65: Chapter 65 A Teacher's Kindness is as Vast as the Sea
"Very good."
After a long while, Master Hong finally spoke slowly, "Spirit Awakening eight-star, foundation solid as iron, qi and blood refined like mercury, nascent unrivaled intent... You far exceeded my expectations."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Heng's rapidly healing wounds and still somewhat chaotic aura, then continued:
"The Nine Refinements of the Thunder Prison, the latter five refinements, are beyond what the Spirit Awakening Realm can endure. Come find me when you break into the Spirit Nurturing, or even the Transcendent Realm."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Heng first felt a sense of relief, followed by an ineffable surge of emotion.
The latter five refinements... beyond what the Spirit Awakening Realm can endure...
He understood that Master Hong's so-called "special training" was a tailor-made, extreme challenge far exceeding the norm!
The first three refinements were the ultimate tempering of his spiritual power, physical body, and Dao heart, and the fourth refinement even allowed him to experience the terror of the Heavenly Tribulation War Shadow in advance!
Master Hong must have been perfectly clear about the risks involved, yet he used them without hesitation!
What kind of trust and expectation was this?!
"Teacher..." Zhou Heng put away his smile, his expression becoming solemn. He took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Hong Yuanhai, "Student... many thanks for Teacher's guidance! This tempering is a kindness akin to rebirth!"
This bow came from the bottom of his heart.
Even if he were foolish, he would understand that without Master Hong's ruthless and decisive, personalized "torment," he would never have been able to advance by leaps and bounds in such a short time, solidify such a terrifying foundation, and even condense theprototype of unrivaled intent!
This favor was too profound!
Hong Yuanhai calmly accepted his bow, nodding slightly. His tone was flat, yet it seemed to soften by a subtle, almost imperceptible degree: "Jade not carved is not a vessel. You are unpolished jade, and also stubborn iron. Do not let down your talent, and even more, do not let down... the Dao in your heart."
He looked at Zhou Heng deeply, as if seeing through to the nascent, untamed unrivaled belief in the depths of his soul.
"Go back, and properly digest what you've gained today. The New Student Competition is imminent, do not be lax."
"Yes, Teacher!" Zhou Heng straightened his back, his voice firm and resonant.
Hong Yuanhai said no more, turned, and stepped out. His figure seemed to merge with the thunder, quietly disappearing from the training ground.
Zhou Heng stood rooted to the spot, savoring his teacher's final words and the weighty expectations, his blood surging with emotion, unable to calm down for a long time.
How fortunate it was to have such a master!
Although the process was painful enough to make him want to die, it was... truly satisfying!
It wasn't until Master Hong's aura completely vanished that Zhou Heng finally exhaled a long breath, tinged with electric light. A strong sense of exhaustion washed over him like a tide.
The continuous extreme exertion of four refinements, especially the burst and intense battle during his final breakthrough, had left him physically and mentally drained.
He dragged his leaden legs, slowly walking out of his teacher's villa area. Outside, the sky was full of stars, and the night wind was cool.
Returning to the familiar dormitory area, it was much quieter. Only a few scattered rooms still had lights on; most students were either cultivating or already resting.
Zhou Heng habitually walked to the vending machine downstairs in the dormitory and skillfully operated it.
"Clunk!"
A bottle of iced energy drink rolled out.
He picked up the drink, the cool sensation passing through his palm, giving him a slight mental boost.
Twisting open the cap, he tilted his head back and took a big gulp. The refreshing, slightly stimulating liquid slid down his throat, dispelling some of his fatigue.
"Tsk, that's good," he smacked his lips. Although he knew this drink had minimal effect on him now, it was a habit formed over many years that he couldn't change.
Just like in his previous life, after working overtime all night, he always had to have a can of iced cola, just for the sense of ritual.
Holding the drink, he slowly walked upstairs and returned to his single dormitory.
He closed the door, cutting off everything from the outside. The familiar, simple furnishings allowed him to completely relax.
He placed the drink on the table and collapsed onto the bed, too lazy to move even a single finger.
Too much had happened today.
The Tengtian City mission, battling the Purple Gold Beast Clan, dining at the Universe Tower, the chance encounter with Lu Chenxin, and then Master Hong's hellish Four Refinements of the Thunder Prison...
Breaking through to Spirit Awakening eight-star, condensing unrivaled intent, a massive increase in qi and blood...
The amount of information was immense, and the gains were even more enormous!
He needed time, absolute quiet, to fully settle and digest these gains, transforming them into power that truly belonged to him.
"Thunder Piercing Kill Spear's third form... I'll practice it tomorrow..." he muttered to himself, feeling his eyelids growing heavier, "Today... I just want to sleep..."
He forced himself to sit up, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes. Instead of deep cultivation, he began a deep meditative review.
In his mind, like a movie, every battle, every clash from today reappeared, especially every detail of Master Hong's Four Refinements of the Thunder Prison.
During Thunder Sound Soul Tempering, the pain and clarity of his soul being torn apart and reshaped...
During Thunder Extreme Body Forging, the extreme pain and immense power of his physical body being destroyed and reborn...
During Thunder Heart Questioning Dao, the steadfastness of his Dao heart being questioned, confused, shattered, and then condensing unrivaled intent...
During Thunder Tribulation War Shadow, the perilous and breakthrough experience of battling the Heavenly Tribulation War Shadow, hovering on the edge of life and death...
Every scene was incredibly clear.
The patterns of energy flow, weaknesses, and flaws captured by the Omniscient Eye...
The Myriad Tribulations Thunder Prison Body's automatic operation and breakthrough under extreme pressure...
The subtle adjustments and yuan energy control of the Thunder Breathing Technique...
The application and enhancement of Minor Accomplishment Spear Intent in battle...
The life-risking experience of the Thunder Extreme Blood Burning Art, which he had deduced...
Even the faint thrill from the Purple Firmament Thunder Seed secretly absorbing energy...
All of these required him to calm down, to sort out, understand, and absorb them little by little.
His breathing gradually became long and steady, faint thunder light spontaneously circulated around him, and qi and blood surged slowly within his body, automatically repairing subtle damage and consolidating his newly broken-through realm.
Although his spiritual power was fatigued, in that state of relaxation after intense concentration, it became even more refined and transparent.
This was a form of sedimentation, an accumulation of inner strength.
After an unknown amount of time, he slowly opened his eyes, the divine light within them restrained, becoming much deeper.
Although his body was still tired, his mind felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and peace.
"Hoo... almost there." He felt as if he would fall asleep if he meditated any longer.
He lay down again, and almost as soon as his head touched the pillow, boundless drowsiness instantly engulfed him.
This time, it was truly deep sleep, without any dreams. Both body and soul were immersed in the most complete rest, automatically absorbing the thin yuan energy from heaven and earth, recovering slowly and steadily.
Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, tranquil and serene.
Inside the dormitory, there was only the steady, long breathing of the young man.
All the grandeur, all the fierce battles and breakthroughs, ultimately returned to the tranquility of this deep night...