Cultivation begins with forming a bond with a spirit bee.

Don't be fooled by the word "sword technique" in its name.

In reality, it is just a low-grade first-tier spell, quite common, and many independent cultivators and spiritual farmers will study it to drive away and kill pests.

However, once this technique is mastered to a minor level, it can be initially released externally. At the major level, the range is even farther and the power is even greater, making it extremely cost-effective.

It can be understood as a metal-based version of the Fireball spell.

Qu Ye maintained his magical power input, quietly sensing the spiritual energy channels within the golden light in his hand—

Perhaps due to the transmigration and possession of the body, he discovered that his soul strength was nearly 50% higher than that of other cultivators of the same level.

The effects of this 50% are not obvious in the early stages of Qi cultivation; it only makes his five senses more acute and his memory deeper.

It also allows him to more clearly perceive the changes in the magical power within the spell.

In other words, a strong soul does not enhance so-called comprehension, but rather "clarity".

The clearer you "see," the fewer detours you'll take in your studies.

This is also why Qu Ye was able to cultivate the Gengjin Sword Technique to a minor level while busy for three years and taking care of his own cultivation.

With his eyes closed and mind focused, the pale golden sword light in his hand flickered, like a restless fish swimming in his palm.

During the six months he was stuck in Xiaocheng, he did not come away empty-handed; he began to have some clues.

"Try this."

Qu Ye reduced his mana output to a minimum, only maintaining the sword light. The spiritual energy channels within it became smaller and dimmer, yet more distinct.

The spiritual energy channels are like tiny rivers, some turbulent, some gentle, some swirling in one place before turning to the other.

He "looked" for a long time and finally discovered a subtle stagnation.

In the middle right of the sword light, a wisp of spiritual energy went astray, not flowing along the main channel, but instead turning into a small branch, where it swirled around and couldn't get out.

"No wonder it always felt a little less powerful."

Qu Ye suddenly realized.

He tried to adjust the direction of his magic output, pushing the stray wisp of spiritual energy outward.

The sword light trembled violently and almost dissipated. He quickly steadied himself, slowed his movements, and guided the light little by little.

Half an hour later, the wisp of spiritual energy was finally pushed back into the main trunk.

As the energy channels were cleared, the sword light deepened in color, accompanied by a subtle humming sound as it moved.

Qu Ye opened his eyes and thrust the sword light forward.

"laugh--"

A pale golden light shot out from the fingertip and struck the opposite wall, leaving a white mark on the wall with a clean cut.

He walked up, examined it carefully, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Not bad, a little better than before."

"At this rate, this technique should be fully mastered in a few more weeks."

Most low-level spells aren't actually that mysterious. As long as you have enough mana and a high level of proficiency and accuracy in spellcasting, you can master them.

However, since independent practitioners have no guidance, they need to explore on their own, often taking detours. Generally, they reach a certain level of proficiency and then stop progressing.

Not everyone is as extraordinary as Qu Ye, who also has the animal skin book as a safety net.

Qu Ye sat down cross-legged and began to recover his depleted mana.

Maintaining the sword light for an extended period, even with minimal exertion, left him physically and mentally exhausted.

About half an hour later, he opened his eyes and stretched his stiff neck.

"continue."

Next, Qu Ye alternated between maintaining the sword light, scanning with his divine sense, and restoring his mana.

Although it was somewhat tedious, Qu Ye still enjoyed the feeling of making solid progress.

Several hours passed in this manner.

Another sword light landed on the wall, and the mark was two inches deeper than the previous one.

Qu Ye nodded in satisfaction.

After repeated practice and adjustments, the power of his spells increased by about 50%, while the mana consumption decreased.

The progress is encouraging.

Once the Gengjin Sword Technique is mastered and its power increases, I will have a way to protect myself and have more options when facing danger.

After recovering his magical power, he stretched, his spine cracking as he stood up and moved around a bit before going to the window and opening a crack.

The night breeze slipped in through the cracks, carrying the chill of early autumn.

The moonlight in the courtyard was bright and white, shining on the few ordinary potted plants in the corner of the wall, and the calls of partridges could be heard in the distance.

