It leaves one feeling helpless.
However, Ji Jingqiu did not give up; he persisted in studying its profound mysteries, and ultimately, he indeed captured a trace.
But this trace was too slight to reveal any divinity.
When a sense of fullness came from the Heart Electricity.
Ji Jingqiu knew that his first assimilation of forbidden knowledge had come to an end.
He opened his eyes, and Daoge nodded to him:
"Your progress is quicker than I anticipated, probably four more times should suffice."
"Here's a list of materials, it can speed up your assimilation of forbidden knowledge."
"Once you've finished assimilating the forbidden knowledge, you can forge your Cultivation Body."
Leng Dao paused: "Are you ready to shell out the money?"
Ji Jingqiu, stern-faced, replied: "I've already sent a message to Bage!"
Additionally, Lou Qinglan's side and the Dragon Tiger Dojo will bear a portion.
Leng Dao smiled and said: "Then go for it, I look forward to seeing your performance in three months."
As Daoge was about to leave, Ji Jingqiu, recalling something, casually asked him a question.
Between the Federation's Martial Arts powerhouses and those beings deep in the wilderness—which were stronger and which were weaker.
Daoge's explanation went:
"Martial Arts Masters penetrate the Heaven and Earth Law, establishing their own Heaven and Earth Dojo within themselves; placed in ancient times, they would be akin to living immortal Buddhas."
"The most troublesome part of the wild creatures is their superior grasp of the Dharma over us, but they lack physical bodies. In front of a Martial Arts Master who has completed the unity of body and spirit circulatory cycle, they are no match at the same level."
"For thousands of years, the Federation has seen a change from defense to offense. Indeed, they continue to infiltrate our world, but we are also trying to invade their territories."
Before leaving, Leng Dao also sent him a piece of news.
"I've heard that the practical combat assessment in three months' time will choose between an arena match or a virtual projection, the former you need not worry about, but the latter you should familiarize yourself with in advance."
After seeing Daoge off, Ji Jingqiu didn't leave the meditation room.
There were some things he needed to sort out.
He sat cross-legged in the room for a long time, organizing his thoughts, then got up to find Lou Qinglan.
Just at that time, Lou Qinglan was conversing with an elder.
Upon seeing Ji Jingqiu approaching, Lou Qinglan's eyes brightened, as she introduced him with a smile:
"Mr. Pei, this is the most outstanding young Martial Artist of our generation in the company."
The projection showed a kindly-faced old man.
He scrutinized Ji Jingqiu carefully, speaking warmly: "Very good, very good, finally seeing the martial arts prodigy that Qinglan often mentions!"
What followed was a seemingly cordial exchange of pleasantries, but Ji Jingqiu inexplicably felt it was somewhat false.
When the conversation ended, Ji Jingqiu mused: "Is this an elder whom you're close to?"
Lou Qinglan's expression dimmed from the previous brightness, and upon hearing the question, she sneered: "After my grandfather's death, this person wanted me to marry into his family with a wastrel, aiming to swallow the Lou Family's assets."
Ji Jingqiu clicked his tongue, so it was all pretense and deceit?
This girl's acting talent was indeed not low!
"I need him to retrieve the shares that fell into the hands of some traitors of the Lou Family." Lou Qinglan briefly clarified, then her eyes shone with expectation, "You came to inquire about the materials for forging the superior cultivation body, didn't you?"
Ji Jingqiu curiously asked: "Why do you look so expectant? This is going to cost a hefty sum. Shouldn't you be worried?"
The young girl's smile was radiant: "It really is worrying, but your cultivation progress surprises me even more! Rest assured, I still have some dowry in the Ji Family which can be used in advance!"
Ji Jingqiu: "...How long has it been since you rested?"
He noticed Lou Qinglan's dark circles and her seemingly vigorous and excited demeanor, which in reality seemed to be sustained by some kind of stimulant injections.
Lou Qinglan shook her head: "I've been quite busy lately. Are you about to start forging your superior cultivation body?"
Ji Jingqiu nodded: "In another three to five days, I should be able to start forging my superior cultivation body."
"Good!" Lou Qinglan's eyes sparkled, "I will manage the resources well, you don't need to worry!"
Seeing her full of excitement again, Ji Jingqiu shook his head, suddenly brought his hands together in a seal, channeling the Heart Electricity within, and pushed out the Zen Meditation Seal in front of Lou Qinglan.
She was momentarily taken aback, and then swiftly felt an overwhelming drowsiness envelop her, mentally entering a profound state.
Watching this scene, Ji Jingqiu stroked his chin, actually succeeding in his attempt.
The Zen Meditation Seal was indeed meant to 'lead' oneself and others, with 'leading' referring to a transformation on the psychological level.
He combined the external projection of Heart Electricity, and with one movement successfully sent Lou Qinglan into a meditative state and deep sleep, achieving what Master Yang did in the past!