Data Cultivation System

Chapter 4: Lu Yuling, Clear Wave Palm

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“You’re really too impulsive. And to make matters worse, you actually mentioned the news about the Blood Spirit Fruit. If the information gets leaked, aren’t you afraid that someone will snatch it away…?”

In a bright and tidy room, a 13 or 14-year-old youth wore a disappointed expression as he spoke to Li Bin. This youth was none other than Zhao Feiyun, Li Bin’s cousin, who had comprehended the Qi force three months ago.

Among the 100,000 disciples of the Asura Sect, those who had not yet comprehended Qi were confined to small rooms shared by three people. However, once they comprehended Qi and entered the first level of the Qi Nurturing realm, they would become official disciples of the Asura Sect. Their living conditions, including food and accommodations, would improve. Someone like Zhao Feiyun already had the privilege of living alone in a spacious room.

Although Li Bin stood before his cousin, he did not dare to argue. He could only offer an awkward smile. “You didn’t see the expression on Zhuge Xiang’s face. He’s just a person who hasn’t comprehended Qi yet, but he’s so arrogant, as if he’s worth millions. Besides, you’re the only family member I have in the Asura Sect. You have to help me.”

“Don’t worry. Aunt told us to help each other when we first arrived at the Asura Sect. I’ll definitely assist you,” Zhao Feiyun nodded. He appeared mature for his age and spoke helplessly, “Are you asking him to fight in three days? Time is a little tight. Actually, you can wait until you consume the Blood Spirit Fruit before taking any action.”

He paused for a moment, observing Li Bin’s awkward expression. He realized it was futile to mention this now, so he changed the subject. “However, as long as you make good use of it, defeating someone who hasn’t comprehended Qi Force in three days shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I’ve already started grasping the basics of the Ghostly Steps in the past few months. Even though you haven’t comprehended Qi and can’t tap into its true essence, after practicing for three days, it will be difficult for someone who hasn’t comprehended Qi to even touch the edge of your clothes. After three days, give it your all. The fewer people who know about the Blood Spirit Fruit, the better.”

As Zhao Feiyun’s expression turned ominous towards the end, Li Bin felt elated and nodded, as if he could already envision Zhuge Xiang being defeated. “Haha, with you teaching me the Ghostly Steps? In three days, I’ll definitely beat him until he’s searching for his teeth on the ground.”

Under Zhao Feiyun’s guidance, Li Bin diligently practiced the Ghostly Steps in preparation for the upcoming battle in three days. Meanwhile, Zhuge Xiang made his way to the lakeside. Without a second thought, Zhuge Xiang knew that Li Bin would seek help from Zhao Feiyun. However, he did not pay much attention to it. No matter whom Li Bin sought assistance from, Zhuge Xiang remained focused on his cultivation.

Why had Zhuge Xiang returned to the Asura Sect? The reason was simple. He did not want to live as a beggar, and the Asura Sect provided him with abundant resources. By becoming an official disciple of the Asura Sect, he could rise above others and control his own destiny. He no longer needed to fear being arbitrarily killed like the old beggar he once was.

However, as Zhuge Xiang approached the lakeside, he halted in his tracks. The lake was quite distant from the Asura Sect’s main base, nestled in a rather secluded area. Yet, today an uninvited guest occupied its surroundings.

Her dress fluttered in the wind. With fair skin akin to snow and a graceful figure, a young girl in a white gauze dress was engaged in cultivation near the lake. As she elegantly waved her fair and jade-like hands, faint blue light rippled out, enveloping the area.

It was evident that she was practicing a set of palm techniques. The gentle palm movements resembled the flowing blue waters of the lake—unassuming yet all-pervasive. Although they appeared unremarkable, each of her actions seemed to harness the essence of Qi. Even the sand and stones on the ground responded to the Qi’s flow, swirling alongside. It seemed that once immersed in this practice, one would find it difficult to extricate themselves.

“Lu Yuling?” Looking at the uninvited guest by the lake, Zhuge Xiang was slightly taken aback.

Lu Yuling held great influence within the Asura Sect and was widely known by all. Why did the 100,000 disciples toil in cultivation for a year? It was to comprehend Qi and ascend to the rank of official disciples. As for Lu Yuling, he had successfully comprehended Qi half a year ago. Among the 100,000 disciples of Zhuge Xiang’s generation, Lu Yuling stood as a distinguished prodigy—a shining star among them.

Zhuge Xiang’s attention was drawn to her graceful figure and the aura that came with practicing the palm technique. Unbeknownst to him, she had already concluded her practice. Lu Yuling let out a long breath and then cast a slightly furrowed glance at Zhuge Xiang. “You’ve been watching for quite a while. It’s time for you to reveal yourself, isn’t it?”

Peeking at other people’s cultivation was taboo. Realizing that he had been secretly observing her practice, Zhuge Xiang felt a tinge of embarrassment. He emerged awkwardly but spoke with a straightforward tone. “I apologize. Your palm technique had me engrossed. I usually train alone by the lake, and I didn’t anticipate someone else coming today.”

