Chapter 37: Third Level of Yuan Convergence

Just one bite caused Zhao Xing’s internal energy to surge by 25 points immediately. His body, like a parched sponge, greedily absorbed this influx of energy into his flesh and blood.

"Crunch, crunch, crunch." Zhao Xing quickly polished off the Heavenly Origin Pear, even crushing the pit to extract every drop of juice. The pit was of no use to him; he was currently incapable of cultivating a third-tier high-grade seed.

Soon, the display panel began to flicker with constant updates. Zhao Xing felt a strange sensation in his body—he actually felt stuffed!

"Hiss, it's so cold." After the fullness subsided, a bone-chilling cold gripped his entire body, making him shiver. The Heavenly Origin Pear was cold in nature, and to prevent the potency from dissipating, he had eaten it too quickly. The third-tier high-grade cold-attribute energy made him feel as though he had stepped into an ice cellar.

"Steady the mind, gather the energy into the body!" Zhao Xing hurriedly sat cross-legged and began to digest it. The blood and energy surged within him as the cold energy was neutralized by his vigorous internal fire. Round after round, the circulation continued until his deathly pale complexion finally flushed with warmth.

It took a full hour before he had digested most of it and opened his eyes. "Phew! Good heavens, it really is third-tier high-grade." Zhao Xing exhaled a long plume of cold air. He had eaten it too hastily; if he had done this while still at the first stage of Energy Gathering, he might have contracted a cold-related illness and damaged his body instead.

At the second stage of Energy Gathering, it was normally safer to cut the pear into pieces, but the potency would diminish if left exposed. Unwilling to waste anything, Zhao Xing had no choice but to endure this "ice bucket challenge."

"Cold as it was, the effect was remarkably clear. Just from this one pear, I gained 195 points!" Zhao Xing checked his panel.

Energy Gathering Second Stage: 955/1000

"The Dao Embryo Pill is truly absurd." Zhao Xing wasn't praising the pear, but the pill. He had eaten plenty of Heavenly Origin Pears in his past life, so they weren't a big deal. Data verified by countless players over billions of attempts showed that the standard increase for consuming this pear at the second stage of Energy Gathering was around 70 points. Due to individual physical aptitude and absorption efficiency, much of the energy was usually lost or excreted. An absorption efficiency 70% above the standard was considered excellent, and anything over double was exceptional.

The Dao Embryo Pill had pushed Zhao Xing’s absorption efficiency to three times the standard—nearly reaching the limit of the energy contained within the pear!

"Could I have attained the legendary 'Perfect Vessel'?" Zhao Xing couldn't help but fantasize, though he quickly dismissed the notion. The Dao Embryo Pill wasn't powerful enough to cause such a transformation; it was simply that the item's quality wasn't high enough to resist such near-perfect absorption.

"At this rate, I’ll reach the third stage of Energy Gathering in just a few days." Zhao Xing closed the box with satisfaction, storing the remaining Heavenly Origin Pear. This thing couldn't be eaten in succession; eating one every two days was optimal. Otherwise, Chen Shijie wouldn't have limited him to 15 per month. Chen had clearly considered Zhao Xing's current capacity; if he hadn't, given that Chen controlled an entire pear orchard, handing over 30 wouldn't have been an issue.

...

Ever since he earned the nickname "Zhao Erjia," the Zhao household had become much livelier. Colleagues frequently visited to build rapport. It was just as Zhao Ruide had said—social obligations were truly unavoidable. When people came to visit, they almost always brought gifts. He couldn't very well leave them without a meal or a drink. Eating at home was one thing, but going out would cost even more.

"Mother, Mother, big brother says please prepare enough food for four extra people at noon." Zhao Zheng found Madam Cai and tugged on her skirt.

"What? Again!" Madam Cai’s brows furrowed instantly. "It’s one thing for him to eat, but he brings people home? I endured the first two times, and now he dares to send you to boss me around? This is outrageous!"

"You go tell him that I..." Before she could finish, Zhao Zheng pulled out a small pouch containing some silver shards.

