Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Months later.

At 7:45 AM, during breakfast at Broken Peak.

Rong Yu was already seated in the central hall, but Lu Shitu was uncharacteristically late.

Rong Yu couldn't help but feel puzzled. The boy always rose at dawn, practiced his cultivation, and came to the hall for meals on time without fail.

Could it be that the inner demon had already arrived? That shouldn't be the case. According to the original text, the *Wu Wei Mind Method* only gives rise to inner demons after reaching the first level.

The *Wu Wei Mind Method* is truly a technique prepared for those destined to ascend and become immortals. It carries a sense of severing worldly ties and embracing emotionless detachment. The cultivation process is genuinely a journey of refining the heart. Coupled with the inner demons in the later stages, practicing it is akin to carving out one's heart, a dual torment of body and mind, excruciatingly painful.

It doesn't impose strict requirements on one's cultivation level itself, but this suffering is its true barrier. Even in ancient times, most people gave up at the very first step, unable to endure it.

Over the past few months, whenever Rong Yu passed by the meditation room, he would see Lu Shitu with his eyes tightly shut, his face as pale as paper, sometimes even drenched in sweat, enduring the agony of refining his heart.

Rong Yu had only read about such things before; it was his first time witnessing someone endure such suffering in person, and it tugged at his heart every time.

He practiced so diligently... Could he really have developed an inner demon this quickly? Thinking this, Rong Yu couldn't sit still and stood up, heading toward the side room.

Upon arriving at the side room, he saw a small lump under the blankets on the bed, with Lu Shitu wrapped inside, not moving at all.

Rong Yu’s heart sank with worry, and he hurried over to pull back the covers to check on him.

The little "spring roll" named Lu Shitu curled inward, wrapping himself even tighter, and said in a muffled voice, "Greetings, Master... This disciple is slightly unwell and will skip the meal today."

Rong Yu grew even more anxious, fearing that Lu Shitu had indeed developed an inner demon, and insisted on seeing what was wrong. After a brief struggle, the covers were finally pulled back, revealing Lu Shitu’s small face covered in red spots. Seeing that he was exposed, Lu Shitu seemed momentarily flustered and quickly lowered his head.

Rong Yu had never seen such a situation before. His mind raced through all sorts of illnesses, and he frantically felt for the boy’s pulse but couldn't discern anything amiss. He then reached out to lift Lu Shitu’s face.

Lu Shitu kept shielding his face with his hands, his eyelashes trembling as he whispered, "Master needn't worry. It’s an old ailment; it will pass soon."

As if he wouldn't worry! What was wrong with this child?

Rong Yu, growing increasingly impatient with his evasiveness and already prone to irritation—though he made exceptions for those close to him—finally cast a spell to immobilize Lu Shitu. Only then could he take a proper look.

The delicate-looking young man turned his head away, his ears flushed red, allowing Rong Yu to hold his chin and examine him.

Upon closer inspection, Rong Yu noticed that Lu Shitu not only had red spots on his face but also many elsewhere on his body. It clearly looked like... an allergic reaction?

Realizing he couldn't hide it from Rong Yu, Lu Shitu pursed his lips for a moment before finally admitting, "I... break out in rashes when I eat carrots. I’m sorry, Master."

Rong Yu was taken aback, suddenly remembering that every meal the day before had included several dishes made with carrots. And whenever carrots were on the table, Lu Shitu had eaten a lot of them. So he was allergic to carrots? And what was he apologizing for?

Rong Yu said angrily, "If you knew this, why did you still eat them?"

Lu Shitu seemed to tremble but lowered his head again, remaining silent.

Rong Yu suddenly recalled that months ago, during their first meal together, he had offhandedly mentioned that carrots were good for health and told Lu Shitu to eat more.

Was his reaction... because of that remark?

Had this foolish child studied himself into stupidity? Rong Yu’s anger flared, and he finally lost his temper: "What an obedient child. If someone tells you to eat, you eat. If someone tells you to jump off a cliff, would you jump?"

