Translator: CinderTL
Star City Academy, dormitory.
As dawn broke, a sliver of morning light streamed through the window, waking Feng Qi.
Opening his eyes, he felt refreshed and clear-headed. His vision was exceptionally sharp, allowing him to see even the dust motes dancing in the air with remarkable clarity.
The effects of the Merit Wine from the previous night hadn't completely worn off, leaving a lingering warmth in his body.
A bottle of Merit Wine could yield approximately four glasses.
Lin Ran had one glass, Mu Qing had two, and Feng Qi had slightly more than one.
His energy progress bar had now reached 96.8%. A few more meals at the Academy Cafeteria should fill it completely.
After returning to his dormitory last night, he had specifically researched "Merit Wine" online.
The results astonished him.
Excluding its symbolic value, the actual production cost of a glass of Merit Wine was less than a million credits.
Although it was crafted using hundreds of spirit materials and a special brewing process, mass production inevitably diluted the final product.
Otherwise, a Merit Wine brewed from such a diverse blend of rare ingredients would easily be worth over a hundred million credits.
Among these spirit materials were several precious spirit plants valued at over a million credits each.
Last night, he had only drunk one cup, worth approximately 250,000 credits, but the effects were remarkable.
His energy progress bar had increased from 49.8% to 96.8%, a 47% improvement.
The Dusk Wolf Rune Crystal cost 880,000 credits and provided a 105% boost. Calculating the cost per percentage point, each 1% increase required roughly 8,380 credits.
A cup of Merit Wine, priced around 250,000 credits, offered a 47% improvement, meaning each 1% increase cost only about 5,300 credits.
Moreover, the Merit Wine's medicinal properties weren't entirely absorbed by the energy progress bar; a portion was also assimilated by his body, leaving him with a lingering warmth.
Compared to the Dusk Wolf Rune Crystal, Merit Wine offered more than double the value for its cost.
This sparked his deep interest in the wine's brewing process.
If he could learn to concoct this blend of spiritual ingredients himself, it would save him considerable expenses in the future.
After washing up, Feng Qi sat at his desk and began researching the Merit Wine's brewing methods.
But he soon abandoned the effort.
It wasn't that he couldn't find the information; even if he did, he lacked the means to replicate the process.
Here, it's essential to mention a special profession: the spirit pharmacist.
Merit Wine is crafted by professional spirit pharmacists.
While the profession may seem ordinary, becoming a spirit pharmacist requires extensive knowledge, much like chemistry in the real world.
Unlike researchers of cultivation techniques and art magic, spirit pharmacists primarily study the composition, properties, structure, and transformation laws of spirit materials within Domain Fields. Through careful formulation, they enhance the efficacy of these materials.
Therefore, the first hurdle to becoming a spirit pharmacist is mastering the detailed effects of spirit materials and spirit plants within Domain Fields.
Intrigued, Feng Qi researched how to become a spirit pharmacist. A dense list of knowledge categories immediately filled the screen:
Spirit Pharmacist's Handbook (8 volumes), Spirit Plant Identification (32 volumes), Spirit Plant Harmonization: Maximizing Medicinal Efficacy (12 volumes), How to Prevent Explosions During Formulation (Complete Edition), Characteristics of Spirit Plants Produced in Major Domain Fields (12 volumes), Spirit Plant Cultivation Techniques (8 volumes)...
The curriculum for aspiring spirit pharmacists is incredibly extensive.
Becoming a professional spirit pharmacist requires an immense investment of time and effort in study.
However, once they've mastered the basics, they're immediately classified as C-Class Human Elites.
These experts can maximize the efficacy of resources harvested from Domain Fields, even combining the medicinal properties of two spirit plants to create synergistic effects far exceeding their individual potencies.
Take Merit Wine, for example. A single bottle is worth around a million credits.
Yet, after a spirit pharmacist's refinement, its effects are doubled compared to purchasing spirit plants of equivalent value.
Beyond spirit plants, rune crystals also fall within a spirit pharmacist's purview. This profession truly demands lifelong learning.
As humanity explores the domains, new spirit materials and spirit plants are constantly discovered, and new Domain Fields emerge, yielding even more novel resources.
After thoroughly researching the spirit pharmacist system, Feng Qi decisively abandoned the idea.
Entering the field is difficult, but achieving mastery is even more daunting.
He simply didn't have the time to dedicate to studying spirit pharmacist knowledge.
Unless he could acquire the Photographic Memory Technique.
He recalled that Combat Class Three had a freshman named Le Ping'an, whose profile mentioned a moderate proficiency in spirit pharmacist knowledge.
He decided to inquire about this during the official start of classes, hoping Le Ping'an could enhance the effects of the Dusk Wolf Rune Crystal.
With eight million credits soon to be deposited into his account, he still believed in saving money where possible. He wasn't wealthy enough to squander resources carelessly.
There would be plenty of expenses in the future.
Closing the search page, he stood up and stretched. The lingering warmth from the Merit Wine still coursed through his body, leaving him feeling comfortably relaxed.
After leaving his dormitory, he first headed to the Academy Cafeteria to meet Lin Ran and Mu Qing.
There, they enjoyed a lavish breakfast together.
During the meal, Lin Ran's face flushed crimson, clearly indicating that the Merit Wine's effects hadn't fully dissipated. He kept tissues handy to wipe away the occasional nosebleed.
Mu Qing, on the other hand, appeared perfectly normal. Even the potent Merit Wine was no match for her extraordinary digestive capabilities; it had already been completely absorbed.
