zhè sān nián lái ， lín xuān méi shǎo chī jīng mài shòu sǔn de kǔ ， měi yī cì yǎng shāng dōu yào xiāo hào hěn zhǎng shí jiān ， ér zuò wèi yí gè méi yǒu líng gēn de pǔ tōng rén ， pīn mìng nǔ lì yě hěn nán gēn shàng tóng mén de jiǎo bù ， nǎ ér hái yǒu shí jiān dān gē 。
这三年来，林轩没少吃经脉受损的苦，每一次养伤都要消耗很长时间，而做为一个没有灵根的普通人，拼命努力也很难跟上同门的脚步，哪儿还有时间耽搁。
In the past three years, Lin Xuan had suffered greatly from damaged meridians. Each time he healed his injuries took a long time. As an ordinary person without a Spirit Root, even his relentless efforts could hardly keep up with his fellow disciples. He didn't have any time to waste.
lín xuān xiǎo xīn yì yì de kòng zhì zhe líng lì liú dòng de sù dù ， hǎo zài jīng bù duàn cháng shì ， duì yú zì jǐ jīng mài de chéng shòu lì ， tā yǐ jīng hěn qīng chǔ 。
林轩小心翼翼的控制着灵力流动的速度，好在经不断尝试，对于自己经脉的承受力，他已经很清楚。
Lin Xuan carefully controlled the flow of his Spirit Energy, and after much trial and error, he had a clear understanding of how much his meridians could handle.
yí gè xiǎo shí hòu ， zuò wán le xún huán ， líng lì yóu jīng mài chóng xīn huí guī dān tián 。
一个小时后，做完了循环，灵力由经脉重新回归丹田。
An hour later, the circulation was complete, and his Spirit Energy returned to his Dantian.
yòng nèi shì shù jiǎn chá le yī xià ， lín xuān de yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī lǚ yīn mái ， yǐ jīng zhè me nǔ lì le ， kě xiū wèi hái shì méi yǒu biàn ， àn lǐ shuō ， zuò yī cì dà zhōu tiān ， líng lì huò duō huò shǎo yīng gāi zēng jiā yì diǎn 。
用内视术检查了一下，林轩的眼中闪过一缕阴霾，已经这么努力了，可修为还是没有变，按理说，做一次大周天，灵力或多或少应该增加一点。
After using Inner Vision to check, a gloom flashed across Lin Xuan's eyes. Despite his efforts, his cultivation hadn't changed. According to logic, after completing one Grand Heavenly Cycle, he should have gained some Spirit Energy.
kàn lái zhǐ hǎo qù liàn xīn lù le ， lín xuān yǎo le yǎo yá 。
看来只好去炼心路了，林轩咬了咬牙。
It seemed he had no choice but to go through the Heart Refinement Path. Lin Xuan gritted his teeth.
liàn xīn lù ， shì piāo yún gǔ zhōng yí gè tè bié de suǒ zài ， sān qiān nián qián ， bèi běn pài zǔ shī ǒu rán fā xiàn ， jīng guò kǎo chá ， què dìng shì gǔ xiū shì liú xià lái de yí jì 。
炼心路，是飘云谷中一个特别的所在，三千年前，被本派祖师偶然发现，经过考察，确定是古修士留下来的遗迹。
The Heart Refinement Path was a special place within Drifting Cloud Valley. Three thousand years ago, it was discovered by this sect's ancestor by chance. After investigation, it was confirmed as an ancient cultivator's relic.
nà shì yí gè hěn qí miào de dì diǎn ， zhǐ yào jìn rù lǐ miàn ， jiù huì bèi huàn xiàng bāo guǒ ， yī huì er shēn chù dāo shān huǒ hǎi ， yī huì er duò rù shí bā céng dì yù ， suī rán huàn xiàng bìng bú huì zào chéng zhēn zhèng de shāng hài ， dàn què ràng rén kǔ bù kān yán ， bù guò hǎo chù yě xiǎn ér yì jiàn 。
那是一个很奇妙的地点，只要进入里面，就会被幻象包裹，一会儿身处刀山火海，一会儿堕入十八层地狱，虽然幻象并不会造成真正的伤害，但却让人苦不堪言，不过好处也显而易见。
It was a very peculiar location. Once inside, one would be enveloped in illusions, alternately experiencing the fiery hell and the Eighteen Layers of Hell. While these illusions wouldn't cause real harm, they were undeniably torturous. However, their benefits were obvious.
liàn xīn lù suī rán kě pà ， dàn lǐ miàn de líng qì què shí fēn chōng zú ， zài nà lǐ xiū xíng kě yǐ qǐ dào shì bàn gōng bèi de xiào guǒ 。
炼心路虽然可怕，但里面的灵气却十分充足，在那里修行可以起到事半功倍的效果。
Although terrifying, the Heart Refinement Path had abundant Spirit Energy. Cultivating there could yield twice the results with half the effort.
