve been resting as you instructed, Teacher. But I want to continue with this technique you’re creating. It is what I signed up for, and it’ll make it easier for when the others catch up, right?”
“In that case, let’s go over the revised movements.”
Li Lang saw that there was no need to have any second thoughts anymore. He was the one who started everything, so he had to see it through.
The teacher and students went over the new set of movements once more before the test immediately went underway. Both Li Lang and Long Yi were carefully scrutinizing the condition of this student throughout the test in case something went wrong. Under those two watchful gazes, Xiao Dong soon received the valuable Foundation Pill from his mentors.
“Take it when you’re ready. If it goes as I intended, it could cause your breakthrough to begin.”
Xiao Dong nodded earnestly before swallowing the pill in one gulp. He then got started with the series of movements right away.
“How much of your Qi is being affected?” Li Lang repeated the same questions he had asked Long Yi.
He noted down the answers he received. They were similar to Long Yi’s, which assured him somewhat. It made him believe it wouldn’t stray too far from what he had previously observed.
The session continued and before long, the critical moment near the end arrived. As Xiao Dong finished the last set of movements, the two mentors stood protectively over their students, ready to react to any incidents.
“How do you feel?” Li Lang asked after a moment with no response from their pupil.
“Umm, I think I’m almost there. I just need another push and my breakthrough will begin.”
For a moment, Li Lang was tempted to ask his student to immediately repeat the technique. The series of movements acted like a pump to the Qi in their meridians, pushing it in the predetermined directions. It meant it could be repeated to exert more force. However, Li Lang knew he should be satisfied with what he had so far.
They had successfully carried out the test on a peak Energy Gatherer without any harm coming to their subject. It was better for him to thoroughly examine his test subject’s conditions before getting carried away. Oftentimes, approaching experiments with a slow and meticulous approach was faster than rushing things.
“There’s no need for you do to anything more, Xiao Dong. Just relax. I’ll just need to collect some samples from you.”
Everyone associated with Li Lang was familiar with this request by now. After having been provided the Cleansing Drug, they had all received a similar request every so often. Li Lang needed to continuously monitor their blood and flesh to confirm the effects and safety of his drug.
At the same time, it was also his way of monitoring the health of his students. It was to prevent any of his students from being overeager and cultivating beyond their limits. If any of them tried to do that, it would immediately be detected by the tests.
After thoroughly collecting everything he needed, Li Lang dismissed his student and went to work with his new samples. He spent most of the day going through them as he planned another round of testing.
Like that, the days passed with Xiao Dong testing out the technique every so often and Li Lang carefully monitoring his condition. The tests slowly escalated until the day finally came when they were determined to have Xiao Dong take on the challenge and attempt a breakthrough.
“Remember, to keep repeating the technique if you need more Qi to converge in your dantian, but once you start, don’t stop midway.”
“Yes, don’t worry, Teacher Li. It isn’t my first time.”
By now, the dozens of tests had gotten Xiao Dong familiar with the series of movements catered to him. He completed one set of the technique in no time and seamlessly started his second round of it.
After doing three rounds, his dantian began to light up like he had swallowed a lightbulb. The ambient Qi in the surroundings became more active as he began absorbing more and more of it into his body.
They were the signs that meant Xiao Dong had begun his breakthrough!
However, during this critical moment, knocking could be heard.
Annoyed, Li Lang gave a look to Long Yi that conveyed he would handle it, and that he would leave things here to him before rushing out to reprimand the student or students that had chosen to interrupt them. While Xiao Dong continued without a care, it was still a distraction. Li Lang had told his students countless times not to interrupt them during these sessions.
When he opened the door, he was surprised to find Wu San, a normally cautious and obedient student of the group. This made him swallow his words, as he knew he shouldn’t have interrupted them without good reason.
“Teacher Li.”
“What is it?”
“Teacher Wei is back!”
“What?!”
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Comments
Scrutinizer
Li Lang looked as if [he] wanted to say something, but in the end, he chose not to interrupt his friend.
Scrutinizer
Thanks for the access! (By the way, for edit suggestions, [] are for additions and // are for deletions.)
Axelios
Great chapter
Scion
I could also see him studying all the different crafting stuff available and at what level of the energy gathering and what the crafting teaches and kind of designed what the optimal path is using crafting to help you grow. Can also supplement with specific abilities that do what the crafting doesn't. This should help streamline people going from the low end of the energy gathering to the high end.
Scion
Awesome :-)
