10,000x Cultivation: I Gain Power by Adopting Training Acolytes

The Ninth Peak of the Spirit Immortal Sect had been a desolate place since Zhang Yun's arrival. Most of the buildings were covered in thick layers of dust, giving the area a rundown appearance. The only exception was a small courtyard with a medicinal herb garden, which remained relatively clean. Deep within this courtyard was a modest cave dwelling where Zhang Yun resided.

Now, with his disciple Xu Ming in tow, Zhang Yun led the way into the cave.

Inside, Zhang Yun smiled warmly at Xu Ming. "Disciple, how do you feel about your current physical condition?"

Xu Ming clenched his fists excitedly. "Master, it feels like I've regained my complete spiritual root. My body is brimming with energy!"

"Do you know why that is?" Zhang Yun asked.

Xu Ming shook his head. "No, Master. I'm just as puzzled."

It was indeed strange. His dragon spiritual root had been forcibly removed, leaving only a shattered remnant. Yet, after Zhang Yun had stabbed him with the golden dagger, his strength had not only returned but seemed even greater than before.

Zhang Yun chuckled. "It's because your second spiritual root has been activated!"

"Second spiritual root?" Xu Ming was stunned.

"Within you, alongside the shattered dragon spiritual root, lies a second one—a Mutant Crimson-Gold Dragon Spiritual Root," Zhang Yun explained. "The reason I used the golden dagger was because only by introducing a metal element into your flesh could this root be activated."

"I see!" Xu Ming's eyes widened in understanding.

"However, this method is only temporary. The activation will last for a month at most before fading," Zhang Yun added.

"What?!" Xu Ming's face paled. "Master, does that mean after a month, I'll…"

"Don't worry," Zhang Yun reassured him with a wave of his hand. "I'll find a way to sustain it."

"Thank you, Master!" Xu Ming bowed deeply, his gratitude evident.

"But this is only a temporary solution," Zhang Yun continued. "To permanently activate your spiritual root, we'll need a rare material that requires immense strength to obtain. As you are now, you're far from ready."

Xu Ming gritted his teeth. "Master, I want to become stronger!"

"Everyone wants to become stronger, but it takes effort," Zhang Yun said.

"Master, I promise you. I'll dedicate myself to cultivation and never slack off!" Xu Ming declared firmly.

"Good! That's the spirit befitting a disciple of Zhang Yun!" Zhang Yun nodded approvingly. "Now, I'll teach you a cultivation technique. Listen carefully."

Xu Ming immediately perked up, his attention fully focused.

"This technique is called the ​Nine Transformations of the Golden Dragon. The first transformation is the Golden Dragon's Roar; the second is the Golden Dragon's Eyes; the third is the Golden Dragon's Claw…"

As Zhang Yun explained, Xu Ming's expression shifted from curiosity to awe. Although he had never seen high-tier techniques before, he could sense the extraordinary nature of this one.

"Master, is the ​Nine Transformations of the Golden Dragon​ a ranked technique?" Xu Ming couldn't help but ask after Zhang Yun finished.

Zhang Yun gave him a mysterious smile. "What do you think?"

Xu Ming's eyes widened.

In his mind, Zhang Yun's response was a tacit confirmation.

A ranked technique!

Only techniques at the Spirit-tier or above could be considered ranked. Such techniques were often the foundation of major sects, and some sects didn't even possess one. Yet, Zhang Yun had casually handed him one?

Weren't people saying his master was a useless eccentric who had driven himself to qi deviation?

But from what Xu Ming had seen so far—Zhang Yun's ability to see through his dual spiritual roots, activate them, and now bestow a ranked technique—how could such a person be a failure?

The thought of those who had mocked Zhang Yun filled Xu Ming with indignation.

These people don't know the truth at all!

Xu Ming's admiration for Zhang Yun deepened. His master was a true hidden expert!

"Alright, let's begin your cultivation. I'll guide you," Zhang Yun said."Yes, Master!" Xu Ming nodded and quickly sat cross-legged on a nearby cushion, ready to begin.

As Xu Ming started cultivating, Zhang Yun's eyes flickered with information:

'Disciple Xu Ming has begun cultivating the ​Nine Transformations of the Golden Dragon**. Current progress: 1%…'**​

"Real-time cultivation monitoring?" Zhang Yun mused, stroking his chin.