ér qiě duì běn pài dì zǐ ， liàn xīn lù shì miǎn fèi kāi fàng de ， kě xī chú le zhù jī qī yǐ shàng de gāo shǒu ， líng dòng qī de dī jiē dì zǐ gēn běn jiù bù gǎn cháng shì ， yǐ tā men de xiū wèi ， dào xīn bù wěn ， gēn běn chéng shòu bú zhù huàn xiàng de qīn xí 。
而且对本派弟子，炼心路是免费开放的，可惜除了筑基期以上的高手，灵动期的低阶弟子根本就不敢尝试，以他们的修为，道心不稳，根本承受不住幻象的侵袭。
Moreover, for disciples of this sect, the Heart Refinement Path was free to use. Unfortunately, only advanced Foundation Establishment practitioners dared to try it. With their low cultivation levels, their minds were unstable and couldn't withstand the illusions.
dàn xiàn zài lín xuān yǐ méi yǒu bié de lù kě zǒu ， yào me kǎ zài píng jǐng ， yào me qù liàn xīn lù xún qiú tū pò ， tā xuǎn zé le hòu zhě 。
但现在林轩已没有别的路可走，要么卡在瓶颈，要么去炼心路寻求突破，他选择了后者。
But now, Lin Xuan had no other choice—either remain stuck at his current level or seek breakthroughs through the Heart Refinement Path. He chose the latter.
tuī kāi hòu zhòng de shí mén ， lín xuān cóng liàn gōng fáng zǒu le chū lái ， cǐ shí tiān sè yǐ jīng quán hēi le ， xīng xīng wú lì de zhǎ zhuó yǎn jīng ， bù guò lín xuān bìng bù dǎ suàn xiū xī ， xiàng liàn xīn lù ér qù 。
推开厚重的石门，林轩从练功房走了出来，此时天色已经全黑了，星星无力的眨着眼睛，不过林轩并不打算休息，像炼心路而去。
Pushing open the heavy stone door, Lin Xuan stepped out of the training room as night fell. The stars blinked weakly above him, but he didn't plan to rest; instead, he headed towards the Heart Refinement Path.
piāo yún gǔ hòu shān ， shí bì shàng yī tiáo xié xié de tōng dào shēn bú jiàn dǐ ， zhè jiù shì liàn xīn lù ， zhàn zài rù kǒu ， lín xuān shēn shēn de xī le kǒu qì ， zǒu le jìn qù 。
飘云谷后山，石壁上一条斜斜的通道深不见底，这就是炼心路，站在入口，林轩深深的吸了口气，走了进去。
At the back of Drifting Cloud Valley, a sloping passage carved into the rock wall seemed endless. This was the Heart Refinement Path. Standing at the entrance, Lin Xuan took a deep breath and stepped inside.
zuì chū yì bǎi mǐ ， bìng méi yǒu huàn xiàng ， tiān dì líng qì de nóng dù yě yǔ wài miàn yī mú yī yàng ， dàn lín xuān sī háo bù gǎn dà yì ， suī rán shì dì yī cì lái ， dàn píng rì lǐ ， méi shǎo tīng shuō liàn xīn lù de kě pà 。
最初一百米，并没有幻象，天地灵气的浓度也与外面一模一样，但林轩丝毫不敢大意，虽然是第一次来，但平日里，没少听说炼心路的可怕。
The first hundred meters showed no illusions, with Spirit Energy concentrations identical to those outside. But Lin Xuan didn't dare be careless; although it was his first time, he had heard many terrifying stories about the Heart Refinement Path.
yòu zǒu le jǐ bù ， qíng kuàng zhòu rán fā shēng biàn huà ， zhōu wéi de tiān dì líng qì biàn nóng le qǐ lái ， zhè ér guǒ rán shì hé xiū liàn 。
又走了几步，情况骤然发生变化，周围的天地灵气变浓了起来，这儿果然适合修炼。
After a few steps, the situation changed dramatically. The surrounding Spirit Energy grew denser. This place truly suited cultivation.
