Cultivating

Martial Uncle continued, "Others use cultivation plus yin energy to shape a horse soul.

Yours actually has a horse soul inside it, meaning as long as there's enough yin energy, yours can be used continuously.

Furthermore, a 'Yin Horse' sealed with a real horse soul can be used even under the sun.

It's just that the yin energy consumes faster, and the speed will be a bit slower.

Because there's a real horse soul inside, it can generally run for four to five hours.

Of course, as long as there's enough yin energy, it can theoretically run forever.

But generally, 'Yin Horses' created using cultivation and yin energy have much worse effects.

No, it should be said they're worlds apart. Under the sun, they can run for about ten minutes at most before giving out."

I asked Martial Uncle, "What is a horse soul?"

"A horse soul is the soul left behind by a deceased horse, and it must be a masterless horse soul.

Only then can the soul be sealed inside. Horse souls are much harder to obtain than Yin soldiers.

If you're unlucky, you might never encounter one in your lifetime. You're quite fortunate, kid.

Remember to keep it in places with heavy yin energy, and don't let it touch water, or it'll be ruined."

After hearing Martial Uncle's words, I silently committed them to memory.

Thinking about the miscellaneous items in my bag, I wanted to ask Martial Uncle what they were used for.

So, I opened my mouth and asked, "Oh right, Martial Uncle, can you help me see what these things are for?"

After speaking, I dumped everything out of my bag...

Martial Uncle glanced at them and said, "They're all tools for exorcising evil and performing rituals, but you can't use many of them."

I asked Martial Uncle why I couldn't use them.

Martial Uncle clicked his tongue and said, "To use these things, you need cultivation."

I then asked Martial Uncle what cultivation was.

Martial Uncle looked up at me; "What, you want to learn?"

I nodded my head like a pecking chicken, then looked at Martial Uncle with anticipation.

"Cultivation is also training, absorbing the energy of heaven and earth for one's own use.

Humans have human cultivation, ghosts have ghost cultivation, and corpses have corpse cultivation."

I was confused and asked Martial Uncle, "Ghosts and corpses can also cultivate?"

Martial Uncle said of course, it's just that they absorb different energies.

I asked curiously, "Martial Uncle, can you tell me how humans, ghosts, and corpses cultivate?"

Martial Uncle nodded and said, "Sure, there's nothing much to do now anyway, so I'll chat with you."

After saying that, he lit a cigarette and tossed one to me. He took a few puffs, paused, and said:

"When humans cultivate, they absorb Spiritual Energy. Ghosts absorb yin energy, and corpses absorb fresh blood."

"Blood can also be used for cultivation?"

"Yes, especially the blood of cultivators. For corpse cultivators, it's a great tonic."

"Actually, whether it's humans, ghosts, or corpses, cultivation is very similar.

It's all about absorbing external energy and then releasing it. The only difference is the names of each stage."

"Then, Martial Uncle, can you tell me what these stages are called?"

Martial Uncle nodded and then said, "Let's talk about humans first."

"Human cultivation is divided into 'Gathering Qi,' 'Seeking the Way,' 'Righteous Path,' 'Merging with the Way,' 'Nourishing the Spirit,' and 'Returning to the Void.' Each stage is further divided into early, middle, and late phases.

First, let's talk about 'Gathering Qi.' Gathering Qi is about learning to absorb the surrounding Spiritual Energy into the body, then unblocking the acupoints in the body.

This allows Spiritual Energy to circulate within the body, enabling the use of techniques and magic tools. It's the foundation for all subsequent realms.

Next, let's talk about 'Seeking the Way.' If one reaches this realm, they will feel fluctuations of certain elements around their body.

For example, the six attributes: water, fire, earth, wood, wind, and lightning.

Among these six attributes, you check which one you belong to and try to master it.

Then comes the 'Righteous Path.' At this realm, you can freely control one of the six attributes you possess.

'Merging with the Way' greatly enhances spiritual energy, allowing you to create your own moves, as well as domain-like abilities.

'Nourishing the Spirit.' Reaching this realm is almost like reaching the pinnacle for Yin cultivators.

Their strength is immense, possessing divine sense and external avatars.

In today's world, they are as rare as phoenix feathers, with very few people reaching this level.

People at this realm are usually either the patriarchs of Yin Yang Families or the sect leaders of major sects."

After hearing what Martial Uncle said, I asked him, "Then what about the last realm, Returning to the Void?"

"That's just a legend. In today's world, it's unlikely anyone has reached that realm. Perhaps some have, but I haven't met them.

Those at the Returning to the Void realm can tear through space with their powerful cultivation and travel to another world.

No, they can't really be called human anymore. As for what they are, I don't know either."

I was a bit curious about my Martial Uncle's realm, so I asked him, "What about you? What realm are you in? And you mentioned attributes, which one are you?"

