https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-283-Civil-Engineering-Really-Does-Have-a-Future/13686832/
Chapter 282: The Teaching of the Foundation Establishment Stage
In the 200th layer of the instructional district, Zhang Yu sat in the audience, listening to Feng Jiu’s lecture, and couldn’t help but feel a constant urge—hurry up and finish your tasks.
The teaching felt like reading from a script. There was no interaction with students, no questions, no engagement—just a monotone recitation of facts.
Feng Jiu spoke:
“…The Dao Heart is the foundation of the immortal path. The higher your cultivation level, the more crucial the Dao Heart becomes.
If the Dao Heart fails to keep pace with your cultivation, the consequences range from power loss of control to spiritual collapse—worse still, even your Spirit Armor may turn on you…”
As she spoke, visions unfolded before their eyes—cultivators driven mad by mental disarray, slashing indiscriminately; Spirit Roots bursting from their bodies, transforming them into trees and shrubs; Spirit Armors attacking their own hosts; Martial Energies exploding outward, tearing bodies apart…
The gruesome scenes cycled endlessly, hammering home the dangers of an underdeveloped Dao Heart.
After emphasizing the stakes, Feng Jiu continued:
“After reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm, the Dao Heart’s level cap increases to 20. During this phase, the Dao Heart grows stronger and unlocks greater utility.
For instance, once your Dao Heart reaches level 15, you may choose a second cultivation technique and attempt to run them in parallel.
However, the greater the conflict between the two techniques, the worse the results—worse than just inefficiency. In extreme cases, it can cause spiritual fragmentation, even madness.”
Zhang Yu knew that “spiritual collapse” was a broad term—any failure, from Martial Energy overloading and exploding the body, to soul fragmentation turning one into a lunatic, or Spirit Armor turning on the cultivator—all fell under this umbrella.
But hearing Feng Jiu’s words today, he suddenly realized something: after entering the Foundation Establishment Realm, the types of spiritual collapse had multiplied, and the risks had risen sharply.
Feng Jiu added:
“Given how severe the consequences of technique conflict can be, it’s wise to prepare early. Before your Dao Heart reaches level 15, you should already make your choice—ideally, selecting techniques that complement each other.”
At that moment, the air around them shimmered. A URL appeared in the space before them.
Feng Jiu explained:
“Everyone, record this. This is the Ling Realm address for Chui Xin Ju. It allows you to test your cultivation path within the Ling Realm. For just 1 Lingbi, you can find the technique most suited to you. Spend another 1 Lingbi, and it will recommend your ideal second technique.”
She paused, then continued:
“Once you reach the Foundation Establishment Realm, your cultivation techniques can achieve higher levels of refinement.
Running them continuously for 24 hours is just the baseline. The true goal is to reach a state where the technique operates semi-instinctively, even fully instinctively—where your spirit and flesh are as one.
Even if you lose consciousness, your mind remains aware, your spirit sea still glowing with a single thread of vitality—your cultivation never stops.”
She smirked slightly.
“To achieve this, besides relentless, painstaking cultivation, there are other methods.”
She gestured with a flourish.
“For example, Chui Xin Ju’s newly launched Lingrou Heyi Zhi Lu—a 30 Lingbi package, refundable if it doesn’t work.”
And so she continued, methodically, without pause, without questions, without interaction—speaking at the same steady pace until the very last second before class ended. Then, the Phoenix projection vanished from sight.
Deep in the Ling Realm, a young woman watched the returning Phoenix and sighed:
“Not bad. No one recognized you as an artifact spirit, did they? From now on, you’ll take my classes. Saves me time—won’t disrupt my work.”
…
Mana Class
Li Mingbo, the Martial Energy instructor, stepped into the classroom, glanced around, and smiled.
“Good morning, everyone. This is our first meeting. Before we begin, let’s get to know each other.”
He paused, voice warm.
“Rather than cold data, I prefer face-to-face connection.”
“Call me Li Mingbo. I’ll be teaching your Mana Class for the next two years.”
Zhang Yu stared at the man—his gentle smile, calm demeanor, kind tone—his mind reeled.
Is this really a teacher from University City? A real one? He actually wants to know us?
Compared to Feng Jiu’s robotic delivery, Li Mingbo was like sunlight after a storm.
