Chapter 21

Before long, True Person Sui Yuan arrived gracefully.

Yonglu Mountain had no strict dress code; after receiving their disciple robes, individuals were free to modify them according to personal preferences. This included adjustments like adding thickness, altering length, layering array spells, or embroidering runes—all were permitted. Even changing the style was allowed, as long as the Yonglu Mountain emblem remained on the sleeves.

True Person Sui Yuan wore a light moon-white Daoist robe, its flowing fabric shimmering with a lively iridescence, clearly indicating numerous layered runes. At eighty-two years old, he already possessed a cultivation at the Mid Core Formation stage, making him a distinguished figure among the younger generation of cultivators on Hengze Continent. In the heart of this continent, within the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, there exists the “Hundred Tianjiao List.” As implied by its name, this list records the most exceptional cultivators deemed darlings of the heavens. To be listed, stringent age and cultivation requirements must be met: one must be under a hundred years old and have achieved at least the Gold Core stage.

Consequently, every individual on this list is renowned for their extraordinary cultivation talent.

It’s worth noting that although the list stands in the square of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, it isn’t ranked by members of the pavilion themselves. According to the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion’s official explanation, the Hundred Tianjiao List itself is an unparalleled top-tier magical artifact. It communicates with the cosmos, sensing the cultivation progress of Tianjiao, thereby automatically updating the rankings.

At the top of the Heaven’s Chosen List stood Qi Yu, the current Eldest Apprentice of Huhe Sect and True Monarch.

According to unreliable whispers, True Monarch Qi Yu had already reached the Mid Primordial Infant stage. However, at ninety-nine years old, it seemed unlikely that he would ascend to the Soul Transformation realm before his name was removed from the list.

In truth, no cultivator in the cultivation world had ever achieved Soul Transformation past their hundredth year. Even Jun Zhaoying, with her exceptional talent, only began to glimpse the threshold of Soul Transformation just over a century into her life. The step from Primordial Infant to Soul Transformation appeared deceptively simple, but only those who have truly ascended understand its immense difficulty. The reasons for this become most apparent upon reaching the very edge of that boundary oneself.

A lifespan extends to two hundred years at Foundation Establishment, five hundred at Core Formation, and a thousand at Primordial Infant. Some cultivators attained Primordial Infant early on, even being renowned as prodigies in their youth—but so what? Numerous Primordial Infant True Monarchs neared the end of their lives without finding any path to further advancement.

Among Yonglu Mountain’s representatives within the top ten of the Heaven’s Chosen List were two individuals, one of whom was Zheng Jin, the young uncle of Artificing Peak.

As for True Person Sui Yuan, with his wood-water spiritual roots and cultivation at the Mid Core Formation stage, he ranked eighty-second on the list. While this may not sound particularly high, it is important to note that the ranking encompasses all centenarian cultivators across the entire cultivation world.

In other words, he had managed to outperform at least 99.99% of cultivators under a hundred years old across the entire continent, securing his place on the list.

Bian Chunzhou craned his neck towards the front, where the lecture was being delivered. Despite cultivators having exceptional eyesight, his low cultivation level deterred him from using spiritual energy, so he could only discern True Person Sui Yuan’s graceful and composed figure, adorned with tall hat and flowing robes.

As for what they actually looked like? He couldn’t make it out clearly; after all, his current position might as well have been the nosebleed seats at a concert.

Once True Person Sui Yuan settled down to begin their lecture, Bian Chunzhou and Chen Zui dared not stir a muscle—a basic show of respect for their teacher. Moreover, attempting any mischief under the watchful gaze of a Gold Core master would be akin to courting death!

“Today’s lecture will focus on the concept of ‘mind intention.’

“Mind intention refers to one’s inner thoughts and intentions. In cultivation, refining the spirit is… Mind intention persists unceasingly, guiding the flow of all things…”

Oh boy, this eloquent explanation, filled with references and seamlessly articulated, resonated with logic and stirred emotions—but Bian Chunzhou could barely grasp its meaning amidst the classical language. He had even brought charcoal pencils and notepaper, but…well, no need for them now. Some obscure terms were impossible for him to write anyway.

