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Chapter 126 I Have a Method That Only Helps Those with Fate (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

After listening to the immortal's words, Shen Miaowei felt that the other party was unfathomable.

Because she had indeed encountered some unpleasant and strange things recently—all of which were predicted by the immortal "Wang Xizhi".

"The divine eye of the celestial being."

She quickly bowed again, her tone even more respectful. Without further hesitation, she began to tell her story.

Shen Miaowei is the only daughter of the Shen family. Her birth mother died early. Her father, Shen Han, is currently the second-in-command of the Beilian government and has three concubines.

The Northern Alliance government occupies the territory north of Suolong Pass, essentially ruling the northern border of the Great Lu Mountains. It rivals the warlord powers of the Central Plains' Chen Kingdom and the Southern Jin Kingdom.

The Shen family held a prestigious position in Pinghai City, the capital of the Northern United Province. Their father, Shen Han, was known as "Marshal Shen," a man of absolute authority who commanded respect and awe.

And the unpleasant things Shen Miaowei mentioned stemmed from this.

Xie Xinglong, the commander-in-chief of the Northern Alliance, is the current head of the Xie family and has four sons. His eldest son was assassinated two years ago, his second son ran away from home, his youngest son is still young, and only his third son, Xie Yanshu, is in his early twenties and has not yet married.

Therefore, Xie Xinglong asked a matchmaker to propose marriage to the Shen family.

Shen Miaowei was extremely resistant to this matter.

Putting aside Xie Yanshu's ugly appearance, with a square head, big ears, and short stature, his personality was extremely wicked. He bullied men and women, was uneducated and incompetent... There were also rumors that he was addicted to "Dream Porcelain" (a Western ointment) and had a penchant for romance and mahjong.

Fortunately, Shen's father loved his daughter dearly and did not want her to marry that playboy and fall into a pit of fire.

He refused the offer twice.

However, the Xie family was powerful and seemed unwilling to give up. They invited various celebrities and dignitaries to persuade them, organized art exhibitions, gave gifts, and even sent one of Shen Miaowei's former painting teachers to visit and persuade them.

In short, they went to great lengths to make this marriage happen.

Two days ago, Xie Yanshu even sent a letter written on his behalf, inviting Shen Miaowei to go out for a spring outing.

But it really disgusted her.

When Shen's father is at home, things are fine, and the Xie family won't do anything out of line. But what if Shen's father has to go out?
Shen Miaowei can't just stay at home forever.

She then sought help from the immortal.

"The furnace of heaven and earth forges iron into steel. Thunder from the heavens tempers jade into brilliance. As Han Feizi once said, 'In ancient times, people competed in morality; in the middle ages, they pursued wisdom and strategy; and in the present age, they contend with strength…'"

Wang Xi thought for a moment and said calmly.

“Miss Shen, you lack power, which is why you are timid and hesitant, and troubled by worldly affairs. If you had power, why would you fear the Xie family's forced marriage and Xie San's improper treatment of you?”

"..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Miaowei fell silent.

“What the immortal says is true.”

Her expression was forlorn and gloomy, her brows furrowed with sadness.

"But I am just a woman, and I have no skills other than painting... Dalu is a martial place, with foreign invaders from the outside and warlords fighting each other from the inside. My father is in charge of the army, but what do all this have to do with me?"

"I am not qualified to wield power."

Suddenly, Shen Miaowei seemed to understand the immortal's meaning, and she looked up sharply, her face full of hope:
"I am being presumptuous, but the immortal has entrusted me with this dream and appeared in my presence through this painting. Would you be willing to save me from this sea of ​​suffering?"

Wang Xi went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face, taking the opportunity to think for a while.

He knew very little about the mysterious other world, and the information recorded in the Yongxie database was mostly about mazes and disasters, which was not very useful for reference... Shen Miaowei was special; her paintings became a medium for communication between the two of them.

Wang Xi could learn more about that world through her. Furthermore, this young lady of the Shen family was of high status, likely a wealthy woman; befriending her would be beneficial to his future adventures.

"Shangxian?"

Shen Miaowei gently placed her right hand on her left wrist in front of her abdomen, and slightly squatted down, maintaining the proper etiquette of a lady.

But after waiting for a long time without hearing a response, he became anxious and uneasy.

