In his quarters, Ning sat cross-legged.

  It had been a little more than a month since he was assigned to the Scripture Pavilion.

  Today, he was going to attempt a breakthrough, to reach the fourth stage of Qi Condensation, the so-called Mid Stage.

  Qi Condensation was divided into twelve stages. In ancient times, there had only been nine, but as cultivation theory evolved, the stages were subdivided to improve the success rate of Foundation Building.

  Normally, one could attempt Foundation Building upon reaching the ninth stage, but the chances of success were too low. Thus, the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth stages were conceived, each one further improving the probability of success and determining the quality of the foundation itself.

  Of course, most cultivators built their foundations at the tenth stage; anything beyond that was considered the domain of geniuses.

  Ning had enriched his understanding considerably since managing the Pavilion. He now knew the characteristics of each stage well.

  The early stages of Qi Condensation focused on gathering spiritual Qi in its gaseous form. In the mid stages, that Qi became denser, still gaseous, but heavier, like mist thickening before rain. In the late and peak stages, it would finally condense into liquid form, hence the name Qi Condensation.

  Ning calmed his thoughts, steadying his breath. Over the past month, he had maintained his condition carefully, ensuring both body and mind were at their best.

  Cultivation was a lot like dating. The more relaxed and confident you were, the better your chances of success. But if you approached it nervously, timidly, fearfully, and desperately, you were doomed before even starting.

  The same applied to breakthroughs.

  Simply put, it was all about the Dao Heart.

  The Dao Heart was the cultivation world’s equivalent of the 'magic is the heart that believes' in those magical worlds, shown often in various medias.

  Simply put, a steady, unwavering Dao Heart greatly increased one’s chance of success.

  He exhaled softly, clearing his mind of distractions, and closed his eyes.

  Advancing from the early to the mid stage was no longer just about absorbing Qi; it was about transforming it, shaping it into something more substantial.

  Ning guided his Qi in slow, deliberate pulses, like ripples in still water. Each wave swirled and folded upon itself within his dantian.

  A faint warmth spread through his abdomen, a gentle, rhythmic pressure pulsing with his heartbeat. He continued the cycle, coaxing the energy to settle, to grow heavier and denser.

  The flow intensified. His dantian seemed to stretch, expanding to contain the denser Qi. The sensation built steadily, like a tide pressing against a gate. Then, at last, there was a subtle shift, barely a sound, barely a feeling, before the barrier gave way.

  A quiet surge rippled through him. The condensed Qi coursed through his meridians, solid and full of life. His body felt both lighter and more grounded, his mind sharper, his breathing deeper.

  He remained still for a while, circulating his Qi until it flowed smoothly once more.

  After consolidating his spiritual energy, he turned his attention to the panel.

  [Panel]

  Name: Ji Ning

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Spiritual Root: Mid-grade Spiritual Root

  Attributes: Five Elemental Attributes

  Talent: Extreme Space-Time Sensitivity

  Realm: 4th Stage of Qi Condensation (1/800), 1st Level of Body Refining (9/100)

  Cultivation Methods: Pure Qi Sutra (2nd Floor: 44/400), Jade Skin and Ice Meridians (1st Floor: 5/100)

  Martial Arts: Bone Forging Fist (Minor Accomplishment: 21/200), Shadow Steps (Minor Accomplishment: 118/200), Turtle Breathing (Starting: 89/100)

  Spells: Small Cloud Rain Technique (Minor Accomplishment: 181/200), Soil Refining Technique (Small Accomplishment: 28/200), Scorching Purge (Minor Accomplishment: 10/200), Golden Finger (Starting: 10/100)]

  Ning sighed at the sight of the exaggerated amount of Qi required for the fifth stage.

  No wonder it was possible to complete the early stages in a single year, but mid-stage progress often took six or seven years.

  The spiritual energy requirement seemed to grow geometrically, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and so on.

  It was clear that without supplements, it would be difficult to advance further.