"Hm? Where did you get this silver?"

"Big brother gave it to me," Zhao Zheng answered honestly.

"What does he mean by this?" Madam Cai took the pouch first, then asked.

"Big brother said he’s been troubling you these past few days. He received a stipend from his superior and it seems he’s become a 'Gongyuan' (tribute student/official), earning five taels of silver a month... This is for you."

Madam Cai had been wearing a cold expression, but she froze upon hearing this. Seeing the silver—and realizing she wasn't working for free—her attitude shifted immediately. She didn't know exactly what a "Gongyuan" did, but she remembered something about five or ten taels a month. Regardless, Zhao Xing was finally making money, which drastically reduced the chance of him competing with Zheng for the family inheritance. Perhaps he might even be able to help Zheng in the future; after all, if he truly became an agricultural official, that was a position of some stature!

"Zheng'er, go tell your... tell your big brother, I’ll get it done right away!"

...

A few days later.

"My skills are crude, and I don't know if they suit your tastes. If the hospitality is lacking, that is entirely my fault. Please, do not blame my Xing'er," Madam Cai said with a gentle, beaming smile to the guests.

After the meal, the clerks who were chatting stood up and bowed. "Madam, please don't say that. It is we who have intruded."

"Exactly, Madam’s cooking is exquisite. I have never eaten such delicious food!"

Zhao Xing stared, dumbfounded, at the gentle and virtuous image Madam Cai was projecting. She kept calling him "Xing'er" as if he were her own flesh and blood! The charm of money was simply too powerful. Zhao Xing was used to her stingy side; seeing her like this was incredibly jarring.

Madam Cai had even started chatting away with the guests. "My Xing'er, you know..." "You all don't know how hard Xing'er works..."

*Please, master, stop! No more!*

...

Two days later, Zhao Xing consumed the second Heavenly Origin Pear.

As the cold energy faded, he had reached the third stage of Energy Gathering.

[Energy Gathering Third Stage: 10/10000]

Upon reaching the third stage, the proficiency of all his spells, including the Straw Man Technique, increased slightly. The more internal energy one possessed, the more comprehensively one's attributes were enhanced—including the brain, which naturally led to a deeper understanding of spells.

"Many people are obsessed with increasing their energy strength, while they only practice spell techniques to a 'good enough' level. When they fight, they are sloppy. It’s not entirely due to short-sightedness, but a matter of personal choice. In times of peace, the pursuit of spell technique isn't as urgent, and not everyone is willing to step out of their comfort zone."

"If I had the background of Young Master Zong, where I could easily reach high stages of Energy Gathering through resources, I might also grow slack, thinking that polishing my technique could wait until tomorrow. And one such 'tomorrow' turns into countless more."

Zhao Xing looked at the other box on his desk—the gift sent by Zong Shichang. He was indeed lavish; he had casually gifted a box of ten third-tier low-grade Energy Gathering Pills. While not as good as the Heavenly Origin Pear, the ten pills together were not cheap. Although Young Master Zong was somewhat self-centered and overbearing, he was a man of his word and had not reneged.

"Third stage of Energy Gathering. A little closer to becoming a full official, and a whole lot closer to my goal of longevity."

"After the Start of Autumn comes the Limit of Heat, and then the White Dew. However, because the Limit of Heat has the customs of 'releasing river lanterns' and 'sacrificing to wandering souls,' that solar term is skipped. The next examination won't be until the White Dew."

"The Limit of Heat doesn't just involve lanterns and souls; it also includes examinations for junior divine professions like 'spirit medium' and 'sacrificial rituals.' It might be worth a look."

"But I still need to practice my 'Bright Eyes and Night Vision' spell to a higher level. Otherwise, I won't be able to see anything at all—not even a ghost."

"The White Dew examination is highly likely to be a theoretical test. It’s perfect; I can study and practice my spells simultaneously." Zhao Xing opened his bookcase and began to study by the lamp, deep into the night.