Volume One: The Path Begins Chapter 111: The Road Is Long and Fraught
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A smile appeared on Fang Lin’s face. After seeing Ye Junze walk away, she clapped her hands and said with a smile, “It seems that Ye Junze has indeed gained a lot from the Dream Projection exercise. Let’s all give him a round of applause to thank him for sharing with us.”
Upon hearing this, everyone applauded enthusiastically, the applause rolling on continuously.
Fang Lin pressed her hands down gently to signal them to stop, then continued, “What Ye Junze just said about controlling spiritual energy isn’t only useful for him; it’s also very helpful to all of us. In your future cultivation, you should all think about how to manage every bit of spiritual energy you use. These matters can be slowly explored as you continue your training, so I won’t dwell on them any further here.”
Hearing Fang Lin’s words, everyone nodded in agreement. When Ye Junze spoke earlier, many had already begun to understand and were reflecting on whether they had wasted any spiritual energy during their own exercises. With Fang Lin’s remarks, their thoughts deepened, and they seemed to have gained something valuable.
Seeing their expressions, Fang Lin smiled and continued, “Now, is there anyone else who would like to come up and share their own gains?”
Noticing the hesitant looks on some faces, Fang Lin encouraged them again, “After Ye Junze’s sharing, I’m sure many of you have thought about your own experiences. Feel free to speak openly—say whatever comes to mind.”
Encouraged by her words, fewer people hesitated, and many quietly nodded, seeming to have made up their minds.
Several who had ideas raised their hands.
Fang Lin nodded approvingly and then looked toward a boy raising his hand, calling his name, “You, why don’t you share?”
“Okay, teacher,” the boy replied with a nod.
He then stepped forward and slowly began to recount his own insights.
As time passed, the boy finished sharing, and after he stepped down, Fang Lin signaled for the crowd to applaud him.
This time, even more people were willing to come forward and share their experiences within the dream. Fang Lin was naturally pleased and kept encouraging everyone.
...
After an unknown amount of time, many had shared their harvests.
Fang Lin nodded with satisfaction and said, “That will be all for our sharing session. Thank you very much to those who shared just now.”
Then she shifted her tone with a smile, “After such a long time, I imagine everyone must be a bit tired. I even heard some stomachs starting to rumble. So, without delaying you any longer, we’ll end today’s Dream Projection class here.”
At her words, the room erupted in laughter. Some whispered quietly, “Whose stomach is growling? They must be starving.”
“I think it’s you—caught red-handed.”
“You’re joking; I think it’s you, confusing right and wrong.”
The teasing went on lively.
Fang Lin watched their playful banter and smiled without interrupting.
Checking the time, she thought it was about right and said, “Class dismissed. Don’t forget what we discussed today.”
Everyone nodded, indicating they wouldn’t forget.
Fang Lin smiled and said, “I have some things to attend to, so I’ll leave first. You all should head back quickly as well.”
With that, Fang Lin turned and left, her figure soon disappearing from sight to an unknown destination.
Seeing this, the students didn’t linger and left in groups.
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After seeing that the others had mostly left in small groups, Ye Junze said, “Since that’s the case, let’s go too.”
Li Ling and the others naturally had no objections, nodding and replying, “Alright.”
Upon hearing their responses, Ye Junze stood up first and began walking forward.
The others immediately followed.
Along the way, the group chatted and laughed, creating a lively atmosphere.
Ye Junze walked quietly to the side, listening to their discussion and occasionally adding his own thoughts. The walk back to the dormitory from the Daoist Studies Department was far less dull this way.
“By the way, which dorm building are you all in?” Li Ling suddenly asked.
Ye Junze answered, “I’m in Qian Building.”
“Hey, Ye Junze, you’re in Qian Building too? Why haven’t I seen you before?” Yun Tianhan exclaimed in surprise.
Ye Junze looked puzzled. “Hmm? You too?”
Yun Tianhan nodded. “Yeah, I’m in Room 503. How about you?”
