Chapter 18

C18 – The Chance to Become Stronger

When Wen Shi returned to the cultivation room at noon, he brought with him two lunch sets. As he entered, his gaze fell upon Lu Lixing, who was seated in meditation on the floor, and Wen Shanmei, standing a short distance away, observing Lu Lixing intently.

Approaching Wen Shanmei with the meals, Wen Shi inquired, “What’s your take on him?”

Accepting the food from Wen Shi, Wen Shanmei replied, “He’s incredibly diligent and has a high tolerance for hardship.”

Although Wen Shanmei hadn’t spent much time with Lu Lixing and didn’t know him well, she recognized his exceptional qualities.

“He’s a kid who’s come up from the slums. He understands the value of strength and the rarity of cultivation opportunities far more than those born into noble families,” Wen Shi remarked with a sense of pride, casting an approving glance at the meditating Lu Lixing. He was satisfied with Wen Shanmei’s assessment.

“I noticed he possesses numerous meditation runes and resources for Brain Domain development, valued at around a million. Are you certain he’s really from the slums?” Wen Shanmei asked, her eyes reflecting a hint of skepticism. It seemed improbable for a slum child to have access to such valuable cultivation resources.

Wen Shi was taken aback by her observation; he hadn’t anticipated Lu Lixing to be in possession of such wealth in resources. Yet, recalling Lu Lixing’s rapid Brain Domain advancement, he found himself at ease. Clearly, these resources must be linked to Lu Lixing’s serendipitous experiences. Wen Shi’s reasoning wasn’t misplaced, especially considering Lu Lixing’s potential as a Runemaster and his exceptional perception.

“He’s had some fortunate experiences. These resources are likely connected to those,” Wen Shi explained.

With that, Wen Shanmei chose not to probe further. Everyone harbored secrets, and she wasn’t inclined to delve into the nature of Lu Lixing’s encounters.

“I’m heading back to school tonight,” Wen Shanmei stated, settling into a chair and beginning her meal. Wen Shi, long accustomed to her casual demeanor, offered no comment.

“Go back and focus on your training,” Wen Shi gently tapped Wen Shanmei on the shoulder, adding, “You’re shouldering a great deal of responsibility now. Perhaps, once he’s grown, he can help lighten your load.”

Wen Shanmei was taken aback by his words.

She had assumed Wen Shi’s assistance to Lu Lixing was purely out of pity for his unfortunate past, never suspecting that Wen Shi harbored a deeper intent.

“I’m not entirely certain yet, but I have a strong feeling it’s him,” Wen Shi said earnestly, locking eyes with Wen Shanmei. “I trust my own instincts, and I trust your assessment of him.”

Suddenly, Wen Shanmei set down her chopsticks and stood up, her expression stern. “I need to request a week off from school,” she told Wen Shi.

Wen Shi was initially surprised, then his brow furrowed as a thought struck him. “Are you doubting my judgment and want to observe him yourself?”

“I trust your judgment; it’s his capabilities that concern me,” Wen Shanmei stated resolutely, her gaze fixed on Lu Lixing. “Only the strong can stand as my allies.”

Seeing Wen Shanmei’s determination, Wen Shi refrained from further attempts to dissuade her. Allowing her to spend a week with Lu Lixing would be beneficial for his development. As it happened, this would also give Wen Shanmei and Lu Lixing a chance to build rapport, ensuring they wouldn’t hold each other back should they eventually need to fight side by side.

“We’ll do it your way.”

Wen Shi was curious to see the extent of Lu Lixing’s progress over the week.

For the old Lu Lixing, rune meditation was a formidable challenge; he couldn’t even fully meditate on the most basic Clear Water Rune. But now, things were different. His Brain Domain had undergone significant expansion, and he was aided by advanced spirit powder. It took him less than ten minutes to successfully meditate on the low-grade yellow-level Clear Water Rune.

With concentrated focus, a pale golden Rune began to materialize in Lu Lixing’s palm. The Rune flowed like water within his hand, exuding a refreshing coolness. At that moment, Lu Lixing could transform the Rune into water to quench his thirst whenever he chose.

Lu Lixing was experiencing the wonders of runes for the first time, and it only heightened his anticipation of becoming a true cultivator.

The Clear Water Rune in the palm of his hand lasted only briefly before fading away. In that moment, Lu Lixing could tell that his body had become noticeably fatigued. Meditating on a rune was proving to be quite the challenge for him at this stage.

As Lu Lixing prepared to engage the Lightning Swallowing Rune for his next cultivation session, Wen Shanmei suddenly crouched down in front of him.

Surprised by Wen Shanmei’s sudden appearance, Lu Lixing greeted her with a smile, “Senior Wen, is there something you need?”

“My father stopped by earlier and we discussed your situation. Your Brain Domain is highly developed, yet your control over it is lacking. Moreover, your physical condition seems to be lagging behind your current capabilities. You’ve noticed this, haven’t you?” she inquired.

Lu Lixing gave a slight nod, responding candidly, “I have. It’s as if my body is an outdated Holo-Brain that’s been fitted with the latest chip—it just can’t support the chip’s full-speed operation. To change this, I’ll need to upgrade the Holo-Brain itself.”

Wen Shanmei acknowledged his self-awareness, “You have a clear grasp of your own condition. I can offer you a method to master the power you currently possess in a short time, but it comes at a cost. Are you willing to accept it?”

Curiosity piqued by Wen Shanmei’s earnest expression, Lu Lixing asked, “Why are you so kind to me?”

Lu Lixing wasn’t naive; he knew that Wen Shi and Wen Shanmei’s relentless support meant there was something about him that warranted their attention, something he was yet to discover.

“At least you’re perceptive enough to realize that you’re not a fool,” Wen Shanmei said, giving him a meaningful look. “However, you’re not yet entitled to that knowledge. If, after a week, I’m satisfied with your progress, I’ll share some details with you. For now, I need your decision.”

Lu Lixing met Wen Shanmei’s gaze with a serious demeanor and declared, “I’m willing!”

Lu Lixing was acutely aware of his own frailty, a fact he couldn’t ignore. Determined to overcome his weakness, he seized every chance to grow stronger with unwavering resolve.

Once Lu Lixing confirmed his commitment, Wen Shanmei gave his shoulder a reassuring pat and told him, “Meet me at the school gate at six in the morning tomorrow. I’ll be waiting for you.”

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