Dara's piercing scream jolted White with a shiver. He understood all too well the grueling ordeal ordinary humans faced when transforming into cultivators, and he hoped Dara could endure until the very end.
In his former world, those born as cultivators did not experience such excruciating pain when consuming Soul Pills to unlock their meridians.
This was because from birth, their bodies possessed the foundational attributes of cultivators. In contrast, ordinary humans who ingested Sacred Soul Pills would suffer agonizing pain.
Their skin would peel away, flesh excoriated, vital organs shattered, bones fractured, only to have all restored, leaving the body rejuvenated as though reborn.
Typically, the Sacred Soul Pill was a third-tier concoction, but the pill Dara had taken was a seventh-tier creation by Liu Annchi, a ninth-tier Alchemist of that era.
Wuuushhh!!!!
Wuuushhh!!!!
Wuuushhh!!!!
Three bursts of yellow light shot forth from Dara's body. White stood in awe as his protege ascended three levels at once, having just succeeded in opening his meridian.
"Wow, what terrifying talent!" White exclaimed, both stunned and impressed.
An average cultivator drinking a Sacred Soul Pill to unlock their meridian before initiating their cultivation practice would not directly reach the first-tier low level. They would need a month to gather Chi at their energy center before ascending to that level.
Even a prodigy would only rise to the first-tier intermediate level post-meridian opening. And yet, Dara, a mere mortal fortunate enough to inherit the soul legacy and memories of the supernaturally gifted Liu Annchi from the Star Empire, had soared directly to the upper levels as soon as his meridian opened.
"Haaaahhh...." Dara inhaled deeply and then opened his eyes.
"Upper levels? It seems I'm not after all a cultivation prodigy, but that's alright—I will improve gradually," Dara commented, noting his body was now enshrouded in potent Chi.
Upon hearing this, White was almost slack-jawed.
"If someone like you is not deemed a prodigy, then what are those referred to? They'd collapse in disbelief if they heard, Your Grace," White muttered under his breath.
Dara made such a remark because when Liu Annchi first cultivated, he had immediately advanced to the second-tier intermediate level. But Dara too was a genius, ascending three levels at once as someone who began as an ordinary human.
Dara felt her body surge with improvement. Besides becoming stronger and taller by about five centimeters, she also grew more beautiful: flawless pale skin, long, lustrous black hair, and a face of divine elegance, much like Liu Annchi's.
"Congratulations on achieving a three-level rise in one go, Your Grace," White congratulated her.
"Thank you, White," Dara responded.
"Your Grace is exceedingly beautiful, I daresay none on earth compare to you," White offered his praise.
"There is no most beautiful, White; somewhere on this vast planet, there's always someone more beautiful—it's just that you've yet to see them. I am merely fortunate, one of those given a little more than others," Dara retorted modestly.
"It's getting late, take me to the forest's edge, White," instructed Dara.
"Very well, Your Grace. Please, mount my back," replied White.
Wusshhh....
White dashed through the woods at blinding speed.
....
Back at the cottage, Dimas was dumbfounded as his sister arrived and now stood before him. Her newfound beauty left him spellbound; he had never seen anyone as stunning as his sister.
"Wow, sis, I thought I mistook an angel for entering our home. Turns out it's just you," Dimas said, his mouth agape.
"You're always such a character," laughed Dara.
"But seriously, sis, you're so beautiful. You look like you've been to some fancy salon as seen on TV, even the actresses there pale in comparison," remarked Dimas.
"Oh, you. Do you think our village even has a salon? I've just tried some herbal concoctions from the forest on my skin. What do you think?" Dara inquired, eager not to arouse her brother's suspicion.
"Those herbs must be magical, sis. You look even lovelier," Dimas said, giving a thumbs-up.
"All right then, I'll warm up the food, and then let's eat together," Dara suggested.
Once ready, they ate hungrily and continued their conversation afterward.
"How did your exams go, Dim?" Dara asked.
"Smoothly, sis. Just waiting for the graduation announcements and my test scores," Dimas replied.
Dara nodded in understanding. As night fell, they each retired to their respective rooms.
Dara pulled out her cellphone. Though in her village, not everyone owned such advanced phones, a few could still afford inexpensive Android devices. Thus, despite the limited signal—often fluctuating between one or two bars—it sufficed for internet browsing.
She studied life in the city through the internet, at least forging an image of life beyond her village, especially in the capital, to ensure she could adapt quickly once there.
Dara was amazed by the world's advanced technology, almost mirroring what she saw on TV.
That was how Dara spent her days in the cottage: honing her cultivation skills and learning extensively through the internet.
....
Three weeks later...
"Sis Dara..." shouted Dimas, sprinting into the house.
From inside, Dara quickly emerged to see her brother beaming and holding a blue folder.
"Yes, Dim?" Dara responded.
"Sis, look! My test results are out—I passed, and my scores are all above 9!" Dimas announced, bursting with pride.
"Wow, my brother is really smart. Congratulations, Dim. But don't get complacent and keep focusing on your studies, so you grow up to be successful. Remember to stay humble and avoid arrogance," Dara advised, echoing their mother's words from days long past.
"Sure, sis. By the way, are you going to give me a gift?" Dimas asked hopefully.
"Of course. Hold on, let me get it," replied Dara, retrieving a paper bag containing a cellphone like hers but in a different color from her room.
"Here, this is for you," said Dara, handing him the gift.
"Really, sis? But how do I use it? I don't understand," admitted Dimas, his excitement sparkling but soon followed by confusion as he scratched his head.
"I'll teach you. I got one first but didn’t tell you to keep you motivated for your exams," confessed Dara.
"Then teach me now," insisted Dimas, his eyes lighting up again.
"Okay, but promise me not to take this phone outside, and don't tell your friends. Otherwise, they might get jealous and start talking," Dara warned him.
"I promise, sis," Dimas agreed with earnest enthusiasm.
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Comments
Littlegirl33
She should go to the university to study
2024-04-30
0