Chapter 158: Understanding the Cultivation Method

Looking down, she found herself drenched in sweat. Her purple silk gown, soaked and clinging to her body, perfectly outlined her flawless figure. Her rising and falling bosom bounced with her movements, revealing a captivating curve that made one's blood rush.

Lost in the moment, she had been holding Jiang Fan's arm, as if about to embrace him. Her face immediately flushed. She quickly released his arm, turned away, and mumbled, "Haven't you ever seen a woman before?" Despite her embarrassment and annoyance, a strange sense of pride swelled within her. "I'm not inferior to Xu Youran at all!" she thought, letting out a smug huff.

Jiang Fan awkwardly said, "Congratulations on reaching the Core Formation stage, Senior Sister. For the next few days, you should focus on your own cultivation. Feel free to speak up if you need any help."

A Martial Soul Coin could only be used for three days. He had two and a half days left, which should be enough time for him to solidify his cultivation. With a bit of luck, he might even complete the Earth-tier finger technique. Therefore, he immediately found a stone statue nearby. As soon as he stood before it, the statue emitted a faint red glow, enveloping Jiang Fan.

Liu Qingxian secretly glanced over. Although she could no longer clearly see Jiang Fan, she continued to stare blankly, a lingering blush on her face. She touched the Gale Orb around her neck. A strange stirring arose deep within her.

Two days later. Jiang Fan had challenged dozens of stone statues consecutively. The projections of each statue were exceptionally powerful. Without using his Violet Sword, he found it incredibly difficult to win. However, his gains were significant. His cultivation at Foundation Establishment Level Six was not only stable but had also reached perfection. With further practice, he would be able to break through to Foundation Establishment Level Seven!

The only pity was that his luck wasn't good; he hadn't been able to complete the Earth-tier finger technique.

After a period of meditation, he got up to check on Liu Qingxian's progress. He found her standing in front of a giant stone statue, looking a bit anxious and frantically practicing an unfamiliar cultivation method.

"Senior Sister, have you managed to complete a cultivation method?" Jiang Fan walked over, a hint of envy in his voice. He looked up. A text of cultivation methods, formed by light, appeared in front of the statue.

"'Nine Forms of Battling Heaven, a Profound-tier High-grade cultivation method,'" Jiang Fan murmured in surprise. Profound-tier High-grade cultivation methods were considered the pinnacle secret arts within the Qingyun Sect. To complete an entire one was incredibly fortunate. However, Liu Qingxian had discovered it too late. She was only just beginning to practice it, and only half a day remained. It would be difficult to even master the second form, let alone the remaining seven?

Liu Qingxian said, both excited and anxious, "This is a cultivation method once practiced by a Nascent Soul stage expert! Its power is unmatched, no less than your Sword Heart Engraving! Unfortunately, it was long lost, with only fragmented moves of the first form circulating. I never imagined this stone statue would complete it!" She had only tried it out of curiosity; she never expected to actually stumble upon it.

Jiang Fan was startled. "Practiced by a Nascent Soul realm grandmaster?" Even he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement!

"I'll give it a try too!" Jiang Fan carefully read the cultivation method's content.

Liu Qingxian said, "You haven't even learned the first form. It will likely be very difficult to learn it." At least she had practiced the fragmented moves and had some foundation. That's why she dared to attempt the second form. Jiang Fan had no prior experience; in half a day, it would be hard to even comprehend the first form. It would be a complete waste of time.

Without another word, Jiang Fan immediately began to comprehend it.

Meanwhile, Nangong Xiaoyun, after persistent attempts, finally let out a joyful cheer. "Haha! I've finally completed a cultivation method!" Looking at the completed cultivation method, 'Heavenly Cripple Finger,' displayed on the stone statue before her, she let out a triumphant shout. "Hahaha! You scoundrel, you can't escape now! Once I finish cultivating this, I'll compare it bit by bit and definitely ferret you out!"

However, just as she was about to comprehend it, she was stunned by the method's description. "Earth-tier Low-grade cultivation method? Vice-Pavilion Master, I'm not seeing things, am I?"

You Yunzi also showed a look of longing and said, "The Qingyun Sect actually has an Earth-tier finger technique!" Even in the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, Earth-tier cultivation methods were extremely rare. Only a handful of cultivators practiced them! Unfortunately, only half a day remained. He wouldn't even have time to comprehend it.

