Chapter Thirty-Four: Automatic Cultivation Mode

On the Heavenly Dao Road, an inner disciple and an outer disciple walked side by side, their worried glances occasionally sweeping toward a certain spot.

“I wonder if Brother Tianming has awakened yet?” Xi Ren stopped, his brows furrowed in concern.

Truth be told, when the two had first seen Tianming, his body riddled with decaying, dark energy, they’d been startled out of their wits. Fortunately, an elder had arrived in time, preserving Tianming’s last breath and sending him to the Sacred Source Pool of the Celestial Evolution Sect. Only then did they breathe a sigh of relief.

“I don’t know, but Tianming should recover quickly there!” Chu Qingchen stopped as well, giving Xi Ren’s shoulder a reassuring pat.

The Sacred Source Pool of the Celestial Evolution Sect—a cultivation sanctuary reserved only for the elites ranked on the Human and Heaven Lists.

“Ah… It’s my own weakness to blame.” Xi Ren clearly understood this, and said no more.

“No one starts out strong. Work hard in your cultivation,” Chu Qingchen smiled, his gaze firm and encouraging.

Xi Ren…

Under such sincere words, Xi Ren felt a moment of desolation, yet beneath it surged a force that inspired him. He nodded heavily.

Indeed, every achievement is forged through one’s own hardship—just as Brother Tianming had faced the dark demon cultivator alone. Had he abandoned his integrity and defected to the Dark Demon Clan, he wouldn’t have suffered so much. But it was precisely his sincerity that earned the sect’s gratitude; this is the law of cause and effect.

The two exchanged a smile and fell silent, standing in place.

Only those who entered the top ten rankings or had made great contributions to the sect were qualified; they were clearly not there yet. Though they were Tianming’s friends, rules could not be bent for personal feelings.

It was the best outcome, for it would spur them to grow stronger.

…

At the moment the White Radiance Space finally shattered.

With the last wisp of his consciousness restored, Tianming opened his eyes slowly, his face filled with regret.

“So heartless!” he muttered gloomily as he was cast out.

He realized what he’d just experienced wasn’t a mere dream; that old man hadn’t been bluffing. This truly was a space created by a powerful cultivator.

To open up a space and bring people in at will—what level of ability would that require?

Tianming doubted even a Golden Immortal could accomplish such a feat.

He didn’t dwell on it, instead trying to ascertain where he was. Yet the mist was so thick and ethereal, it obscured everything around him.

Experience points +16!

Experience points +26!

…points +76

+43!

…

Though Tianming couldn’t see his surroundings, he could distinctly feel the rich energy of heaven and earth flooding into him, transforming into experience and steadily strengthening his cultivation.

Perhaps the mist was the essence of this energy in vapor form. Tianming nodded to himself, astonished that such a place existed within the Celestial Evolution Sect—truly worthy of being one of the continent’s four great sects.

Clang, clang!

As Tianming surveyed the area, a familiar voice resounded in his mind.

“Since the master has advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage, automatic cultivation mode is now enabled. When in places rich in energy or when consuming heavenly treasures, experience will be gained. For more details, please check your mind’s interface!”

“What, Foundation Establishment?” Tianming trembled slightly, both exhilarated and unsettled by the title. He hadn’t expected to reach Foundation Establishment so soon.

He didn’t ponder further, but followed the instructions, closing his eyes and entering his mind’s interface.

Name: Tianming.

Spirit Stones: Zero. Note: All currencies except spirit stones can no longer be exchanged for lottery chances.

Realm: Foundation Establishment, Grade Three {Only 1,047 experience points needed for next grade} +163 points +94…

Skills: None.

Techniques: Infinite.

Lottery Chances: One.

Artifacts: Itching Flea (two bottles), Bamboo Dragonfly {unsealed, seven-day cooldown after use}, Evasion Cloak {discarded}

…

Grade Three?

As his mind swept over his realm, Tianming was stunned. He’d known he was in the Foundation Establishment stage, but hadn’t realized he’d reached Grade Three—almost at Grade Four perfection!

Previously, he’d been at Qi Drawing Grade Ten, still 3,050 experience points away from Foundation Establishment…

Now, Tianming was baffled. Could it be this pool’s doing?

He couldn’t think of any other explanation for his current realm.

“Young friend, are you not coming out? Must I send someone in to fetch you?”

As Tianming puzzled over the matter, an ancient voice that seemed to echo through the ages reached him.

The unfamiliar voice was both distant and close, as if speaking right beside his ear. Tianming jolted awake, opening his eyes.

“…May I ask who you are, senior?” His gaze darted about, searching for the speaker.

“Come to the Elder Pavilion, young friend. All your questions will be answered.”

The elderly voice, now gentler, spoke again, evidently aware of Tianming’s curiosity.

So it was an elder of the sect. No wonder the voice seemed so profound. But which elder?

Though Tianming was still unsure, he didn’t hesitate further despite his confusion.

His only regret was leaving the clear waters of the pool—he was truly enchanted by it.

But as a guest, now that the host had asked him to leave, it would be shameless to linger.

“Such a pity—just a bit more and I’d reach Grade Four!” Shaking his head, Tianming hurried to climb ashore.

He longed to continue cultivating in the pool, but reason prevailed over impulse—such behavior would be inappropriate.

Hoo…

Tianming felt awkward as the breeze brushed against him, for he realized he was completely unclothed.

Then again, who bathes with clothes on…

Tianming…

He smiled wryly, shaking his head. As he scanned the area, he noticed something—

“At least they have some decency!” he muttered, lips curling into a smile.

He was delighted to find his body restored to its former fair and flawless state—bold, imposing, and handsome as ever.

Not far away, a neatly folded set of white inner disciple robes lay waiting for him. The thoughtful service wiped away his earlier gloom.

“Brother Tianming, are you there? Elder Three sent me to escort you to the Elder Pavilion.”

As he dressed, Tianming heard someone outside calling for him—a young woman’s voice.

From her words, it seemed the one who had just spoken to him was Elder Three of the sect—a figure whose rank alone implied great power.

He hadn’t expected such a formidable person to treat him, a newcomer, so courteously. Tianming felt immense satisfaction.

“I understand. Please wait a moment, sister.”

Without a trace of negligence, Tianming replied, and promptly ran outside—he couldn’t let the junior sister wait too long. If Elder Three heard of it, he would certainly not fare well.