Chapter 15: Strange

"Strange, why is my cultivation going so smoothly this time?" Chang Yu’s expression was full of confusion, his mind swirling with questions.

He could swear to the heavens that it had never been like this when he practiced at home. Back there, the true energy within his body always moved sluggishly and erratically. Whenever he practiced for any period of time, a suffocating tightness and stabbing pain would form in his chest, as if a thousand steel needles were relentlessly piercing him. The sensation was nothing short of agony—pain that gnawed at his heart and bones, as if even his marrow was being drawn out.

But this time, everything was unbelievably smooth. Not only did he feel none of that bone-deep pain and suffocation, but his efficiency was many times greater than before. The speed at which he absorbed true energy had increased significantly, and the reservoir within his body had expanded as well. A tremendous amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth surged towards him, swirling around him to form a miniature tornado. After only one cycle of energy, he had already accumulated far more true energy than ever before—and this was just the result of a single circulation.

What if he completed two cycles, three, or even ten? What astonishing changes would take place within him? Would his cultivation soar like a rocket?

"Is it because the spiritual energy here is richer than at home?" Chang Yu quickly realized the reason for his rapid progress, and a mix of shock and delight flooded his heart.

Just then, Master Hao Er suddenly spoke, breaking Chang Yu’s reverie. "Your method is correct—the Poria Heart Sutra is meant to be practiced this way. Do you still feel any tightness or pain in your chest?"

"Strangely enough, all those discomforts are gone," Chang Yu answered honestly. "Now my true energy flows freely, as naturally as eating or drinking."

Master Hao Er frowned and replied seriously, "The Poria Heart Sutra I taught you is flawless. I saw no sign of deviation as you practiced. As for why you felt pain before, I suspect it may have been due to your environment at the time."

He reached into the wide sleeve of his robe and produced a small brocade pouch, handing it to Chang Yu. "This is a storage pouch. Don’t be fooled by its size—its inner space is vast. You can store large or cumbersome items in it easily. To use it, simply infuse it with your true energy."

"So this is one of those spatial treasures that cultivators use? I’ve never seen one before!" Chang Yu accepted the pouch with delight. It was deep blue, embroidered with delicate golden patterns—dignified and beautiful. The moment he laid eyes on it, he fell in love with it. He caressed the embroidery with curiosity, grinning like someone who’d never seen the world.

He resolved that, once he had the time, he would thoroughly study this so-called storage pouch to see if it was as magical as Master Hao Er claimed.

Peering inside, Chang Yu saw many sparkling, clear, diamond-shaped crystals that resembled oversized diamonds.

"Those are spirit stones, filled with pure energy from heaven and earth," Master Hao Er explained, pointing to the glittering crystals. "Next time you cultivate, hold a spirit stone in your hand and try to absorb its energy. See if the discomfort returns. Although using precious spirit stones for cultivation is extravagant, you don’t have any other options for now."

"Don’t worry, Master. I’ll cultivate diligently," Chang Yu replied, clutching the pouch tightly.

"By the way, Master..." Chang Yu hesitated, rubbing his hands together, a little embarrassed. "I’ve run into some financial trouble lately. Would you lend me some money?"

He felt quite ashamed asking his master for money. Other disciples were always eager to give their masters gifts to show their filial piety. But here he was, not only failing to offer tribute but even asking his master for money. It seemed so inappropriate.

But Chang Yu truly had no other choice. With the rent deadline looming, his heart burned with anxiety. Unlike his peers, he had no family to depend on. Other children had parents who would help them without being asked, but he was an orphan, abandoned since childhood, with no one to support him. Now, in financial distress, his only option was to ask his master for help.

They say a teacher is half a parent. Master Hao Er was indeed the closest person to Chang Yu now.

"Oh, so it’s household troubles. I thought it was something serious," Master Hao Er replied, flicking his sleeve, his expression unbothered, even a little pleased.

In his eyes, as his only personal disciple, it was only natural for Chang Yu to seek his help in times of need. Instead of being displeased, Master Hao Er was actually happy—only those closest to you would ask to borrow money. The fact that Chang Yu was willing to ask proved just how close they were. Truly, Master Hao Er had a simple view of life: where others said lending money ruined relationships, he believed it strengthened them.