Rong Yu’s tone was harsh, and Lu Shitu’s face gradually paled.

After a long moment, Lu Shitu seemed to muster all his courage and whispered, almost inaudibly, "If Master wishes to send me away... could you... could you... hold me one more time?"

Rong Yu: ???

What kind of logic was this child following?

Rong Yu’s anger vanished, replaced by confusion. "Why would I send you away?"

Lu Shitu paused, looking up at Rong Yu with a bewildered and lost expression.

The two stared at each other for a while before Rong Yu finally pulled Lu Shitu closer and carefully applied an ointment he had taken out during their conversation to the boy’s face.

Rong Yu’s fingers were cool, like cold jade, causing Lu Shitu to shiver. Lu Shitu was stiff but obediently let him apply the ointment, his eyes fixed greedily on Rong Yu.

In that time, Rong Yu’s anger gradually subsided. Under the child’s gaze, even he, usually careless, began to understand. Perhaps in Lu Shitu’s mind, if he weren't so obedient, Rong Yu wouldn't help him reverse his fate and would abandon him—as if it were some kind of transaction.

Understanding this, Rong Yu felt a pang of heartache and applied the ointment even more gently.

After a moment’s thought, he softened his voice and said, "I spoke too harshly earlier. As master and disciple, I would never send you away. I promised to help you recover, and I will keep that promise. Don’t be afraid."

Lu Shitu’s eyes suddenly lit up.

The room was filled with the faint scent of the ointment, and the atmosphere grew quiet and serene.

As the application neared its end, Lu Shitu suddenly whispered, "I don’t listen to others."

His voice was almost inaudible but firm.

Rong Yu’s hand paused before he realized the child was responding to his earlier remark, "If someone tells you to jump off a cliff, would you jump?"

Rong Yu: ...

Was there any hope left for this child’s way of thinking?

In the cave abode of the sect leader at Shouzhong Peak, three people sat around a table.

Elder Lingxiao said impatiently, "Enough nonsense. Whether that boy has the *Twelve Floors* or not, we’ll know during the Qingxu Peak trial by testing him with the *Ying Fish*."

The *Ying Fish* is the outermost guardian spiritual beast of the *Twelve Floors*. If it senses the presence of the *Twelve Floors* on someone, it will attack without hesitation.

The sect leader remained silent, turning his gaze to Jiang Ziliu, who sat to the side.

During the Sect Tournament, despite having a three-spiritual-root body, Jiang Ziliu miraculously defeated several inner disciples with two spiritual roots or even single spiritual roots in matches of the same realm. He even attempted to challenge senior disciples at the Golden Core stage with his Foundation Establishment cultivation but, after several matches where he fell short, ultimately gave up.

Even so, his legendary performance was dazzling enough: an unknown outer disciple with a supposedly worthless four-spiritual-root body, who hadn't even managed to draw Qi into his body in two years, suddenly underwent marrow cleansing and advanced overnight, displaying such high combat prowess.

Many disciples began to believe that he was a child of destiny, destined for countless opportunities and a boundless future.

However, there was also a rumor that before the sect’s secret realm exploration, Jiang Ziliu had already curried favor with a certain elder, and his subsequent marrow cleansing and advancement were all achieved through elixirs provided by that elder.

But no one believed this theory, not because they trusted his character, but mainly because—why would an elder help a four-spiritual-root waste? It clearly seemed impossible.

Regardless of public opinion, during that Sect Tournament, Jiang Ziliu’s outstanding performance caught Elder Lingxiao’s eye, and he was accepted as a nominal disciple, sparking envy among many.

Now, seeing the sect leader look his way, Jiang Ziliu knew he was being asked for input and agreed, "Master is right. I think this plan is feasible."

Elder Lingxiao, pleased with his support, nodded contentedly. Suddenly remembering something, he added, "Speaking of which, Taiqing actually accepted the trial invitation, though he said it was for his disciple. But Broken Peak has never gotten involved in such matters before. It’s quite unusual. It seems he truly values this disciple."

