Chapter Twenty-Two: The First Essence

The way one perceives the world shapes the world itself; its appearance alters entirely depending on one's perspective and approach. At this very moment, Lin Lei had entered a peculiar state of heightened sensation. His manner of sensing the world had undergone a profound transformation, so extraordinary that words could scarcely capture it.

Zhou Wei opened the small booklet and showed it to Lin Lei. “Having injected the Enlightenment Serum, you’ve activated your first source essence. You can now be called a Stage One ‘stronger.’ Your perception is amplified many times, and you may begin cultivation…”

“Source energy is everywhere. Simply assume the posture described in the Source Energy Cultivation Method, quiet your mind, seek and absorb—it’s that simple,” Zhou Wei explained, though her words were abstract. How was one to seek, and how to absorb? It relied entirely on imagination.

Lin Lei followed the illustrations in the booklet, adopted the proper posture, held his breath, and cleared his mind of distractions. Before long, he sensed in the air strands of a strange force drifting by. Oddly, he felt certain—this was source energy.

He could also sense a similar aura within his own body. Li Xueshu had once mentioned that anomalies were related to source energy; it must be because he had “consumed” the corpse eater. As Lin Lei began to sense source energy, those energies became unusually active, and with a thought, he easily drew them into his body.

It was much like the vital force of heaven and earth in martial arts novels, absorbed through cultivation techniques. Once source energy entered his body, it began to integrate, bit by bit, into his being. Simultaneously, Lin Lei’s body embarked on another cycle of transformation—from skin, muscles, and bones to every cell. He could feel himself growing stronger.

Though the rate of improvement was not as rapid as when he “plundered” the corpse eater, it was nevertheless astonishing. “Ah~~~” He became utterly immersed in the exhilarating sensation of self-enhancement.

Source energy, besides strengthening the awakened one’s gift, also passively boosts the overall physical attributes of the awakened. All types of source energy awakeners receive this benefit, even Lin Lei, who possessed a false “physical type.” As he absorbed more source energy, his mind started to grow increasingly chaotic.

Suddenly, a buzzing sound burst in his ears, as if he were hallucinating. The more source energy he absorbed, the louder the ringing became, agitating him further. Negative emotions surged from his heart, his eyes gradually reddened…

A murderous intent and other dark desires within him rose swiftly. “This is bad!” Lin Lei thought, his mind full of hesitation, afraid to continue his cultivation.

Just then—

“Why is your source energy fluctuation so intense?” Zhou Wei, frowning in surprise, came to Lin Lei’s side. She reached for a blue pendant at her chest and pulled it off. “Consider yourself lucky. Hmph!”

She hung the necklace around Lin Lei’s neck and gently rubbed her finger over the pendant. Instantly, a cool sensation spread from his chest throughout his body. The ringing vanished in a moment, and his eyes gradually cleared.

After another half hour, Lin Lei finally emerged from the heightened state. He felt a faint sense of fullness in his body. The source energy within him had nearly doubled; though his strength had not doubled, it had increased significantly. He estimated it exceeded the power of two corpse eaters, but lacking precise testing, he could not be sure.

He wondered how much a true physical-type source energy user’s body improved after their first cultivation, but he felt his own progress was already remarkable. Even after leaving that heightened state, he could still sense the faint source energy in the air and within his own body.

Zhou Wei’s voice sounded in Lin Lei’s ear: “The first cultivation brings the fastest improvement; it won’t be so quick thereafter. Each person’s daily source energy absorption depends on their physical constitution. From now on, meditate once per day in the posture described in the Source Energy Cultivation Method, until your body can absorb no more.”

Lin Lei nodded in understanding and removed the icy blue pendant, handing it back to Zhou Wei. “Thank you, Dr. Zhou!”

Without her pendant, he would not have been able to control his emotions so easily when he was on the verge of losing himself.

Zhou Wei waved her hand dismissively. “This Calming Pendant is only a low-grade source artifact, and its source energy is nearly depleted—it won’t work many more times. You should keep it…”

“Source artifact?” Lin Lei’s eyes gleamed.

Zhou Wei explained, “Just as some humans awaken to source energy, certain items suffused with source energy gain special effects and are called ‘source artifacts.’”

“The Calming Pendant helps soothe negative emotions and restore composure. Simply rub it to activate.”

Lin Lei’s heart stirred. He was not one to owe favors lightly, but this pendant solved a crucial problem for him, and he could not refuse the kindness. “Thank you, Dr. Zhou!”

Zhou Wei shook her head. “Your source energy compatibility is exceptionally high—among all my years in the Investigation Bureau, I’ve seen few who surpass you. But your willpower is not particularly strong… For you, an extraordinary source energy talent might not be entirely good news.”

She looked earnestly at Lin Lei. “In your future cultivation, if you sense anything amiss or your emotions start to shift, stop for a while and wear the pendant. If you ever hear ‘murmurs,’ ‘calls,’ or experience hallucinations, report immediately!”

Lin Lei frowned and could not help but ask, “Dr. Zhou, what do you mean by these things?”

Zhou Wei narrowed her eyes. “They are unknown dangers that accompany source energy, the price paid for personal power—a form of ‘corrosion.’”

“When you experience tinnitus and emotional turmoil, it means corrosion has begun. Hearing murmurs or experiencing hallucinations means the corrosion is severe, your spirit is on the brink of collapse…”

“Any further, and source energy may rampage, causing physical distortion—you might become an anomaly.”

“Humans can become anomalies?” Lin Lei’s eyes flashed, shocked.

Zhou Wei nodded gravely. “But I can assure you, as long as your mind remains strong, and you avoid excessive contact with certain anomalies or sealed items, progress gradually, and maintain good mental health, you are unlikely to encounter such circumstances.”

Lin Lei smacked his lips and asked, “Dr. Zhou, what are these sealed items you mentioned?”

Zhou Wei replied, “Items that gain special effects through source energy are called source artifacts. Some exceptionally powerful and dangerous source artifacts require sealed containment—these are ‘sealed items.’”

“Sealed items are typically symbols of might and peril, often carrying a variety of side effects…”

Lin Lei took a deep breath and nodded in understanding.