"I have little money left after years in seclusion, but since you ask, I’ll give you all I have," Master Hao Er said, taking out another brocade pouch and handing it over. "This is all I possess—it should be enough for now. I can’t give more, but these should suffice."

Chang Yu was deeply moved. He took the pouch, nose tingling with emotion and tears welling in his eyes. "Master, you’re so good to me!"

He truly felt the care of an elder. Aside from the old director at the orphanage, only Master Hao Er had treated him so kindly.

Opening the pouch with trembling hands, a dazzling light burst forth, nearly blinding him. He froze. The pouch was filled with piles of diamond-shaped crystals—identical to the spirit stones his master had just given him! He hadn’t even warmed the first bag in his hand, yet now he had a second.

Chang Yu hesitated, glancing at Master Hao Er with a conflicted expression. "Master..."

Seeing his troubled look, Master Hao Er thought he was dissatisfied with the amount and blushed a little, his pride slightly wounded. He cleared his throat. "Don’t think it’s too little. I’ve lived simply all my life. This is all I have."

"Master, it’s not that..." Chang Yu hurried to explain, but Master Hao Er continued, "Don’t be fooled by its small size. The pouch holds plenty of spirit stones—enough for you to use for some time."

"Master, I don’t think it’s too little. But aren’t these spirit stones? Did you give me the wrong thing? I need money, actual money!" This time Chang Yu spoke so fast it was like a Gatling gun, desperate for his teacher to understand before being interrupted again.

"I didn’t make a mistake. Aren’t you short on money? Spirit stones are money," Master Hao Er replied matter-of-factly.

"These can be spent as money?" Chang Yu stared at the two pouches in his hands, doubting his senses. Was he the confused one, or was it his master? He had never seen money like this in his life—all he knew were those red bills with Chairman Mao’s portrait.

Seeing Chang Yu still bewildered, Master Hao Er grew impatient. "Spirit stones can be used for cultivation or as currency—everyone knows this."

"Master, you must be mistaken..." As Chang Yu tried to explain the difference between money and spirit stones, a force seemed to tug at the depths of his soul, making him feel faint.

That familiar sensation again! Watching his body grow more and more transparent, Chang Yu realized he was about to leave. There was no time to discuss the matter further. He quickly asked, "Master, can you tell me where you live? So I can find you when I return to reality!"

"Listen carefully, my disciple. I live in the Poria Valley, Mount Qiyun, in the Eastern Victory Continent. You are always welcome," Master Hao Er answered without hesitation.

A dizzying wave of vertigo swept over him, and Chang Yu felt an overwhelming exhaustion. He closed his eyes and let the force pull him swiftly away.

When he opened his eyes again, his consciousness had returned to reality. Staring at the dilapidated ceiling, his thoughts still lingered on Master Hao Er’s last words.

"Eastern Victory Continent? Why does that name sound familiar?" He blinked. "Is there such a place in our country? I’ve heard of LN Province and JL Province, but never Eastern Victory Continent. Is it abroad?"

"Wait! They say the U.S. has fifty states—maybe the Eastern Victory Continent is in America! No wonder it sounds familiar."

"Impressive! My master must be something else, living in seclusion overseas. If I want to find him, it’ll be tough—getting a visa isn’t easy these days."

He moved his fingers instinctively and felt a heavy sensation in his hand. Bringing his palm before his eyes, he saw two small brocade pouches, the embroidery exquisite and lifelike. They were clearly not ordinary items.

"This... this is the storage pouch my master gave me!"

With excitement, Chang Yu sprang from his bed. "But weren’t these just a dream? How could they be here in reality?"

Opening one, he eagerly reached inside and felt around. Just as Master Hao Er had said, the space inside was vast. Everywhere his fingers touched, there were piles of spirit stones—he couldn’t even reach the bottom.

Turning the pouch upside down, a cascade of spirit stones poured out with a clatter, quickly covering his entire bed and nearly burying him in a small mountain of glittering stones.