Li Mingbo’s gaze fell on Zhang Yu and Yu Xinghan, seated in the front row.
“Two of you—what are your names? Where are you from?”
“I’m Zhang Yu, from First Layer Songyang City.”
“He’s Yu Xinghan, also from First Layer…”
Li Mingbo nodded once, expression calm.
“You two—move back.”
“Further.”
“Even farther.”
“Alright. Stay there.”
He turned to Gong Shuijin.
“You—stay right here, first row.”
“Ying Xin—move up two rows.”
“Ji Yuanchi—come to the front.”
He fixed his gaze on the class.
“From now on, this is how we’ll sit. Your position reflects your cultivation layer.”
As he spoke, the classroom instantly settled into order—higher-tier students in front, lower-tier at the back. Zhang Yu and Yu Xinghan ended up in the very last row.
Damn it, Zhang Yu thought bitterly. Why did I even entertain that foolish dream about Kunxu people?
Li Mingbo continued, voice smooth:
“After Foundation Establishment, your Martial Energy cap surges. With higher Dao Heart, stronger bodies, and more advanced Techniques at your disposal, the quality of Martial Energy begins to matter more than ever.”
He paused, letting the words sink in.
“The higher the quality, the greater the power, the better the results.”
Zhang Yu nodded silently. He’d already sensed it during his Qi Cultivation Stage—his Martial Energy was subtly superior to others’. But now, in the Foundation Establishment Stage, the difference had widened dramatically—like a chasm.
The quality of Martial Energy ranged from 100% (lowest) to 200% (peak for this stage).
A single 200% quality unit could match two 100% units in power.
Li Mingbo’s brow rippled, like water beneath the surface. A circular mirror materialized before him.
“Now, test your Martial Energy quality.”
One by one, students stepped forward and struck the mirror with a palm.
- Ji Yuanchi: 133%
- Gong Shuijin: 125%
- Ying Xin: 111%
Finally, it was Zhang Yu’s turn.
He placed his palm gently on the mirror. As his Martial Energy surged, a number appeared: 112%
Zhang Yu thought: I’ve never actively trained for this “quality” thing.
Could it be because I pushed Bi Wo Qi Gong to level 20? The training process itself naturally refined my Martial Energy, pushing it to 112%?
After everyone finished, Li Mingbo said:
“To improve your Martial Energy quality, besides constant, meticulous cultivation, breathing techniques, and physical refinement—there’s another way: external aids.”
He gestured.
“Medicines, high-grade Spirit Armors, premium Spirit Veins—these all help.”
His eyes softened.
“But if I were to pick the most effective method? It’s buying high-quality Martial Energy directly from the Ling Realm Network.”
He smiled.
“Long-term exposure to superior Martial Energy can dramatically increase your cap and refine your quality.”
He introduced a platform:
“Let me recommend Fa Li Bao. I’ve arranged a special deal—just enter my name when you log in, and you’ll get a 9.8% discount on premium Martial Energy.”
He turned to the back row, his gaze lingering on Zhang Yu, Yu Xinghan, and Li Xiao.
“For those of you who can’t afford high-quality energy right now—don’t worry. On Fa Li Bao, you can sell your excess Martial Energy and earn Lingbi. Simply deposit it on the platform, do nothing, and earn passive income every day.”
Zhang Yu nodded silently, already opening Fa Li Bao. He wanted to see how much his own Martial Energy could earn—beyond Spirit Armor and cultivation.
Li Mingbo watched the students. He knew these First Layer pupils had no chance of buying high-tier energy.
Meanwhile, the front row spent money on cultivation, while the back row traded their resources for Lingbi.
The gap between them would only widen.
He’d seen this too many times.
If Dao cultivation was a battle of Xian Dao Potential—of who had more spiritual resources, who had more wealth—then Martial Energy was purely a financial domain.
That’s why he treated students from different layers differently.
He thought: Back row students—just focus on earning enough to survive. Don’t end up in debt with nothing to show for it.
A memory surfaced: his former classmates from First Layer. Only he remained—now a new Second Layer cultivator.
…
Body Refining Class
The instructor, a wolf-headed humanoid with rows of sharp teeth, grinned. This was Lang Yougong, the Body Refining teacher and a true-born Demon Clan cultivator.
