In his three months at Xiao Chi Sect, Wang Teng had learned a most basic cultivation skill, Refining Body Art. This art, in the world of cultivators, was considered among the most rudimentary, but it was still far superior to grasp techniques and Mighty God Hands present in the mortal world.

Wang Teng’s rigorous cultivation for three months allowed his strength to ascend rapidly into the second stage of Dao Foundation, which was considered a fairly good pace even in Xiao Chi Sect.

Unfortunately, Wang Teng was just an outer disciple in charge of miscellaneous chores. The spiritual energy of his cultivation site was relatively sparse, which he believed could have sped up his progress if otherwise.

In addition, other novice disciples would receive some auxiliary cultivation elixirs from time to time, while Wang Teng had none.

However, he didn't complain about these. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. As long as he possessed the aptitude for cultivation, he would be recognized someday.

"Following the ninth stage of the Dao Foundation is Qi Training Stage. Only by reaching the Qi Training Stage can I consider myself a real cultivator. Then, when I return to Su City, I can wipe out a gang single-handedly. Let's see if they dare to bully the weak.", Wang Teng's eyes were alit with an internal fire.

"Worthless. You went to Xiaonan Mountain to fetch a vial of Purple Sky Water and took such a long time. You're such a waste, surprised you even made it into Xiao Chi Sect." A cold voice came from a street corner.

"I apologize. I encountered a tiger and was held up." A young girl said quietly in her white clothing, looking slightly frail, a slice across her arm bound with a cloth strip; it appears she had been scratched by a tiger.

"As an outer disciple of Xiao Chi Sect, you can’t even handle a tiger. How embarrassing! You should quit while you’re ahead. The knowledge you’ve acquired here is enough to make you rich in the mortal world." The cold voice echoed again.

"Again, that guy." Wang Teng looked on from afar, clenching his fist instinctively.

"Elder Brother Lin, why waste so many words on such trash? She actually thinks she's someone special. She should've felt honoured that you took a liking to her, but she even rejected your kindness." A few disciples echoed along.

The girl in white pursed her lips and slightly lowered her head without uttering a word.

"Greetings, Elder Brother Lin. Congratulations on stepping into the fourth stage of the Dao Foundation, making you a formal disciple. Your future is limitless," Wang Teng walked over and said to Lin Yuan while the crowd was still admonishing the girl.

"Oh, isn't this the new member, Wang Teng? Although you're also a waste, at least you’re eloquent. From now on, follow us and work for Brother Lin," several disciples sneered beside Lin Yuan.

Wang Teng's fist clenched tighter, his eyes fiercely sweeping over the few disciples, but a soft hand held his back.

"No, Brother Lin doesn't lack people at his side." Wong Teng shook his head and said.

"Let's go, Liu SuSu. If you repeat this kind of mistake again, don't blame me for being ruthless and expelling you from the Xiao Chi Sect." Lin Yuan contemptuously glanced at Wong Teng. After leaving these words to the young girl, he swaggered off.

"Tsk, a bunch of dogs. What do you have to brag about? Sooner or later, I will show you my power." After these people walked away, Wong Teng spat at the ground and uttered a cold humph.

"Thank you!" Liu SuSu nodded to Wong Teng. Her face was devoid of any emotion as she turned and walked out of the city.

Wong Teng shook his head. He had the desire to help this beauty, but lacked the power. Among the group just now, Lin Yuan's ability had already entered the fourth level of the Tao Foundation. Not only had his physique undergone a qualitative change, he even developed some Tao power within him. His spirit power is much stronger than the average person, and he can start refining talismans.

With the growth of Tao power, a Tao lotus will condense inside the cultivator, which serves as the foundation for generating True Yuan through the powers of heaven and earth.

The use of talismans are varied. For instance, the Diamond Talisman can increase a person's defense as if a layer of diamond is around the body. A Water Arrow Talisman can unleash dozens of water arrows to slay enemies, and there are even Flame Talismans, Earth Movement Talismans and others that can increase speed.

Thus a cultivator who can refine talismans is much stronger than those who can't rely on talismans for power.

Another point, not only does the creation of talismans require Tao power – or spiritual power –, even activating them requires Tao power. Hence, only those who have reached the fourth level of the Tao foundation can utilize the power of talismans.

The first to third levels of the Tao foundation are simply for body strengthening and disease prevention, preparing for the generation of Tao power.

As he watched the girl leave, Wong Teng sighed. This was a quiet beauty, she didn't seem to fare well in the Xiao Chi Sect, but she was very pretty. He had even pursued her once.

Cultivation in the sect was not as pleasant as people in the secular world imagined. The competition here was greater, and many things depended on personal strength.

The stronger your ability, the more cultivation resources you receive from the sect, and hence, the faster your cultivation speed. If you lack the ability, you'll face continual bullying until you can't take it anymore and are seen as a waste lacking aptitude and expelled from the sect.

"Sky Lacking Fingers, a unique secret manual, only requires five spirit coins."

As Wong Teng passed by a secret manual shop, he couldn't help but stop moving and started browsing inside.

In his three months in the Xiao Chi Sect, Wong Teng had been working under a down-and-out elder in the sect. But from this elder, he had learned a lot about cultivation.

Maneuvers and cultivation methods are determining factors of a cultivator's strengths. The higher the level of the maneuver, the greater its power. The quality of the cultivation method also affects the rate at which a cultivator can progress.

Wong Teng started by casually training in the most basic method of the Xiao Chi Sect, and slowly progressed to the second level of Tao foundation, becoming a martial arts master in the secular world. Without the celestial cultivation methods, he could not step into the Tao foundation stage in his lifetime.

Nevertheless, Wong Teng's rooted bone was quite good. Another indicator of a cultivator's potential is their rooted bone talent. Ordinary cultivators gain one to three rooted bones with each increase in strength level. Wong Teng had already reached the second level of Tao foundation and had three rooted bones. His potential was considered average.