As Xu Ming's hands began forming seals, Zhang Yun could feel the surrounding spiritual energy gathering. The progress bar in his vision ticked up: 2%, 3%…

But at 5%, it suddenly stopped.

**'Absorption of spiritual energy is too slow. Cultivation progress has stalled.'**​

Zhang Yun immediately spoke up. "Increase the speed of your spiritual energy absorption!"

Xu Ming's body jolted, and his hands began moving faster. The spiritual energy in the area surged toward him, and the progress bar resumed its climb.

"Being able to identify and correct cultivation flaws in real time…" Zhang Yun marveled. "The Celestial Insight is truly a divine tool for nurturing disciples!"**'8%…9%…10%! First transformation complete!'**​

As the progress bar hit 10%, Xu Ming's body suddenly radiated a dazzling golden light.

Roar!

Xu Ming opened his mouth, and a deafening dragon's roar erupted from his throat. The sound echoed throughout the entire Spirit Immortal Sect, shaking the very foundations of the mountains.

Every spirit beast in the sect trembled and prostrated themselves, as if paying homage to a king.

"What's going on?"

"Where is that roar coming from? My spirit ox is shivering!"

"It's from the Ninth Peak! What's happening over there?"

The commotion caused by the roar drew the attention of everyone in the sect.

Sect Master's Peak​

The sect master, who had been reviewing scrolls, looked up in surprise. "Such draconic aura from such a distance… This dragon spiritual root is no ordinary one."

He chuckled to himself. "Zhang Yun, you've found yourself a gem. I hope you can polish it well."

Third Peak​

Several elders were enjoying tea when the dragon's roar reached them.

"That's… from the Ninth Peak? The disciple Zhang Yun took in?"

"What an astonishing aura! What kind of physique does this disciple have?"

"Zhang Yun's luck is unbelievable. How did he manage to recruit such a talent?"

The elders couldn't help but feel a mix of envy and jealousy.

"But Zhang Yun's cultivation has regressed to Foundation Establishment. Isn't it a waste for such a disciple to be under him?"

"Should we bring this up with the sect master? It'd be a shame to let such a talent go to waste."

"I think it's worth considering."

As they discussed, the Third Elder, a refined middle-aged man in white robes, spoke up.

"Save your efforts."

The others turned to him in confusion.

"Third Elder, do you really want to see such a talent wasted?" one of them asked.

The Third Elder calmly replied, "When this disciple, Xu Ming, first appeared, none of us showed any interest. It was Ninth Elder who recognized his potential. For us to try and take him now would be unjustifiable, and the sect master would never agree."

The other elders frowned but didn't argue.The Third Elder continued, "Besides, there's no need to worry. In three months, even if we don't intervene, this disciple will naturally become available."

The others' eyes lit up as they realized what he meant.

Indeed, in three months, Zhang Yun would lose his position as an elder. At that time, Xu Ming would become a free disciple.

Tenth Peak​

"That lucky bastard!" Meng Zhong growled, his face dark as he glared in the direction of the Ninth Peak.

He couldn't understand how Zhang Yun, a supposed failure who had driven himself to qi deviation, could have such incredible luck.

Looking at the disciples he had recruited, especially Nie Zhi, who had cost him 10,000 spirit stones, Meng Zhong's disgust grew.

Why were his disciples all mediocre while Zhang Yun had stumbled upon a genius?

Nie Zhi, sensing Meng Zhong's displeasure, hesitantly spoke up. "Master…"

"Spit it out!" Meng Zhong snapped.

Nie Zhi flinched but continued, "Master, do you know about Xu Ming's background?"

"Background?" Meng Zhong frowned, recalling the rumors about Xu Ming during the recruitment ceremony. "What are you getting at?"

Nie Zhi lowered his voice. "Master, if you want to deal with Xu Ming and Ninth Elder, you could leak today's events to the Lin Clan of South Cloud City."

"The Lin Clan?" Meng Zhong's eyes narrowed as he considered the idea.

A cold smile spread across his face. "You're quite resourceful, aren't you?"

Nie Zhi forced a nervous smile.

Meng Zhong didn't say more, but his gaze toward the Ninth Peak grew increasingly sinister.