From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 114 A Turning Point Approaches, Dawn Breaks

I didn't sleep a wink all night. The phrase "armchair strategist" from the carefree hermit echoed in my mind like a curse, forcing me to think constantly. I locked myself in my room, repeatedly studying the Five Elements diagram on the wall, trying to find a practical solution. The sky outside gradually brightened, a new day began, and my thoughts gradually became clearer.

Stepping back into the debate arena, I took a deep breath, suppressing my trepidation. All eyes turned to me once more, some with doubt, some with disdain, and some with anticipation. I composed myself and slowly began, “Fellow Daoists, the method of spiritual energy conversion I proposed yesterday may seem too abstract to some. Today, I will explain it in detail using the principles of the Five Elements’ mutual generation and restraint.”

I started with the most basic principle of the Five Elements' mutual generation: wood generates fire, fire generates earth, earth generates metal, metal generates water, and water generates wood. This cyclical pattern is the most fundamental rule in the cultivation world. Then, I introduced the concept of the Five Elements' mutual restraint: wood restrains earth, earth restrains water, water restrains fire, fire restrains metal, and metal restrains wood. This mutual generation and restraint maintains the balance of the entire cultivation world.

“As we all know, cultivators with a single spiritual root cultivate much faster than those with multiple spiritual roots. This is because their spiritual energy is pure and free from interference from other attributes. The spiritual energy conversion method I propose aims to transform excess spiritual energy into the required spiritual energy, thereby improving cultivation efficiency.” I paused, observing everyone’s reactions. True Monarch Ziyang remained calm, Fairy Qinglian seemed thoughtful, while Daoist Huoyun’s expression grew increasingly grim.

"This is utter nonsense!" Master Huoyun finally interrupted me. "Spiritual energy conversion? I've never heard of such a thing! You're clearly just making a fuss and trying to attract attention!"

I ignored his clamor and continued, "I know that the method of spiritual energy conversion has never been attempted before, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Just like hundreds of years ago, who could have imagined that mortals could embark on the path to immortality?"

I took out the jade slip I had prepared beforehand and activated it. A light screen was projected into the air, displaying the data I had collected over the past few days, as well as my deduction process. "These are several models of spiritual energy conversion that I deduced based on the principles of mutual generation and restraint of the five elements. Although they are only theoretical, I am confident that as long as they are verified in practice, they will definitely succeed!"

I pointed to the data on the screen and explained in detail: "For example, a cultivator with five spiritual roots—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—whose metal spiritual root is the strongest, can use specific formations and magical artifacts to convert the spiritual power of the other four spiritual roots into the spiritual power of the metal spiritual root, thereby increasing the purity of the metal spiritual root and ultimately achieving the effect of a single spiritual root..."

I spoke eloquently, revealing all the effort I had put in over the past few days without reservation. I knew this was a high-stakes gamble, a gamble on my future, and on the hopes of all multi-spiritual-root cultivators.

“Then,” I looked around, my gaze finally settling on Fairy Qinglian, “Fairy Qinglian, do you think there are any flaws in my theory?” My tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Fairy Qinglian smiled disdainfully, her lips parting slightly: "Fellow Daoist Xiao, your theory seems flawless, but it is full of loopholes. Spiritual energy conversion is not child's play. Where do the specific formations and spiritual artifacts you mentioned come from? Even if they do exist, how can the losses incurred during the conversion be compensated? Your data is nothing but theoretical talk, completely meaningless."

I had anticipated her rebuttal and smiled confidently, "What you say is absolutely right, Fairy. Spiritual energy conversion is indeed no trivial matter, which is why I've made such a detailed deduction. As for the array and spiritual artifacts you mentioned, Fairy, I've naturally made preparations as well." I took out several oddly shaped crystals and several talismans with intricate patterns from my storage bag. "These crystals are ice crystals I collected from the far north. They can absorb and convert spiritual energy of different attributes. And these talismans are spirit-gathering talismans that I improved based on the principles of the five elements' mutual generation and restraint, which can minimize the loss during the spiritual energy conversion process."