"Vice-Pavilion Master, quickly help me comprehend it!" Nangong Xiaoyun also realized the urgency of the situation and urged him.

You Yunzi gave a wry smile. "What good will it do to rush me? Earth-tier cultivation methods are impossible to master without at least three to five years, let alone in a mere half-day! I'm afraid you won't be able to find that person."

Nangong Xiaoyun clenched her small fists in unwillingness. Just then, she noticed Jiang Fan was comprehending a cultivation method and couldn't help but huff, "Vice-Pavilion Master, you should learn from Elder Jiang. He hasn't given up, has he?"

You Yunzi's mouth twitched. "Are you lecturing me now?" He looked over and saw Jiang Fan comprehending a Profound-tier High-grade cultivation method. He couldn't help but shake his head. "It's no use. The beginning of any cultivation method is the most difficult part. If he had practiced the first layer and had a foundation, he might be able to try the second. But he hasn't practiced it at all; just understanding the content would take a very long time."

However, no sooner had he spoken, Jiang Fan suddenly opened his eyes, circulated his spiritual energy, letting it flow through his body in a peculiar way. Then, he raised his palm and struck forward.

Thud—

A muffled thud echoed. The air churned, and a strong gust of wind swept forth! The first form was a success!

You Yunzi's expression froze. "He... he succeeded?" Nangong Xiaoyun also looked shocked. How could she not know how difficult it was to comprehend a Profound-tier High-grade cultivation method? Earlier, she had only been intentionally needling You Yunzi, not truly believing Jiang Fan could master the first form in half a day. Yet, only a stick of incense had passed, and Jiang Fan had already comprehended it!

Liu Qingxian was also surprised. "Jiang Fan, you..." Jiang Fan didn't speak, continuing to comprehend the second form.

Before long, he opened his eyes again and executed a kick. His leg moved like a long whip, creating a lengthy afterimage and making the air crackle. You Yunzi and Nangong Xiaoyun were dumbfounded.

"Vice-Pavilion Master, how does Elder Jiang's comprehension compare to yours?" You Yunzi reined in his surprise, frowning as he said, "Do you really believe there's someone in this world who can comprehend a Profound-tier High-grade cultivation method so quickly?"

Nangong Xiaoyun knitted her brows. "Are you saying he actually practiced it before?" You Yunzi didn't answer. His silence implied agreement.

Following this, Jiang Fan's cultivation speed was astonishing. "Heaven Splitter!" He thrust an elbow forward, making the air hum. If it had hit a person, it would have at least caused severe bone and muscle injuries.

"So, it's a close-combat martial art." Only after completing the last form did Jiang Fan understand the true purpose of the 'Nine Forms of Battling Heaven'. It was a method for close-quarters combat, using the body as a weapon. This close-combat technique required a powerful physique to unleash its full potential; otherwise, its power would be limited.

Seeing Liu Qingxian still diligently trying to comprehend the second form, he couldn't help but advise her: "How about you switch to another cultivation method? This one isn't really suitable for women." Having watched Jiang Fan demonstrate the entire set, Liu Qingxian also realized that the cultivation method passed down by that Nascent Soul senior truly wasn't suitable for her. However, having finally encountered a Profound-tier High-grade cultivation method, she didn't want to miss the opportunity.

"Young friend Jiang, are you interested in comprehending this Earth-tier cultivation method?" You Yunzi asked with a meaningful smile. He absolutely did not believe Jiang Fan was truly comprehending it just now. He must have practiced it long ago. To verify his guess, it would be simple: just let him try this Earth-tier cultivation method. If Jiang Fan could even grasp a shred of its basics, he would concede that Jiang Fan's comprehension was superior to his own.

Jiang Fan walked over curiously. Upon seeing it, he was surprised. "Earth-tier Low-grade cultivation method, 'Heavenly Cripple Finger'?" Reading the content, Jiang Fan was even more stunned. "Isn't this the finger technique I comprehended from the Mo Ke Stone Wall?"

Nangong Xiaoyun huffed angrily, "The person who hit me used this very finger technique! If you can help me comprehend it and expose that person, I'll reward you handsomely!"

Uh—

Jiang Fan stiffened. "Wait a minute! The person who hit Nangong Xiaoyun... was me?"