lín xuān shén sè biàn dé níng zhòng qǐ lái ， zǐ xì dǎ liàng le yī xià sì zhōu ， cái xiǎo xīn yì yì de pán xī zuò xià 。
林轩神色变得凝重起来，仔细打量了一下四周，才小心翼翼的盘膝坐下。
Lin Xuan's expression turned serious as he carefully examined his surroundings before sitting cross-legged.
dì biǎo tū rán cuàn chū le zhàng xǔ gāo de huǒ miáo ， zhōu wéi de wēn dù zhòu rán shēng gāo ……
地表突然窜出了丈许高的火苗，周围的温度骤然升高……
Suddenly, flames several feet high burst from the ground, raising the temperature around him...
kě pà de jǐng xiàng chū xiàn ， lín xuān méi tóu wēi tiāo ， méi yǒu huāng luàn ， shì ruò wú dǔ ， yī jiù yì xīn yí yì de xī nà zhōu wéi de líng qì ， liàn xīn lù suǒ fā shēng de yī qiè ， quán dōu shì huàn jué ， bù yòng lǐ huì 。
可怕的景象出现，林轩眉头微挑，没有慌乱，视若无睹，依旧一心一意的吸纳周围的灵气，炼心路所发生的一切，全都是幻觉，不用理会。
A terrifying scene appeared, but Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow without panicking. He ignored it and continued to absorb Spirit Energy with single-minded focus. Everything that happened in the Heart Refinement Path was just an illusion; he didn't need to worry about it.
rán ér suī rán míng zhī shì jiǎ ， kě gǎn jué què rú tóng zhēn de yī yàng ， hěn kuài nà huǒ miáo jiù jiāng zhōu wéi de qì wēn shēng dào le nán yǐ rěn shòu de chéng dù ， dà dī dà dī de hàn shuǐ cóng lín xuān de liǎn shàng dī luò 。
然而虽然明知是假，可感觉却如同真的一样，很快那火苗就将周围的气温升到了难以忍受的程度，大滴大滴的汗水从林轩的脸上滴落。
Despite knowing it was fake, the sensations felt real. Soon, the flames heated up the area to unbearable temperatures, causing Lin Xuan's face to drip with sweat.
dào tīng tú shuō guǒ rán yǔ qiè shēn gǎn shòu wán quán bù tóng ， yǐ qián lín xuān zhǐ shì tīng nà xiē zhù jī qī de gāo shǒu tán lùn liàn xīn lù ， méi xiǎng dào bǐ chuán shuō de hái yào kǒng bù 。
道听途说果然与切身感受完全不同，以前林轩只是听那些筑基期的高手谈论炼心路，没想到比传说的还要恐怖。
Listening to others' tales was vastly different from personal experience. Lin Xuan had only heard Foundation Establishment practitioners discuss the Heart Refinement Path; he never expected it to be even more terrifying than legend said.
hěn kuài huǒ miáo jiù shāo dào shēn shàng le ， yǐ tā líng dòng qī dì yī céng de xiū wèi ， hái wú fǎ fàng chū hù zhào ， zhǐ néng yǎo yá kǔ kǔ rěn shòu 。
很快火苗就烧到身上了，以他灵动期第一层的修为，还无法放出护罩，只能咬牙苦苦忍受。
The flames soon reached his body. With his first-stage Dexterity practitioner cultivation, he couldn't emit a protective barrier and could only grit his teeth and endure the pain.
yī biān qiáng rěn zhe liè huǒ fén shēn de tòng kǔ ， yī biān hái yào jí zhōng jīng shén ， xī nà tiān dì líng qì ， zhè qí zhōng de mó nàn shì cháng rén nán yǐ xiǎng xiàng de ， bù guò lín xuān píng zhe yī gǔ jiān rèn de yì lì ， yìng shì chēng le xià lái 。
一边强忍着烈火焚身的痛苦，一边还要集中精神，吸纳天地灵气，这其中的磨难是常人难以想象的，不过林轩凭着一股坚韧的毅力，硬是撑了下来。
While enduring the searing heat, he had to focus on absorbing Spirit Energy. The hardships were unimaginable for ordinary people, but Lin Xuan's tenacity allowed him to persevere.