Hearing this, Jiang Ziliu’s expression darkened, his features twisting almost imperceptibly with suppressed fury before he regained control.

Beneath the table, his hands were clenched into tight fists. Ever since that day, this resentment had been festering in his heart, churning with bitterness and sourness, leaving a taste of acid and hardship whenever he thought of it.

Why does that trash get to catch Taiqing Elder's eye! Clearly, their positions are completely reversed now—he is heaven's favorite, while Lu Shitu is nothing but a worthless piece of trash!

Elder Lingxiao shifted tone and added, "But precisely because of this, it’s even more worth testing. If the divine weapon isn’t on that kid, why would Taiqing value him so much? As for the Ying Fish matter, I don’t think we need to hesitate."

The sect leader pondered and said, "But the Ying Fish is, after all, extremely lethal. If there are casualties..." His face, as flawless as jade, appeared genuinely concerned for the disciples, yet his eyes were like an unfathomable, impenetrable still pond, utterly calm.

Jiang Ziliu smiled confidently, "Sect Leader, don’t worry. With me here, I’ll definitely be able to save my fellow disciples." Others would surely be saved, but as for Lu Shitu... heh, even if he doesn’t die, he’ll be skinned alive.

The sect leader finally nodded and reached out to pat Jiang Ziliu’s shoulder. "Good, I’ll leave this matter to you." Whether intentional or not, his hand lingered on Jiang Ziliu’s shoulder a bit too long, the pressure a bit too firm, subtly channeling a subtle current of spiritual energy into his body, as if probing for something.

Jiang Ziliu noticed nothing, instead feeling puffed up with the importance of being trusted with such an important task again. He bowed cheerfully and took his leave.

As soon as he left, the sect leader used the same hand that had patted him to form a hand seal, his eyes slightly closed.

Seeing this, Elder Lingxiao asked, "So? Is the boy still viable?"

After a long moment, the sect leader opened his eyes and slowly nodded. "His connection to that thing remains."

Elder Lingxiao laughed heartily, smugly saying, "I told you there was no need to be so paranoid, always having to check every time. See? Isn’t it all thanks to me for finding him?"

The sect leader lowered his eyes and said, "The Qingxu Peak trial is approaching. You need to prepare quickly. Go." This was effectively dismissing him.

Elder Lingxiao had no choice but to retract his smile and stand up, secretly glaring at the sect leader and thinking, Pah! Stop putting on airs! You’re nothing but a sickly runt. As if I want to stick around with you. Just wait until we get our hands on that thing—you'll get yours!

He strode out of the reception room and caught up with Jiang Ziliu, who was already descending the mountain.

When Jiang Ziliu saw him, he greeted respectfully, "Master."

Elder Lingxiao, who thrived on flattery, was immediately pleased by this display of respect. His tone grew even more concerned. "Are you really confident you can defeat the Ying Fish? It’s a seventh-level spiritual beast, with combat power comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator, and you’re only at the mid Foundation Establishment stage..."

In just a few months, with a steady supply of resources, Jiang Ziliu had advanced from the early to mid Foundation Establishment stage—an astonishingly fast cultivation speed. Even so, his cultivation level was still insufficient to face the Ying Fish.

Jiang Ziliu put on an expression of admiration. "With the White Feather Arrow you gave me, Master, specifically made to counter the Ying Fish, I’m sure I can do it. Besides, didn’t you also give me the Freedom Pagoda for protection? Since I already know it will appear, I can at least ensure everyone’s safety."

Elder Lingxiao was immensely pleased and launched into a lengthy story. "Speaking of this White Feather Arrow and the Freedom Pagoda, back in my day..."

Jiang Ziliu listened with a respectful expression, though inwardly he was seething with contempt. As he thought about what was to come, he grew increasingly smug and pleased: Lu Shitu, just you wait. So you got taken in by an elder? So you think you’re so impressive?

I’m going to make you be broken all over again!