Cultivator

“Mofei, be honest with me—what level have you really reached now? Even I can’t see through your strength anymore.” Mars had always thought highly of Mofei’s magical talent; after all, he was a rare genius who could wield all five elements. But today, hearing Mofei say that he could simulate lightning magic using the five elemental magics made Mars all the more curious about his true power.

“Heh, Principal Mars, my situation is a bit unusual. The way I cultivate is different from yours. I think my current strength is probably no less than that of an Archmage. But since I haven’t actually fought an Archmage, that’s just my guess.” Now that Mofei no longer feared anyone, he didn’t intend to hide the uniqueness of his abilities.

“A different cultivation method from ours?” Mars looked at Mofei in confusion.

“Yes. During my training, I discovered that when the elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth are arranged in a specific pattern, they can form an even greater energy. I call this energy ‘spiritual qi.’ I cultivate by absorbing this spiritual qi. Unlike the magical elements that mages use, this spiritual qi is more akin to the battle qi of warriors. Mages are powerful, but their bodies are often frail. This spiritual qi, however, much like battle qi, can strengthen the body. So, compared to a mage, I’m more like a combination of warrior and mage. I can attack with powerful spells, and also fight up close with a strong body and martial skills. I call this method of cultivating spiritual qi ‘cultivation,’ and you may call me a cultivator.” Mofei explained the characteristics of a cultivator to Mars and the two women beside him.

“Cultivation? According to legend, when mages reach the level of Archsage and warriors reach Sword Saint, they enter a whole new realm. At that point, there’s no longer a distinction between magic and battle qi—an Archsage can fight like a warrior, and a Sword Saint can unleash large-scale attacks. What you’re describing is remarkably similar. Have you already reached the Archsage realm?” Mars asked in disbelief.

Vivian and Irene, upon hearing Mars’ words, both looked at Mofei in shock. Was the man they loved truly one of those mysterious and invincible Archsages of legend?

Though Mofei had never met an Archsage, from what he’d heard of their abilities, he was certain his own strength was still far from theirs. “Maybe, only after I recover to the Golden Core stage can I stand on equal footing with an Archsage,” Mofei thought to himself.

“It’s not as exaggerated as you think! Maybe it’s just that my cultivation method gives me some traits similar to an Archsage, but my strength is still far from theirs!” Mofei found it hard to explain the differences between cultivators and Archsages or Sword Saints, so he simply glossed over the matter.

“Brother, is it possible for us to become cultivators like you?” Irene asked, unable to contain her curiosity, and Vivian looked at Mofei with anticipation. After hearing about the uniqueness and power of cultivation, both Vivian and Irene longed for it.

“I don’t know if this method of cultivation will work for you. Cultivation requires a very specific condition of the body’s meridians. Irene might be fine—she’s an elf, and the elves’ cultivation is close to nature and causes little harm to the body. But Vivian, you used to cultivate battle qi; during that process, many of your meridians have become blocked. Cultivation will be much more difficult for you. But it’s not impossible.”

Vivian was disappointed upon hearing that her meridians were blocked and that cultivating would be difficult, but when Mofei added that there was still a way, she was overjoyed. She couldn’t help but plant a kiss on Mofei’s cheek, only to realize Mars was watching, and her face immediately turned crimson.

Even if Irene and the others hadn’t brought it up, Mofei would have mentioned it himself.

The cultivation methods of this continent were woefully outdated. To reach Archsage or Sword Saint level was nearly impossible, and only at those heights could one retain their youth and live long lives. Mofei didn’t want to watch his loved ones age and die before his eyes. So, besides cultivating himself, he was always searching for ways to change Vivian and Irene’s constitutions.

There were many ways to alter one’s physique, but most required harsh conditions. On this backward continent, the only viable solution Mofei could think of was through alchemy.

The Foundation Establishment Pill—a common pill in the world of cultivation—could transform a person’s body to make them suitable for cultivation. Mofei knew how to craft it, but he currently lacked the necessary conditions. First, there were the ingredients; while not rare in the world of cultivation, they were hard to find in this land. Second, his current strength was not enough to refine the pill; at the very least, he’d have to recover to the Golden Core stage and possess pill fire.

