[Pure Yang Internal Cultivation Method]: A Martial Arts Internal Cultivation Method focused on Inner Strength Training and sharp momentum. It is particularly effective when practiced under the scorching sun. Cultivation as a virgin yields double the results.

[Five Elements Inner Breath Method]: A Martial Arts Internal Cultivation Method focused on balance. Progress is incredibly fast when cultivating in a location suited to the Five Elements.

[Turtle Breath-holding Skill]: A moderate and gentle Martial Arts Internal Cultivation Method. After reaching the Beginner stage, it can be practiced anytime, anywhere.

—

Cheng Zongyang carefully studied the options on the panel and fell into a thoughtful silence.

’The Body Refining Skill is an External Cultivation Method, so it had no such restrictions. But now, for the Middle Third Grades, I have to choose a direction for my Internal Cultivation Method. Does this mean my choice now will determine my specialization in the Upper Three Grades Realm?’

It felt like choosing between liberal arts and sciences in high school.

Setting aside his speculation and looking at the Cultivation Techniques themselves, although they were all Internal Cultivation Methods, they each had different focuses and unique training requirements.

’Places of extreme yin and cold... there are plenty of those in the mountains, but that doesn’t suit me.’

’Cultivating under the scorching sun... I might not have time for that. I’m so busy these days that I can only practice late at night. Although, I do meet the requirement of being a virgin.’

’Five Elements... finding a place rich in each of the Five Elements can’t be easy, can it? For Wood, a forest is fine. For Fire, I’d probably need to be near a volcano. Water means a large body of water. For Earth... a desert? Salt flats? And what about Metal? An ore deposit? That would take way too much time.’

’The Turtle Breath-holding Skill... judging by the name, I should be able to practice it just by holding my breath, right? If so, that would be the easiest. But there are always pros and cons. And judging by the name, I’m afraid the cultivation speed will be as slow as a turtle’s crawl.’

After weighing all his options, Cheng Zongyang decided to choose the final option: the Turtle Breath-holding Skill!

What it lacked in speed, he could make up for with time!

He could practice Breath-holding while walking, eating, or even sleeping. With that much practice time, maybe the speed wouldn’t be that much slower after all.

’Besides, whether it’s fast or slow is just my own speculation!’

Without further hesitation, Cheng Zongyang looked at the panel and selected the fourth option!

The next second, the interface vanished and a notification sounded:

[5,000 Points successfully deducted. Your Cultivation Technique Grade is being upgraded... Fusing data... You have acquired the Middle Level Martial Arts Inner Cultivation Method: Turtle Breath-holding Skill.]

Instantly, before Cheng Zongyang could even process the new information flooding his mind, he felt a warm current surge upward from his Dantian, filling his abdomen and chest!

The sensation was incredibly pleasant, as if those parts of his body were being steeped in warm water, and he closed his eyes involuntarily in comfort.

After about ten breaths, the warmth gathered once more into a single stream. It began to travel along his torso before spreading into his arms and legs, seemingly following the path of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. Finally, it returned to his Dantian, where it dissipated into a burst of Energy that permeated his entire body before being absorbed.

In the end, a faint, perceivable stream of warmth was left slowly circulating in his Lower Dantian.

This was followed by a surge of Power far greater than any he had felt before!

The entire process felt remarkably gentle and unhurried.

[Your Cultivation has increased!]

As the notification sounded, Cheng Zongyang’s eyes snapped open!

"So this is the feedback of Power from a Broken Mirror! I have Inner Strength now! Even if it’s just a tiny amount," Cheng Zongyang murmured.

He clenched his fist. Although the increase in raw Power didn’t feel overwhelming, he knew the crucial difference lay in that single wisp of Inner Strength in his Dantian.

This "seed" of Inner Strength would grow stronger with his Cultivation, but for now, its purpose was to open the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

Only then did he begin to digest the information he had received about the Turtle Breath-holding Skill.