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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.

Chapter 15: Exchange of Power - Nathan explores using the brooch’s stored spirit stones to supercharge his cultivation, achieving significant progress. He experiments with a spell called “Karmic Exchange,” enabling him to swap items with others. He successfully exchanges silver for cash, realizing the spell’s value as a moneymaker. Eager to master this spell and build wealth, he strategizes around using his new ability to sustain himself as he cultivates full-time.

Chapter 14: In Plain Sight - Frustrated, Nathan hides the brooch inside a fake wall outlet in his apartment, noting its creepy aura and potential dangers. He also realizes the brooch contains a hidden storage space with various items. With excitement, he retrieves a spirit stone, sensing its potency. As he begins to understand spatial laws, he muses on the brooch’s potential power, cautiously optimistic about his discovery.

Chapter 13: Robbed - While returning from the restroom, Nathan is confronted by a man he delivered a dresser to earlier, demanding the brooch. The man senses Nathan's low-grade spiritual treasures, and despite Nathan’s deflection, he’s robbed of his remaining rings. But he uses his wits to get $2,300 from the man in return, vowing to reclaim his lost treasures when he’s stronger. This encounter underscores his need for greater strength.

Chapter 12: A Price to Pay - Energized by his progress, Nathan heads to a shopping center to sell his enchanted rings. He fields calls from Greg, who’s frantically searching for the brooch. Nathan deflects, hiding the artifact's importance. He sells one ring for a surprising amount, realizing he can achieve financial independence by selling just a few rings weekly. He heads to a restroom with growing confidence in his new path.

Chapter 11: The First Breakthrough - Nathan grapples with the boredom of cultivating, only to realize he needs a structured approach. Inspired, he develops his own cultivation system with nine realms and names the first three. This newfound clarity propels him forward, and he has a genuine breakthrough, reaching the first stage of the Gathering Realm. Excited yet grounded, he begins to feel the weight and thrill of his journey into true cultivation.