Originally, Mofei planned to wait until he recovered to the Golden Core stage before searching for ingredients to help Vivian and Irene. But now that they’d brought it up, he decided to have word sent to Death City and the merchant guilds to start looking for the necessary ingredients immediately. That way, once he recovered, he could begin refining right away.

Mars had wanted to ask Mofei if there was a way for him to cultivate as well. He’d been at the Archmage level for many years and longed to break through to the Archsage realm. Perhaps Mofei’s miraculous cultivation method was the key. But Mofei dashed his hopes with a single sentence: “If you want to cultivate, you have to start from scratch.” For someone of Mars’ age, with little time left, starting over was impossible.

The three bid Mars farewell. Mofei then sought out the members of the Night Guild whom Elder Orpheus had arranged to secretly protect them along the way. With his powerful spiritual sense, how could Mofei not have noticed their silent protection? He never mentioned it, but now it was finally useful. Mofei gave them several sketches of medicinal herbs and told them to have Death City start collecting them, then the three returned to their residence. Because of Irene, Mofei and Vivian had given up the idea of staying in the palace.

“Mofei, do you really have a way for us to become cultivators?” Vivian asked.

“Yes. Once my strength increases a bit more and I’ve gathered the ingredients for the pills, I’ll be able to refine the medicine that will change your bodies. Then you both can become cultivators like me! But once you choose cultivation, your previous battle qi will disappear, and you’ll have to start again as an ordinary person,” Mofei explained.

“That’s fine! As long as you protect us, we’re not afraid. But I’m really curious—just who is the master who found and raised you? He taught you so many incredible things. When will you take us to meet him?” Vivian looked at Mofei expectantly. She knew he had a master, but after all this time, he’d never said when she could meet him.

Thinking of his master, the so-called ‘Slovenly Immortal,’ Mofei fell into a brief daze. Yes, it had been so long—he wondered how his master was doing, and whether his sudden disappearance had caused him worry. “I used to live far away with my master, and he always loved to wander. Even if we went looking, we might not find him. But if there’s a chance in the future, I’ll let you meet him.” Mofei still didn’t intend to tell anyone he was from another world.

The three of them, along with the baby thunder dragon, returned to the residence Emperor Tyrin had specially prepared for them in the city. Along the way, the little thunder dragon perched on Mofei’s shoulder drew many curious gazes. Passersby stopped to discuss the identity of the three.

The man was handsome, the women stunning, and the pet on Mofei’s shoulder was so adorable and conspicuous—there was no way they wouldn’t stand out.

Inside their room, Irene was cradling the baby thunder dragon, utterly enchanted. The little dragon, too, was drawn to Irene and the unique aura of the elves.

“Brother, what does this little one eat?” Irene noticed the thunder dragon gazing at her with pleading eyes, clearly hungry, and turned to ask Mofei.

“It definitely eats meat! But if you want it to grow quickly, feed it magic cores. I have plenty of those in my storage bag—should be enough for a while.” Mofei pulled out a handful of magic cores and handed them to Irene.

Vivian, too, couldn’t help but watch as Irene fed the little thunder dragon, itching to try it herself. Even the usually bold and carefree Vivian was won over by the creature’s cuteness.

After eating several magic cores, the little one burped, staggered drunkenly across the floor, then collapsed into a deep sleep. “Looks like we overfed him the first time—he can’t absorb it all at once. We’ll have to be careful next time,” Mofei laughed, addressing the two women as they watched the adorable dragon. With that, he moved between them, putting an arm around each of their waists and drawing them close.

“Heh, the little one is full and asleep—shouldn’t we get some rest too?” Mofei grinned mischievously at them.

“Hmph, you’re so naughty! Tonight, I’m sleeping with Irene. You can cuddle the dragon by yourself!” Vivian playfully slipped from Mofei’s embrace, pulling Irene away with her. But though Irene let herself be led, her eyes lingered on Mofei with a hint of longing.

Since confirming their relationship, Mofei and Irene had already become husband and wife, and Mofei had always hoped the three of them could share a bed. Although Vivian and Irene got along well, they were both shy in such matters, so Mofei’s wish had yet to be fulfilled.