"Immortal, are you still there?"

Finally, that ethereal and indifferent voice came:
"I have a method, which is only for those who are destined to receive it."

Shen Miaowei was overjoyed and lowered her head even further.

"I wonder if I am considered a destined person? Am I able to obtain the immortal's teachings?"

"A dream of the world beyond has lasted for thousands of years, I know not what year it is tonight. In my drowsy state, I only recognize you, and only the spring breeze comes to my eyes."

That elusive voice seemed to carry a hint of laughter.

"Miss Shen is certainly a destined person."

Upon hearing this, Shen Miaowei was overjoyed.

Although she was a woman, she was well-read and couldn't help but secretly marvel.

The immortal was a hermit who had slept for hundreds or even thousands of years... Their meeting seemed to be preordained by fate.

Her eyes shone brightly, and she clasped her hands in front of her abdomen, bowing deeply. Her dark hair cascaded down, and her voice trembled slightly, yet each word was solemn:

"The immortal has shown me great mercy. What virtue or ability has Miaowei possessed to be granted such a destiny? I once heard that 'an immortal touched my head and granted me immortality.' Now, I have received the immortal's guidance, like finding a lamp in a dark room or a boat on a desperate crossing."

"Miaowei is willing to serve as a disciple, offering sacrifices morning and evening, and diligently following your teachings. If you do not despise me... Although my family has no fine wine or dew, we do have a piece of 'pine soot ink' passed down from our ancestors, a gift from the Emperor of the previous dynasty. We also have a guqin called 'Nine Heavens Jade Pendant,' with a clear and melodious tone, which may accompany the immortals in their cultivation."

After speaking, she suddenly realized her abruptness, blushed, and quickly added:
"Of course, mundane things are hard to appreciate in the eyes of an immortal, but they are still better than gold bricks, jewels and silver coins. If the immortal has other orders, Miaowei will not hesitate to sacrifice herself."

"..."

Wang Xi lay on the living room sofa, smacking his lips.

This girl is indeed a well-educated and well-mannered rich girl. But what use are those things to him? They're not a magic bullet; he can't possibly carry them all.

"Miss Shen is very kind."

As Wang Xi spoke, his thoughts raced.

What kind of teachings should be transmitted?
First, we can rule out "Rendall's Body Tempering Method" and "Winter Meditation Method," as these two techniques are clearly unsuitable. The former is a battlefield body tempering technique for taking hits, while the latter requires demanding talent and physique.

The "Moonlight Breathing Technique" won't work either, since it's unclear whether the mysterious world has any magic.

Only "Liyuan Nine Rhymes Opera" remains.

"You are currently just a mortal. Rashly engaging in immortal techniques will only cause harm and make it difficult to even begin. You must remember to proceed step by step... I will first teach you a method to strengthen your body. Not to mention being able to fight a hundred men, even eight or nine strong men would not be able to get close to you. If you encounter an insurmountable danger, you can use your agile skills to escape and protect yourself. What do you say?" "Miaowei thanks the immortal for imparting the technique!"

The girl quickly replied.

Fearing she might be slighted, she fetched paper and pen.

As Wang Xi explained the secrets of "Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden Opera," Shen Miaowei quickly took notes using running script.

Lean less.

A cultivation technique of over six hundred words was written down on the paper. Shen Miaowei put down her pen to browse through it and then recited it softly to herself.

She looked puzzled and respectfully asked the portrait:
"Immortal, this technique... it seems a bit like something a theatrical troupe would practice?"

"All worldly paths are laws."

The portrait gave a calm reply.

"Peddlers, actors, and painters, if they delve into the subtleties, can all attain profound understanding. People only say that cultivating immortality requires severing ties with the mortal world, and it is laughable that they always seek immortality beyond the clouds, not knowing that 'the great way is simple, and truth is everywhere you look. The way is in bricks and tiles, and the method is in excrement and urine.'"

"The Way is in the bricks and tiles, the Law is in the excrement and urine..."

Shen Miaowei murmured, her cheeks slightly flushed. She felt that the immortal's words were inelegant, but she also thought that they contained profound truths.

Then the immortal's young and clear voice said:
"The butcher Ding dissects an ox, progressing from skill to the Way. Zhang Xu observes a sword, his brushstrokes flowing like dragons and snakes. Every blade of grass, every sip of water, every bite of food, is nothing but the Way of Heaven."

