Chapter Twelve: You Can’t See Me, You Can’t See Me

“Greetings, Elder Bai.” The disciples’ eyes shone brightly as they looked at Bai Yang and greeted him in unison.

As students, observing proper etiquette towards their teachers was indispensable, a way to show respect.

Bai Yang smiled lightly. “Greetings to you all.”

With the greetings concluded, the lesson began.

“Spiritual roots—the foundation of a cultivator’s practice.”

“I’m curious, what do you all understand about spiritual roots?”

Bai Yang walked leisurely among the disciples, posing a question to them.

“Having a spiritual root means one has the fate to cultivate; without it, one is an ordinary person who cannot practice.”

“Spiritual roots are determined by innate nature and cannot be changed later.”

“Spiritual roots are divided by attributes, and practicing cultivation methods aligned with one’s attribute greatly benefits progress.”

“There are ten known types of spiritual roots among cultivators: metal, wood, water, fire, earth, ice, thunder, wind, light, and darkness. Among these, light and darkness are rare in the world.”

“…”

The moment the question was posed, hands shot up as disciples eagerly shared their insights. Each time, Bai Yang nodded approvingly, his eyes filled with admiration.

“Excellent.”

“The so-called spiritual root is where the spiritual energy within a cultivator’s body converges. It resembles the root of a tree or the meridians of a person, extending in all directions, absorbing the world’s spiritual energy and transforming it for one’s use.”

“The strength of the spiritual root determines the cultivator’s ceiling, while its purity or complexity dictates the speed and quality of cultivation.”

[Can’t see me, can’t see me.]

As Bai Yang explained and came beside Jiang Zao and Jiang Zhuoran, the two lowered their heads simultaneously, covering their faces with their hands. Jiang Zao silently prayed in her heart.

But the more one fears, the more it comes—that is an eternal truth.

Bai Yang found their behavior amusing. He had recognized them the moment he entered the academy.

They had painstakingly tried to hide their faces, but they forgot that cultivators do not rely solely on appearance to recognize others; aura and perception are equally important.

Now that they showed signs of guilt and fear, it was a far cry from the cunning they had displayed when deceiving him.

“Are you two dissatisfied with my lecture?” Bai Yang’s tone was too calm to reveal any emotion.

[He’s recognized us?]

[Forget it, we can’t escape anyway… As long as I play the fool and deny everything, Elder Bai won’t be able to do anything.]

[Let’s do that!] Jiang Zao resolved firmly in her heart—no one would make her lose face if she shamelessly played dumb.

Suddenly standing up, Jiang Zao met Bai Yang’s gaze with calm confidence. Even he did not expect her to respond this way and took a half step back, startled.

“Your lecture is clear and easy to understand. I have learned much. My earlier excitement caused disrespect, which is my fault.”

Jiang Zao spoke each word clearly and sincerely; no one could find fault with her apology.

The students in the hall looked at her in disbelief—it was like she was a completely different person from before class.

Hearing Jiang Zao’s inner thoughts, Jiang Zhuoran quickly understood. It was all about saving face; Elder Bai would be even more concerned with his own reputation.

If word got out that a disciple had fooled him, other elders and disciples would mock him.

She could already imagine the students gossiping about this incident by noon.

Rumors only grow more exaggerated over time, spawning countless versions—any one of which would become an indelible black mark.

“I feel the same way,” Jiang Zhuoran suddenly stood and spoke, causing Bai Yang to pause. Both of them met his gaze with firm resolve, devoid of any guilt, making him briefly doubt his own memory.

Bai Yang remained silent, finally waving his hand helplessly, signaling them to continue the lesson.

Their earlier deceit about their spiritual roots was not a major offense—not enough for him to single them out.

After Bai Yang left, the two exchanged smiles; they had successfully fooled him, at least for now. He would not trouble them anytime soon.

By the end of the class, Jiang Zao, who had known nothing before, gained a preliminary understanding of spiritual roots and felt greatly inspired.

Fortunately, Bai Yang had another class that morning. After it ended, Jiang Zao hurried back to her room to begin meditating and regulating her breath.

Jiang Zhuoran followed closely, watching over her as she entered a meditative state. If her guess was correct, Jiang Zao would break through to the first level of Qi Refinement this time.

Spiritual energy gathered around Jiang Zao, forming an aura of spiritual power by her side to assist her intake.

At that moment, Jiang Zao felt her body filled with abundant spiritual energy, guiding it throughout her body and strengthening every part.

An incense stick’s time passed swiftly. Jiang Zao slowly opened her eyes, exhaling a breath of turbid air, stretching out her hands to feel the mighty power within, her face beaming with joy.

Now she had truly begun cultivating.

Jiang Zhuoran sensed the change and was genuinely happy for her, grateful she had insisted on bringing her to class.

“Sister, I’ve broken through!” Jiang Zao excitedly shared her joy with Jiang Zhuoran.

“Congratulations, Zao Zao,” Jiang Zhuoran smiled. “Once we find a sword in the Sword Tomb, you’ll be a qualified sword cultivator.”

“Mm-hmm.” Jiang Zao nodded, unable to suppress her smile.

The power cultivation brings is truly intoxicating. Even a little taste makes one crave more.

Previously, Jiang Zao never understood why villains in dramas or novels were so obsessed with great strength. Now she knew—it was the most addictive thing.

“Sister, when will we go to the Sword Tomb to find a sword?” Jiang Zao stepped forward eagerly beside her.

She could hardly wait to have a sword of her own. With the blessing of a spiritual sword, her strength would surely rise another level.

“I hereby declare that a new titan of the cultivation world will be born today!”

“And I will be the one they all look up to!”

“……”

“Junior sister, Zao Zao.”

A gentle voice interrupted Jiang Zao’s thoughts.

Yan Wuqiu appeared before them. Upon seeing Jiang Zao already at the first level of Qi Refinement, he paused briefly before congratulating her.

“Congratulations, Junior Sister Zao Zao, on reaching the first level of Qi Refinement.”

Jiang Zao replied softly, “Thank you, Senior Brother Yan.”

“This is a breakthrough gift from me to you. I hope you won’t despise it.”

The three sat together as Yan Wuqiu used his spiritual power to push the gift before her.

It was a dark golden ring, set with a deep red gemstone, both beautiful and mysterious.

Jiang Zao’s eyes widened in surprise as she picked up the ring, her gaze full of questions.

[Is this really for me?]

Though she was no expert, Jiang Zao knew from her understanding of the cultivation world and Yan Wuqiu that this ring was no ordinary trinket.

Seeing her reaction, Yan Wuqiu found her adorable and nodded gently in response.

“There are no restrictions on it. You may use it directly.”

The ring was a spatial artifact he had obtained by chance in a secret realm—perfect for Jiang Zao.

Besides that, the ring contained basic pills he had refined, spiritual flowers and herbs, and various talismans—enough to form a small mountain.

All of which were useful to her at this stage.

Upon his reminder, Jiang Zao eagerly sent her divine sense into the ring’s space.

Countless white jade bottles, spiritual flowers, herbs, and talismans appeared before her eyes. Even with preparation, she was still amazed.

And all of it was usable at her current level. Jiang Zao couldn’t help but exclaim, “So thoughtful!”

[Which senior brother is so generous right from the start?]

[Oh, it’s my senior brother!]

Pills are indispensable for cultivation, and what Yan Wuqiu had given her was an immense wealth.

Suppressing her excitement, Jiang Zao’s cheeks flushed with emotion.

“Thank you, Senior Brother Yan.”