The Science of Cultivation [Xianxia]

Chapter 36: Sacrifices of Science

A week had passed since the start of the experiments. Each subject had been given instructions based on their aptitude, and all that was left was for them to cultivate as instructed over a period of time.

The first weekly check-in with the subjects was completed smoothly and the collected samples were awaiting analysis in his lab. It would require more data and time before Li Lang could draw any conclusions.

However, Li Lang didn’t have the time to wait around. He still needed to complete his mission before heading back to the sect, as his time was running out.

This was why Li Lang was currently explaining the basics of the experiments to Wei Ping since he would be the one overseeing it while Li Lang was gone. He was responsible for collecting the blood samples and properly storing them while Li Lang was gone.

“As you know, we’ve given them all instructions on how to cultivate. We gave them the same method in order to keep it consistent and lower the variables. It’s not perfect, but few things ever are.”

“Yes, b-boss. I’ll make s-sure they know.”

“Good, that’s fine, but don’t tell them about the details of the experiment. It’s better they don’t know or else it may affect the results.”

“But they a-already know we’re looking to i-increase how much Qi w-we can absorb beyond our limit.”

“Yes, but not the details of how we will do that. My current theory is that there is a way to develop a higher tolerance to Qi by having the body endure up to its limit for a prolonged time. Kind of like developing muscles.”

Li Lang noticed the confused expression of Wei Ping and decided to elaborate. There weren’t any educated individuals he could find to be his assistant, so he would have to patiently work with what he’s got.

"When you lift weights, do pushups, and eat appropriately, you gain muscle because mechanical tension stimulates muscle fibers, metabolic stress creates an anabolic environment, and proper nutrition provides the necessary building blocks for growth. To understand it, you…"

It took a while for Wei Ping to understand the concept of muscle hypertrophy, but even when he did, he simply nodded silently.

“So we’re starting off by seeing if this is true for cultivating as well. We’re testing if we can train our body to tolerate more Qi like those who have higher aptitude.”

“...I see, s-so that’s why you’re making t-them cultivate even when it hurts.”

“Yes, but they’re in danger of overdosing on Qi. That’s why we tested their blood samples previously to gauge where their limit is at.”

“And h-how do you know that?”

“That… You don’t have to know for now. Just know that the method I used wasn’t perfect. We simply estimated how many seconds of cultivating they could last until it was fatal from the onset of sharp pain. We can’t measure Qi precisely, so danger is still high... though I’m sure you already know that.”

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“...Yes.”

The two took a moment of silence as they thought back to early in the morning when they had their first check-ins with their subjects. Six of the seven showed up, and when they went to check in on the last participant, he had already passed away.

There was then an awkward conversation with the family about the deal the old man had made with these strange kids. It took a toll on both Li Lang and Wei Ping when they tried to explain the situation and get a sample from the old man’s remains. It only worked out in the end as they fetched the contract with the Merchant Guild and presented the big payout they would receive.

“Make sure you keep reminding them about staying consistent. If they accidentally absorb too much Qi, they may have adverse effects, while absorbing too little would make our experiment worthless.”

“U-understood!”

“Good, then it’s about time I take my leave. I’ll be back in a few weeks as long as nothing pops up. Take care now.”

Leaving the boy behind, Li Lang exited the city and began heading down one of the well-traveled roads. While he traveled, he recalled the mission he had taken.

He had a free pick on which task to take from the Mission Hall this time, as he was one of the first to be there after the sect competition.

This allowed him to select the one he was most interested in, collecting herbs.

Yellow Wind Flower wasn’t a particularly high-quality material, but it only grew in the wild. That was why, instead of farming it, the Mission Hall occasionally sent their disciples to gather this vital material used by Brushweavers.

It wasn’t that far from Xiang Yang. Li Lang was able to reach the Everflow Mountains before the sun even reached the zenith.

During the entire trip, Li Lang couldn’t help but think about the first fatality of his experiments.

It’s not my first, but I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this feeling…I know I shouldn’t be second-guessing my hypothesis while the results aren’t in yet, but…

Thank you, Lian Gui. I will make sure your sacrifice isn’t in vain.

