Chapter Seven: Cultivation (Part One)
Lancelot continued, "However, there is a method that can help you quickly master the power of fighting spirit, but the problem is that it is very arduous"
Go dream!
Gong Hao had a look of confusion and incomprehension on his face
At this point, Lancelot's voice became somewhat somber: "What a pity... If I had encountered you elsewhere, I would have considered taking you as my apprentice."
At least three alchemists in this castle are like this
"That is not easy," Lancelot said coldly. "Good luck to you. I will wait for you by the lake at noon."
Gong Hao stared at Lancelot without blinking, knowing that Lancelot would never allow him to die so easily. If he were to die, who would cook for him? To satisfy his appetite, he had put forth all his skills, whether it be the delicacies of Wind Whisper Continent or the cuisines of Earth
However, at present, it may be even more important to double our efforts in studying combat energy and enhancing our own abilities
The servants not only like Iggleir, but even the apprentices admire him
Throughout the castle, one could hear voices like this: "Hey, Grail, I'm a bit overwhelmed here; could you come and help me?"
It is said that the reticulated python is a giant snake with immense strength, possessing not only a terrifying venom but also a long tail capable of crushing a massive boulder into powder. Its teeth can bite through steel, and it moves with lightning speed. Gong Hao could hardly imagine how Lancelot managed to capture this behemoth
Lancelot laughed heartily: "You are absolutely right; not everyone can become a magician, but everyone has the potential to become a high-ranking warrior. The only question is whether they are willing to invest enough effort and pay the necessary price. I once dreamed of becoming a magician, but in the end, I chose the path of a warrior. Glaire, you are a fine young man, and I admire you. I have also heard about what you have been doing in the castle these days; it seems you are not at all fond of leisure, unlike other boys. On the contrary, you are humble, eager to learn, and diligent. Those who possess such qualities are indeed qualified to become outstanding warriors."
Despite the additional task of preparing a delivery list, Gong Hao still had ample free time. Firstly, the errands themselves did not take up much time, as the cabin was very close to the castle. Secondly, he had further improved his work efficiency.
As a result, an interesting phenomenon emerged within the castle
Gong Hao attempted to drop a few drops down, but the facts soon proved that the saliva of the spotted python was of no use to the seeds of the bloody orchid. In fact, the mere fact that this seed could maintain its vitality was already a miracle
In the past, when Neil was around, if the apprentices needed any materials, it would take him a long time to find them. However, now they only need to inform Gong Hao of what materials they require, and he is always able to locate them immediately. Moreover, he has even developed the ability to quickly point out the specific page in the book where the required content can be found while handing over the materials.
Thank heavens, his reincarnation as Hugh Glare is itself a rare talent, being literate and skilled in cooking; otherwise, he wouldn't even know how to showcase his abilities... ? ... Perhaps it's better to forgo that gratitude; that damned heavens stuffed me into a terrifying place and then gave me a little treat, expecting me to thank them for it
This is not surprising, after all, you have only just begun for three days. No one can grasp the fundamentals of fighting energy in just three days. In fact, I did not intend for you to achieve that; I merely want you to become familiar with the cultivation methods I have taught you. It is important to understand that what you need to do is not to immediately possess fighting energy, but to sense its existence. Every person has energy within their body, but the vast majority cannot perceive it, let alone utilize or strengthen it. First, sense its existence, and then consider how to cultivate and utilize it.
With this mindset, Gong Hao would often spend his free time helping others with various tasks in areas managed by other servants. On one hand, this could strengthen interpersonal relationships; on the other hand, it allowed him to showcase himself in front of Andrew, and it also provided an opportunity to learn more about knowledge related to other magical beasts
Yes, esteemed sir, I am immensely grateful for your assistance
Some relatively dangerous tasks and book-related work often sought him out, and Gong Hao always accepted them without refusal
You are absolutely right. This is precisely why I have given you a thirty-day deadline. Before I teach you the methods, I first want to ask you, do you know the difference between a samurai, an alchemist, and a wizard
Are you still at a loss? Watching Gong Hao work hard, drenched in sweat, Lancelot couldn't help but admire the young man's perseverance
Perhaps due to his intense interest, Gong Hao is actually very satisfied with this way of life. If it were not for the constant shadow of death looming overhead, he would not mind living here for a few years, learning all the knowledge he desires.
