The meal was utterly tasteless; the Jiang family adhered strictly to the principle of "no talk while eating, no chatter while resting."
Chen Fan, however, savored the tranquility, quietly reflecting as he ate.
"How long has it been since I tasted the flavors of home, especially prepared by Aunt Tang herself?" he mused inwardly.
In his previous life, Aunt Tang's later years were marred by an unhappy marriage. Jiang Haishan had risen to a lofty position, leaving little time for home due to constant social engagements.
Back then, when he was destitute, Chen Fan often relied on Aunt Tang's generosity for meals. To him, her cooking far surpassed that of others.
"Aunt Tang truly embodies grace and intelligence. Kind-hearted, beautiful, and an exquisite cook—such a pity she married a man like Jiang Haishan, who chases nothing but power," Chen Fan thought, shaking his head in silent lament.
Seizing a moment, Aunt Tang turned to him and said, "Xiaofan, since you're new to Chuzhou, have Ranan take you to the city center to browse around and pick up some toiletries. After all, you're renting; you won't have the comforts of home."
"Very well, then. That's a favor to Ranan," Chen Fan replied without objection.
Jiang Churan nodded reluctantly but had already resolved to send the boy off as soon as they stepped outside.
After finishing the meal, Chen Fan smiled warmly and bid Aunt Tang farewell.
Once outside, the smile on Jiang Churan's face faded.
Without glancing back, she said coldly, "I have things to do. You can explore on your own."
After a brief pause, she added with a hint of concern, "You do know the way from here to the city center by taxi, right?"
She had expected Chen Fan to shamelessly cling to her, feigning ignorance of the route and asking for guidance. Instead, he silently nodded, "I know."
Standing there, Jiang Churan watched the solitary figure of the youth fade into the distance, a flicker of pity stirring within her.
Yet, recalling the gulf between them, she restrained herself, silently warning:
"Churan, the gap between you two is vast. There's no possibility—best to cut off these thoughts now."
Back inside, Aunt Tang asked curiously, "Where's Xiaofan? Why didn't you accompany him to shop?"
Jiang Churan replied indifferently, "He said he'd manage on his own."
Jiang Haishan scoffed nearby, "That brat thinks he can court my daughter? How utterly deluded."
Having reached his position, Jiang Haishan knew that further advancement hinged on leveraging connections—perhaps becoming a government steward or a district leader. If someone within the municipal committee offered support, it could save him considerable time and effort.
Such is the way of politics: with allies in power, promotion comes easily.
The son of Vice Mayor Li, apparently a classmate who harbored feelings for Jiang Churan, had caught Jiang Haishan's attention.
Vice Mayor Li had mentioned his son's interest several times, so Jiang Haishan kept an eye on it. But with his daughter still young, he dared not push too forcefully.
When Chen Fan came calling this time, Jiang Haishan had hoped the boy's family background or talents might rival those of Li Yichen, the Vice Mayor's son—perhaps worthy of a chance. Yet upon meeting him, he was sorely disappointed; the gap was insurmountable.
Turning, he grumbled, "Don't just bring any random person before my daughter. She's still young—school comes first."
Aunt Tang's expression darkened instantly, her delicate brows knitting in anger. "Jiang Haishan, how can you speak so? Am I not entitled to manage my own daughter?"
Sensing the brewing quarrel between father and mother, Jiang Churan sighed and retreated to her room, her displeasure toward Chen Fan deepening.
...
Chen Fan, however, gave none of it a second thought; the Jiang family and their squabbles meant nothing to him.
After leaving the Longjing Garden villa complex, he chose not to take a taxi home. Instead, he strolled leisurely along the banks of Yan Gui Lake, keenly attuned to the ebb and flow of the spiritual energy permeating the world.
The spiritual energy of each locale was far from static.
Like water, it flowed from high to low, pooling in some places as if in deep ocean trenches—these were the mystical realms and sacred lands. Elsewhere, it was thin and shallow, like small streams, unsuitable for cultivation.
After several kilometers along the lakeside, he came to a halt.
"This must be the area within a dozen kilometers where spiritual energy is most concentrated. To find better, I'd likely have to venture deep into Yunwu Mountain," he surveyed his surroundings—a secluded copse of willow trees, where cool breezes blew despite the summer heat.
Chen Fan settled beneath an ancient willow, crossing his legs to sit facing the gently rippling Yan Gui Lake.
Yan Gui Lake was the largest body of water in Chuzhou, nestled close to the city. Numerous neighborhoods, commercial streets, and hotels were built around it. Thus, though Chuzhou lay in the northern reaches of Jiangnan Province, it bore a distinct southern charm.
Sitting under the willow, gazing out over the vast lake, caressed by the gentle breeze, the oppressive heat of summer felt utterly refreshing.