“I see. I noticed that this secluded lake had a serene ambiance and abundant moisture, making it an ideal environment for cultivating the Clear Wave Palm. Little did I expect it was already occupied,” Lu Yuling replied, her previously furrowed brows relaxing in relief.

As Lu Yuling gazed at Zhuge Xiang, she found herself in a predicament. The Clear Wave Palm was a martial art she had recently begun practicing, and a relaxed state of mind was crucial during cultivation. Discovering this small lake by chance today, with its tranquil setting and ample moisture, she deemed it the perfect place to refine her Clear Wave Palm technique. However, it appeared that the spot had long been claimed.

Logically speaking, he should have left, but he could not bear to part with such a good place. This was a matter that concerned his strength and cultivation. To a cultivator, what was more important than his cultivation?

After hesitating for a moment, Lu Yuling could not bear to leave just like that. She pondered for a while before asking, “I noticed there are very few people at this small lake. Are you the only one cultivating here? Would you mind if I stayed to cultivate as well?”

“Ah!?” Lu Yuling’s proposal to stay and cultivate caught Zhuge Xiang off guard. “You want to stay and cultivate too? But isn’t it considered taboo to observe others’ cultivation? Moreover, you’re a highly regarded talent in our group.”

With a bright smile, Lu Yuling shook her head and replied, “This set of Clear Wave Palm is merely a martial art from the Martial Arts Library. Anyone who has comprehended Qi Force can learn it. It’s not an exclusive secret technique. What I appreciate is the favorable cultivation environment this place offers for the Clear Wave Palm. I only hope that my presence won’t disturb you.”

“I don’t mind. This place is quite spacious,” Zhuge Xiang responded with a smile. He had no hidden secrets to protect and had no fear of others discovering anything. Furthermore, although the small lake was not large, it could accommodate a few individuals to cultivate.

Zhuge Xiang also had a good impression of Lu Yuling. It was not only her looks and strength, but also her kindness. After all, the Asura Sect was a fiendish sect. In the eyes of the Asura Sect, it was not strange for a fellow disciple to snatch a treasured cultivation ground that they had their eyes on. They were ruthless and might even kill him.

The Asura Sect pursued the supremacy of martial arts. As long as one was strong enough, there was no reason. Lu Yuling had taken a fancy to the cultivation environment of this small lake. With her ability and status, she had no intention of snatching it. She only suggested staying behind to cultivate.

Just like that, another person appeared by the quiet lake. However, the two of them were rather far away and did not want to disturb each other. When practicing the Qi Nurturing Fist, Zhuge Xiang would occasionally glance at Lu Yuling’s Clear Wave Palm. Her beautiful figure, mysterious palm technique, and some mysterious rules were hidden in it. After carefully observing, Zhuge Xiang seemed to stumble upon something by chance. During idle moments, he would mimic Lu Yuling’s movements and try to replicate them.

Despite lacking Qi force and possessing no secret manuals, Zhuge Xiang merely learned to move based on Lu Yuling’s actions. Nevertheless, the Clear Wave Palm was undeniably a genuine martial art for combat. After practicing it several times, Zhuge Xiang noticed that although his physical fitness had not improved significantly, his attacks became more fluid. The execution of the Clear Wave Palm flowed continuously, surpassing his previous straight punches.

Lu Yuling immersed herself in cultivating the Clear Wave Palm and did not comment on Zhuge Xiang’s imitation. However, as nightfall approached and they prepared to leave, Lu Yuling kindly reminded Zhuge Xiang, “Your main objective should be comprehending Qi force, not focusing on combat martial arts. While imitating the Clear Wave Palm might temporarily enhance your combat prowess, without Qi force, no matter how proficient your martial arts, it’s like an empty shell.”

“I know that. It’s just that I have other plans.” Zhuge Xiang responded, appreciating Lu Yuling’s good intentions. However, the outcome of the duel in three days hinged on his ability to comprehend Qi force. For Zhuge Xiang at the moment, increasing his combat strength held greater importance than practicing the Qi Nurturing Fist.

With his clear gaze, Zhuge Xiang’s words were evidently sincere. Lu Yuling’s eyes filled with surprise. Was imitating her Clear Wave Palm more significant to him than comprehending Qi?

Presumably, Zhuge Xiang would not joke about his own future. Since it concerned the other party’s secret, Lu Yuling did not say anything else. She bade farewell and left. As for Zhuge Xiang? It was not a bad thing to have such a beautiful woman by his side. He had secretly learned a few moves of the Clear Wave Palm and his combat strength had improved. Coupled with the secret metal potion that he had dropped, Zhuge Xiang was even more confident in the duel in three days.

No matter what, encountering Lu Yuling by the lake proved beneficial for Zhuge Xiang. With anticipation for the impending duel, Zhuge Xiang also departed from the lake.