huǒ miáo tiǎn shì zhe jī fū ， lín xuān de yá chǐ yǎo dé gē bēng gē bēng xiǎng ， téng tòng dào hòu miàn yǐ jīng biàn dé má mù ， bù guò zhè lǐ líng qì què shí chōng zú ， xī nà sù dù shì wài miàn de jǐ bèi 。
火苗舔舐着肌肤，林轩的牙齿咬得咯嘣咯嘣响，疼痛到后面已经变得麻木，不过这里灵气确实充足，吸纳速度是外面的几倍。
The flames licked at his skin, causing his teeth to clatter loudly. The pain eventually became numb, but the abundant Spirit Energy here was absorbed much faster than outside.
suī rán shì huàn jué ， dàn gǎn shòu jiù xiàng zhēn zhèng de liàn yù ， mó liàn zhe lín xuān de yì lì 。
虽然是幻觉，但感受就像真正的炼狱，磨练着林轩的毅力。
Even though it was an illusion, the experience felt like a true inferno, testing Lin Xuan's resolve.
jiāng líng qì xī nà dào shēn tǐ lǐ ， jǐn jǐn shì dì yī bù ， rán hòu hái yào àn zhào shī mén suǒ chuán shòu de mì fǎ ， jiāng tā men yī yī liàn huà ， zhè qí zhōng huì yǒu hěn duō sǔn hào ， tōng cháng xī nà shàng bǎi háo shēng de líng qì ， zuì hòu zhǐ néng liàn huà chū yī gēn tóu fà sī dà xiǎo de líng lì 。
将灵气吸纳到身体里，仅仅是第一步，然后还要按照师门所传授的秘法，将它们一一炼化，这其中会有很多损耗，通常吸纳上百毫升的灵气，最后只能炼化出一根头发丝大小的灵力。
Absorbing Spirit Energy into his body was just the first step; he then had to refine them according to the sect's secret methods. This process would result in significant losses—usually, hundreds of milliliters of absorbed Spirit Energy could only yield a hair-thin amount of refined Spirit Energy.
rán hòu zài jiāng suǒ de de líng lì ， zài qí jīng bā mài zhōng yùn zhuàn ， zuì hòu chǔ cún dào dān tián 。
然后再将所得的灵力，在奇经八脉中运转，最后储存到丹田。
Then, he had to circulate this refined Spirit Energy through his Extraordinary Meridians and store it in his Dantian.
jiù suàn shì xīn zhì jiān rèn zhī rén ， xiǎng yào zài liè huǒ zhōng wán chéng zhěng gè guò chéng ， yě shì bù kě néng de ， lín xuān jiān chí le wǔ fēn zhōng ， nài lì jiù yǐ jīng dào le jí xiàn ， zhàn qǐ lái ， yǐ zuì kuài de sù dù pǎo le chū qù ， dāng tā lí kāi líng qì chōng zú de qū yù hòu ， liè huǒ huàn jìng yě suí zhī xiāo shī le 。
就算是心智坚韧之人，想要在烈火中完成整个过程，也是不可能的，林轩坚持了五分钟，耐力就已经到了极限，站起来，以最快的速度跑了出去，当他离开灵气充足的区域后，烈火幻境也随之消失了。
Even the most resilient minds found it impossible to complete the entire process under such intense heat. Lin Xuan endured for five minutes before his endurance reached its limit. He stood up and ran out as fast as he could, leaving the area where Spirit Energy was abundant. The fiery illusion vanished when he stepped away from that region.
“ guǒ rán ， yǔ chuán shuō zhōng yī yàng 。” lín xuān chá kàn le yī xià quán shēn ， méi yǒu sī háo shāng hén ， kě gāng cái bèi liè huǒ zhuó shāo de tòng kǔ ， hái ràng tā jì yì yóu xīn 。
“果然，与传说中一样。”林轩查看了一下全身，没有丝毫伤痕，可刚才被烈火灼烧的痛苦，还让他记忆犹新。
"Sure enough, just like legend said," Lin Xuan checked his body; there were no injuries, but the pain of being scorched by flames still lingered in his memory.
