Next Day
Sogen does all the work that the old man gives him. At night, he asks the system to open his inventory and takes out the 'Grade 1 Earth Shattering Pill.'
**Grade 1 Earth Shattering Pill:** This pill can increase a cultivator's level in the Earth Realm by one stage. Although taking the pill is effective, it also causes unbearable pain during the process. It can only be used once in a lifetime and will lose its effects after that.
Next, he takes out a potion from his inventory, which is today's daily reward given by the system: the 'Grade 1 Body Meridian Potion.'
This potion enhances a person's physique, cleanses their meridians, strengthens their body, and fortifies their bones.
Sogen drinks the potion and begins to cultivate. He feels a surge of energy flow through him, but suddenly, he experiences intense pain. This pain is due to his bones reforming and his meridians strengthening. The pain lasts for 30 minutes before it starts to decrease. After two hours, the pain completely subsides.
Opening his eyes, Sogen examines his meridians and body. He feels very pleased with his newfound strength.
He then retrieves the 'Grade 1 Earth Shattering Pill' from his inventory and consumes it. After two hours of intense pain, he finally opens his eyes again. A look of joy fills his face as his cultivation has increased to the 'Earth Realm Mid 2nd Stage.' He recalls having taken similar pills in his clan before, which showed no effects, and no one could explain the problem.
Sogen asks the system, "Why do your pills have an effect on me when those from my clan did not?" The system informs him that before it connected to him, he was cursed. Sogen is shocked to hear this and requests more information. The system explains that it was 'The Curse of Beshmuth,' an ancient curse that requires a blood sacrifice and can seal a person's cultivation. It dissipates all the energy or Qi gathered when the person is not actively monitoring their body. When the system connected to Sogen, it removed the curse.
Sogen presses the system for further details, but it responds that his cultivation level is not yet sufficient for him to understand the intricacies of the curse. He thinks for a moment but has no clues, so he decides to let the matter rest and goes to sleep. He continues the same routine for several days, helping Mr. Rudriger in the workshop during working hours and practicing cultivation in his free time.
After 20 days,
Sogen is training outdoors when a beam of sunlight falls on his face. He continues to train for one more hour. Finally, he opens his eyes, which momentarily glimmer before returning to normal. He exclaims, "Finally! With the help of the system's resources, I have reached 'Earth Realm 4th Stage.' Even though stages three and four are closely linked, there is a significant difference in energy between each stage." Suddenly, he remembers that he is late for work and rushes to the workshop.
Upon his arrival, he apologizes to Mr. Rudriger for his lateness. Mr. Rudriger stares at him for a moment before nodding his head in acknowledgment. Sogen heads to the counter and begins to engrave some intricate symbols on a sword. Suddenly, Mr. Rudriger remarks, "Boy, you have excellent talent." Sogen replies, "Yes, Sir. I have some basic knowledge of smithing and metalwork." Mr. Rudriger clarifies, "Boy, I am not referring to that." Sogen becomes confused. Mr. Rudriger then states that he is talking about Sogen's talent for cultivation.
Sogen is stunned by this revelation. He stands up from his table, perplexed because, for a normal person, it is not easy to discern a cultivator's energy unless they are cultivators themselves. However, he has never felt an ounce of energy from the old man. His thoughts are interrupted by Mr. Rudriger's voice, asking Sogen to follow him as he walks to the backyard of the shop.
Mr. Rudriger removes a large wooden plank, revealing a gate. Upon entering the small room, Sogen is surprised to find it resembles a training ground. There are various weapons on the left side. Mr. Rudriger picks up a sword and hands one to Sogen. The old man instructs Sogen to fight him. Although shocked and curious about everything happening, Sogen manages to control his emotions and takes the sword to engage.
Mr. Rudriger adds, "Boy, don't use your cultivation. Real fights are not won solely through cultivation. You need some fighting experience. So don't use your energy; attack me with all you have." By this point, Sogen realizes that the old man before him is not an ordinary individual. Gripping his sword tightly, Sogen launches an attack on Mr. Rudriger. Despite his fierce attempts, he cannot break through Mr. Rudriger's defenses. The old man isn't even lifting his sword; he effortlessly dodges Sogen's strikes.
Mr. Rudriger observes and says, "Having knowledge of weapons is one thing, but using them in real combat is another. Your postures are good, but your technique is lacking, and your attacks lack direction; they're not even properly connecting." With a single, swift motion, Mr. Rudriger disarms Sogen. Sogen stands stunned.
"At first Sogen was confused but he asks ," Sir, are you accepting me as your disciple? It would be great, to learn from you." He agrees so easily not just because of Mr. Rudriger's swordsmanship but also the training ground. A normal cultivator can not distort space, he must be at 'Heaven Realm' to do that."
Realms-:
1. Earth Realm
2. King Realm
3. Emperor Realm
4. Sky Realm
5. Void Realm
6. Destroyer Realm
7. Divine Realm
8. Heaven Realm
9. Infant God Realm
10. False God Realm
11. Godhood
Mr. Rudriger says," Boy I am not capable enough to be your master. Seeing you I just remembers my old days when I was young. I am not any great person who should become your master, I don't even have any cultivation. I just want to teach you, I will teach you everything I know and I will not charge you anything. But in learning and becoming strong you should meet my expectations." Even though Mr. Rudriger don't show any emotions but there was a deep sadness in him which was visible as he was saying all this, which even Sogen noticed. Sogen nod in affirmative and then says ," I am willing to learn from you, Sir"