Though cultivators were divided into eight great realms—Qi Refining, Innate, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, Void Returning, Dao Merging, and Tribulation Crossing—the Qi Refining stage was merely the beginning.
Even within Qi Refining, there were three sub-stages: Foundation Establishment, Profound Understanding, and Divine Sea.
Foundation Establishment was the entry-level stage; upon achieving it, one possessed strength capable of crushing thousands of pounds, speed rivaling a galloping horse, transcending mortal limits. The body condensed true essence, allowing the crafting of talismans and casting minor spells.
Profound Understanding and Divine Sea together comprised the 'Divine Power' realm. Cultivators at these stages wielded godlike powers—summoning winds and rains, conjuring armies from beans—appearing as myths to ordinary mortals.
Beyond Qi Refining was the Innate stage, where one could ride the wind ninety thousand miles and live over five centuries. If this was not immortality, what was?
"Innate is too distant a goal; I shall begin with Foundation Establishment."
"But which cultivation method should I adopt for Foundation Establishment?" Chen Fan pondered.
"The reason I fell to the Heavenly Tribulation in my previous life wasn't just my inner demons, but an unstable foundation," Chen Fan began to reflect.
"Ultimately, I was reckless, fixated solely on breakthroughs, neglecting to firmly build each stage's base. Though losing all cultivation this time is a setback, it grants me a fresh start. Only by laying a solid foundation can I construct a towering edifice." A sigh escaped his lips.
He lamented not only his past folly but also marveled at his fortune and destiny to be granted a second chance at life.
Though Foundation Establishment was merely the first step in cultivation and seemed minor,
to forge an unassailable Dao base, Chen Fan resolved this lifetime to advance steadily, perfecting every stage.
"I've amassed over five centuries worth of secrets and divine arts—vast as an ocean. Not to mention the celestial techniques directly pointing to the Dao, there are thirteen thousand seven hundred twenty-six distinct methods solely for Foundation Establishment. Last life, I practiced the 'True Martial Foundation Chapter' common among junior disciples of the True Martial Sect. This time, seeking perfection, I shall not settle for such a superficial method."
He had long since resolved on his path:
"I shall practice the 'Void Refining Body Technique' of the Great Dao Sect."
The Great Dao Sect was a major faction in the cosmic cultivation world. Though it never produced peerless geniuses, its Foundation Establishment Qi refining techniques were renowned.
It was said that mastering the 'Void Refining Body Technique' to perfection endowed cultivators with power several times that of their peers, along with a solid foundation that never hindered subsequent transitions.
"Moreover, this sect's methods emphasize inclusiveness and tolerance. Cultivating on Earth, where spiritual energy is waning, I must rely on myriad herbs, treasures, even malignant energies and yin qi to aid my training. The Great Dao Sect's Foundation Establishment techniques suit me perfectly," Chen Fan reasoned.
Malignant energy, yin qi, death aura—all were akin to spiritual energy, cosmic forces scattered across the universe. Spiritual energy was abundant, suffusing every living star, most suitable for cultivators. Other energies required special techniques to harness.
Typically, cultivators could only absorb diverse cosmic energies without hindrance upon reaching the Golden Core stage.
Yet the Great Dao Sect's 'Void Refining Body Technique' granted certain Golden Core abilities even during Foundation Establishment.
The term 'Void' signified the vast, boundless cosmos—countless energies unified within one body. Whether stellar power or terrestrial demonic aura, the technique accepted all.
Hence the Great Dao Sect boasted, "Countless methods, united in our lineage."
"Alas, though the Great Dao Sect's ambitions are grand, to fuse myriad Dao paths into one is more arduous than ascension itself. Thus, it ranks only mid-tier among cultivation sects."
Chen Fan shook his head with a soft sigh. Though admirable, the Great Dao Sect ultimately valued breadth over depth. The True Martial Sect's single-minded specialization enabled it to produce genuine immortals who dominated the heavens.
Resolute, Chen Fan began to recall the incantations of the 'Void Refining Body Technique.'
This cultivation method emphasized not only Qi refinement but also physical tempering—an inner and outer harmony.
As he delved deeper into practice, his body seemed to transform into a black hole, drawing in surrounding spiritual energies and forces. Within a ten-meter radius, an eerie stillness fell; even the willow branches ceased to sway.
Time passed; the moon waned, the sun rose. It was dawn.
He had sat cross-legged beneath the tree, cultivating throughout the entire night.
Fortunately, this secluded spot by the lakeside park saw few visitors, leaving him undisturbed.
With sunrise, Chen Fan suddenly opened his mouth, releasing a billowing stream of white qi that surged forward several meters, slicing the air with a sharp 'shhh'—as if piercing through the very fabric of space.
The luminous torrent lingered for minutes before gradually dissipating, an uncanny spectacle to behold.