As soon as I finished speaking, I saw my Martial Uncle raise his hand. With his raised hand, I saw bamboo stalks, no... entire bamboo groves, rising from the ground.

Then he smiled and said he was of the wood attribute and his cultivation was at the late stage Merging with the Way.

My Martial Uncle then smacked his lips and said, "Alright, alright. I see two books in your bag. Take a look when you have time. They're records of your Grandfather's experiences and observations from his travels when he was young. Read them, and you'll understand everything."

After speaking, my Martial Uncle got up and returned to the wooden cabin.

I stood there stunned for a long time. When I came back to my senses, I thought, This... this can't be real.

My entire education was based on materialism; everything had to be explained scientifically. I considered myself an atheist, but how could I explain what I just witnessed?

I quickly took out the two books from my bag and began to read them carefully. In my memory, I had never read these two books so diligently before.

Opening the pages, they were still yellowed as before. The books had no titles, and only "Volume One" was written on the first page. It first described how to use various items, followed by different kinds of ghosts: how they formed, how to deal with them. Everything was clearly written, and the same applied to zombies, with occasional illustrations.

I kept flipping through the pages, looking for any records about cultivation. I didn't find anything until I finished Volume One. Then I picked up Volume Two and flipped through it. Sure enough, there was something, and I immediately began to read it carefully.

It had already been mentioned that humans cultivate, so I won't go into detail here. Upon opening it, it read:

Ghost Chapter; Source of Power; yin energy

Rankings

'Wisp', an initial-stage ghost, emits a white light, cannot tolerate sunlight, and cannot travel during the day. They can only hide in dark places or appear at night. Their primary attack methods are possession and illusion to intimidate opponents; their combat power is low.

'Malevolent Ghost', a further advancement from Wisp, emits a green light. By absorbing yin energy, they possess low-level cultivation. They can use most of their cultivation to resist sunlight, allowing them to appear briefly during the day. Their attack methods are relatively simple, using their bodies as weapons, such as "fingernails and biting"; their combat power is average.

'Fierce Ghost', a further advancement from Malevolent Ghost, emits a blue light. They can appear in daylight for longer periods, with a slight increase in speed and illusion abilities. Some Fierce Ghosts can also refine low-level soul artifacts, such as burial objects from their past lives or items with heavy yin energy. Their combat power is mid-tier.

'Ghost Spirit', a further advancement from Fierce Ghost. In addition to possessing all the abilities of the ghosts above, they can also command some low-level ghosts to do their bidding. Their combat power is quite troublesome.

'Ghost King', capable of refining a natal soul artifact to strengthen themselves. It is rare for one to emerge among tens of thousands of ghosts. They possess extremely high cultivation and strength, usually able to rule a region. They have countless lesser ghosts at their command, possess their own fatal killing moves, and even have Ghost Spirits and Fierce Ghosts as subordinates.

'Ghost Emperor', an undisputed overlord of the underworld. In addition to extremely powerful cultivation, they can command the entire underworld. For example, the 'Nether Emperor' in the underworld, also known as 'King Yama' in the human world.

Finally, it added that Ghost Kings and Ghost Emperors both possess their own 'ghost skills', also known as 'ghost sense'.

Next is the record regarding "Corpse" cultivation, which reads:

"Corpse Chapter", Source of Power; killing aura, fresh blood

Rankings

'Walking Corpse', a corpse that has died not long ago, absorbing some of the yang energy of living beings, thus enabling it to move. Besides having slightly more strength than ordinary people, they pose no other threat. A bowl of black dog blood or a puddle of virgin boy's urine can subdue them.

'Flying Corpse', faster than a Walking Corpse, cannot tolerate sunlight. They are agile and can fly short distances. They feed on blood but have weak defenses.

'Spiritual Corpse', possesses some intelligence, though not high. They are very fast with bodies as hard as bronze and bones as strong as iron. Ordinary magic artifacts and methods find it difficult to break their defenses. They can operate in daylight for short periods.

'Corpse Cultivator', a zombie that has gained sentience and can cultivate. Because they can think like humans, they possess cultivation. They are extremely difficult to deal with and are not afraid of sunlight. If you encounter one, run as fast as you can.

'Corpse King', a zombie with great cultivation. In addition to sentience, their defenses are as solid as a fortress, and they can absorb blood from several miles away.

'Corpse Venerable', appears no different from a normal person, with an appearance that does not change for thousands of years.

In addition to all the abilities of the aforementioned zombies, they possess even more terrifying cultivation and defenses, feeding on the essence of the sun and moon and fresh blood.

With a single move, they can scorch a thousand miles, are immortal, and have an extremely rapid self-healing ability.

In the present world, no person or thing can completely kill a Corpse Venerable.

Finally, he added that there are two best ways to deal with zombies.

One is Maoshan's "Talismans," and the other is the Ma Family's "Yin Dragon."