Sacrifices were common in advancing science. It was why such strict procedures were in place in his old world, but he didn’t have the luxury to follow them now. It would bog down his research too much, and as the only researcher he knew of, he couldn’t afford such delays. Otherwise, by the time he had results, he may already have died from old age.

Still, that didn’t stop Li Lang from remembering each and every single person who had sacrificed themselves for the sake of progressing his research projects.

Li Lang’s mulling ceased as soon as he entered the wilderness as he put up his guard and got to work.

He knew the Qi beasts rarely left the forests or drew near the Everflow Mountains. That was because the mountains were known as the home to Sunstride Bears, a species of Qi Beasts who were all at least as powerful as a seventh-stage Energy Gatherer.

Thankfully, these beasts stayed near the peaks, and the sect kept track of their irregular hibernation cycle.

It was only for this reason that Li Lang was bold enough to stride into the territory of such fearsome beasts.

Li Lang voraciously gathered any herbs and materials new to him on his trip around the foot of the mountains. It didn’t take him long to spot his target, the Yellow Wind Flowers.

Humming could be heard as the strange child with a large head happily sauntered around and harvested anything that caught his eye. It only stopped when a thunderous roar resounded throughout the entire area.

Shit, did the Sunstride Bears wake up? I thought the sect kept track of them! …Or did something wake them up?

Li Lang glanced at his basket and found that his harvest should be sufficient and decided to make himself scarce.

He turned tail and ran back toward the main road, but unfortunately for him, he was too late.

Another roar reverberated, and much closer this time. Li Lang swiftly stuffed his hand where his warding talisman was, ready to use it.

He found that these warding talismans were quite cheap, as they could be bought with coins. Ever since he had become a disciple, he found the value of coins had drastically decreased. It was too easy to exchange for them in the sect, so he always had one at the ready.

However, before he could use it, he heard the voice of a human shouting out from the direction of the bear.

“Polaris Strike!”

Enhancing his eyes, he turned to find a young man charging toward the three-meter bear with a spear that was glowing black and white.

The two parties quickly collided, kicking up a storm of dust from their impact.

When the dust settled, a young man stood valiantly above the corpse of the bear. As if having noticed Li Lang’s gaze, he quickly snapped in his direction.

The man nodded amiably toward him before directing his attention back to his spoils.

Li Lang immediately lowered his guard when he recognized the man as Ri Xin, one of the guest participants he watched during the sect competition.

It’s him! The guy who is as powerful as inner disciples despite having only grade two aptitude. I should be able to talk to him out here, right?

The glint in Li Lang’s eyes instantly ignited as he stared curiously at the young man. He would love to invite the independent cultivator to join his experiments, but he knew that wasn’t realistic. However, he could at least talk to him.

“Hey, there. You’re Senior Ri Xin, right? I’m Li Lang, a disciple of Spirit Grove.”

“Yes, I see that from your robes. Apologies for startling you with my hunt here.” The man replied with his back turned to Li Lang, but still sounded respectful.

He continued to skin the beast while Li Lang watched on in fascination. Sensing his gaze, Ri Xin couldn’t help but break the silence.

“...Is there something you want from me?”

“Oh, I just wanted to ask you some questions, if that’s okay with you.”

“...Sure, I don’t mind while I deal with this thing.”

“I was curious about how you managed to reach the upper stages of Energy Gathering as fast as the inner disciples, despite your aptitude.”

“You have heard about my unique physique, yes?”

“Yes…I believe it was called the Transcendent Roots.”

“Yes, that is what allows me to cultivate quickly.”

I’ve heard that before from Senior Tong. I’m more curious as to how it accomplishes that.

“How does it do that, exactly?”

Ri Xin took a moment to cut through a particularly tough part of the carcass before responding.

“My physique is one that allows me to train my spiritual roots. I may not have as many as the more talented cultivators, but each of my spiritual roots is much more powerful.”

His words made Li Lang’s spine tingle as a profound revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning.

So that is possible too! I should look in this direction as well!