After putting his phone on silent and setting it aside, Zheng Zheng went to the kitchen to wash his face. He then closed the doors and windows tightly and pulled down the curtains. With a serious expression, Zheng Zheng sat on the bed and rubbed the ring on the ring finger of his right hand.

A flash of light appeared, and a jade tower appeared in the palm of his hand.

The tower was about half a foot tall, with nine layers, entirely made of jade, shimmering with light. At the tip of the tower was a bright white pearl, glowing with a greenish hue. The top layer was carved with four mythical beasts: the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, each guarding their respective direction. The entire pattern, though only the size of a thumb, was exquisite and lifelike, easily distinguishable. Each lower layer was etched with different decorative patterns, such as a giant roc spreading its wings high in the sky or ferocious beasts devouring everything; there were also scenes of the sun shining in a clear sky, towering mountains amidst clouds, and landscapes filled with rivers, forests, birds, and insects.

The entire jade tower appeared to be naturally formed and was filled with mystery. It felt warm in his hand, like jade, keeping him calm and centered, warm in winter and cool in summer.

Although he had been observing it for half a year, each time felt different.

Mysterious, high-end, luxurious, and majestic—no words could adequately describe its existence.

Such a beautiful and exquisite tower could not possibly be just an ornamental piece; otherwise, his master would not have suffered such severe injuries over it. However, what secrets lay within, Zheng Zheng could not figure out at the moment—perhaps it was because his cultivation level was too low?

After studying it for a while and finding nothing particularly special, Zheng Zheng sat there in a daze, lost in thought. If he successfully cultivated and gained powerful strength to protect himself, would holding this tower and changing his attire make him comparable to the TV character, the God of Pagoda Li? Zheng Zheng joked self-deprecatingly.

Right, in the books and shows, the God of Pagoda Li never leaves the tower; he even eats, drinks, and uses it. It is said that it can speed up cultivation. I wonder if this jade tower can help me cultivate as well?

What began as idle speculation somehow felt quite plausible.

The more Zheng Zheng thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He decided to cast aside distractions; if it worked, he’d know soon enough.

He immediately sat cross-legged, hands cupped in front of his heart, closed his five senses, and held the tower as he began to circulate his techniques.

The jade tower had the effect of nurturing the spirit and warding off evil, and Zheng Zheng seemed to enter a state of cultivation faster than usual. A cool sensation began to swirl in the palm of his hand, slowly moving with his technique. To his surprise, he felt a faint gas entering his body, warm like sunlight, making him feel light and warm all over.

Is this the entry of qi into the body?

This is really the entry of qi into the body?

Damn, it’s that simple to enter qi into the body?

Oh wow, this feels amazing—this is exactly what I wanted. Although the gas was weak, Zheng Zheng could keenly sense the special difference, and he nearly jumped for joy. However, the gas he had barely managed to guide into his body suddenly disappeared without a trace.

“Hahaha.” Zheng Zheng laughed uncontrollably, his excitement overwhelming.

Half a year—an entire half a year.

He had finally experienced the taste of qi entering the body.

How foolish he had been, guarding a treasure for half a year while fretting daily!

It was understandable, though; something so precious was safest stored in his ring. Who would leave it out in the open? Let alone practice with it in hand—if someone found out, it would be disastrous.

“Qi entering the body—now I have hope for immortality!” Zheng Zheng laughed like a madman, tears streaming down his face.

As long as he could enter the qi phase, he could start refining pills, drawing talismans, forming formations, and more. Forget about achieving immortality for now; at the very least, he could improve his family's situation. His parents wouldn’t be afflicted with so many ailments anymore, nor would they have to wake up early and toil for every penny. His brother could receive the best education...

Everything—everything—depended on his successful cultivation.

In the glimmer of tears, Zheng Zheng's eyes were filled with unprecedented determination.

After calming his excitement, he began to meditate and cultivate again.

Soon, the cool gas circulated with the technique and gradually entered his body through his palm. This time, having a bit of experience, Zheng Zheng did not lose control of his emotions. He carefully guided it through his body, circulating it through his organs and limbs. Each time the gas passed through a part of his body, it subtly nourished his bones and expanded his meridians.

As he entered deep cultivation, time flew by. An awful stench began to waft through the air. Waste and impurities slowly expelled from his body through his pores, appearing dark green and repulsive. It was hard to believe how polluted the world had become, with so many toxic substances inside a person; it was no wonder the national health was in such poor condition.

This gas began to improve his body while gradually strengthening his muscles, bones, and blood.

Before long, several hours had passed.

The tiny essence of qi, like a newborn baby, was carefully guided by Zheng Zheng as it circulated throughout his entire body, returning to his dantian.

Finally, he completed the circulation of the small and large cycles and thoroughly solidified the pathways for qi flow.

Zheng Zheng slowly exhaled the stagnant air and opened his eyes.

He felt a sensation he had never experienced before; his spirit was invigorated. Whether it was psychological or the effect of qi entering the body, he felt his vision was clearer and his body lighter than a swallow. He could even clearly see a spider spinning its web in the corner of the room. His body felt like it had shed a heavy burden, immensely relaxed and at ease.

Wait, what is that awful smell?

Zheng Zheng sniffed and discovered the strange odor was coming from himself.

Without a second thought, he rushed to the bathroom for a shower. When he emerged, he felt rejuvenated and radiant.

After working so hard, he had finally entered the qi phase; it would be a lie to say he wasn’t excited. If he hadn’t had this sudden inspiration and stumbled upon it, who knew how long it would take to cultivate? He grew more and more curious about the secrets within the jade tower, feeling as though his heart was being scratched by a cat.

But how to unlock its mysteries? He had studied it for half a year and had discovered nothing.

Zheng Zheng pondered deeply again. Should he try pouring qi into it? After hesitating, he gritted his teeth; as the saying goes, the bold may thrive while the timid may perish. The path of cultivation is inherently a struggle against heaven and earth; without the spirit of adventure, how could one seize the opportunities of the universe and change their fate? At worst, he could just start over if his essence was absorbed.

With this thought in mind, Zheng Zheng began to meditate again.

The weak gas circulated in his body once more, quickly flowing through his arms and hands into the jade tower.

“Boom!” A thunderous sound like a bolt of lightning echoed in Zheng Zheng's mind, and then he felt his soul tremble and rise, as if he were surrounded by endless darkness, with countless black holes around him devouring his very essence. Terrified, Zheng Zheng felt his soul scattering; he tried to retract his consciousness and escape the space, but it was impossible. He could only instinctively muster all his strength to run forward. However, no matter how hard he tried, the sensation of his life force slipping away intensified.

This is bad; I might not survive this. Zheng Zheng gritted his teeth and ran through the void.

He didn’t know how long it had been, feeling exhausted and on the brink of collapse, almost unable to move. Just as the last shred of his life essence was about to be swallowed, a glimmer of light suddenly appeared in the endless void.