Great Void Sect, Wenxuan Peak.
Beneath the mottled shadows of the trees, the Senior Brother and Junior Sister sat facing each other, brewing tea and discussing the Dao.
Yes, discussing the Dao.
Lin Ci felt quite uneasy about it.
Two cultivation novices, yet here they were, debating the Dao.
Am I even qualified for this?
But since he had to maintain the image of the Chief Disciple, matters like teaching the Dao to juniors were inevitable. It was better to get some practice by sparring with his Junior Sister first.
After all, she was the easiest one to coax within the sect.
Xia Xiaochan was very serious. She sat properly on the grass mat in a kneeling position, hands folded obediently on her thighs, eyes fixed steadily on Lin Ci.
Senior Brother is going to teach me something new. How exciting…
Lin Ci placed the rosewood teapot on the stone stove and snapped his fingers gently. The charcoal inside flared up—a little trick of using spiritual energy to start a fire.
Having crossed over for more than a month, Lin Ci wasn’t idle all day. Although his cultivation progress was stagnant, he had figured out several unconventional tricks.
Like the Roller Washing Machine powered by spiritual energy…
Since arriving in this world, he realized how convenient spiritual energy was. Too bad the locals only studied how to use it for fighting.
Really…
“Xiaochan, let me ask you,” Lin Ci said in his usual calm tone, “Why do mortals seek immortality?”
“Huh?”
Xia Xiaochan was momentarily stunned before realizing the Dao discussion had already begun.
But Senior Brother, isn’t this first question a bit too profound…
Why do mortals seek immortality?
She first thought of herself. Her initial motivation for cultivation was not to disappoint her family and Master Ling He Zhenren’s expectations. Now, it was to repay Senior Brother’s care and kindness.
But that was a personal answer; Senior Brother’s question was broader—meant for all beings!
“To… live forever and never grow old?”
Xiaochan answered tentatively.
Lin Ci silently looked at her, took a sip of tea, and shook his head without saying a word.
“Or to become strong, so they can eliminate demons, protect the Dao, and safeguard everyone…”
Xiaochan tried again.
Lin Ci shook his head gently once more.
As for the correct answer…
Don’t forget, this debate was mainly Lin Ci’s way of consolidating his own image.
So even though he didn’t have a clear answer, he only needed to negate Xiaochan’s replies.
That way, he would always be right.
Even if your answer sounds impressive, I ask you, where is Zhao Xin standing across from you?
If you can’t answer that, zero points for you.
Xia Xiaochan wracked her brain to come up with three more answers, but Lin Ci just shook his head or remained silent, mercilessly testing his Junior Sister.
My comprehension is so poor, I can’t even answer Senior Brother’s first question…
Xiaochan thought timidly.
At that moment, Lin Ci looked up at the sky and felt it was about time. He dipped his finger in the tea and drew the character “一” on the stone table.
“Xiaochan, you want to learn Sword Dao from me, right?”
“The answer to the previous question lies within this character.”
“If you can comprehend it within seven days, I will teach you swordsmanship.”
After saying this, Lin Ci stood up, clapped his hands, and left.
Nice, finally some peace and quiet for a few days.
Walking away, Lin Ci hummed happily.
Since Xiaochan entered the path yesterday, she had been pestering him even more, claiming that since she had entered the path, Senior Brother should teach her magic and swordsmanship.
She was too eager to improve.
And since she knew he specialized in Sword Dao, she kept wanting to learn the sword from him.
The problem was… Lin Ci didn’t actually know swordsmanship himself.
At least he could bluff with cultivation methods, but sword techniques… if Xiaochan learned from him, she might just learn how to commit suicide.
Thankfully, he had a sudden inspiration today and assigned her an impossible task.
He only casually drew a single stroke. How could she possibly find an answer?
At least for seven days, the Junior Sister wouldn’t bother him.
Unconsciously,
Lin Ci arrived at the entrance of Wenxuan Peak.
