Chapter 373

Chapter 373: Everything is Normal

They sat in the formation for three full days. Each time the cultivators channeled spiritual energy into the array, it would later return amplified energy to them. Through these cycles, their Meridians expanded and their divine sense grew sharper, as if the formation used this push-pull rhythm to strengthen Cultivation and refine their physical channels.

You You remained suspicious at first, but after three days of observation, she found nothing wrong. They were confined to the floating peak, and even Yuan Papa couldn’t decipher the formation’s structure through his water mirror. Exploration was impossible—protective barriers had sealed the peak the moment they sat down.

Over half the cultivators showed visible progress, some leaping multiple minor realms. Others redoubled their efforts, eagerly feeding more energy into the formation for greater returns.

You You became the sole slacker in this sea of diligence. While others focused on Cultivation, she kept scrutinizing the formation, though days passed without breakthroughs.

“Were we wrong?” she wondered aloud. Could Jingling Institute truly be selfless benefactors? “Do such people even exist?”

“They do,” Yuan Papa’s voice chimed in her mind. “You’re one.”

“Me?”

“You had Qiu Zhang refine the Top-tier Cultivation Technique,” he countered. “Sent Immortals to teach in the lower realm. Guided gods to instruct those Immortals.”

“That’s different!”

“How?”

“I charged tuition!” The Qiu Zhang Technique sold for fifty cents a copy—still currency. Jingling Institute asked nothing.

Yuan Qi: “…”

Feng Rong: “…”

Her logic proved unassailable.

Just as You You began accepting the formation’s benevolence, chaos erupted. A greedy cultivator on the formation’s right flank overdrew energy, bursting his Meridians and damaging his Dantian. Blood sprayed as his energy spiraled wildly, threatening nearby practitioners.

Those adjacent couldn’t react—disturbance risked their own energy deviation. The contamination spread, disrupting more cultivators.

You You, the only non-absorbing participant, moved to intervene. But white-robed Jingling Institute members descended first. A seal engulfed the afflicted cultivator, containing the outburst.

“Maintain focus,” one ordered, casting a cleansing spell. Affected cultivators stabilized, resuming practice. The rescuers exchanged nods—one flew off with the injured, the other occupied the vacant spot, cultivating like nothing happened.

Filling the gap?

You You studied the replacement cultivator. Clearly, Jingling Institute monitored everything, acting only when needed. Free Cultivation boosts plus emergency response—what hidden purpose required such theater?

Two days later, the guiding Xuanxian reappeared. “Session ends,” they announced. “Return to rest. Regather in three days.” The formation dimmed, barriers lifted. Reluctant but obedient, the group departed on summoned clouds.

As they cleared the floating peak, an icy ripple brushed You You’s senses—there and gone.

She whirled, staring back.

“What’s wrong?” Yuan Qi pressed.

“I felt… Demonic Energy?”

Feng Rong frowned, sensing. “Nothing. My powers remain dormant. This World lacks Demon tribes.”

“You You’s Realm Master instincts rarely err,” Yuan Qi noted. “Jingling Institute bears deeper scrutiny. Return—we’ll strategize.”

Nodding, You You followed the dispersing crowd. At the mountain gate, she glanced back at the overshadowing main peak. Whatever secrets lay there, Jingling Institute clearly barred guests from discovering them.