An unknown amount of time passed before his senses gradually returned. Xu Shan staggered to his feet, his body now a fair bit taller than before.

In a daze, he walked toward the small stream. Ignoring the sharp stones on the creek bed, he fell backward, letting the current wash over him.

His mind slowly cleared...

Feeling the cool water flow over his body, Xu Shan closed his eyes, a look of blissful contentment on his face.

His meridians had been completely widened. The spiritual energy flowing within him was now under his control, and his internal injuries were rapidly healing under the effects of the residual medicinal power.

The wild horse that had been running rampant was now tamed.

Success! He had successfully reached Foundation Establishment!

He never imagined it would be so thrilling...

Finally, the stream had washed his body completely clean.

The tears in his meridians were also mostly healed.

Xu Shan shot to his feet, standing tall in the stream and spreading his arms to welcome the mountain breeze!

When he opened his eyes, the world that appeared before him was a hundred times more vibrant.

The flutter of an insect's wings, the slight rustle of grass and trees, the gurgle of the stream... everything was incomparably clear.

A majestic life force surged in his chest, and a feeling of pure exhilaration shot through his entire body!

A sharp glint flashed in Xu Shan's eyes. In that moment, he finally understood.

The chasm of difference between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment.

It wasn't just an elevation in stage, but more like an evolution! An evolution from a mortal to a cultivator!

Besides the explosive increase in power, his suppressed inhibitions were also being unleashed.

Xu Shan threw a punch. Relying on nothing but his physical body and a crude application of spiritual energy, the fierce force of his fist stirred up a gust of wind!

He threw one punch after another in a frenzy, the power in his body feeling endless.

"Ohooo!!" In his excitement, Xu Shan couldn't help but provide his own sound effects.

Up in the sky, Jin Yangqiu's face was as black as the bottom of a pot.

He watched the naked man dancing wildly by the stream, howling like a madman and flailing about.

A sense of sorrow welled up in his heart.

This was his own personal disciple...

"Xu Shan, get dressed and come see me at Qingfeng Hall."

Jin Yangqiu left him with those words and flew away.

Xu Shan froze, staring in astonishment at Jin Yangqiu's retreating figure.

The manic joy of just reaching Foundation Establishment was instantly extinguished.

When did he get here? His senses were so sharp now, yet he hadn't noticed a thing...

...

"Master, for what reason have you summoned this disciple?" Inside Qingfeng Hall, Xu Shan had already changed into a fresh set of clothes.

Jin Yangqiu casually tossed him a cloth pouch. "Now that you've reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, you can have this Qiankun Bag. There's a low-grade flying sword inside as well. Once your foundation is stable, you can begin practicing the Sword Control Technique."

"Come, sit before me in a meditative posture," Jin Yangqiu gestured for Xu Shan to approach.

Xu Shan was a little baffled.

Normally, Lu Xiangjun should have been the one to tell him these things. Why was it his master, who didn't seem to care for him much, doing it instead?

But since his master had made arrangements, Xu Shan could only do as he was told.

He sat in meditation before Jin Yangqiu.

A hand rested on Xu Shan's shoulder, and a warm stream of spiritual energy flowed into his body.

Jin Yangqiu's voice sounded by his ear. "Close your eyes and focus your mind. Feel the flow of spiritual energy. This is our sect's introductory Foundation Establishment technique, the Star Attraction Technique."

"This technique was created by the Sect Master himself. It is balanced and gentle, and will not disturb one's state of mind. Especially at night, its spiritual energy absorption and injury recovery effects surpass ordinary techniques. This is the very foundation upon which our sect stands."

Xu Shan dared not let his mind wander, focusing intently on the path of the spiritual energy.

Only after it had completed a full cycle did Jin Yangqiu release his hand.

Just as Xu Shan was about to say something, a jade slip was held out before him.

Jin Yangqiu instructed, "These are some cultivation notes for the Star Attraction Technique. Take them back and remember to practice diligently. If there's anything you don't understand, you can come and ask me."

"Master, didn't you disdain this disciple for his poor aptitude? Why are you showing me such concern now?" Xu Shan hesitated for a long time before the question finally tumbled out.

His master's outwardly enthusiastic actions made him feel uneasy.

Rather than letting his thoughts run wild, it was better to just ask directly.

