Jiang Lu's comprehension was indeed good. With Gu Chengming's guidance, he immediately understood the crux of his "Fuhai" move.
What was originally a slightly awkward transition became smooth and natural under Gu Chengming's instruction, increasing its power to a new level.
This matter was also an unexpected pleasant surprise for Gu Chengming.
Because the "Fuhai" sword move was indeed good, and it originated from the "Huiyuan Sword Manual," this became a powerful assist for Gu Chengming in conquering the "Huiyuan Sword Manual."
After all, a major trait of this "little resentful woman" was her low self-esteem.
It always felt that it was just a basic sword art, incomparable to those advanced sword techniques.
And if he could use this opportunity to constantly whisper sweet nothings into the "little resentful woman's" ear, such as "Look, if used properly, you are actually very excellent," "Those who look down on you just don't understand you enough," "Your potential is limitless"...
Wouldn't the favorability rapidly increase?
As Gu Chengming expected, this "PUA-style" encouragement was indeed very effective.
In just a few days, the "Huiyuan Sword Manual's" favorability had already broken through the 60 mark, reaching 65 points.
The favorability status also changed from 【Friendly】 to 【Like】.
The change in status brought two fixed attribute points, and one extremely precious free attribute point!
The fixed attribute points were naturally added to Strength, directly boosting his Strength to "11" points.
Gu Chengming opened the panel to check his current attributes:
【Strength: 11】
【Agility: 7】
【Constitution: 2】
【Spirit: 12】
【Charm: 25】
【Status: Essence Blood Depletion (Current HP cap permanently reduced by 30%, and continuously decaying daily, estimated remaining lifespan: 58 days)】
—Holy crap.
Looking at that glaring "58 days," Gu Chengming's heart sank.
Unknowingly, he had less than two months left to live?
If he had discovered it any later, wouldn't he have to prepare for his funeral directly?
But fortunately, he had just gained one free attribute point.
Gu Chengming didn't hesitate at all, directly adding that free attribute point to Constitution.
The data on the panel instantly changed:
【Constitution: 3】
【Status: Essence Blood Depletion (Current HP cap permanently reduced by 30%, and continuously decaying daily, estimated remaining lifespan: 114 days)】
"Phew..."
Gu Chengming let out a long breath.
Well, he could survive for another half a year. As long as he was alive, there was hope.
However, the next moment he thought this, a violent, body-tearing pain suddenly came from his four limbs and hundred bones.
"Hiss—"
Gu Chengming gasped in pain, curling up on the meditation cushion, cold sweat instantly soaking his clothes.
Previously, when he increased Strength, there was no such obvious feeling.
Was it because his Constitution was too low, and his body couldn't withstand this sudden enhancement? Or was this a reaction of "weakness not tolerating tonics"?
After finally recovering, Gu Chengming was sprawled on the ground, panting, when the courtyard gate was suddenly knocked.
Jiang Lu pushed the door open and saw Gu Chengming, covered in sweat and pale-faced, looking somewhat confused.
"Senior Brother is truly diligent in practicing swordplay, even practicing until you're sweating profusely from exertion?"
He didn't think much of it, only assuming Gu Chengming was training too hard.
Gu Chengming waved his hand, indicating he was fine, then asked what the other party was there for.
Jiang Lu smiled and said, "Junior Brother recently applied for cultivation access to the Training Ground. I specifically came today to ask Senior Brother if you'd like to go together?"
Seeing the confused look on Gu Chengming's face, Jiang Lu secretly chuckled.
This Senior Brother Gu truly focused only on the sword in his hand, oblivious to everything else. Judging by this reaction, he probably hadn't been to the Training Ground even once, right?
Thinking this, but not showing it, Jiang Lu carefully explained about the Training Ground.
The Training Ground was a cultivation area specially opened by the Wenjian Sect for its disciples, and occasionally, sparring matches were also held there.
Most importantly, the Training Ground was built on a miniature spiritual vein, located in the heart of spiritual energy. Practicing sword techniques here was very beneficial for comprehending sword intent and improving cultivation.
Jiang Lu said, "I see Senior Brother cultivating in the courtyard all day. Although it's quiet, the spiritual energy is sparse, which can be somewhat limiting. Why not go to this Training Ground? The spiritual energy there is abundant, and you might achieve twice the results with half the effort."