suī rán nán shòu ， dàn yě zhí de ， yīn wèi zhè ér de líng lì bù jǐn nóng dù gāo ， ér qiě shí fēn jīng chún ， zài zhè lǐ xiū liàn ， kě yǐ qǐ dào shì bàn gōng bèi de xiào guǒ ， tū pò píng jǐng de xī wàng dà dà zēng jiā le 。
虽然难受，但也值得，因为这儿的灵力不仅浓度高，而且十分精纯，在这里修炼，可以起到事半功倍的效果，突破瓶颈的希望大大增加了。
Although it was unpleasant, it was worth it because this place had Spirit Energy with high concentration and purity. Cultivating here could yield twice the results with half the effort, greatly increasing his chances of breaking through his bottleneck.
xiū xī le yī huì er ， lín xuān yòu chóng xīn zǒu shàng qián ， huǒ miáo zài yí cì fú xiàn ， rěn shòu zhe bèi zhuó shāo de tòng kǔ ， jì xù xī nà líng qì 。
休息了一会儿，林轩又重新走上前，火苗再一次浮现，忍受着被灼烧的痛苦，继续吸纳灵气。
After resting for a while, Lin Xuan resumed his efforts. Flames appeared again as he endured the pain of being scorched to continue absorbing Spirit Energy.
dāng nài lì dào dá jí xiàn de shí hòu ， tā jiù pǎo chū qù xiū xī yī huì er ， tǐ lì huī fù hòu ， zài chóng xīn tà rù liè huǒ huàn jìng 。
当耐力到达极限的时候，他就跑出去休息一会儿，体力恢复后，再重新踏入烈火幻境。
When his endurance reached its limit, he would run out and rest until his strength recovered before re-entering the fiery illusion.
jiù zhè yàng ， zhōu ér fù shǐ ， lín xuān píng jiè zhe zì jǐ de yì lì ， zài liàn xīn lù zhōng nǔ lì xiū xíng 。
就这样，周而复始，林轩凭借着自己的毅力，在炼心路中努力修行。
In this cycle, Lin Xuan relied on his tenacity to cultivate in the Heart Refinement Path.
shù tiān guò qù le ， tā de líng lì zhōng yú yǒu le yī xiē zhǎng jìn ， suī rán yǔ fù chū de xiāng bǐ ， shōu huò yī rán hěn shǎo ， dàn yǔ zài wài miàn xiū xíng xiāng bǐ ， yào kuài dé duō 。
数天过去了，他的灵力终于有了一些长进，虽然与付出的相比，收获依然很少，但与在外面修行相比，要快得多。
Days passed. His Spirit Energy finally showed some progress, though the gains were still minimal compared to his efforts. Compared to cultivating outside, he was making much faster progress.
zhào zhè ge sù dù ， zhǐ yào jiān chí ， yīng gāi kě yǐ jìn rù líng dòng qī dì èr céng 。
照这个速度，只要坚持，应该可以进入灵动期第二层。
At this rate, if he persisted, he should be able to enter the second stage of Dexterity.
mò mò jì suàn le yī xià zì jǐ xiū liàn de jìn dù ， lín xuān zhàn le qǐ lái ， tā yǐ jīng zài liàn xīn lù dài le sì tiān ， yīng gāi chū qù kàn kàn ， yī lái ， zhè jǐ tiān bù xiū bù mián ， zài liè huǒ zhōng xiū liàn ， shēn tǐ yǐ jīng dào le jí xiàn ， èr lái ， jīn tiān shì jiào xí chuán shòu gōng fǎ de shí jiān 。
默默计算了一下自己修炼的进度，林轩站了起来，他已经在炼心路待了四天，应该出去看看，一来，这几天不休不眠，在烈火中修炼，身体已经到了极限，二来，今天是教席传授功法的时间。
Lin Xuan silently calculated his cultivation progress and stood up. He had been in the Heart Refinement Path for four days; it was time to take a look. First, after several days without rest, his body was at its limit from cultivating under intense heat. Second, today was when senior instructors taught cultivation techniques.
