Volume One: Entering the Path Chapter Twenty-Nine: Breaking Through Together

“Pseudo-foundation? What does that mean?” Ye Junze asked, puzzled by Mengyuan’s words.

Mengyuan seemed to mull over how to explain, remaining silent for a while before finally speaking. “During the past two years of cultivation, the place you were in didn’t have enough spiritual energy. The amount required for forming a foundation couldn’t be supplied at that time.”

Ye Junze pondered this for a moment and replied, “So you mean my cultivation has reached the foundation-building stage, but I lack the platform that Teacher spoke of today, the one needed for the breakthrough?”

A hint of surprise flickered in Mengyuan’s usually cold voice, as if pleased at Ye Junze’s quick comprehension. “Exactly.”

Hearing that trace of joy in Mengyuan’s words, Ye Junze was as shocked as if he had heard breaking news. He was about to examine his own state when Mengyuan spoke again.

This time, Mengyuan’s voice returned to its usual coldness, as though the earlier joy had been nothing but Ye Junze’s illusion. He continued, “Thanks to the resurgence of spiritual energy over the past two years, and the unique Spirit Gathering Array of Anze Academy, you now have enough to complete your foundation.”

“So what should I do? Should I build my foundation now?” Ye Junze asked, still perplexed.

“No, now is not the time,” Mengyuan replied immediately.

“Not the time? What do you mean?” Ye Junze pressed.

“Because you practiced a new technique today, it isn’t suitable to use the Void Guidance to break through to foundation at this moment.”

Ye Junze’s expression changed instantly, shocked. “Why didn’t you warn me about this earlier?!”

“I didn’t realize it in time. The technique activated on its own, and you ended up cultivating it passively—it all happened too quickly for me to stop it,” Mengyuan replied unhurriedly.

Knowing that what was done could not be undone, Ye Junze calmed himself and asked, “So what now?”

“I’ve observed you while you cultivated the new technique, and so far, there’s been no adverse effect,” Mengyuan paused, then continued, “In fact, this technique seems to complement the Void Guidance somewhat. After observing for a while, I now have a rough idea.”

Ye Junze expected Mengyuan to continue as before, but after waiting quite some time, Mengyuan remained silent. Anxiously, Ye Junze exclaimed, “Stop keeping me in suspense! Tell me your idea. You’re acting just like Teacher Li today, and I’m telling you, this isn’t good.”

Mengyuan made no sound, perhaps tacitly agreeing. Fortunately, Mengyuan didn’t keep him guessing any longer. “I think you might consider cultivating this new ‘Xuantian Dao Canon’ technique up to foundation stage as well. Then, break through with both techniques together, forming the platform simultaneously. The resulting foundation should be of exceptional quality.”

“It doesn’t sound so hard, but it took me nearly two years to reach foundation with Void Guidance. Won’t the ‘Xuantian Dao Canon’ take another two years?” Ye Junze asked.

“That was only because the spiritual energy was insufficient before. Now, with the support of Anze and your talent, it shouldn’t be difficult to reach foundation in a short time.” This was the first time Mengyuan had openly acknowledged Ye Junze’s talent. Remembering how Mengyuan used to scold him at the start of his cultivation—calling him “stupid” and “dull”—Ye Junze felt as if he’d finally been recognized, his heart nearly overflowing with relief.

After reflecting for a moment, Ye Junze considered the feasibility of Mengyuan’s suggestion. Mengyuan had indeed devoted the past two years to guiding his cultivation, so this plan was likely reliable. Deciding not to dwell further, Ye Junze asked, “Should I still practice Void Guidance now?”

“Yes. Strengthening Void Guidance daily will better prepare you for the breakthrough,” Mengyuan replied.

Ye Junze nodded in agreement.

The space fell silent once more, but Ye Junze suddenly remembered something and broke the peace. “Wait, Mengyuan. According to you, if I’m at ‘pseudo-foundation’ now, why hasn’t anyone at the school noticed? Especially the principal—shouldn’t his cultivation be high enough to see through it?”

Mengyuan seemed deep in thought, taking his time before answering. “The Great Void Realm itself conceals your aura, so to others, you’re no different from an ordinary person. However—” Mengyuan paused.

“What is it? Go on,” Ye Junze urged, growing impatient with the suspense.

“However, I haven’t been able to discern the principal’s exact cultivation. In my senses, he may be on the same level as my former master—your teacher. And the concealment of the Great Void Realm is ineffective against those whose cultivation is vastly superior.”

Recalling his unreliable teacher, Ye Junze inwardly grumbled before speaking, “So you’re saying it’s highly likely the principal has already seen my true cultivation?”

“Very likely,” Mengyuan agreed.

Ye Junze then carefully reviewed his past interactions with the principal. He wondered if the principal’s repeated praise was genuine, or if it was because he’d noticed Ye Junze’s advanced state—a new student already nearing foundation. Aside from their brief exchange at the entrance ceremony, there had been no further contact. Since the principal hadn’t summoned him, perhaps it was a matter of magnanimity—knowing yet not caring. After much contemplation, Ye Junze relaxed, deciding not to worry. He’d already enrolled and joined the Daoist Studies department. If the principal had any other plans, there was nothing he could do. Rather than fret, he should focus on cultivation. After all, he longed to break through soon and witness the world beyond foundation.

With this thought, Ye Junze steadied his mind, set aside his concerns, and once again immersed himself in cultivation.