“That explains it. I’m in 216. We’re quite far apart,” Ye Junze realized.
Yun Tianhan nodded, “That’s true. But now that we know, it’s no problem. We’ll have plenty of chances to meet.”
Ye Junze smiled, “Exactly.”
“Wait, you two are in the same building? I’m in Kun Building; am I the only one there? Fan Yan, Li Ling, where are you two?” Lu Renjia asked in surprise.
Li Ling shook her head, “I’m in Xun Building.”
Fan Yan replied simultaneously, “I’m in Zhen Building. Looks like the three of us are separated.”
Lu Renjia nodded in acknowledgment. It wasn’t surprising—Anze was quite large, and it was common for everyone to live in different buildings. There was no reason to think much of it.
Li Ling waved her hand to smooth things over, “It doesn’t matter that we’re not together; we see each other in class every day. Besides, we’ve exchanged contacts. If anything comes up, we just message each other.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Exactly, Li Ling’s right. It’s no big deal,” Fan Yan agreed.
Ye Junze smiled, “Since we see each other every day, there’s no need to worry about such things. Looks like it’s about time to split up here, since our dorms are in different places.”
Realizing how far they had walked, they said, “Let’s part ways here. See you tomorrow.”
Ye Junze said goodbye to Yun Tianhan and Li Ling, waved, and then departed.
Watching them leave, Ye Junze turned to Yun Tianhan, “Shall we head back too? It’s not far.”
Yun Tianhan readily agreed, “Sure, let’s go.”
The two turned toward Qian Building, chatting about cultivation techniques and sharing their insights, showing the camaraderie of kindred spirits.
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...
The walk back from the Daoist Studies Department to Qian Building wasn’t long to begin with. Since both were cultivators, their pace was faster than most. Before long, they reached the entrance of Qian Building, chatting and laughing all the way.
Yun Tianhan stretched lazily, hands behind his back, and said, “Finally back.”
Ye Junze nodded, smiling, “Yeah, I didn’t feel tired right after the Dream Projection class, but now that I’m back, I’m a bit worn out.”
“That’s quite the coincidence—we’re the same,” Yun Tianhan laughed.
“Then let’s go in,” Ye Junze said, leading the way.
Yun Tianhan replied and quickened his pace to follow.
Reaching the second floor, Ye Junze said, “I’m heading back now. I’m a bit hungry; I’ll eat and rest.”
Yun Tianhan nodded, “Good idea. I’m going back too. See you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow,” Ye Junze waved before turning toward his room.
Once inside his dorm, Ye Junze rubbed his stomach. Familiar with the routine, he ordered a meal and then began tidying up.
By the time he finished cleaning, his food had arrived.
Ye Junze smiled and sat down at the table, beginning to eat.
...
After finishing a hearty lunch, Ye Junze rubbed his belly and smacked his lips.
He then recalled the feast he had enjoyed in the dream, smiling softly.
Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought.
Thinking to himself, “It’s time to start training again.”
He rose and cleaned up the remnants of his meal.
Once everything was tidied, he switched into cultivation mode and entered the Void Illusion Realm to begin training.
Upon entering, Ye Junze greeted Meng Yuan. After receiving a response, he settled down cross-legged and resumed his cultivation.
Having experienced what the Nascent Soul stage could achieve during Dream Projection, Ye Junze couldn’t help but feel hopeful. All he wanted now was to cultivate successfully as soon as possible and to witness the broader horizons that had been unseen in his previous life.
The events within the dream had made Ye Junze understand even more that only by possessing great power could he better protect those he wished to protect.
If it had not been for the dream, and if someone now sought to harm those close to him, Ye Junze honestly questioned if he had enough strength to defend them. That was why he was even more determined to grow stronger, to gain sufficient power to claim what he wanted and safeguard all he wished to protect.
He shook his head and silently vowed, “I must cultivate diligently; the road ahead is long and arduous.”
With that, he dispelled all distractions and devoted himself fully to cultivation.