At that moment, as if on cue, a figure riding a sword descended from afar.
“Is this Chief Lin?”
The newcomer saw Lin Ci and hurriedly bowed.
“It’s me. What is it?”
Though unfamiliar, the disciple’s Great Void Sect uniform was genuine. To maintain his persona, Lin Ci adopted a typically aloof demeanor and replied lightly.
The visitor respectfully cupped his hands:
“Indeed, Chief Lin! I’ve long admired you!”
“I am Wang Hu, here to congratulate you on breaking through your bottleneck and advancing your cultivation!”
Breakthrough?
When did I break through? Why don’t I know about this…
Lin Ci wondered.
“This is a congratulatory gift. Please continue to favor me, Chief Lin.”
Saying this, the disciple pulled out a Jade Gourd from his Storage Pouch. Inside was a Spirit Pill emitting a strong fragrance.
“Thank you, but the gift is unnecessary. You may leave now.”
Lin Ci gestured politely.
Although the disciple looked like it was a precious item, Lin Ci didn’t recognize the pill, and accepting it would mean establishing a relationship—too risky and inappropriate.
Upon hearing this, the disciple gave a wry smile:
“As expected, Chief Lin is as indifferent and proud as the rumors say. It was my recklessness—please forgive me.”
After another bow, he flew away on his sword.
Lin Ci scratched his head. Although he had sent the disciple off, he was puzzled. Supposedly, he was still in seclusion to cultivate and comprehend the Dao. Why would anyone seek him out now?
Hopefully, this was just an isolated incident…
But just seconds after the disciple left, two more sword-riding figures simultaneously appeared at the entrance.
“I am Wang Yang.”
“I am Chen Songyang.”
“Congratulations on coming out of seclusion, Chief Lin!”
They said in unison.
“…”
Looking at their gifts, Lin Ci suddenly realized something must have gone wrong!
Elsewhere.
After Lin Ci left, Xia Xiaochan kept staring at the “一” character he had left on the stone table.
She pondered deeply.
An hour passed; the water stains on the stone had dried, leaving only a faint trace, yet Xiaochan still hadn’t grasped the answer.
It just looked like a casually drawn stroke…
But something from Senior Brother could never be that simple!
There had to be a deeper meaning beneath this character…
What could it be?
Lost in thought, Xiaochan sighed.
Sigh, it’s because I’m too slow. If only my comprehension were higher, I would have figured it out by now…
A few birds chirped in the trees, and suddenly her stomach rumbled loudly.
Xiaochan realized it was already past noon.
Thankfully, Senior Brother had prepared. He had slipped her some provisions that morning.
Xiaochan took out a palm-sized bundle wrapped in leaves. Upon unwrapping it, a fresh fragrance wafted out.
She remembered Lin Ci saying this was called “Zongzi.”
She had heard of zongzi in her village, but those were delicacies only the wealthy or landlords could afford. She had never tasted one in her life.
Eagerly, she bit into it. It was extraordinarily sweet.
There was even a filling inside!
Seeing the red dates and sweet bean paste, Xiaochan was surprised and moved.
If it weren’t for Senior Brother, she wouldn’t even know zongzi had a filling inside!
Hmm?
Wait a moment…
Suddenly, Xiaochan had a thought:
Zongzi… rice on the outside, filling inside.
Senior Brother’s question was: Why do mortals seek immortality?
Why did he say “seek immortality” instead of “cultivate immortality”?
And rice and filling, immortality and mortality…
Could this also be a hint from Senior Brother?
He must have anticipated I would be confused and made zongzi in advance to help me comprehend the Dao of Immortality.
With this in mind, Xiaochan’s gaze returned to the “一” character on the stone table.
After some reflection, her bright eyes trembled slightly. A gleam of insight rose from the depths of her heart:
“一…”
“一…”
“Embrace the Origin, Guard the One!”
“I see now.”
“Senior Brother, I’ve understood!”