Ideals were full and lush, but reality was stark and bony!
Although he had found the road ahead and drawn up a detailed cultivation plan, the undeniable fact was that Neji could currently only incorporate three regular meridians into his Internal Circulation—and they were the three most stable and easiest ones. Incorporating each additional regular meridian would likely take quite some time.
As for when he could open up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, that would probably be at least several years away!
Haste made waste. Without prolonged tempering and a solid foundation, even if he opened all the regular meridians and Eight Extraordinary Meridians at this stage, it would be pointless. His fragile meridians might not even withstand chakra of the same origin, much less the more violent and immense Sage Energy.
Therefore, improving his control over Sage Jutsu and tempering the strength of his meridians were equally important. They would also be among the main focuses of his cultivation over the next few years.
Both a high-concentration Natural Energy cultivation environment and the Special-Formulated Physique Reinforcement Fluid were indispensable. They would greatly shorten the progress of his Sage Jutsu cultivation. Without their help, relying solely on arduous training would not take merely a few years, or even a dozen years—it might take decades and still not succeed.
Casting aside stray thoughts, Neji immediately entered deep cultivation. The high-concentration Natural Energy in the air and the Sage Energy already tamed within his body both stirred at once, slowly awaiting Neji's command as they washed through his meridians and acupoints, seeking to improve his control over Sage Energy and strengthen his meridians, acupoints, and body.
The cycle repeated itself over and over in dull, tedious cultivation! Along with it came pain and swelling in his meridians and acupoints. Without great perseverance, even knowing the cultivation method, how many people could endure such torment?
As the saying went, true gold remained after the sand was washed away by great waves!
This was probably the ultimate treasure for truly growing stronger, Neji thought silently!
Neji did not immerse himself in cultivation for too long. On one hand, he needed to look after several newcomers who had just begun Sage Jutsu cultivation.
On the other hand, matters in the Land of Hot Water had yet to stabilize, and he still needed to make further arrangements there.
These matters might seem to delay Neji's own cultivation, but once he weathered the initial stage and finished building his forces, their support and assistance would grant him an endless supply of cultivation resources and time to improve himself. He would no longer need to handle every matter personally.
This was an investment, one necessary for long-term development!
About ten days passed. The dozen or so people sensing Natural Energy in the large cultivation room had made varying progress. Just as Neji had expected, Haku had progressed the fastest among them.
Haku was exceptionally gifted, pure-minded, and the youngest. These were all his advantages, allowing him to easily sense the Natural Energy in the air and form a certain degree of resonance with it.
Even Neji himself was probably inferior to Haku in this talent for affinity with Natural Energy. It truly proved that saying: "Heaven favors the simple-hearted." The more someone neither fought nor competed, neither forced nor demanded, but accepted circumstances as they came, the more they followed nature's way and the more nature cherished them!
Zabuza came next, after all; his strength spoke for itself.
The remaining eight Chunin had made differing progress. Nearly ten days of seclusion had made them somewhat restless. Without a calm heart, it was difficult to focus their will and sense Natural Energy.
So Neji lifted the restrictions and allowed them to reasonably adjust their cultivation time according to their own circumstances. They absolutely could not force themselves to cultivate.
After dismissing those Chunin, Neji brought Zabuza and Haku into the small cultivation room. He could sense that both of them had already clearly caught the Natural Energy in the air, so they could proceed to the next step: drawing Natural Energy into their bodies.
This step was crucial. After telling Zabuza and Haku his cultivation insights and the matters requiring attention, Neji warned them that during their first cultivation session, they must not absorb too much Natural Energy.
If they discovered that the Natural Energy became violent within their bodies or slipped beyond their control,
they had to immediately drive it away with chakra. After giving his instructions, he let the two begin cultivating. Meanwhile, he activated his Byakugan nearby to observe how they absorbed Natural Energy, ready at any time to disperse it from outside their bodies.
Fortunately, after one hour, both of them had absorbed Natural Energy relatively steadily. Haku's high affinity with Natural Energy made it far gentler after entering his body than it was for Zabuza, allowing him to control it easily.
Zabuza, meanwhile, possessed stronger self-control. He absorbed only a tiny amount of Natural Energy at a time, never greedily seeking quick results. Moreover, his chakra was abundant; with his consciousness controlling it and chakra assisting, the small amount of Natural Energy could not offer much resistance.
With that, Neji was reassured. As long as the first step was taken properly, all that remained was to repeat the process and improve gradually.
Neither Zabuza nor Haku lacked perseverance. When they faced the great turmoil ahead, as long as they were not enemies, they would both be helpful allies.
Besides, Neji had taught them only the introductory method of Sage Jutsu cultivation. The subsequent cultivation methods remained in his own hands. Without his instruction, they would remain forever at the beginner stage.
As for the High-Concentration Natural Energy Extraction Technique, he kept it completely confidential. Without a high-concentration Natural Energy cultivation environment and the aid of secret medicinal baths, relying only on the thin Natural Energy of the Shinobi World, let alone making progress, it was uncertain whether they could even preserve their current progress.
This also made Neji realize that no matter the world or environment, those who mastered core technologies would always be the most sought after and hold the greatest voice.
To avoid being choked at the throat, the accumulation of knowledge and continual investment in research were indispensable.
A heart brave enough to explore was equally crucial.
Neji remained on Peach Blossom Island for another seven or eight days.
After confirming that Zabuza and Haku had mastered the method of Sage Jutsu cultivation, he had the two teach the others what he had taught them.
As for the more than twenty Genin, he left the decision to Zabuza. If there were any promising or particularly loyal ones, Zabuza could teach them; if not, then so be it.
Neji himself mounted the Thunder Roc and quietly flew back to Spring City, the capital of the Land of Hot Water!
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