I suspended the crystal and talisman in the air, arranging them in a specific position. While chanting incantations, spiritual energy flowed from my fingertips, outlining profound runes. As the last rune was completed, the crystal and talisman emitted a dazzling light, and a small array slowly took shape.

"This is a simplified version of the spiritual energy conversion array I designed, which can convert a small amount of water spiritual energy into metal spiritual energy." I looked at Fairy Qinglian, "Would you be willing to give it a try, Fairy?"

The Azure Lotus Fairy's expression changed slightly; she clearly hadn't expected me to actually produce a physical object. She hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. Under everyone's gaze, she extended her slender finger, and a stream of azure spiritual energy slowly flowed into the formation. The formation began to operate, the crystals shimmered, and the patterns on the talisman flowed accordingly. After a moment, a stream of golden spiritual energy slowly emerged from the formation.

A hush fell over the entire arena; everyone was stunned by the sight before them. Even the ever-calm Ziyang Zhenjun showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Qinglian Fairy stood frozen in place, speechless for a long time.

"This..." She finally found her voice, but it sounded somewhat incoherent, "How is this possible..."

I calmly explained, "This is just a small demonstration to prove that my theory is not just wishful thinking. Of course, to achieve true spiritual energy conversion, we need more complex formations, more advanced spiritual artifacts, and a lot of practical verification. But I believe that as long as we work together, we can definitely overcome this problem."

Palace Master Lengyue, who had always been as aloof as an iceberg, frowned slightly at this moment, her gaze fixed intently on the array suspended in the air, seemingly deep in thought. Daoist Huoyun's face was ashen, but he could find no reason to refute her, and could only snort angrily.

I retrieved the array and the crystal, looked around, and said firmly, "I know this path is full of challenges, but for the future of all multi-elemental cultivators, I am willing to give everything!"

My gaze met that of the Palace Mistress of Cold Moon Palace. The frost in her eyes seemed to melt slightly, replaced by a strange undertone. I nodded slightly, preparing to continue explaining my theory, when I suddenly sensed an unusual presence… someone was approaching. The footsteps were light, yet carried an undeniable pressure.

"who is it……"

The footsteps grew closer, and a powerful spiritual pressure enveloped the entire arena. The previously noisy crowd gradually quieted down, and everyone's gaze turned towards the direction from which the sound came. My heart tightened. This spiritual pressure was so familiar, yet so strange… Could it be him?

A figure slowly appeared before them. Clad in snow-white robes, with flowing black hair and exquisitely handsome features, he was like a celestial being descended to earth. A faint golden light emanated from him, as if he were bathed in holy light, making it impossible to look directly at him. My breath caught in my throat—it really was him! Wen Chen!

How come he is here?

Wen Chen's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on me. He nodded slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips, like the warm winter sun, instantly melting away the tension in my heart.

"I never imagined you could get this far." His voice was clear and cool, yet it carried a hint of gentleness that was hard to detect.

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I just did what I was supposed to do."

Wen Chen's gaze shifted to the remnants of the array in front of me. "Spiritual energy conversion is no easy task. While your theory has its merits, it still needs improvement."

His words, though calm, carried weight. Everyone present held their breath, afraid to utter a sound. The Carefree Hermit was no longer mocking; instead, he stroked his chin thoughtfully, as if re-examining my theory. A flicker of surprise crossed True Monarch Ziyang's eyes. He hadn't expected a useless person like me, without spiritual roots, to have such insights, and he certainly hadn't expected Wen Chen to appear personally and affirm my theory.

I smiled slightly and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I know my theory still has many shortcomings, but I believe that as long as I keep working hard, I will definitely be able to find a solution."

A hint of admiration flashed in Wen Chen's eyes. "Your persistence is admirable."

His words were undoubtedly the greatest affirmation for me. I sensed a subtle change in the atmosphere around me; the gazes that had been full of doubt softened, even carrying a hint of respect.

