Chen Lin spent more than three months studying in the cultivation chamber.
In the end, he confirmed that he truly had no talent for deducing dharmic formulas.
Lower-level ones were manageable, but for a profound secret art like the Soul-Destroying Finger, even with Childlike Innocence aiding him, he would have to measure the time needed in centuries.
And success was far from certain.
After persisting for another few months, Chen Lin stopped forcing the issue and temporarily suspended his deductions.
"My lord."
A white-haired old man entered the main hall and bowed to Chen Lin.
Chen Lin looked him over.
He nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. Reaching the peak of the Mang Realm in so little time proves your aptitude is exceptional. A shortage of resources was all that kept your cultivation from advancing."
"Oh, right."
"How is your practice of the Wind Escape Technique coming along?"
"I have achieved some minor mastery."
The white-haired old man answered respectfully.
"Very good."
Chen Lin pondered briefly, then asked, "If I could help you advance to the Cage Realm, would you be willing to do something for me?"
"I would, my lord!"
The white-haired old man answered immediately.
But then he hesitated again and sighed. "You know my situation, my lord. I have cultivated for far too long, and I suffered an attack from a peculiar monster. I have little lifespan left. I fear I may not succeed in advancing."
"That is no problem."
Chen Lin waved a hand.
"I have things that can extend your lifespan, and I can provide them. I will also give you a spiritual entity to aid your breakthrough to the Cage Realm. That should give you at least a thirty-percent chance of success."
"Once you reach the Cage Realm, your lifespan will naturally increase."
The old man's