Chapter 19
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Chapter 19: Successful Advancement, Awakening Opportunity
“Buzz…”
Guided by Mu Lin’s will, vast amounts of spiritual energy surged into his body. Once inside, the energy grew docile under his mental control, swiftly circulating through his meridians along the path of the tail-biting serpent.
“Buzz…”
The spiritual energy completed its first cycle within moments. Then came the second, third, fourth cycle… With each revolution, part of the energy absorbed Mu Lin’s aura. Influenced by the Black Water Mystic Serpent’s genes, this energy either merged into his flesh as raw power or condensed into black mist magical power. For every wisp consumed, more spiritual energy flooded in from the surroundings, fueling the relentless operation of his Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique.
“But this smooth cultivation won’t last forever.”
“Resources, companions, methods, land—spiritually rich places are treasures too. My current weakness lets me get away with this, but stronger cultivation might drain the area dry. To avoid wasting time waiting for energy to replenish, I’ll need a spiritual ground. Only such places can sustain me… I *must* secure that B-level talent evaluation. Once I reach the Spring Fountain Realm, ordinary dwellings won’t suffice—only spots near Spirit Springs will do.”
“And the Taoist Palace only grants free Spirit Spring housing to B-level talents or higher!”
The technique required little mental effort to maintain, and Mu Lin’s multitasking ability let him ponder while cultivating. Soon, however, his focus sharpened entirely.
The fifth cycle of the Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique had begun.
“Buzz…”
As the cycle ended, a profound sense of completion washed over Mu Lin’s mind. Simultaneously, an instinctive understanding sparked within him, compelling him to restart the technique.
This time, his heart pounded violently. Blood rushed through his veins, hot and dizzying. In that hazy, half-conscious state, he glimpsed a colossal serpent—ferocious, ancient, and unfathomably vast.
“This… must be the Black Water Mystic Serpent’s bloodline inheritance!”
The serpent’s vertical pupils locked onto Mu Lin. But instead of a human reflection, he saw a smaller black serpent staring back from within those cold eyes.
“Why no human…? The serpent *is* me—I *am* the serpent!”
Mu Lin then realized his soul in the sea of consciousness had transformed into a serpent. Instinctive knowledge flooded him through bloodline inheritance—how serpents hunted, cast spells, manipulated water and mist, sensed their surroundings…
Before he could grasp more, the vision shattered. Mu Lin jolted awake, though remnants of the epiphany lingered.
His Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique kept churning. Now, spiritual energy and black mist magical power swirled together through his meridians, intertwined like twin serpents.
The rapidly flowing spiritual energy and magical power sparked a sudden realization in Mu Lin.
“Once the meridians shaped like the tail-biting serpent are fully saturated with black mist magical power, and this power forms a continuous ∞ symbol, I’ll achieve Successful Awakening.”
Mu Lin had found his path to awakening—even uncovering a shortcut.
“Five drops of Black Water Mystic Serpent’s vital blood would let black mist magical power flood my meridians, accelerating the awakening.”
Yet he shook his head, dismissing the idea.
Not that he rejected becoming an A-level genius, but five drops of the serpent’s vital blood were beyond his means.
Awakening also determined one’s foundation. Though the Paper Folding Secret Manual seemed sinister and cryptic, its strength made Mu Lin favor using the Great Yin Living Scripture instead.
Discovering the awakening method and shortcut but being unable to act left him frustrated.
Thankfully, reaching Level 2 in the Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique eased his disappointment.
【Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique (Earth-level Low Grade), Level 2 Proficiency (1/900), Traits: Snake Scales, Hibernation, Water Control, Black Mist Technique】
Unlike Martial Arts, this body-refining method mirrored ancient sorcery—fusing demon blood to awaken innate abilities.
At Level 2, Mu Lin gained four traits.
Snake Scales manifested as hardened black mist-formed armor on his skin.
Water Control and Black Mist Technique stemmed from the serpent’s Dragon blood lineage, letting him command water and exhale black fog.
“Now I see why Grandfather chose this technique for me.
The Black Mist Technique perfectly complements the Paper Folding Secret Manual.”
As a Yin Eight Sect practice, the manual had inherent weaknesses.
Channeling the City of Heaven’s Funeral’s power risked soul corruption.
Moreover, its Yin-aligned spells weakened under sunlight—some practitioners becoming powerless by day.
Mu Lin bypassed this flaw.
The Black Mist Technique’s impenetrable fog shielded his paper figures from sunlight.
While delighted by this, Hibernation thrilled him most.
Though the Dragon-blooded serpent ignored winter’s chill, hibernation remained vital—it accelerated injury recovery.
For Mu Lin, this meant:
“Meridian strain counts as injury! With Hibernation, I’ll heal faster by sleeping instead of waiting.”