  Fortunately, with the body refining technique, his progress would increase slowly but surely.

  He stood up and stretched lightly. “It’s time to register for the outer sect.”

  ...

  “Here, this is your new robe and identification jade.” The receptionist handed him the items.

  It seemed the elder he had seen before was absent, or it may be that, beside special occasions elder would generally not interfere. It made sense considering the number of disciples he would have to meet otherwise.

  “Thank you,” Ning said politely.

  “Also, it says here you’re a spiritual farmer?” the receptionist asked curiously.

  “Yes.” Ning nodded. Each disciple’s identification token held such details, profession, name, and even accolades like certificates could be read by channeling Qi into it.

  The receptionist chuckled. “Looks like the Spiritual Farming Hall finally got themselves a real talent. Maybe now they’ll stop bothering us for sending them only the mediocre ones.”

  For someone who reached the fourth stage in just over a year, especially as a spiritual farmer, it was indeed impressive.

  Most new spiritual farmers, especially those of lower grade, couldn’t even qualify within three years. Many ended up settling in Blackthorn City and leasing farms like independent cultivators.

  Ning simply smiled. Commenting on such things was a good way to invite unnecessary trouble.

  “Here, take this,” the receptionist said, handing him another token. “Most spiritual farmers who reach mid-stage are officially transferred to the Spiritual Farming Hall. You can take this token there and register.”

  Ning nodded and put the token away.

  Just like that, registration was complete. No drama, nothing. If this were a novel, this scene wouldn’t even fill half a chapter.

  ...

  Since he had time, Ning employed his Turtle Breathing Technique and headed toward the Spiritual Farming Hall.

  Turtle Breathing truly was an amazing technique. Along the way, few people noticed him unless he directly crossed their line of sight. It was as if he were transparent, a state that suited him just fine.

  Soon, he arrived. The hall was located in a quiet, inconspicuous corner of the sect.

  Inside, several disciples were at work, dressed in simple clothes that made them look more like farmers than immortal cultivators.

  Following the signs, Ning reached the registration desk.

  The person in charge was a female disciple, presumably from the outer sect as well. Her attire was plain, but her demeanor was calm and approachable.

  “Senior Sister, I’ve just reached the mid-stage and was sent here from the General Affairs Hall to register,” Ning said.

  Hu Yue glanced at the fair-skinned youth before her. He didn’t look like a farmer at all. “I see. Can you give me the token they issued you?”

  As she read the information, her eyes widened slightly.

  Minor accomplishment in three basic spiritual planting spells, starting level in another; successful cultivation across four acres, with yields matching those of experienced farmers.

  “Finally! The General Affairs Hall actually sent us someone competent.” Hu Yue smiled brightly, glancing over the records.

  “Senior Sister,” Ning asked curiously, “doesn’t the Spiritual Farming Hall already have the most disciples? Shouldn’t there be plenty of competent people here?”

  "You would think that, but that's not true." Hu Yue laughed. “You know, the General Affairs Hall usually dumps their low-talent, no-background disciples here without much thought. We’re the ones left to deal with them.”

  “There’s no helping it. Anyone who knows how to grow spirit rice is called a spiritual farmer. There are plenty of them, but a true spiritual plant master must know multiple spirit herbs, mastering breeding, grafting, and soil preparation.

  “And at the very least,” she added, “they must be proficient in the basic planting spells.”

  “Most of those so-called farmers can’t even be considered real spiritual farmers,” Hu Yue said with mild disdain.

  Damn! It seems the chain of contempt is universal, no matter the world.

  “Anyway,” she continued, “don’t worry about them. With your talent, you can easily get a spiritual farmer certificate and become a high-tier farmer."

  "I would try my best." Ning nodded.

  “Also, as a newcomer, you can read the basic books about spiritual plants and their different types in the library. And as a benefit, you can even choose a few seeds for your desired plant for free.”

  Ning nodded thoughtfully. That would be very useful.

  ...

  Thanks for reading~