"Is it already that late?"

Perhaps due to excessive concentration, Qu Ye only then realized that he had been studying all day, and it was already late at night.

He squinted, feeling the cool breeze on his face, and the weariness in his mind was slowly wiped away.

Haste makes waste. You have been practicing magic for quite some time now, so it would be better to regulate your breathing first and continue practicing tomorrow.

After relaxing for a while, Qu Ye closed the window, went to the kitchen to eat a simple meal, returned to the quiet room, and began to practice the Golden Sharpening Technique.

Whether it was due to his talent for gathering spiritual energy or the prolonged practice of maintaining the spell, he found that his control over spiritual energy had increased slightly.

Although it was a small thing, it was still an unexpected bonus.

Indeed, the principle of practice makes perfect also applies to spiritual practice!

Suppressing his inner joy, Qu Ye closed his eyes, and the surrounding spiritual energy stirred and gathered together.

……

early morning.

The first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone on the buildings in the market.

The sounds of pipes clanging against stone steps and the voices of monks walking and talking gradually filled the streets.

"Bang bang bang".

There was a knock on the door, neither too loud nor too soft.

Qu Ye, who was sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes, a look of doubt flashing in them. Who would come looking for him at this time?

He walked out of the room and opened the courtyard gate.

Standing outside the door was a middle-aged man, stocky and dark-skinned, wearing a worn blue cloth shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his two strong forearms.

A few deep wrinkles appeared at the corners of her eyes as she smiled at Qu Ye.

"Uncle Wang?" Qu Ye was taken aback and stepped aside to let the other person in.

This person is named Wang Meng, at the fourth level of Qi Refining. He was a close friend of Qu Ye's original father. The two had hunted monsters together in the mountains in their early years and had a deep friendship.

He opened a general store on North Street, selling talismans, medicinal powders, and low-grade spiritual materials, and also collecting materials from monsters hunted by independent cultivators.

After the original owner's parents passed away, Wang Meng would occasionally visit the original owner, bringing some medicine powder and asking about his recent situation.

In the years since Qu Ye transmigrated here, he has received a lot of kindness from him.

"How have you been lately?" Wang Meng stepped through the door, stopped in the yard, and patted Qu Ye on the shoulder before going inside.

"It's neither good nor bad, about the same as before."

Wang Meng nodded, glanced outside the courtyard gate, and then walked in.

Qu Ye led him into the main room, brewed two bowls of spirit flower tea, and Wang Meng took a sip and put the bowl down.

"Have you paid your spiritual tax in full this year?"

"There's nothing to hide," Qu Ye replied. "Don't worry, Uncle Wang, the share hasn't been reduced at all."

Then, with a hint of doubt, he asked, "Uncle Wang, is there something important that you've come to visit today?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Meng tapped Qu Ye's forehead with his finger: "What, can't I come to see you if there's nothing wrong?"

"No, no, I was just asking casually," Qu Ye said with a shy smile.

"You little brat."

Wang Meng smiled and said, "However, I do have something to tell you today."

"What's up?"

"Come closer."

Wang Meng put the bowl on the table, leaned forward, and lowered his voice:

"You know about the Hou family losing their spirit beast, right?"

"I know, I've heard a bit of a rumor."

"Last night, your aunt and I were tidying up the shop when two members of the Hou family came in to buy some things. They chatted quietly while paying, and I overheard most of it."

Wang Meng paused for a moment, then continued:

"They say the Hou family found out that the two rogue cultivators who stole things had an inside accomplice, who was also a spirit contract worker."

Qu Ye's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"The Hou family definitely won't swallow this insult since they didn't catch the traitors." Wang Meng looked at him. "I reckon they'll be much stricter with you spirit contract workers from now on."

Qu Ye pondered for a moment: "Uncle Wang means..."

"I didn't mean anything by it." Wang Meng waved his hand. "I just wanted to remind you that you've been beekeeping honestly all these years, so you're naturally not afraid of being investigated. But when the rules are strict, it'll be even more frustrating to work."

"If you're not happy with your stay, don't force yourself to stay."