Chapter 8
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Chapter 8: Spiritual Power and Magic Power
“So, do cultivation methods show special features when advancing? But why doesn’t Paper Folding… low-level limitation?”
While thinking, Mu Lin reviewed the Paper Folding Secret Manual’s inheritance imprinted in his mind.
He noticed that after reaching Level 2 Proficiency, the training method for Mind Image · City of Heaven’s Funeral had slightly changed.
Since the sword form had already solidified, Mu Lin no longer needed to visualize it. Instead, he had to focus on eight other objects.
Only by visualizing and solidifying eight more items in his mind could his Mind Image · City of Heaven’s Funeral advance to Level 3 Mastery.
“Nine objects total including the sword… Need to choose wisely.”
These visualizations mattered deeply. His future paper figure spells would rely on these solidified forms, affecting both power and functionality. Mu Lin pondered carefully.
Eventually, he settled on eight items: bow and arrow, long knife, spear, armor, shield, chains, coffin, and house.
The bow would grant paper figures ranged attacks.
The long knife, spear, and long sword became melee weapons.
Armor and shields provided defense.
Chains and coffins served to restrain enemies.
The house could shield him, act as shelter, or transform into a prison.
Without delay, Mu Lin began visualizing the long knife first.
Similar to swords, knives came easily. He successfully formed the blade’s image quickly.
Again and again—second attempt, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, thirteenth—Mu Lin built the knife from nothing in his mind, dissolved it, then rebuilt it.
Whether through sheer repetition or boosted mental strength from reaching Level 2, he finally solidified the long knife after one full meditation session.
[Mind Image · City of Heaven’s Funeral, Level 2 Proficiency (101/800), Feature: Solidification (Solidified: long sword, long knife)]
“Tch…”
The mental strain brought familiar headaches, but excitement overshadowed the pain.
“One item per full meditation. Two sessions daytime… plus one at night. Three items daily. Two or three days to reach Level 3.”
This staggering speed surprised him. The proficiency panel deserved all credit—without its progress boosts, solidifying objects in his sea of consciousness so quickly would’ve been impossible.
“No more worries about Mind Image’s progress then…”
After resting briefly, Mu Lin resumed paper folding.
*Rustle… rustle…*
Agile fingers crafted intricate paper figures. Soon his desk overflowed with tiny folded forms.
Though complex, relentless practice paid off. By noon, his skill reached [Level 3 Mastery (180/360)].
“Reaching Level 4 this afternoon… Wonder what changes that’ll bring.”
Contemplating this, Mu Lin walked toward the cafeteria.
After hesitating, Mu Lin exchanged a Spirit Stone for Spirit Crystal fragments and purchased a bowl of Spirit Rice.
He secretly hoped:
"Maybe I can sense spiritual energy just by eating this rice, without needing fish oil paste or sandalwood."
Though the idea seemed clever, Mu Lin ultimately failed.
The Spirit Rice did produce warmth inside his body, but the spiritual energy remained confined within him – he couldn’t sense anything from the external environment.
Yet when all seemed hopeless, a new path appeared.
While failing to sense spiritual energy, his Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique unexpectedly progressed.
Though undetected, the consumed Spirit Rice’s energy allowed Mu Lin to practice his cultivation method. As he circulated it, the technique manifested on his proficiency panel:
[Black Water Mystic Serpent’s Transformation Technique, Level 1 Entry (3/100)]
"Too bad the Spirit Rice’s energy only lasts three practice sessions. I must learn to sense energy properly."
Sighing, Mu Lin visited the Taoist Palace shop and exchanged another Spirit Stone for fish oil paste.
Back in class with renewed focus, he first practiced Mind Image · City of Heaven’s Funeral until an incense stick burned down.
After anchoring the spear imagery in his sea of consciousness, he rested another incense-time before applying the fish oil paste between his brows.
"Hsss—"
The specially-prepared paste chilled instantly, jolting Mu Lin awake and slightly refreshing his meditation-weary mind.
"This actually restores mental energy? If it helps perception… No, can’t afford more."
Focusing again, Mu Lin discovered the paste truly worked – it opened a gateway between himself and the world through his forehead.
Faint glowing specks floated in the air around him.
Instinctively, he drew some into his body. To his surprise, it worked – willpower guided specks inside him.
Yet most escaped again. Over 98% leaked back out, leaving only fragments behind.
These specks remained wild, ready to flee if unattended. Only by circulating his cultivation method could he brand them with his essence.
"So spiritual energy becomes magical power when imprinted with self?"
While practicing, Mu Lin noticed more: energy circulating through specific pathways changed its nature.
"Different circulation routes create different magic attributes. My Great Yin Living Scripture needs moonlight-imbued specks. Special energy makes special effects."
"Materials matter too. My Black Water technique can’t produce black mist magical power without Black Water Mystic Serpent vital blood…"
Pe551
Thanks for the chapter