blogombal Chapter 70: Cultivation Improves, Plans to Head South
Chapter 70: Cultivation Improves, Plans to Head South
After a week of rest, Lin Yan was refreshed and full of energy. He sat cross-legged in the space once more, his eyes filled with a restrained divine light, his aura as deep and profound as an abyss. This cultivation was vastly different from the past. Having undergone five brutal trials of the "Divine Demon Visualization Method," his divine sense was no longer what it used to be. Its strength, resilience, and precise control far surpassed the imagination of other cultivators of the same level.
With a slight thought, a vast surge of divine power erupted like an invisible tide. It didn't spread violently, but rather transformed into thousands upon thousands of delicate "tentacles," finer than a strand of hair, precisely probing into the meridians and acupoints throughout the body. In the past, when breaking through barriers, guiding spiritual energy was like driving a herd of unruly wild horses. It required a great deal of mental effort to control its direction and strength, for fear that a single mistake would damage the meridians and ruin all previous efforts.
At this moment, under the microscopic control of that incomparably powerful divine sense, the vast spiritual energy of heaven and earth was as docile as a lamb. Every wisp of spiritual energy was precisely captured and guided, converging into incomparably condensed and clearly directed torrents of energy.
"Now is the time!"
With unwavering resolve, Lin Yan manipulated several highly condensed torrents of spiritual energy, as if wielding the most precise scalpel, simultaneously impacting several key acupoints and meridian barriers on the path from the seventh to the eighth level of Qi Refining.
"boom--!"
A silent rumble seemed to emanate from within his body. The solid barrier that had once hindered countless Qi cultivators melted and disintegrated rapidly like ice and snow under the warm sun under the impact of this spiritual power, which was compressed to the extreme by divine sense, without causing much turbulence. The process was so smooth that even Lin Yan himself was slightly surprised. A massive amount of spiritual energy instantly surged into the newly opened meridian channels, widening and nourishing them. The spiritual energy vortex within his dantian suddenly expanded, its rotation speed increased dramatically, and it became even more condensed.
Reaching the eighth level of Qi Refining is a natural progression!
However, Lin Yan did not stop. The immense advantage of his divine sense gave him the ability to fight continuously. After a brief adjustment to adapt to his newfound power, he once again gathered an even larger amount of spiritual energy, weaving his divine sense threads into a more complex guiding network, and began his assault on the ninth level of Qi Refining.
This time, the barrier was much stronger, and the shockwaves from the impact were several times more intense. However, under that almost superhuman control of divine sense, all the impact was firmly contained within a specific range, without causing any additional burden on the surrounding meridians. The spiritual energy, like a precise battering ram, struck the critical points of the bottleneck time and time again.
Within this space, the alternation of day and night is imperceptible; only spiritual energy flows ceaselessly.
"Click..."
A faint, crisp sound seemed to emanate from the depths of his body, and the barrier to the ninth level of Qi Refining shattered! A vaster surge of spiritual energy coursed through his meridians, giving rise to a wonderful feeling of abundant power and a smoother connection with heaven and earth. His sea of consciousness also expanded further, his perception range and precision reaching new heights.
Qi Refining Level 9, Breakthrough!
Having broken through two levels in succession, Lin Yan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with a divine light that seemed almost tangible. He carefully experienced the surging power within his body and his clearer perception of his surroundings, feeling joy yet calm. The benefits brought by the four soul refinements far exceeded his expectations.
However, when he habitually perceived space, he suddenly discovered something unusual—this breakthrough didn't seem to take too long, but the flow of time in space seemed to have accelerated!
With a thought, he communicated with the core of the space and received feedback: one day outside is equivalent to two hundred and ninety days inside! The ratio of time flow has been unlocked to 290:1!
Moreover, with the significant increase in the flow of time, space itself underwent a dramatic transformation. The areas previously shrouded in mist surged and receded violently, revealing unimaginably vast lands. The area of the spirit fields increased dramatically, roughly estimated to be more than a hundred times larger than before! As far as the eye could see, the fertile land stretched endlessly, reaching the very limits of divine sense, brimming with spiritual energy, resembling an uncultivated celestial paradise.
"Two hundred and ninety times the flow rate...one hundred times the spiritual field..." Even with Lin Yan's resolute will, he couldn't help but be shocked at this moment. These numbers had lost their practical meaning for him now—he simply didn't have the ability to fully develop and utilize such a vast amount of land.
He wandered through the space, abandoning the areas where ordinary grains and fruits had been grown. The seeds were preserved, but it was no longer worth wasting such precious spiritual soil and time. On the vast new land, apart from the special supply area and the spiritual herb garden, he used most of the remaining area to plant various crops of extremely high economic value: rare and precious woods such as rosewood and sandalwood sprouted in abundance, their growth rate far exceeding that of the outside world due to the accelerated growth caused by spiritual energy and time; various precious Chinese medicinal herbs were planted in separate areas, accumulating years of growth rapidly; the original tea trees were divided and transplanted to expand the scale…
The space is transforming from a simple "high-end plantation" into a "super production base" containing terrifying time and resource value.
