The third path to obtaining a Spirit Imprint

"Not entirely."

Cui Yuan shook his head. "There are still a few things to bear in mind. The first is respect."

"Before entering the temple, you needn't necessarily bathe and burn incense, but you should at least make yourself presentable. Once inside, quiet your mind and focus your spirit. You mustn't harbor the slightest stray thought, much less show any disrespect toward the Spirit Imprints within."

Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly.

That, she could understand.

Even asking someone a favor called for offering them a cigarette, let alone seeking a thread of the true essence of the myriad spirits of heaven and earth.

"The second is knowing your limits."

"There are many Spirit Imprints in the Martial Temple. Though all were sought from heaven and earth by the sages of our race, they still fall into different ranks."

"Some are gentle, some violent, and some exceptionally vicious."

"Once you open your spiritual awareness, any Spirit Imprints that sense it will respond of their own accord."

"If a gentle one responds, all well and good. But if you draw the attention of a vicious one..."

Cui Yuan paused and pointed at his forehead.

"If your foundations are insufficient and your spiritual will is weak, forcing yourself to accept such a tremendous opportunity will, at best, damage your soul and leave you a drooling fool. At worst... your life and cultivation will both come to an end."

Jiang Yuechu raised an eyebrow. "There's a danger like that?"

"Of course."

Cui Yuan sighed. "Every year, there are prodigies who think themselves extraordinary, their eyes set higher than the heavens, insisting on seeking the very finest Spirit Imprints. And then... heh. Fine saplings wither before they ever grow into trees."

"So if anything feels wrong, remember: abandon the attempt immediately."

"As long as the green