However, the castle is not lacking in manpower, so they will not be concerned about this issue
Even Andrew was surprised: "Has the recent experiment reduced the material demand for Area 13? Is that why this little guy is so idle?"
He is truly an honest and good person. Everyone evaluates him this way
It seems as if the entire operation of the castle cannot function without this young man
Certainly, if one can accomplish multiple tasks while excelling at them, that would be the best outcome possible
The saliva of the spotted python indeed has a peculiar effect on that mysterious flower
Gong Hao thought seriously for a moment: "In my understanding, at least half of a wizard's achievements depend on talent. This is because a wizard must communicate with elemental spirits to master the power of magic, and not everyone is capable of doing this. However, alchemists and warriors are different. If becoming a wizard requires talent, then becoming an excellent alchemist requires knowledge, while becoming an outstanding warrior necessitates rigorous training. I wonder if I am correct in this assessment."
Retracting his momentary sympathy, Lancelot said: "Alright, let us return to the main topic. The training of a knight is arduous. Generally, there are two methods. One is the approach I am currently teaching you, which involves discovering your potential through awareness of your own body. This method is quite safe, but the results are slow to manifest. The other method is to enhance oneself through external reinforcement. From now on, you will train your physique according to the regimen I have devised for you, which will involve high-intensity training. You must strive to perceive the hidden strength within your body during the training process, using powerful external stimuli to awaken your fighting spirit. I must remind you that this training plan is not only challenging but also carries a certain degree of risk."
Perhaps Purgatory Island is the last place they discovered that concentrated all the rare species of the continent, so they finally understood the need to restrain themselves. Otherwise, they might end up like they did hundreds of years ago, directly killing a saber-toothed tiger to take its teeth and then discarding the body, rather than now sending a servant to slowly file the beast's teeth every day, hoping for them to grow.
"I would rather face you, this venomous creature, than confront those wolves in human skin," Gong Hao murmured, gazing at the fierce spotted python.
However, in fact, the supply of materials in Area 13 is greater than ever before
They forge various magical weapons, golems, and concoct various potions, especially potent poisons, for the empire. Additionally, they create some magical scrolls. Almost all alchemical experiments are related to warfare; they have not even considered how to enhance and improve people's lives or how to protect resources as much as possible
Gong Hao's gaze kept narrowing
That damned seed still hasn't sprouted.
People often say: "Geniuses are all mad"
He found that alchemists hardly ever use their intellect in how to protect life—they are more eager to destroy it
By the small lake, Lancelot looked on coldly as Gong Hao toiled away diligently.
Later, Gong Hao discovered that the saliva of the spotted python indeed had a beneficial effect on the growth of certain magical plants, but for others, it was equivalent to a deadly weapon
"Glaire, could you help me deal with this black-scaled snake? Be careful, it is highly venomous"
"Alright, from now on, it is in your hands." Lancelot looked at Gong Hao with a teasing gaze
The next day, Lancelot indeed sent over the speckled poisonous python
In the next moment, a fierce wolf as large as a calf appeared before Gong Hao.
This is a colossal creature, measuring fifteen meters in length, as thick as a water barrel. Its body is adorned with vibrant patterns, and it possesses a pair of bright, glistening eyes, along with a constantly flickering tongue, all of which serve as reminders to Gong Hao of the terrifying nature of such a magical beast
I wonder if this saliva is useful for the seeds of the blood orchid
Lancelot smiled, knowing that Gong Hao was referring to the thirty-day deadline. "I do not intend to shorten the deadline. As a Sky Warrior, it is already a great honor for you to perform menial tasks for a servant. You should understand this."