After explaining, seeing that Gu Chengming didn't seem too moved, Jiang Lu was a little surprised.
Of course, he didn't know that Gu Chengming's core cultivation logic wasn't about absorbing spiritual energy, but about improving attributes by "grinding favorability."
Spiritual energy, for him, was good to have, but not essential.
However, hearing the other party describe it so miraculously, Gu Chengming became a little more curious about the Training Ground.
Anyway, he was idle, so there was no harm in taking a look.
So, he nodded in agreement, letting Jiang Lu lead the way.
The two walked all the way towards the depths of the sect.
Passing through several bamboo groves and bypassing several rockeries, the scene before them suddenly opened up.
This was not the training plaza like a school sports field in Gu Chengming's previous life, but a complex of buildings built against the mountain.
Many exquisite pavilions were scattered orderly on the mountainside, each emitting a faint spiritual glow, clearly enhanced by formations.
Jiang Lu led him into one of the pavilions named "Tingtao Pavilion." The interior space was spacious, with not much decoration, only a few huge stone pillars supporting the dome.
The air was filled with a fresh spiritual energy, invigorating one's spirit.
Jiang Lu skillfully took out his disciple token and swiped it on a stone tablet at the entrance.
The stone tablet emitted a blue light, indicating successful registration.
When it was Gu Chengming's turn, he hesitated for a moment and also took out his disciple token.
"Beep."
A blue light flashed, and registration was complete.
The two passed through the pavilion and entered the so-called "back area."
Passing through a light screen, the scene before them changed again. This was an open flat area, surrounded by towering mountain walls, forming a natural spirit-gathering array.
As soon as he stepped into this place, Gu Chengming clearly felt the difference.
This was the feeling of abundant "spiritual energy"?
He curiously took a deep breath. He only felt a cool current surge into his lungs through his nasal cavity, and his whole body felt as comfortable as if soaking in warm water, becoming much lighter.
Even the faint pain from forcibly adding attribute points to Constitution seemed to lessen a bit.
After a brief chat, the two found an empty spot and began practicing their respective cultivation methods.
Gu Chengming found a corner, drew his wooden sword, and began practicing the "Huiyuan Sword Manual."
As he performed the sword moves, he was surprised to find that practicing swordplay here not only made his movements smoother, but even the circulation of qi and blood within his body seemed to become much more fluid.
Especially...
When he was halfway through his practice, he suddenly felt a warm current automatically begin to circulate within his body. This warm current traveled along specific meridians, although faint, it was exceptionally tenacious.
This was... "Hundred Bones Resonating"?
Gu Chengming was startled, then overjoyed.
He clearly hadn't deliberately cultivated "Hundred Bones Resonating," but this warm current began to circulate on its own.
Moreover, compared to the tearing pain he experienced when cultivating in his cave dwelling, the feeling brought by this warm current was much gentler, like it was nourishing and repairing his body little by little.
It seemed this place was quite beneficial for cultivating "Hundred Bones Resonating"?
To verify this conjecture, Gu Chengming immediately stopped his sword moves, sat cross-legged, and actively tried to circulate "Hundred Bones Resonating."
However, something strange happened.
When he actively guided his qi and blood to cultivate "Hundred Bones Resonating," that gentle nourishing feeling disappeared, replaced by the familiar, teeth-gritting tearing pain.
Although it was better than in the cave dwelling, it didn't have that "semi-automatic" comfort.
After several repeated tests, Gu Chengming gradually formed a hypothesis.
The abundant spiritual energy here would "nourish" his body, providing natural benefits to his Constitution.
And "Hundred Bones Resonating," as a powerful body-refining cultivation method, essentially achieved "remodeling" through "destruction."
In a sense, it would cause "damage" to the body.
This was like repeatedly forging a piece of iron. In the cave dwelling, he was just hammering hard, and his body couldn't endure it.
But here, the spiritual energy was like lubricant and coolant, rapidly repairing and nourishing his body while it was being damaged.
Breaking down to rebuild, the core idea of body-refining cultivation methods was all like this.
So, wouldn't it be possible to...
A flash of inspiration struck Gu Chengming's mind.
Since active cultivation was too painful, then cultivate passively!
