Cultivating in Honkai!

Small actions tell a lot of stories.

Kiana may have quite a lot of bad habits, but she is street smart. Without using the black card, she managed to sleep on the streets and eat. She is observant enough of her surroundings—to people.

She might not be the best judge of character, but she can differentiate blatant ill will and genuine sincerity.

That is what Kiana saw on Shi Tian.

For some reason, she saw a sincere look on him. She does not know if it was protectiveness, pity, or sympathy. He tries his best not to wrong her during their first meeting.

She decided to temporarily bring him in. Their first few days passed with Shi Tian looking embarrassed about everything. Kiana thought he wanted money and the likes, but he won't even accept a set of clothing at first. He did not like receiving things without giving back.

At the very least, it sets him apart from ninety nine percent of the people she met.

Thus, when Kiana learned more about his situation, she grew more sympathetic. More importantly, Shi Tian also showed expertise when it comes to knowledge about the honkai.

His 'sectarian techniques' also played a massive role. He did not lie when he told her how powerful they were. Kiana saw how he grew up from a weak boy to a real martial artist in two and a half months.

Her rational side knew learning these techniques is a huge benefit.

Her rational and emotional side made her end up letting Shi Tian tag along her world trip.

"...circulation dictates the strength of the spell. If you channel every single spiritual qi to cast, it could withstand explosives. We can test it once you reach the middle stage…"

At first, Kiana hated learning. Shi Tian's long-winded explanations sucked. She learned the [Cloud Seeking Steps] purely because it is done practically. She constitutes a visual and practical learner.

Later on, his teaching became more manageable. His words are direct. Kiana dazed off less.

…something she is doing now.

'I didn't notice much… Did he always have clear eyes?'

Kiana focused on Shi Tian's eyes. Before, he would move his gaze everywhere in the room. Now, he is solely focused on Kiana alone. It is an unconscious change brought by the Sword Heart. Having the power to face one's doubts equates to confidence.

She sat on the couch. She dazedly watched him demonstrate a non-destructive spell of his own. A sludge of water appeared out of nowhere. It floated midair, forming a rectangular plane.

"...have a lot of uses. This spell absorbs force. It is a barrier. But, it has another use."

Shi Tian's fingertips glowed with a transparent silver light. He grazed a part of his left arm. A trace of blood followed.

The plane-shaped water barrier disintegrated. It coated his wound.

Under Kiana's looks, the wound healed visibly. She did not feel surprised after all they have been through.

"It has a defensive and healing function. Your [Void Shield] is also the same."

"Also the same..?"

"You can manipulate your shield. Make it have sharp ends. That way, it won't just be a shield."

Qi Refining Realm consists of clever use of everything. It is the preparatory phase of a cultivator. They do not have the ability to master complex spells of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. 

It is better to use a simple spell and use it to mimic a complex spell. The golden orb showed this aspect to Shi Tian by writing these 'simplified versions' in the Qi Refining realm.

"If someone tries to take it head on, they will…"

"Get cut in half?"

"Yeah."

Kiana snapped out of her daze. She thought of something.

"Can I use this spell as a phone holder?"

"..."

*****

Looking at Kiana whose phone is encased in [Void Shield], I became speechless. She is watching a video while laying down on the bed.

Taoist spell techniques only require spiritual qi to be spent in the casting phase. Once the changes to nature are implemented, they only need a fraction of spiritual qi to sustain it. 

It's like this.

Kiana spends thirty spiritual qi at first. Then another five spiritual qi to maintain it per minute. Her automatic recovery gains ten spiritual qi per minute. 

As long as her consumption does not exceed ten per minute, the spell remains active. Only when you take the initiative to cut off the connection will it disappear.

Thus, a spell turned into another tool of her laziness.

"Am I doing things wrong..?"

I never thought of doing things this way. My current spell lies in the [Five Elements Dao Sutra]. The [Nine Dragons Purple Qi] can't be used for daily life. The [Twin Pole Inversion] I used on the car is also destructive. The [Rising Mountain Art] is useless except in combat… This also applies to the [Life Extending Heavy Water].

Should I start learning spells that will increase the quality of life?

"Oh."

Something else entered my mind.

Sword Heart.

Its best use is to control a sword. Once I open my spiritual consciousness, I can do telekinesis.

Meaning, flying swords!

"Yep, yep. It's plausible."

I thought of the fifty-something sword techniques lying in the back of my mind. I only chose one to practice amongst them all. The rest turned into additional knowledge that boosts my learning speed. This is the situation throughout all techniques I have.

"[Daluo Sword Art]..." (lit. Great Principle Sword Art)

Whether it be the spells that will make me lazier or the sword techniques...

My motivation soared through the roof today.

*****

Ring-!

The distant sound pulled me out of dreamland. I opened my eyes and scanned my body.

Seeing no feet pressing my jaw, I felt relieved. I stood up from the couch and saw Kiana sleeping in a terrible posture. One of her pillows is kicked to the ground.

I looked at the hotel door. The landline placed on a desk rang continuously.

Was it the room service..?

I straightened my shirt and walked to it.

Beep.

"Hello?"

"I am waiting at the front door."

"..."

It is a girl's voice. Her somewhat low and flat tone painted her serious mood.

Her voice felt somewhat familiar. I looked at the door.

"There should be a message." The girl added.

"Wait a second."

I placed the call on hold. I checked the phone near the couch. I did not see anything on my phone.

Then..?

Using [Cloud Seeking Steps], I stealthily walked to the sleeping Kiana. Her phone is placed near her head.

Good.

I managed to pick it up without disturbing her sleep. The familiar lockscreen of a HOMU appeared.

Her code…

"It's open."

She did not change it.

I saw a notification from her 'messages' app. It took a while for me to find the supposed 'message' mentioned by the visitor.

There, I saw it. 

Under the contact of Kiana's 'broker' is a lengthy message.

A quick skim was enough to confirm it. The message told us to follow the personnel sent out by the said broker. 

I placed the phone down and steadily walked towards the door.