Hardship is better than death, is it not, Lord Lancelot
Gong Hao swallowed hard and said, "Yes, Lord Lancelot, I will definitely fulfill your entrusted task"
Watching Lancelot's departing figure, Gong Hao let out a long sigh
Thirty days, I only have thirty days. If I cannot improve myself and subdue this venomous python within thirty days, perhaps I will no longer have to worry about how to survive or escape this hellish world in the future
Lancelot said: "This little creature was specially caught for you this morning. It is not very powerful, just has sharp claws, but it is more than enough to tear you apart. Now, you will start running along the lakeside. Completing one lap and returning here will count as finishing the first step of your training. I will release it after I count to ten. This little thing is quite timid and will do everything it can to catch up with you and eat you. If you run slowly, you are doomed. Remember, if you don't want to die, run for your life, and do not give up exploring the fighting spirit within you; that is your only shortcut to success. I will release it after I count to ten. This little thing is quite timid and will do everything it can to catch up with you and eat you. If you run slowly, you are doomed. Remember, if you don't want to die, run for your life, and do not give up exploring the fighting spirit within you; that is your only shortcut to success. One ... ... ."
A blond boy always finishes his work early and then goes around helping others with their tasks
I hope you can always maintain this confidence
Gong Hao said calmly: "I believe I can endure this, Lord Lancelot"
Lancelot casually grasped the upper jaw of the venomous python, collected its saliva in a beaker, and then tossed it back into the magical cage. When handing it over to Gong Hao, he said: "This venomous python has had ninety percent of its power sealed, but it is still not something you can handle at this moment. I will give you thirty days; make sure to study the foundational techniques of fighting energy that I have taught you. Within these thirty days, I will assist you in collecting saliva, but after thirty days, you must solve the problem on your own. If you cannot resolve it... you will die"
There is no need for gratitude, as I am merely coveting your culinary skills. Let me put it this way: it is entirely impossible to cultivate fighting energy within a short period of time, specifically in thirty days. In other words, after thirty days, when you extract saliva from the mouth of the mottled poisonous python, you will be doomed.
Gong Hao became the most popular among the servants. In just a few days, the vast majority of the servants had already formed a close bond with him. Some even deliberately delayed their work progress, waiting for Gong Hao to come and assist them
This statement is reasonable, but they do not understand that the madness of geniuses is entirely due to their interests
Regardless of the circumstances, life must go on. As long as he has not escaped from here for a day, he must fulfill his duties.
"Yes, Sir Lancelot, but the problem is that I do not have much time." Gong Hao replied earnestly
Gong Hao licked his lips: "Um... Sir Lancelot, could you please help me collect a bit of its saliva first?"
Gong Hao turned and ran away
Just a small drop down, and that flower, which had already begun to wither, was revitalized once again. Its flower head blossomed, and a smile-like expression unexpectedly appeared on its ghostly face, seemingly reflecting its joy.
He has already had the dinner prepared for him by Gong Hao. Due to his great satisfaction with Gong Hao's culinary skills, he agreed to allow Gong Hao to stay here for a longer period to facilitate his guidance
Doing more is not as valuable as doing well; being able to cultivate blood orchids is indeed more valuable than being able to accomplish many tasks
This allows Gong Hao significant room for improvement in enhancing work efficiency; he believes that as long as he is given enough time, he can completely manage seven or eight areas on his own without any confusion
Hey, Glaire, this iron-backed rhinoceros is too strong; I need someone to help me.
Gong Hao sighed: "The generation of fighting spirit seems to be quite difficult. I have tried to mobilize the power within my body according to your method, but I can never grasp it."
Warcraft Fel Wolf
Knowledge acquired solely from books must also be applied in practice, a belief that Gong Hao firmly holds and resolutely implements