àn zhào piāo yún gǔ de guī jǔ ， měi sì tiān ， huì yóu yī wèi zhù jī qī gāo shǒu xiàng líng dòng qī dì zǐ chuán jiào ， dé dào gāo shǒu de zhǐ diǎn ， xiū xíng kě yǐ shǎo zǒu hěn duō wān lù ， lín xuān zì rán shì bú huì cuò guò zhè yàng jī huì de 。
按照飘云谷的规矩，每四天，会由一位筑基期高手像灵动期弟子传教，得到高手的指点，修行可以少走很多弯路，林轩自然是不会错过这样机会的。
According to Drifting Cloud Valley's rules, every four days, a Foundation Establishment practitioner would teach Dexterity practitioners advanced methods. With the guidance of such experts, one could avoid many detours in their cultivation. Lin Xuan wouldn't miss this opportunity.
shùn zhe tōng dào ， lín xuān lái dào le wài miàn ， yǔ lái shí bù tóng ， zhèng hǎo yù jiàn yí gè zhù jī qī de xiū zhēn zhě 。
顺着通道，林轩来到了外面，与来时不同，正好遇见一个筑基期的修真者。
Following the passage, he arrived outside and encountered a Foundation Establishment cultivator on his way out.
“ shī shū ！”
“师叔！”
"Uncle Senior!"
“ nǐ ……” nà rén dǎ liàng le yī yǎn lín xuān ， mǎn liǎn jīng yà ：“ nǐ qù le liàn xīn lù ？”
“你……”那人打量了一眼林轩，满脸惊讶：“你去了炼心路？”
"You... You went through the Heart Refinement Path?" The other person looked at Lin Xuan with surprise.
“ shì de ， shī shū 。”
“是的，师叔。”
"Yes, Uncle Senior."
liǎng rén fēn shǒu yǐ hòu ， nà zhù jī qī de xiū shì hái yǒu xiē fā dāi ， suī rán huàn jué bú huì zào chéng zhēn zhèng de shāng hài ， dàn gǎn shòu què yǔ zhēn shí yī mú yī yàng ， yí gè líng dòng chū qī de dì zǐ jū rán rěn shòu dé zhù ， cǐ zi de yì lì hái zhēn shì jīng rén 。
两人分手以后，那筑基期的修士还有些发呆，虽然幻觉不会造成真正的伤害，但感受却与真实一模一样，一个灵动初期的弟子居然忍受得住，此子的毅力还真是惊人。
After parting ways, the Foundation Establishment cultivator was still dazed. Although illusions didn't cause real harm, they felt just as real. A first-stage Dexterity practitioner could endure such torment; this disciple's resolve was truly impressive!
xiū zhēn chú le líng gēn ， yě xū yào xīn zhì jiān rèn ， zhè ge jiào lín xuān de dì zǐ ， hái zhēn shì ràng rén lìng yǎn xiāng kàn ！
修真除了灵根，也需要心智坚韧，这个叫林轩的弟子，还真是让人另眼相看！
Apart from a Spirit Root, cultivation also required a resilient mind. This Lin Xuan disciple was indeed someone to watch!
In the past three years, Lin Xuan had suffered greatly from damaged meridians. Each time he healed his injuries took a long time. As an ordinary person without a Spirit Root, even his relentless efforts could hardly keep up with his fellow disciples. He didn't have any time to waste.
Lin Xuan carefully controlled the flow of his Spirit Energy, and after much trial and error, he had a clear understanding of how much his meridians could handle.
An hour later, the circulation was complete, and his Spirit Energy returned to his Dantian.
After using Inner Vision to check, a gloom flashed across Lin Xuan's eyes. Despite his efforts, his cultivation hadn't changed. According to logic, after completing one Grand Heavenly Cycle, he should have gained some Spirit Energy.
It seemed he had no choice but to go through the Heart Refinement Path. Lin Xuan gritted his teeth.
The Heart Refinement Path was a special place within Drifting Cloud Valley. Three thousand years ago, it was discovered by this sect's ancestor by chance. After investigation, it was confirmed as an ancient cultivator's relic.
It was a very peculiar location. Once inside, one would be enveloped in illusions, alternately experiencing the fiery hell and the Eighteen Layers of Hell. While these illusions wouldn't cause real harm, they were undeniably torturous. However, their benefits were obvious.
Although terrifying, the Heart Refinement Path had abundant Spirit Energy. Cultivating there could yield twice the results with half the effort.
Moreover, for disciples of this sect, the Heart Refinement Path was free to use. Unfortunately, only advanced Foundation Establishment practitioners dared to try it. With their low cultivation levels, their minds were unstable and couldn't withstand the illusions.
But now, Lin Xuan had no other choice—either remain stuck at his current level or seek breakthroughs through the Heart Refinement Path. He chose the latter.
Pushing open the heavy stone door, Lin Xuan stepped out of the training room as night fell. The stars blinked weakly above him, but he didn't plan to rest; instead, he headed towards the Heart Refinement Path.
