Chapter 3: A Compendium of Wonders and Curiosities

"Hey, isn't this our family's Seventh Young Master? You come to pay respects to Grandfather but don't kneel in attendance; do you still think of yourself as a member of the Shen family?" Shen Junhuai's fifth cousin, Shen Linghan, walked out from the main gate and mocked him, saying, "A useless member of the Shen family, not dead outside but has lost all his spirit. Didn't you say you were waiting at the Shen family's gate?"

Shen Junhuai remained silent, merely casting a deep glance at the two redwood doors adorned with gilded studs before turning to leave

On the way home, Shen Junhuai had already understood that his mother and he were going to move out of the Shen family's villa. From now on, it would be just the two of them truly relying on each other.

"Let it be," Shen Yihuan said, waving his hand. "The rules of the Shen family must still be observed; your intentions are appreciated. However, do not forget the wishes of Elder Seven for you"

Among them, the section regarding martial artists and their cultivation piqued Shen Junhuai's interest. The realms of cultivators are divided into three categories: lower, middle, and upper. The lower realm consists of five stages: Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Transformation of Spirit. The middle realm includes three stages: Void Refinement, Integration, and Great Ascension. As for the upper realm, it culminates in the final stage of Tribulation Transcendence. If one successfully overcomes the heavenly tribulation, they can ascend to the immortal realm and share longevity with heaven and earth.

The fundamental difference between martial artists and cultivators lies in their spiritual roots and the attributes associated with each.

The "Chronicles of Wonders" is akin to the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" of Earth, divided into four major sections: "Mountain Records," "Sea Records," "Records of Wonders," and "Records of the Great Wilderness." It provides detailed teachings on mythology, geography, plants, animals, minerals, products, witchcraft, religion, medicine, immortality techniques, and ethnic groups. However, currently, less than 30% of it can be accessed, and Uncle Huan mentioned that the remaining portions are sealed, with the method of unlocking them still unknown.

The one saying this is a guard, and it is the first time that the Shen family has come here after being expelled.

There are almost no counterfeit goods here, as masters from the martial arts community are prevalent throughout the Starry Sky Continent, making the risks of dealing in counterfeit goods exceedingly high

From beginning to end, he remained extremely calm, for he understood that without his father, he would be completely powerless within the family. Moreover, even while his father was alive, there was no dignity to be found; in his heart, he no longer considered himself a member of the Shen family.

In the city of Pingdu, the streets are crisscrossed, with each wide avenue extending into numerous smaller streets on either side, intertwining like a spider's web

"You should go back," Grandfather said, "You can still carry the Shen family name in the future, but do not consider the Shen family courtyard." Shen Linghan said happily, not hiding the disdain in her tone

The purpose of this visit is to seek information from my grandfather regarding the test for disciples being recruited by the cultivation sect. I recall an incident from my childhood when there was a disciple selection competition organized by the city lord's mansion, and all the other disciples of the same generation attended, except for me, who was not notified. I know that it was one of the aunts from the Shen family who was secretly causing trouble. Of course, my own grandfather did not regard me as a legitimate grandson either

Among those with spiritual roots, only one in a million possesses such a trait, with those having a single attribute being the most exceptional. The five attributes are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Those with a single attribute can cultivate seamlessly, while those with five attributes are considered mixed roots. Although they can also cultivate, the success rate is exceedingly low, with only one in ten billion achieving mastery. This illustrates the difficulty of having a complete set of attributes. Once mastery is achieved, the power is immense, the divine consciousness is strong, and the amount of spiritual energy within is several times greater than that of contemporaneous cultivators, with all successful cultivators being great deities.

He is now aiming to cultivate to the fourth level of a martial artist. Although he possesses the cultivation techniques of the Shen family, these also limit his future development. After testing his spiritual roots and finding suitable cultivation methods, this will mark the official beginning of his departure from the Shen family

On the other hand, similar to the antique black market on Earth, there are always some high-level items that cannot be seen in public appearing here

The method to test the spiritual root requires a crystal-like object called the Spirit Origin Stone. Shen Junhuai felt quite troubled; what should he do? Since it is unknown, it is better not to consider it for now. The primary issue is to enhance his own realm first.

"Shen Junhuai? That useless Shen Qishao from the Fourth Master’s family?" Shen Junhuai heard this the next day at the entrance of the Shen residence.

The "Records of Extraordinary Objects" also contains methods for alchemy and artifact forging, but one must reach the Foundation Establishment stage, which cannot be rushed! This ancient text is a valuable resource, but it is only effective once the spiritual root has been determined

On both sides of the street, there are various shops, many of which sell items that were unheard of in Pingdu City before, let alone seen. The most common shops are those that sell and purchase various materials from fierce beasts, low-level spiritual herbs, and also some weapons. In the more upscale shops, there are offerings of magical tools and elixirs.

The second realm of a warrior does not require a balance of spiritual energy; any form of spiritual energy will suffice. However, for cultivators in the second phase of Qi refining, a balance and purification of spiritual energy are necessary

Due to the disdain from the Shen family, the family allowances were largely withheld, and the daily life of the mother and son often faced financial strain. At times, Shen Junhuai would bring one or two small items that the larger family did not value to exchange for some extra funds, and that small vanadium steel sword of his came about in this manner

In memory, Shen Junhuai's parents' union never received the approval of the family head. His father was the fourth son of Shen Ao, who had been unruly since childhood, disregarding conventional etiquette and scoffing at the mutual intrigues within the large family. When angered, he would exchange cold words with his uncles and elder brothers, and from then on, he was no longer favored by the Shen family

He took a deep breath, striving to suppress his anger. Indeed, one cannot blame these frightening individuals; his own cultivation was low, and he was inherently timid. In his childhood, he was humiliated by his cousins, and even the servants looked down on him.

After saying farewell and returning to the courtyard, he greeted his mother and hurriedly entered his room, eagerly opening the "Records of Extraordinary Objects" to examine it closely

Outside the main courtyard of the Shen family

Hehe, besides him, who else could it be? I never expected that after enduring two attacks from the demon beast, he is still alive; truly, he has a strong fate.

The martial arts skills one learns are referred to as martial way, which is equivalent to the Qi refining stage of cultivators, and is similarly divided into nine stages. To reach the foundational stage of the lower realm of cultivation, one must begin practicing cultivation techniques only after reaching the fourth stage of martial arts in the Qi refining realm.

What Shen Junhuai is looking for is a narrow alley behind these shops. In the alley, the stalls are also displaying items such as spiritual herbs, elixirs, and weapons, but they are of a lower grade and at a more affordable price.

Rest assured, Uncle Huan, I will certainly remember the instructions you and my father have given me," said Shen Junhuai solemnly, tears welling in his eyes. "From now on, you will be like a biological father to the child, allowing you to witness the child's diligent efforts and determination

The notification from the guard has not received a response for a long time, and Shen Junhuai can only wait alone by the outer wall

In the future, he must not rely on the Shen family to live in this place. At this moment, Pingdu City is still the same chaotic Ning City as before, and he can feel the hardships of survival here. This is a world where the weak are preyed upon by the strong. It is not just that survival is difficult without strength, or that one can only exist beneath the feet of others.

Seeing Shen Linghan's arrogant demeanor, Shen Junhuai also felt a sense of sorrow for the weakness and helplessness of his former self