NOVEL WEB Chapter 3 - Perfection
In that moment, Chen Shaofeng's composure wavered as he exclaimed, “A hundred days? Does that mean I previously only needed one day to cultivate? With my natural aptitude, given enough time, I could swiftly progress not just to the truth realm but even to the Innate Stage.”
“But, if it works like that, cultivating here for a century, which equates to just a year outside, would that not elevate me to an unmatched master?”
A gleam of excitement appeared in Chen Shaofeng's eyes.
“Such a naive thought! Mastery isn't born from mere practice; it's shaped in battle.”
At this, the Artifact Spirit addressed him, saying, “Reaching the Innate Stage might be plausible, but surpassing it requires more than just self-cultivation. You should reconsider this aspiration.”
While what the Artifact Spirit conveyed was factual, Chen Shaofeng wasn't disheartened. With this space-time advantage that magnified his growth by a hundredfold, he was sure of hastening his journey to prowess.
Yet, a nagging concern arose: if he prolonged his cultivation in this space, would he age faster? When his life drew to a close, regret might be his only companion.
Picking up on Chen Shaofeng's apprehensions, the Artifact Spirit clarified, “The Mountain and Sea Space, while fast-forwarding time, won't genuinely hasten your biological aging. Be at peace with this aspect.”
“So, that's the mechanism! Now, I can cultivate with a peaceful mind!” Chen Shaofeng sighed in relief.
“Very well, focus on your training! Even though I'm now awakened, I rely on your energy. Hence, you mustn't neglect your cultivation. To achieve a speed boost of a hundredfold, I must recuperate. Currently, I can only amplify my speed by a maximum of tenfold,” the Artifact Spirit advised.
Chen Shaofeng was so angry that he almost vomited blood.
Initially, he believed he could immediately advance to the Innate Stage. However, even at ten times the regular speed, achieving the Innate Stage in the next two days seemed unlikely.
Still, multiplying his progress by ten was significant. It meant he could condense twenty days of cultivation into two, which would be enough to elevate him to a more advanced level.
Pondering this, Chen Shaofeng wasted no time and began his cultivation.
Prior to entering the truth realm, the focus was mainly on amplifying one's physical prowess. But upon reaching this realm, practitioners would harness specific cultivation techniques.
Chen's lineage had bestowed upon him the “Scarlet Cloud Art.” While it was a mid-tier technique within the fifth rank of the Yellow Level: neither exceptionally potent nor overly feeble: it was a rarity in Nanshan County.
Chen Shaofeng was confident that with the Scarlet Cloud Art, he'd reach the Innate Stage much faster.
This particular location even had the gift of time dilation. Here, two days felt like twenty.
Within this stretched timeframe, Chen Shaofeng's might grew exponentially, having recently ascended to the early phases of the Nascent Soul Stage.
It wasn't surprising. Given his profound knowledge base, advancing to the pinnacle of true qi in mere days was expected.
The Innate Stage realm was now tantalizingly within reach.
Yet, as close as it appeared, the final leap to this realm wasn't a feat to be achieved overnight.
Having touched the zenith of True Perfection, Chen Shaofeng paused his cultivation. He queried the nearby Artifact Spirit, “How much time has passed during my cultivation?”
The Artifact Spirit replied, “Merely fifteen days.”
“Is that so? I'll continue for a bit more. While further realm advancements might be elusive, honing my Martial Skills remains an option.”
Chen Shaofeng had been bequeathed two martial arts techniques by his father, Chi Yunhou. Among them was the Crimson Flame Fist: a formidable extension of the Scarlet Cloud Art, characterized by its immense power.
It resembled conventional Fist Arts. With consistent practice and the backing of the Scarlet Cloud Art, mastering the Crimson Flame Fist would be straightforward for Chen Shaofeng.
Time flew, and within what felt like two days, his proficiency with the Crimson Flame Fist reached its nascent stage.
Now wielding formidable strength in each punch, he shifted his focus from the Crimson Flame Fist to another martial technique.
And this other martial skill was a movement martial skill.
The capital set aside by Chi Yunhou Chen Liuyuan for his son was significant. The technique he practiced was named Cloud Walk.
True to its name, Cloud Walk mirrored the erratic movement of clouds, ever drifting. Its essence lay in its mysterious nature, seeming both tangible and intangible, perplexing even those who witnessed it.
Chen Shaofeng dedicated considerable time mastering Cloud Walk. Only after a nudge from the Artifact Spirit did he grasp its core significance.
Though Cloud Walk might not be perceived as top-tier, its utility was undeniable. At its peak performance, it surpassed the speed of a standard Innate Mortal Martial practitioner.
Consequently, should he face a more formidable opponent in days to come, he would have little to fear.
It took Chen Shaofeng three exhaustive days to advance Cloud Walk to the Initial Stage. Sensing the right moment, he ceased his training and exited the Mountain and Sea Space.
Once outside, he rejoined the bustling street. He noted a general movement in a singular direction, which stirred his impatience.
Deep down, he recognized the significance of the day - his engagement to Wang Yan.
Despite Wang Ze's previous remarks, Chen Shaofeng remained optimistic about the day. His faith in Wang Yan remained unwavering.
His trust in Wang Yan was rooted in their shared history. He felt he knew her intimately and was confident she would honor their engagement.
With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, Chen Shaofeng made his way to the Chi Yunhou's residence.
“…”
Today, Chi Yunhou's residence was adorned with numerous lanterns and festive decorations. The household staff bustled about, attending to their tasks in an atmosphere of lively enthusiasm.
A sense of joy was palpable on every face, from the lowliest servant to the Marquis himself. The reason for the jubilation was clear: today marked the wedding day of their Young Marquis, Chen Shaofeng, Chi Yunhou's son.
The bride-to-be, Wang Yan, held the esteemed position of being from the highest-ranking family in Nanshan County.
The anticipation for this engagement was universally high, symbolizing the alliance of two powerful families. A successful engagement would unite the Chi Yunhou household and the Wang Family, capturing the attention of various other influential families, particularly the other two major families within Nanshan County.
In addition, several clans neighboring Nanshan County had also hurriedly made their way to the event.
These guests were not merely present for ceremonial congratulations. Their intention was to gauge the shifting dynamics within Nanshan County to strategize for future moves.
“Young Duke, you've returned at last! Lord Hou has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please go to your room to change attire before proceeding to the main hall; our guests have already gathered.”
As Chen Shaofeng approached the entrance to the Marquis's mansion, a servant greeted him.
“Understood. Inform my father that I'll be there momentarily.”
Fully aware of the significance of the pending engagement, Chen Shaofeng knew he had just two hours left before the auspicious time for the ceremony—a sufficient window for him to make his way there.
Without delay, he returned to his quarters to change into formal wear and then made his way to the main hall.