At the back of Drifting Cloud Valley, a sloping passage carved into the rock wall seemed endless. This was the Heart Refinement Path. Standing at the entrance, Lin Xuan took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The first hundred meters showed no illusions, with Spirit Energy concentrations identical to those outside. But Lin Xuan didn't dare be careless; although it was his first time, he had heard many terrifying stories about the Heart Refinement Path.
After a few steps, the situation changed dramatically. The surrounding Spirit Energy grew denser. This place truly suited cultivation.
Lin Xuan's expression turned serious as he carefully examined his surroundings before sitting cross-legged.
Boom!
Suddenly, flames several feet high burst from the ground, raising the temperature around him...
A terrifying scene appeared, but Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow without panicking. He ignored it and continued to absorb Spirit Energy with single-minded focus. Everything that happened in the Heart Refinement Path was just an illusion; he didn't need to worry about it.
Despite knowing it was fake, the sensations felt real. Soon, the flames heated up the area to unbearable temperatures, causing Lin Xuan's face to drip with sweat.
Listening to others' tales was vastly different from personal experience. Lin Xuan had only heard Foundation Establishment practitioners discuss the Heart Refinement Path; he never expected it to be even more terrifying than legend said.
The flames soon reached his body. With his first-stage Dexterity practitioner cultivation, he couldn't emit a protective barrier and could only grit his teeth and endure the pain.
While enduring the searing heat, he had to focus on absorbing Spirit Energy. The hardships were unimaginable for ordinary people, but Lin Xuan's tenacity allowed him to persevere.
The flames licked at his skin, causing his teeth to clatter loudly. The pain eventually became numb, but the abundant Spirit Energy here was absorbed much faster than outside.
Even though it was an illusion, the experience felt like a true inferno, testing Lin Xuan's resolve.
Absorbing Spirit Energy into his body was just the first step; he then had to refine them according to the sect's secret methods. This process would result in significant losses—usually, hundreds of milliliters of absorbed Spirit Energy could only yield a hair-thin amount of refined Spirit Energy.
Then, he had to circulate this refined Spirit Energy through his Extraordinary Meridians and store it in his Dantian.
Even the most resilient minds found it impossible to complete the entire process under such intense heat. Lin Xuan endured for five minutes before his endurance reached its limit. He stood up and ran out as fast as he could, leaving the area where Spirit Energy was abundant. The fiery illusion vanished when he stepped away from that region.
"Sure enough, just like legend said," Lin Xuan checked his body; there were no injuries, but the pain of being scorched by flames still lingered in his memory.
Although it was unpleasant, it was worth it because this place had Spirit Energy with high concentration and purity. Cultivating here could yield twice the results with half the effort, greatly increasing his chances of breaking through his bottleneck.
After resting for a while, Lin Xuan resumed his efforts. Flames appeared again as he endured the pain of being scorched to continue absorbing Spirit Energy.
When his endurance reached its limit, he would run out and rest until his strength recovered before re-entering the fiery illusion.
In this cycle, Lin Xuan relied on his tenacity to cultivate in the Heart Refinement Path.
...
Days passed. His Spirit Energy finally showed some progress, though the gains were still minimal compared to his efforts. Compared to cultivating outside, he was making much faster progress.
At this rate, if he persisted, he should be able to enter the second stage of Dexterity.
Lin Xuan silently calculated his cultivation progress and stood up. He had been in the Heart Refinement Path for four days; it was time to take a look. First, after several days without rest, his body was at its limit from cultivating under intense heat. Second, today was when senior instructors taught cultivation techniques.
According to Drifting Cloud Valley's rules, every four days, a Foundation Establishment practitioner would teach Dexterity practitioners advanced methods. With the guidance of such experts, one could avoid many detours in their cultivation. Lin Xuan wouldn't miss this opportunity.
Following the passage, he arrived outside and encountered a Foundation Establishment cultivator on his way out.
"Uncle Senior!"
"You... You went through the Heart Refinement Path?" The other person looked at Lin Xuan with surprise.
"Yes, Uncle Senior."
After parting ways, the Foundation Establishment cultivator was still dazed. Although illusions didn't cause real harm, they felt just as real. A first-stage Dexterity practitioner could endure such torment; this disciple's resolve was truly impressive!
Apart from a Spirit Root, cultivation also required a resilient mind. This Lin Xuan disciple was indeed someone to watch!