Cultivators generally had excellent memories; at least Bian Chunzhou’s memory was quite remarkable. However, even with his strong recall, he couldn’t grasp this lengthy and tedious explanation of heavenly scriptures. The more he listened, the less he understood: Why did conversations between cultivators sound perfectly normal, yet when put to paper, they transformed into indecipherable texts?

Why not use simpler and clearer language to describe cultivation techniques? Were they afraid others might understand them too easily? Or were jade slips so expensive that they hesitated to use even one extra?

No, neither seemed likely. Everything has its reason for existence, and as a science student, Bian Chunzhou didn’t believe in overly mystical explanations. He held firm to the principle that if something exists, it must have significance—regardless of whether it’s within the cultivation realm or not.

Moreover, it wasn’t just one person writing their techniques like cryptic scripture; everyone chose to summarize cultivation methods using highly condensed language. So, what exactly is a cultivation technique?

It should aid cultivators in their practice, rather than…become a formidable obstacle on their path to cultivation.

Yet these techniques were written in such obfuscated and ambiguous terms, which could only mean one thing—

Techniques must be described this way; otherwise, they lose their essence.

Bian Chunzhou thought to himself, I’m truly a genius at talking in circles. After pondering for ages, he had only managed to spin his thoughts around and end up right back where he started. So…he still couldn’t understand it.

True Person Sui Yuan’s lecture lasted only two hours. He covered topics from controlling one’s thoughts to personal cultivation paths, delving further into specific insights on wood and water elements. His explanations were clear yet profound, captivating the front-row disciples with rapt fascination. Bian Chunzhou, however, felt as if sitting on needles, prickled by unease.

But he believed he needed to overcome this hurdle, so for seven consecutive days, he dragged Chen Zui to Six-Sermons Peak for lectures, regardless of who the instructor was—better to listen first and see what unfolds. Unfortunately, while Chen Zui gleaned some understanding, Bian Chunzhou remained utterly lost.

How exactly does Water complement Fire?

He even attended a class taught by the esteemed Incarnation Great Master, but frankly, its depth made him drowsy. Conversely, the content shared by Foundation Establishment-stage shixiong seemed more comprehensible to him.

Is it that the higher one’s cultivation, the less they speak plainly?

Bian Chunzhou put away his paper and brush, scratching his head with a rare absence of cheerfulness on his face.

“Bian-shidi, wait a moment, Bian-shidi.”

In the cultivation world, seniority is determined by skill: among disciples of the same generation, those with higher cultivation rank superior. When Bian Chunzhou entered the sect, he was at the third level of Qi Refinement—and he remained there now. In contrast, Lin Congcong had already reached the seventh level of Qi Refinement.

“You’re…Lin-shixiong? What brings you here, Lin-shixiong?” Bian Chunzhou was straightforward by nature and relied on his instincts. Although this round-faced shixiong appeared affable, Bian Chunzhou always felt that he…didn’t quite hold him in high regard.

“It’s like this: Yesterday, I wanted to consult Wen—uh, the young grand uncle—for some questions. However, my communication talisman remained unanswered for hours. Just feeling concerned, I thought to ask you.”

The way “young grand uncle” rolled off his tongue seemed tinged with barely concealed resentment. Smiling, Bian Chunzhou replied, “I’m not sure myself. Why don’t you check Gouchun Peak?”

Lin Congcong’s expression stiffened. Every soul on Yonglu Mountain knew that Gouchun Peak was strictly off-limits. Even the sect leader risked being smitten from its heights by the Divine Venerable residing there—how much more so for mere disciples yet to reach Foundation Establishment?

Lin Congcong could hardly believe it: A blind boy from the mortal realm, relying solely on innate spiritual roots, had managed to become a disciple under an almighty Mahāsattva! Not just any Mahāsattva, but the sole Divine Dragon Venerable in the entire cultivation world.

Jealousy gnawed at him, but reason dictated that befriending such talent would be wise. Yonglu Mountain would never let a prodigy of this caliber falter halfway through their journey. Associating with someone like this could undoubtedly benefit him as well.