Seizing the opportunity, I continued to elaborate on my theory, presenting the results of my research over the years without reservation. Starting from the essence of spiritual energy, I analyzed the conversion relationships between different attributes of spiritual energy and proposed several feasible conversion methods. The more I spoke, the more confident I became, and my arguments gradually gained acceptance from more people, causing a subtle shift in the atmosphere of the room.

The Qinglian Fairy's initial disdainful expression gradually faded, replaced by a hint of solemnity. Although she was unwilling to admit it, my theory had indeed greatly impacted her. Daoist Huoyun, while still unconvinced, no longer interrupted me as casually as before.

The Palace Mistress of Cold Moon Palace remained silent, but the light in her eyes grew brighter and brighter, as if she had seen some hope. She slowly spoke, her voice clear and firm: "Fellow Daoist Xiao, your theory may truly be able to change the landscape of the cultivation world."

I was overjoyed; the support from the Cold Moon Palace Master was undoubtedly a huge encouragement.

Just then, Wen Chen suddenly stepped forward, placed his hand on my shoulder, and a warm spiritual energy slowly flowed into my body. I felt a powerful force awakening my dormant potential.

He leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Now, let me help you..."

Wen Chen's spiritual energy flowed into my body, and a warm current instantly spread throughout my limbs and bones. My body, which had been somewhat tired from the long discussion, was now full of energy. I felt my thoughts were clearer, and my expression was more fluent. I continued to explain the principles of spiritual energy conversion in more detail, and even boldly proposed a completely new idea—to construct an array that could achieve cross-attribute spiritual energy conversion.

As I explained, I sketched the basic form of the formation in the air. Golden spiritual energy flowed through my fingertips, outlining intricate patterns. These patterns intertwined, forming a mysterious and beautiful design. I felt the atmosphere around me grow increasingly heated; the initial skepticism gradually disappeared, replaced by a chorus of exclamations of wonder.

Even the usually stern Ziyang Zhenjun showed an approving look at this moment. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, your idea is truly bold and innovative. If this formation can really be realized, it will be a great advancement for the cultivation world."

The Azure Lotus Fairy broke her silence, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, the design of your formation is truly ingenious. I have never seen such a clever concept before."

I smiled slightly, my heart brimming with confidence. I knew I had finally won their approval.

However, I wasn't blinded by victory. I knew the real test was yet to come. Although the Carefree Hermit no longer mocked me, his eyes still held a hint of scrutiny. Although Daoist Huoyun no longer interrupted me, his expression still held a hint of resentment.

I took a deep breath and continued to refine my array design. Wen Chen's spiritual energy flowed continuously into my body, providing me with powerful support. I felt as if I were in a wondrous world, where everything around me became clear and transparent.

Time ticked by, and my formation design was nearing completion. Just as I was about to finish the final step, a sharp voice suddenly rang out.

"Wait!"

I turned my head and saw Daoist Huoyun standing up angrily. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, your formation is simply impossible to execute! You are deceiving everyone!"

His words were like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the harmonious atmosphere. The surrounding crowd began to murmur amongst themselves, and questioning glances were once again directed at me.

My heart sank; I knew Master Huoyun was deliberately making things difficult for me. The question he posed addressed the weakest link in my formation design. I tried to remain calm and slowly began, "Master Huoyun, I know my formation has many shortcomings, but I believe that as long as..."

"Enough!" Daoist Huoyun rudely interrupted me. "You don't need to argue anymore! Your formation is a complete joke!"

He suddenly waved his hand, and a fiery red spiritual energy blasted towards the array I had drawn. I was startled and quickly mobilized my spiritual energy to defend myself.

However, Daoist Huoyun's attack was too powerful, and my defense was instantly shattered. The array pattern trembled violently, as if it would collapse at any moment.

Just at that critical moment, Wen Chen gently placed his hand on my shoulder. "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

He said it softly, and then…