Chapter 12: Getting Started in a Moment, Success in a Moment
Jiang Tian was shocked by his own strength, but Zhou Shang was utterly terrified.
A deep sense of dread welled up inside him.
"Thank God I found him first."
If the evil disciples of the Starry Sky Gate had discovered Jiang Tian's potential, they would have stopped at nothing to kill him.
But even more importantly—
Jiang Tian's existence gave Zhou Shang hope.
Hope that his self-created techniques, which no one else had ever been able to master, might finally have a successor.
---
Taking a deep breath, Zhou Shang cautiously looked at Jiang Tian.
"Now, are you willing to be my student?"
Jiang Tian nodded.
"I'm willing."
The old man had helped him so much, gifting him a priceless life-saving artifact.
He wasn't a heartless or ungrateful person.
If he could pursue his dream and still become Zhou Shang's student, why would he refuse?
---
Zhou Shang burst into laughter, his voice filled with joy and relief.
"Hahaha! This is truly great news! I finally have a successor!"
After laughing for a while, Zhou Shang's expression became serious.
"Since we are now master and disciple, and considering your extraordinary talent, I will teach you my special technique immediately."
"Although you may not be able to practice it fully before Awakening, you can still comprehend it and polish your foundation."
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Northern Dark Kuntai Gong
"My profession is a Qi Refiner. My awakened talent is 'Qi Storage,' which allows me to compress and store Qi and blood in my Dantian."
"With this natural talent, I created an extremely powerful technique—Northern Dark Kuntai Gong."
---
Zhou Shang's voice deepened, filled with pride and gravity.
"Using a special spiritual energy refinement method, this technique condenses blood and Qi, storing it within the Dantian."
"It is continuously compressed and transformed into a 'Blood Qi Embryo,' allowing for exponential growth in power."
"Because of this technique, I am famous for my seemingly endless Qi and blood."
---
However, his next words carried a warning.
"But practicing Northern Dark Kuntai Gong puts an immense strain on the body—it may even damage the flesh."
"One can only practice it once per day and must rest every three days for the body to recover."
"Since you haven't Awakened yet, you will only need to circulate a small cycle."
---
As Zhou Shang spoke, he took out several bone carvings, each depicting intricate meridian routes for circulating Qi.
---
Jiang Tian studied them carefully.
As he observed, his expression changed slightly.
"Huh?"
He noticed that the fundamental concepts of this technique were similar to the instinctual method he had been using to store Qi and blood within his body.
Not identical—but complementary.
While Zhou Shang's method stored Qi in the Dantian, Jiang Tian's natural instincts had spread it throughout his entire body.
One was focused, the other was distributed.
Both had their advantages.
---
Zhou Shang glanced at the time and handed Jiang Tian a small box.
"Take your time to study it. If you have any questions, contact me."
"These are Jade Ginseng Slices—you can brew them into tea for nourishment."
---
Before leaving, Zhou Shang gave one final set of instructions.
"For now, just be like any other student—study hard, take the Awakening test, ace the Warrior College Entrance Exam, and enroll in Hongwu University in Xingcheng."
"You will major in Alchemy, which will teach you how to control fire. I'll also open a Cooking Major for you to minor in."
"Alchemy is quite relaxed, so you'll have plenty of time to focus on your 'true major'—cooking."
"As for cultivation, just take the general courses, and I'll tutor you personally."
---
Jiang Tian nodded, though a thought lingered in his mind.
"Teacher, you're the university president. Can't you just recruit me directly?"
---
Zhou Shang chuckled.
"It's not that simple."
"Passing the Awakening Ceremony and Warrior Exam will let you shine on the national stage."
"It's different from me just plucking you out and enrolling you secretly."
"A genius like you is bound to attract attention. That's inevitable."
"But if I recruited you personally without making you prove yourself first, you would become a primary assassination target for alien forces."
"This way, your growth will be a challenge—but not a death sentence."
"Besides, the special recruitment rewards are nothing compared to what I can personally provide for you."
"As your master, I'll ensure you never lack resources."
---
Zhou Shang patted Jiang Tian on the shoulder, his expression filled with emotion.
"To be honest, it is my honor to have you as my disciple."
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Jiang Tian shook his head.
"No, Teacher. With your achievements and contributions, it is my honor to be your student."
---
Zhou Shang: Speechless.
For the first time, Zhou Shang was caught off guard by a student's words.
Jiang Tian had looked up his history—he knew of Zhou Shang's sacrifices.
His parents had died fighting aliens.
His only son had perished in battle.
Zhou Shang himself had fought countless wars—his military honors alone took dozens of pages to scroll through.
He was a man who had dedicated his entire life to humanity's survival.
---
Hearing Jiang Tian's sincere words, Zhou Shang smiled warmly.
He gently patted Jiang Tian's shoulder.
"You're a good kid."
---
With that, Zhou Shang climbed out the window and disappeared into the night.
The cold wind blew against him, but his heart was warm.
---
As he flew away, he muttered to himself.
"The future of the human race is promising. God, you have finally opened your eyes and given us a true prodigy."
"I wonder how fast this boy can comprehend my technique?"
"It takes top geniuses at least a month just to get started…"
"Maybe a few days?"
---
Meanwhile, in Jiang Tian's Room
Jiang Tian watched Zhou Shang disappear into the night, then turned back to study the bone carvings.
Zhou Shang's words resonated with him.
"Strength is important. Otherwise, how can I hunt for the best ingredients?"
"Yes… to become a true master chef, I must be strong enough to acquire the finest alien meats."
Jiang Tian calmed his mind and focused on the first bone carving.
As he examined it, his blood surged and the spiritual energy of the world gathered around him.
He followed the technique's instructions, and within moments—
---
Boom!
A vortex of blood and Qi formed in his Dantian.
Jiang Tian raised his hand, and the vortex condensed into a faint blood-red aura.
This was the foundation of the technique—something that took other students over a month to achieve.
---
But Jiang Tian?
He did it instantly.
A moment to get started. A moment to succeed.
---
If Zhou Shang had seen this, he might have fainted.