But Wen Xu was one thing—what about Bian Chunzhou?! With his useless spiritual roots, he somehow managed to become an apprentice under a Transcendent Spirit great master. Even after becoming an Inner Disciple, his cultivation progress remained stagnant, practically worse than that of an Outer Disciple.

Chances were, following next year’s Great Disciple Competition, Bian Chunzhou would be expelled from the Inner Sect due to insufficient advancement.

“Bian-shidi, do you perhaps harbor some prejudice against me?”

“Not at all, I’m merely offering a suggestion.” Lin Congcong flashed his trademark smile. “Is that so? Then it seems your relationship with Wen Xuxu isn’t as close as you’ve been portraying. You needn’t spread around the Inner Sect how well you two supposedly get along.”

Wow, what a sleazy poser! Don’t think I can’t see through you, kid! If only I could beat you, I’d definitely roll up my sleeves and give you a piece of my mind—

“Our relationship is indeed very good.”

Hearing Wen Xu’s voice suddenly, Bian Chunzhou swiveled his head in surprise. “Wen Xuxu, you finally emerged!”

Wen Xu smiled gently at Bian Chunzhou before turning to Lin Congcong. “However, our bond hasn’t reached the level where we should address each other as brothers. As such, Lin-nephew, please adhere to tradition and call me ‘young grand uncle.’”

“Wahh, just as expected from my bro!” Bian Chunzhou exclaimed joyously. The saying “if we become wealthy together, let’s not forget each other” truly rang true! Wen Xu was amazing; he felt like crying tears of happiness.

Lin Congcong’s expression froze. Just as he was about to make his escape, he discovered something even more distressing: “How did you—” It had barely been seven days, yet Wen Xu’s cultivation had already reached the seventh level of Qi Refinement. What terrifying speed! During the mountain trials, Wen Xu had only been at the second level.

Advancing by nearly one minor realm per day since entering the sect—was this the horrifying pace of mutant Roots?

Lin Congcong couldn’t bear it any longer. Without attempting to save face or maintain dignity, he hastily departed, deeply troubled. In truth, Lin Congcong wasn’t alone in his discomfort. This was Six-Sermons Peak, where most disciples were still in the stages of Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment. A mutant Wind Root was unmistakable, even to the blind. Even without meeting this newly admitted genius young grand uncle, everyone could instantly recognize him by the ribbon across his eyes.

To reach the seventh level of Qi Refinement so quickly after joining the sect—it truly lived up to the awe-inspiring reputation of mutant Roots, utterly astounding!

Seeing the crowd gathering, Bian Chunzhou swiftly pulled his two friends away from Six-Sermons Peak, seeking a secluded peak for their conversation.

“Wen Xu, that was incredibly cool back there! But it didn’t seem quite like your usual style,” Bian Chunzhou said cheerfully. “Chen Zui, don’t you agree?”

Chen Zui scratched his head, looking puzzled. “He just spoke some truths, right? We really aren’t close with Lin Congcong.”

“Forget it, you don’t need to understand,” Bian Chunzhou said with a grin. “Wen Xu, what’s been happening these past few days? Why haven’t you responded to any messages?”

Before Wen Xu could reply, Chen Zui interjected, “He advanced.”

“Wow?” Bian Chunzhou exclaimed.

“The seventh level of Qi Refinement?” Chen Zui looked at Wen Xu, his competitive spirit igniting fiercely within him.

Wen Xu nodded. “Yes, as my shizun explained, I had a sudden enlightenment a few days ago.”

Bian Chunzhou was astounded! No wonder he’s my bro. He promptly offered congratulations, “Well done, Wen Xu! You’re truly brilliant!”

Wen Xu subtly pursed his lips, yet couldn’t help but let them curve slightly upward. “Thank you.”

Chen Zui wondered internally why there was anything to thank for; a real man should embrace competition instead. “Wen Xu, care for a fight?”

Wen Xu hesitated… I am a scholar, not a fighter.