"If you understand, the stage is a blessed land, and the gongs and drums are thunderous sounds. If you don't understand, even if you travel to all thirty-six grotto heavens, you will still be just an ordinary mortal."

"As Zen Buddhism says, 'Carrying water and chopping wood are nothing but the wondrous path.' The question you asked today was answered three hundred years ago."

"I will follow the teachings of the immortal."

Shen Miaowei stood up and bowed, then said earnestly:
"Miaowei will diligently study the Nine Rhymes Opera and live up to the expectations of the immortal."

“Good, this child is teachable.”

Wang Xi feigned an air of superiority, speaking with a pleased tone.

At this moment, Shen Miaowei secretly raised her eyes, stealing glances at the handsome young man in the portrait, and suddenly asked:
"I wonder if the immortal would be so kind as to appear and have a chat? Miaowei would like to personally serve you tea and play the zither for you."

"..."

Wang Xi fell silent.

Even if he could show himself, he probably wouldn't want to run into this girl.

Even if a celestial being doesn't exactly exude an otherworldly aura, they should at least be dressed like a reclusive master. But here he is, shirtless, wearing baggy shorts, and flip-flops… his prestige is instantly shattered.

"We will meet again eventually, but the time is not right yet."

"Why do you say such a thing, Immortal?"

Shen Miaowei was puzzled.

Wang Xi picked at his ear and immediately began to speak:
"This awakening is guided by the will of Heaven. I wish to return to the mortal realm to overcome this tribulation and ascend to greater heights."

"Transcending...transcending tribulation?!"

The girl was very surprised.

For immortals to undergo tribulation is inevitably fraught with danger.

"A long dream has lasted for years, and the mortal world remains unresolved. On this journey, we will experience three thousand snowstorms and ninety thousand joys and sorrows... At that time, we will meet again."

"Immortal, you wish to undergo the tribulations of the mortal world. Miaowei is aware of this. If you require anything, please feel free to give your orders."

The girl took a deep breath and said.

A hint of anticipation appeared in his eyes.

Looking forward to meeting the immortal.

After a while.

From the bedroom on the second floor of the villa, the sound of a piano, as clear as flowing spring water, could be heard.

However, Shen Miaowei, dressed in a cheongsam, was sitting in front of the painting, burning incense and playing the zither.

Because "the immortal was lost in a great dream, unaware of the passage of time in the mortal world," she recounted to the immortal the current situation of Da Lu and the strange events that had recently occurred in Pinghai City.

"Unexplained unrest broke out in the eastern part of the city, with neighbors killing each other, even family and friends, resulting in countless deaths and injuries."

Several young couples have died under mysterious circumstances in the western part of the city, their bodies shriveled and withered like skin.

"A plague broke out in the south of the city; the roar of a lion was occasionally heard, and many merchants and commoners fell ill."

"It is said that a woodcutter outside the city encountered a strange Taoist priest who was two zhang tall (approximately 6.6 meters), leading more than ten boys and girls through the countryside, and then disappeared in the blink of an eye."

Wang Xi recalled what Shen Miaowei had said.

He increasingly felt that the world there was strange and dangerous.

Those inexplicable tales and legends are probably not entirely unfounded. After all, the mystical world, like the world of fairy tales, truly possesses extraordinary powers.

But compared to demons, Wang Xi felt that those fairies and monsters would probably be even more difficult to deal with...

Perhaps there really are gods.

'Take it one step at a time, and make plans once it actually happens.'

Wang Xi pondered.

At least, we got a general understanding of the situation from Shen Miaowei, so we weren't completely clueless and wandering around like headless flies.

After Miss Shen played a tune on the zither.

The portrait then spoke:
"The Kunshan jade shatters, the phoenix cries; the hibiscus weeps dew, the fragrant orchid smiles. Miss Miaowei's zither skills are superb. I have been asleep for a long time, and I am very pleased to be able to hear this music after I have awakened."

"If I am fortunate enough to witness Mr. Xi's divine countenance in the future, I will surely dance for you in person..."

Shen Miaowei blushed when she heard the praise.

She pursed her lips, revealing her dimples, and murmured:
"I really look forward to that day."

(End of this chapter)