Jin Yangqiu smiled. "You certainly are direct. In that case, I won't hide it from you any longer. Your aptitude is indeed poor, but that wasn't the most fundamental reason I was unwilling to accept you."

"Then what was the reason?"

"Because the sect's resources are scarce. Limited resources can only be given to those with superior aptitude," Jin Yangqiu said, pacing. "Countless years have passed in the Cultivation World. Even those with poor aptitude who achieved extraordinary things are as numerous as crucian carp crossing a river."

"However, as an elder of the sect, I must consider how to bring the greatest benefit to the sect when training disciples. Aptitude is the most important means of screening them."

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"When you first entered the Inner Sect, I thought you would at least have mid-grade Spiritual Roots. I never imagined you only had low-grade... so I was unwilling to waste resources and time teaching you."

Xu Shan listened quietly. He could understand everything Jin Yangqiu was saying.

In his previous life, corporate recruitment followed the same logic. Cost control was always important, especially for a startup.

"But today, when I saw you break through to Foundation Establishment, I changed my mind." At this, Jin Yangqiu paused. "I was once a rogue cultivator. In the world of rogue cultivators, only the strong are respected. What they value most isn't outstanding Spiritual Roots or an astonishing constitution... but perseverance."

"The life of a rogue cultivator is hard, a life of wandering and uncertainty. Their hearts are set on the Dao, with no other desires. The path of cultivation is long and arduous. Only a tenacious and unyielding heart can truly earn the respect of rogue cultivators, and you have that potential."

Jin Yangqiu sighed. "Since you have the potential for perseverance, if I were to not teach you, it would weigh on my mind and create a flaw in my Dao Heart. This is a great taboo for cultivators. The same goes for you. If you care too much about your low-grade Spiritual Root, one day it will affect you. Once your Dao Heart becomes unbalanced, it's easy to fall into extremes and descend into the demonic path. You must remember this."

Xu Shan cupped his fist and said with utmost sincerity, "Thank you for your guidance, Master. This disciple will take it to heart."

Although Jin Yangqiu had looked down on him at first, he had still looked out for him and spoken to him so frankly. This was a kindness he would not forget.

"It's nothing. Actually, I called you here today for another important matter. If you handle it well, the Sect Master will surely grant you a great reward. This is your opportunity; whether you can seize it is up to you," said Jin Yangqiu.

"The Sect Master has broken through to the Nascent Soul Stage. Coincidentally, our sect is about to participate in the centennial competition in the Water Realm to win resources. Before that, we will be inviting various sects to a conference at the Xinglan Sect. Therefore, we need to hold a banquet. You're the only one in the Inner Sect who has been a cook, so this important task falls to you."

Cook for the distinguished guests from various sects?

Xu Shan's expression was strange. "This disciple recalls that one can practice Inedia after reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment, right? Are all the guests Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators?"

"No. According to custom, we should be serving them treasures like spirit fruits and medicinal pills, but we have no money, so we can only whip up a few stir-fried dishes to muddle through."

Just how poor was the Xinglan Sect?!

He had been so excited to enter the Inner Sect, but as soon as he did, he found the air was thick with the stench of poverty.

A look of disgust couldn't help but appear on Xu Shan's face.

He had never thought of giving up despite his poor aptitude, but he really couldn't stand the sect's current state.

The future looks bleak...

Seeing the look on Xu Shan's face, Jin Yangqiu grew displeased. "If you think the sect is no good, then go and build it up! Don't just complain in your heart!"

"You should be content that you have a sect to cultivate in! Out there, plenty of rogue cultivators are no better than scrap collectors! That's no life for a human being!"

Xu Shan looked at Jin Yangqiu suspiciously.

Jin Yangqiu's face hardened. "Never mind that. The sects will arrive in five days. Is there any problem with you cooking?"

"No problem!"

"Good. Then practice diligently for the next few days, focusing on the presentation. When the time comes, I'll have Xiangjun assist you."

"Senior Brother Lu assisting me? Isn't that inappropriate?" Xu Shan stammered.

This role reversal was happening way too fast!

"There's nothing inappropriate about it." Jin Yangqiu suddenly flared with anger. "That brute must have lost his mind. Yesterday, he challenged a junior sister disciple to a duel and severely injured her. The Disciplinary Hall has already punished him with a year of manual labor in the Outer Sect."

"Having him assist you is perfect!"

...

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Proofreader: Peter Pan