Chapter 19: The Mana Matrix

Chapter 20: Seeds of Trust

Returning to the flea market as instructed, the protagonist reflects on the whirlwind month that transformed him from a struggling office worker to a fledgling cultivator. Armed with a mysterious brooch and a newfound ability, he cautiously searches for the enigmatic old man who set this journey into motion. As the two reunite, the old man assesses his progress, commending his patience and solid foundations. Their exchange grows tense as the protagonist’s sharp tongue inadvertently tests the elder's humor. Despite this, the old man offers to teach him essential techniques for staying low-key, warning of the dangers of attracting unwanted attention. Their walk toward a secluded spot hints at lessons that may prove crucial in navigating the treacherous world of cultivation.

Chapter 19: The Mana Matrix

Chapter 19: The Mana Matrix - With only days left until he meets the old man, Nathan works on creating a mana-gathering array using refined gold bars. After rigorous testing, he realizes arrays need specialized materials to hold mana effectively. He constructs his first array with gold, creating a stable “mana matrix” that accelerates his cultivation. He notes the humorous pentagram shape, but his success in creating a makeshift spirit stone reinforces his commitment to his journey.

Chapter 18: From Fight to Flight

Chapter 18: From Fight to Flight - Nathan witnesses an elderly couple being mugged. Despite his limited power, he intervenes, overpowering the mugger with his newfound strength. This confrontation solidifies his understanding of his cultivation progress, and he recognizes that despite his power, he’s still vulnerable. This realization drives him to prioritize self-protection as he prepares to cultivate further.

Chapter 17: Gold’s True Price

Chapter 17: Gold’s True Price - With newfound freedom, Nathan leaves his job to pursue cultivation. He realizes that gold’s high value could yield even greater profits through Karmic Exchange. His spell allows him to exchange undervalued items for higher returns, using gold’s smaller denominations to optimize his trade. This fuels his cultivation and financial independence, pushing him to embrace his journey fully.

Chapter 16: Karmic Exchange

Chapter 16: Karmic Exchange - Nathan refines his spell, discovering he can swap items for fair market value if he matches the exact value of the trade. Testing this on silver coins and beer, he realizes “Karmic Exchange” is efficient yet taxing. Satisfied, he plans to use this spell to sustain himself without working a traditional job, aiming to perfect his mana control and cultivate stronger abilities.