“My class is flexible. You’re free to refine your body however you like. Pick any technique. I’ll walk around and guide each of you personally.”
Gong Shuijin’s spine cracked and groaned as Jin Gang Xuan Zao, his spine-embedded Spirit Armor, locked into place. The armor’s joints clashed like ancient machinery, amplifying his muscles. With it, he effortlessly executed a 20-level Expert-Level Cultivation Technique.
Lang Yougong’s eyes flickered. His Eye Armor activated, piercing through flesh and bone. He saw every pulse of Martial Energy, every fiber of muscle, every structure of Spirit Armor.
He nodded.
“A 20-level Body-Refining Technique stored in your spinal armor? Not bad. You’re a promising talent.”
His gaze swept to Ji Yuanchi.
The boy stood within the glow of a Dingfeng Pearl, completely sealed off from the outside air. His heart thundered, pumping out waves of Martial Energy and blood, drastically accelerating his Body Refining process.
Lang Yougong’s eyes narrowed.
Tiangong-brand Heart Armor?
He muttered, impressed.
Not only does it maintain constant medicinal effect, it’s connected to the Ling Realm Network. It uses high-quality Martial Energy to cleanse your marrow and purify your meridians. He’s essentially refining his body while just sitting there—absorbing medicinal power nonstop.
He exhaled.
Genius. Absolute Xian Dao genius.
From afar, Yu Xinghan watched Lang Yougong spend over ten minutes guiding Ji Yuanchi and Gong Shuijin. He sighed.
“Here we go again. Looks like we’ll be last once more.”
Zhang Yu, meanwhile, was practicing the 20-level Chunqiu Wujin Chan. He’d hoped for a word of guidance—now he just groaned.
Sigh… These teachers’ attention is so skewed. This class is useless.
After a moment, Lang Yougong turned to Zhang Yu.
“Oh? A 20-level Body-Refining Technique? And you’ve equipped Shican Modong? Not bad. A small genius, perhaps.”
He stepped forward.
“Your technique is solid. Let me lend you a hand.”
Zhang Yu felt a surge of auxiliary force flow into him. Instantly, his cultivation efficiency spiked.
Lang Yougong said:
“After Foundation Establishment, the Spirit Root is part of your body—just like muscles or bones. It can be refined, too. The better the fusion between Spirit Root and body, the higher your cultivation efficiency.”
He studied Zhang Yu.
“Your current fusion rate? Less than 70%. If you could reach 100%, your breathing efficiency, Martial Energy collection, and technique power would all improve significantly.”
He paused.
“The key? Adjusting your technique based on your Spirit Root’s condition.”
He fixed his gaze on Zhang Yu.
“Your Chunqiu Wujin Chan is well-learned—but your understanding of your own Spirit Root is lacking.”
“Come. Activate your Eye Armor. Remember every word I say.”
Zhang Yu thought: Technique adjustments based on Spirit Root conditions? Xinghuo Immortal never mentioned this. Is this new Immortal Dao Technology? A breakthrough in Body Refining?
As he activated Shican Modong, the world slowed around him. He focused entirely, memorizing every detail Lang Yougong said.
The other students watched, surprised.
Wait—this First Layer guy is getting special attention?
Gong Shuijin, however, barely blinked.
My friend? Of course he’s being noticed.
After over ten minutes of guidance, Lang Yougong glanced at Yu Xinghan.
He frowned.
“Ji Hu-brand Eye Armor? Really?”
Yu Xinghan hesitated.
“Teacher… I have a slight delay. My reactions might be slower…”
Lang Yougong sighed inwardly.
Everyone else uses Tianyan, Tiangong, or local-grade Magic Eyes. Even the weak ones are better. You’re using Ji Hu? No wonder you’re slow. This Xian Dao Potential is weak.
Before Yu Xinghan could respond, Lang Yougong said:
“You—wait. I’ll guide others first.”
He turned away.
Yu Xinghan glared at his back.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Zhang Yu, still absorbing the lesson, replied thoughtfully:
“I can feel it… The wolf teacher has real insight. He teaches based on ability, not just rank. His order might not be random—it could be intentional.”
(End of Chapter)
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