Lin Yan could clearly sense that the unlocking of the space-time flow was nearing its end, and the vague sense of constraint was weakening. "It seems... we're not far from completely unlocking the flow of time."
He stood at the edge of the boundless spirit fields, his heart filled with countless emotions. The increase in his strength and the dramatic changes in the space provided him with unprecedented confidence and resources for his next step: to leave the Four Nine City and explore a wider world.
Within the space, Lin Yan focused his mind and, through a spiritual connection, established contact with Lin Yi and Lin Er in Hong Kong, Lin San who was lurking in Beijing, and Lin Gang and Wang Cuihua, the core puppets in the courtyard. He presented two strategies for their consideration: "traveling when the condition improves" and "seeking medical treatment when the condition worsens."
Lin Yi's voice came first.
"Master, why don't we just leave? It's not like we don't have the means!"
"If I just leave, the house will go to someone else, and there's a possibility that innocent people will be taken in for investigation!"
"Master, we believe that 'if the condition worsens, we should seek medical treatment elsewhere' is a safer and more reliable option."
"The advantages are: First, this aligns with your long-standing image of being frail and sickly. A sudden recovery would seem too abrupt and easily attract unnecessary attention and scrutiny, especially from people like Director Wang of the neighborhood committee who are familiar with your situation. Second, being away from Beijing for an extended period, even residing elsewhere, for medical treatment of a serious illness is a perfectly reasonable excuse. The return period can be long or short, and even... if a complete change of identity is required in the future, it also provides a backup plan in case of 'ineffective treatment.' Third, it can minimize social engagements and inquiries. A patient needs to recuperate, so you can naturally decline almost all visitors, making it easier for you to conceal your whereabouts."
"It's important to note that you need a convincing diagnosis from an authoritative hospital in Beijing, stating that the disease is difficult to cure in China and that alternative treatments are necessary. Once you have this diagnosis and a letter of introduction from the local community, you can leave Beijing and everything will be fine."
Lin Er, with his meticulous thinking, said, "Master, I agree with Lin Yi. 'Deteriorating condition' forms a more complete and irrefutable chain of reasoning. We can set up a scenario where your condition suddenly worsens, and you are diagnosed with a severe congenital heart disease, such as Tetralogy of Fallot, at a major hospital in Beijing. This disease is indeed extremely difficult to cure in China today. Doctors saying things like 'poor prognosis' and 'recommending rest, avoiding overexertion, and seeking consultation with overseas experts if possible' are entirely credible. With such a diagnosis, applying for a referral letter would be perfectly justified. Once you leave Beijing, head straight to Guangzhou, and then to Hong Kong for 'medical treatment.' Once in Hong Kong, everything will be under our control."
Lin San reported from a local perspective: "Master, the situation here in the courtyard also supports the 'deterioration' scenario. If you suddenly recover, Yan Fugui, Liu Haizhong, and others might inquire out of curiosity. Conversely, if your condition worsens and you are diagnosed with a serious illness, they will at most express sympathy, and might even subconsciously keep their distance for fear of getting into trouble. Director Wang, based on compassion and responsibility, will be more inclined to help you obtain a referral letter for medical treatment outside the area."
Lin Gang: "Master, you should just stay sick and go. If you get better, I don't know how to tell the people in the courtyard. If you go south for treatment because you're seriously ill, I'll stay here and watch over this room for you. If anyone asks, I'll just say, 'Xiao Yan's health is so poor, he's going south to try his luck.' Everyone will believe it, and no one will think too much about it."
Wang Cuihua chimed in, "Gangzi is right. Just like what Master Lin said, it's that... congenital heart disease, and the doctors don't have much of a solution. This illness is unpredictable, and everyone is afraid to hear about it, so they certainly won't dare to bother you too much. It's good that you can leave peacefully."
Lin Yan listened to the analyses offered by the puppets from different perspectives and understood. The strategy of "the condition worsening and seeking medical treatment elsewhere" was clearly more in line with his current identity and situation, and could also make the most of people's sympathy and desire to avoid trouble. It was highly operable and had the fewest flaws.
"Alright, let's proceed according to this plan." Lin Yan made the final decision. "Lin San, you need to find a way to get a formal medical record and doctor's diagnosis from a top-tier hospital like Peking Union Medical College Hospital or Tongren Hospital. This record should confirm Tetralogy of Fallot or a similar serious congenital heart disease, and suggest that treatment in China will be difficult and the prognosis will be poor. If necessary, you can use some methods, but you must ensure that it is done cleanly."
"Lin Yi and Lin Er, you two should make preparations in Hong Kong. Contact a reliable private clinic or small hospital. Just provide us with an 'admission record' after we arrive, just in case. There's no need to make a big fuss."
"Lin Gang, Cuihua, you two are in charge of subtly guiding public opinion in the hospital to solidify the impression that I am seriously ill and incurable."
"Yes, Master!" The puppets respectfully accepted the order, and the invisible network began to operate quietly for Lin Yan's departure.
The plan was set; all that was needed was a diagnosis and a letter of introduction before this "serious illness and trip south" drama could begin. A hint of anticipation flashed in Lin Yan's eyes; the day when he could leave this small courtyard and truly have a free and open world was not far off.