He could continue practicing the "Huiyuan Sword Manual" here, using the vigorous circulation of qi and blood brought by physical movement, combined with the rich spiritual energy of this place, to keep "Hundred Bones Resonating" in a "semi-automatic" state of operation.
On the surface, he would be practicing the "Huiyuan Sword Manual," but in reality, he would be secretly advancing, attempting to master "Hundred Bones Resonating."
How did this feel... like having an N.TR déjà vu, flirting with a mistress right in front of the main wife?
Gu Chengming shook his head, shaking off this strange thought.
Who cares, as long as he could become stronger, N.TR it is!
Thus, Gu Chengming began a new cultivation mode in the Training Ground.
For several days in a row, he immersed himself in the Training Ground.
One day, Gu Chengming was engrossed in practicing the "Huiyuan Sword Manual," feeling the warm current within his body gradually growing stronger.
Suddenly, a slightly mocking sneer came from not far away.
"Heh, truly a First Realm, Third Level good-for-nothing. After practicing for so long, he still only knows these few superficial moves."
It was a woman's voice, clear and pleasant, but her tone carried obvious provocation.
Gu Chengming's movements didn't stop, still focusing on the sword moves in his hand, as if he hadn't heard anything.
Seeing Gu Chengming ignore her, the woman's voice grew louder, continuing to provoke:
"Hey! I'm talking to you! The one with the wooden sword! Haven't you eaten? Your sword swings are so soft, like a woman's!"
Gu Chengming still pretended not to hear.
The speaking girl was none other than You Yuyao.
She had been looking for an opportunity these past few days to find an excuse to "teach" Gu Chengming a lesson.
Today, she finally caught him at the Training Ground, so naturally, she wouldn't let go of this chance.
It's just... this girl clearly hadn't learned much about insulting people.
Her provocative words not only didn't make one angry, but instead made one find them somewhat amusing, even a bit adorably naive.
Things like "soft" or "like a woman"—such low attack power was barely a tickle for Gu Chengming, who was like a Sunba Yellow Card in his previous life.
Seeing Gu Chengming still ignore her, You Yuyao was a bit bewildered.
This wasn't how the script was supposed to go!
Her original plan was to first provoke the other party with words, making them hot-headed and initiating a duel with her.
But now... the other party didn't take the bait at all!
Was this person deaf? Or was he really that cowardly, not daring to utter a sound even when being insulted to his face?
Now, it was You Yuyao who was getting anxious.
She circled Gu Chengming twice, continuously spouting various provocative words that she thought were very fierce.
"Hey! Are you even listening to me?"
"Are you a turtle? So tolerant?"
"I think you should just get out of the sect as soon as possible, don't embarrass yourself here!"
However, no matter what she said, the other party remained unmoved, continuing to practice his sword at a leisurely pace.
His focused expression made it seem as if she was just a wisp of air.
You Yuyao, exasperated, blurted out:
"I really don't know what you're holding on to! What's so good about a broken 'Huiyuan Sword Manual'? That's just trash cultivation for beginner disciples to play around with! You'll never achieve anything with it, even if you practice it your whole life!"
Upon hearing this, the figure who had been like a wooden dummy finally paused his movements.
Gu Chengming slowly retracted his sword and turned around.
He looked at You Yuyao, his eyes somewhat strange.
Should one say his gaze was burning?
No. His eyes were more like a homeless man who had been hungry for three days, suddenly seeing a lavish meal placed before him.
To be honest, Gu Chengming initially didn't want to bother with this person.
Because he felt it was somewhat inexplicable; he didn't know this person, so there was no need to argue with a lunatic.
Until that last sentence from the other party.
"What's so good about a broken 'Huiyuan Sword Manual'?"
At that moment, Gu Chengming's "Gal Master intuition" instantly flared up, and alarms blared.
Wasn't this the "favorability event" he had been dreaming of?!
He stopped his movements and walked step by step towards You Yuyao.
You Yuyao was startled by his sudden aura, subconsciously taking half a step back.
"You... what do you want to do?"
Gu Chengming stared into her eyes and spoke each word distinctly:
"You can insult me."
"But insulting the 'Huiyuan Sword Manual,' you cannot."
Gu Chengming pointed to the wooden sword in his hand.
"I'll give you one chance, apologize to the Huiyuan Sword Manual..."
"Apologize."
Rate on N.U.