This filled me with excitement, and I suddenly had the urge to cultivate, with an extremely strong interest.

No sooner said than done, I crossed my legs and sat up straight.

However, after sensing for a long time, I started to feel sleepy, and still couldn't feel any so-called "spiritual energy."

Just as I was getting up to leave, I suddenly heard a voice from a nearby jar, "Damn idiot..."

My face darkened. I wanted to kick him a couple of times, but I was a bit scared.

I gave the jar the middle finger and left dejectedly.

I walked into the small wooden house and asked Martial Uncle if he could teach me to cultivate.

Martial Uncle looked up at me, a little surprised, then relieved.

He then said, "Your Grandfather was exceptionally talented, and you, as his grandson, cannot be worse than him.

Even if you can't reach his level, you can't shame him."

Then he looked at me seriously and said, "Do you really want to learn? This path is very difficult, and there's no turning back."

"Yes, I want to learn. I'm not afraid of anything you've said, especially because of my current situation.

Without power, it's difficult to go anywhere, and my father's whereabouts are unknown. I need strength."

Upon hearing this, Martial Uncle hesitated, then said:

"I can teach you, but I belong to Maoshan, and Maoshan has rules: the Dharma cannot be transmitted outside."

I thought, "It's over! Do I have to join Maoshan?"

Is there a possibility that this old man will just teach me some superficial skills?

Then he'll kick me into Maoshan, and I'll end up sweeping the floor there for the rest of my life.

I looked at Martial Uncle timidly, "Do you have any other way?"

Martial Uncle was stunned and looked at me intently, "Don't talk about methods for now. I want to know why you're looking at me like that?"

I didn't hide anything and told him about my previous wild thoughts. I saw Martial Uncle's mouth twitching uncontrollably.

Then he sighed, "Alas! Forget it, forget it. I was going to teach you anyway, so it doesn't matter if I tell you."

He then added, "Actually, your Grandfather came to find me many years ago.

He told me that if one day you didn't want to live a normal person's life, I should teach you my skills.

There are all sorts of ghosts and spirits in the Underworld Practices, and anything can happen.

If you have some skills, you'll have some self-preservation ability wherever you go.

Actually, he wanted you to live a normal life, not to experience those storms.

Because ordinary people are always happier than people like us."

I was a little touched and remembered some fragmented scenes.

A thin old man, carrying a small wooden box, would be away for ten or eight days after leaving home. When he returned, he would smile and pick me up.

He would say cheerfully, "Grandson, come let Grandpa hug you." Then he would tickle me with his stubble, making me laugh heartily.

Martial Uncle hesitated and said, "You're past the age for cultivation. If you want to cultivate, I need to prepare.

How about this: you stay here with me for now, and tonight I'll go out to find some materials."

I looked at the jars and pots around me and swallowed, "Am I staying here alone tonight?"

Martial Uncle saw my thoughts and said, "Yes. As for these things, you don't need to worry.

I've already pacified the very fierce ones. The remaining ones aren't ready yet.

Actually, they are all unfortunate souls. If I don't take them in.

They will dissipate into nothingness before long, so you don't need to worry.

Besides, you'll be entering the Underworld Practices in the future, so practicing your courage now is a good thing.

Don't worry, it won't cost you your life. You managed to survive the Cave of a Hundred Ghosts in the village, so why would you be afraid of a few lonely ghosts?"

My legs trembled, and my knees felt weak, "Can I go with you to find materials?"

"No, that would be too slow. You stay home."

Perhaps seeing my utterly weak appearance, Martial Uncle sighed and said:

"Alas! Don't worry, these things can't enter the small wooden house.

As long as you don't come out, they can't get in."

Hearing this, I felt much more at ease, then I said to my Martial Uncle, "Alright then, go and come back soon. Don't forget I'm still here at home."

My Martial Uncle replied, "You're so wordy," and then disappeared in a flash.

My jaw dropped to the floor as I stared in disbelief at the spot where my Martial Uncle had been standing.

Then I called out a few times, "Martial Uncle... Martial Uncle..." No one answered, and the surroundings were quiet.

My stomach was a little hungry, so I rummaged around and found some food to tide me over.

Slowly, it got dark, so I built up the campfire, adding several large logs to prevent it from going out at night.

Then I closed the door and huddled inside, thinking I'd just make it through the night like this.

It's only one night anyway, and my Martial Uncle said those things couldn't get in, so I was slightly relieved.

As I was thinking this, I drifted off to sleep by the campfire.

It wasn't until midnight, when I was half-asleep.

Then I was woken up by a series of "crackle... crackle..." sounds.

At that moment, it felt like someone was scratching wood with their fingernails.

I instantly woke up and looked around for the source of the sound.

After searching for a while, I found that the sound was coming from outside the small wooden house.

Because the house was made entirely of wood, the sound was particularly clear.