After finishing breakfast, Feng Qi stood up, ready to head to Cultivation Class One.
Just then, Lin Ran, who had just wiped the blood from his nose, looked up and asked, "Brother Qi, heading to class? Want to go together?"
Feng Qi couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Look at you. Go back to your dorm and rest properly. Better yet, seize the time to cultivate and make the most of the Merit Wine's medicinal effects."
Hearing this, Lin Ran nodded reluctantly, clearly dissatisfied. Feng Qi chose to ignore his expression.
Lin Ran's passion for Cultivation Technique Research had always been a major headache for Feng Qi, and he still hadn't found a solution. Even if he told Lin Ran directly that his future research would lead to disaster, he wouldn't believe it. He would never give up until he tried it himself. Direct persuasion would be futile; a more indirect approach was needed.
Leaving the Academy Cafeteria, Feng Qi headed straight to the teaching building.
Outside the Cultivation Class One classroom, students with notebooks in hand were already crowding the entrance. As he arrived, they greeted him with smiles and nods. Feng Qi returned the gestures before stepping into the classroom and approaching the lectern.
The once-noisy classroom fell silent as Feng Qi entered, a gesture of respect from the students.
"Let's begin," Feng Qi announced with a smile, prompting the students to open their notebooks.
"Today's lesson will continue to focus on refining the concept of Human Body Deity Seeding. In the second half, I'll discuss the research approach for cultivation techniques..."
The students listened intently as Feng Qi lectured. They deeply valued teachers like him, who could enhance their critical thinking and cognitive abilities.
Apart from Feng Qi's voice, the only sound in the classroom was the rustling of pens against paper, creating an atmosphere of intense concentration.
Feng Qi thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge. Just as an author finds satisfaction when their work is recognized, his efforts felt worthwhile when his teachings resonated with his students.
During the second half of the class, Feng Qi began discussing the research approach for cultivation techniques.
Suddenly, a female student with glasses raised her hand.
"Yes, what is it?" Feng Qi asked with a smile and a nod.
In response to the question, the female student immediately stood up, her expression earnest as she asked:
"Teacher Feng, so many students graduate from the Cultivation Technique Research Class at various academies each year, yet so few truly achieve results and develop new cultivation techniques. Could it be that our approach to effort is flawed? What can we do to become like you?"
Feng Qi pondered for a moment before replying:
"Talent is crucial, but effort is equally important. For those lacking natural aptitude in this field, effort outweighs everything else."
"Then what should someone with average talent like me do?" the student asked, her curiosity piqued.
Feng Qi chuckled. "Even if I tell you, you might not follow through."
"Please, just tell me what to do first."
"This question is much like the advice ancient strategists gave to rulers. They would present three options: Upper, Middle, and Lower Strategies. Yet rulers rarely chose the Upper Strategy. Even if I reveal the optimal path to you now, few might actually implement it."
Under the students' puzzled gazes, Feng Qi continued:
"I'll give you three options now. Tell me which one you'd choose."
"First, the Upper Strategy: Starting immediately, abandon everything unrelated to your studies—games, entertainment, desires. Set a lofty goal for yourself. Regularly take extra Cultivation Technique Research Approach Courses. Study each new update to the cultivation technique system thoroughly and immediately. Maintain a daily fitness regimen. And, of course, never neglect your cultivation practice. Focus on feeling the flow of spiritual energy during your practice."
"If you persist with this for ten years, you'll develop a mature understanding of cultivation technique research and gain the ability to attempt your own research."
"With enough practice, even those with average talent should be able to develop at least a few one-star cultivation techniques. Those with exceptional talent could achieve even greater heights."
"Next is the Middle Strategy: enjoy leisure and entertainment while dedicating three hours daily to extracurricular study. Each week, you must read three books on Cultivation Technique Research and Mindset Enhancement, and pursue certification in a Middle Stage Cultivation Technique Thinking certificate. By maintaining this for five years, you'll develop independent thinking in Cultivation Technique Research and be ready to begin preliminary research on your own."
"Finally, the Lower Strategy: complete the academy's assigned coursework on time, occasionally visit the library to study during spare moments, and ensure you pass all tests. When facing challenges in Cultivation Technique Research, consult experts. While your own skills won't advance significantly, you can still extract valuable information from others' expertise."
"These three options are before you. I believe you already have your answers."
Observing the silent students, Feng Qi continued:
"The optimal choice is simple yet demanding. All three strategies will allow you to pass the personal ability assessment before graduation, but the distance you'll travel in the future will vary dramatically."
"The Upper Strategy will give you a profound understanding of the existing cultivation technique system, allowing you to apply its principles to new situations."
"The Middle Strategy will help you develop independent thinking in cultivation technique research, making you adept at the process."
"The Lower Strategy will allow you to understand why the research process is structured as it is, enabling you to pass the assessments but making it extremely difficult to conduct original research."
Hearing this, the students clearly understood what Feng Qi was trying to convey.
"What about you, Teacher Feng?" A female student with glasses mustered the courage to ask again.
"Me? I eat when I'm hungry, drink when I'm thirsty, and play when I feel like it. My talent is so exceptional that I barely need to work hard. The knowledge I create will become the very material you strive to learn and research."
Though this might dampen the students' confidence, he couldn't abandon his genius persona.
This was essential for him to continue introducing new cultivation techniques in the future.
He had no choice but to reluctantly maintain this facade.
As they gazed at Feng Qi's beaming smile, the students felt a bitter resentment rising within them, mentally flipping him the bird.
Comparing oneself to others is truly infuriating.
(End of the Chapter)
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