Ch. 29 - Gotta Try Hard Once in a While

Cultivation is a strange thing—it makes weak people strong and gives them great power. It’s like growing into something new.

Since coming to this world, Su Yan didn’t care much about it. His body wasn’t very talented, and training felt like a chore. So, he lost interest.

But now? He had to try it for his own safety.

…

On Tian Shui Peak, there was a special tree.

People said that long ago, Bai Shuixin got stuck while trying to break through to a higher level. She sat under this tree, feeling hopeless. But as she watched the leaves fall, something clicked.

“So that’s it… I understand now…”

That moment changed everything. She became a powerful cultivator, known everywhere.

“This is where my master had her big moment. People say the tree still holds her wisdom and can help others understand things better.”

Su Yan didn’t know if that was true, but the tree was right there—so why not try?

He took out a training book and sat down.

The book was about water-element cultivation, meant for people at his level. It had many common spells.

Looking at his current three weak skills, Su Yan knew he needed more.

“Water Arrow, Cloud Mist, Light Refraction… Why do these all sound so boring?”

He flipped through the book and realized most water spells were for healing or support—not attacking.

“Why did I have to get a water element?”

Thunder would’ve been awesome. Fire too, throwing fireballs or summoning lightning sounded way cooler. But water?

“Ugh.”

He sighed and chose Water Arrow.

The book said even basic water arrows could pierce stone, which was way better than his old move, Dragon King Water Spray.

Following the book’s instructions, he focused on his water energy, trying to form the spell in his mind.

One hour passed. Two. Then three…

Su Yan opened his eyes—not because he succeeded, but because his legs were numb.

“Who said this tree boosts insight? Total bunk.”

Hours under it, and he couldn’t even calm his mind. Cultivation belonged in bed, not messing with this nonsense.Su Yan went home, sat cross-legged on his bed, and focused.

Suddenly, strange symbols appeared in his mind—like glowing paths of energy. Cultivators followed these paths to use nature’s power.

Su Yan got excited. If he could copy these patterns, why bother learning a simple spell like Water Arrow? He could create his own!

He tried drawing the symbols, but they disappeared as soon as he focused on them.

His excitement faded. No shortcuts. He had to start with the basics.

Time passed as he practiced Water Arrow. But there was a big problem….

He memorized the spell for a second, then forgot it the next. No matter how hard he tried, it wouldn’t stay in his mind.

What was going on?!

His heart sank. He had heard that smart people learned spells faster. Did his low intelligence make him bad at this?

Su Yan’s eyes snapped open. He dropped to his knees, frustrated.

So that’s why this body only knew three spells—it wasn’t because he was lazy. His talent was just terrible.

“It’s not that I don’t try. It’s that trying doesn’t work!”

He laughed bitterly. The only way he could improve was by completing system tasks. Without them, he had no chance.

“No spells, just raw spiritual power. Anyone stronger will beat me easily.”

In stories, heroes always fought stronger enemies and won. But him? He would be the one getting beaten.

At least he had a spiritual weapon. That would help.

He looked at the small silver needle in his hand and felt a little better.

Just then, Lin Qingyue walked in and saw it.

“Senior Brother, what’s with the needle? Are you learning embroidery?” she teased.

In this world, weak men couldn’t do hard labor, so many of them learned to sew for a living.

She grinned. If he embroidered something for her, that would be sweet.

“You’re wrong. It’s not for sewing—it’s a weapon.”

“A weapon? Like those rare treasures only Golden Core cultivators have?”

Lin Qingyue’s eyes lit up. She had read about them before.

“Senior Brother, can I touch it?”

“Nope. It’ll hurt you.”

She thought he was joking and reached out anyway.

“Ow!”

A cold flash. A sharp pain in her finger. A drop of blood appeared.

“See? I told you not to touch it.”

Su Yan sighed, took her hand, and used a healing spell. A soft glow surrounded them.

Lin Qingyue froze.

His hand was warm. His face looked so calm, so focused. And his lips… why had she never noticed how nice they looked?

His eyes were deep like a starry night which made her heart beat faster.

She wanted to do something.

“Why is your face red?”

Su Yan looked up in confusion.

“Huh? Oh, um…”

She panicked. “It’s your needle! It scared me so much I forgot to breathe. That’s why I’m blushing!”

Su Yan’s eyes widened.

She had trouble breathing from a tiny needle prick? Was his weapon secretly poisonous?!

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