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Chapter 241 Seeking Shelter from the Rain in a Dilapidated Temple
The night is getting darker.

The tranquil moonlight spilled over the No. 27 student villa area, reflecting shimmering ripples on the lake.

Wang Xi took a hot shower and, dressed in her pajamas, lazily leaned back in the rocking chair on the second-floor balcony, enjoying the evening breeze.

Compared to the purple moon during the day, the white moon at night was brighter and more to his liking... After all, this moon was almost identical to the one in his previous life.

beep.

Just then, a cell phone on the small round table next to the rocking chair suddenly vibrated.

Wang Xi reached out and picked it up, only to find it was a message from Chu Nai:

"Brother Xi, I saw you've reached number one on the Kunwu Ranking! Hehe... A lot of people in our academy are talking about you. (Cute silly goose)"

After reading the message, Wang Xi smiled and tapped the screen to reply: "It's only temporary. Our college just had a disaster simulation class first."

Points earned from answering questions in theory classes are earned faster in practical classes than from answering questions in theory classes.

beep.

"It's okay, I believe Brother Xi can stay in the lead, by a wide margin!" (Silly Goose firmly)

Chu Nai sent another message.

Wang Xi thought for a moment, then typed, "What, you don't want to get first place? I heard the reward is very generous, which should be helpful to you."

"Of course I want to, but..."

Chu Nai posted a message.

A few seconds passed.

"You can have it this month, I'll take it next month, hehe. (Silly goose laughs foolishly)"

"You really don't respect other geniuses."

Wang Xi smiled.

To be honest, with Chu Nai's strength, if she wanted to take first place, probably no student in this year's Kunwu Camp could beat her.

Even Cao Pang couldn't do it.

Chu Nai is too strong.

She was far ahead of other students, and even most teachers and specially invited lecturers were not as good as her.

"No... It's just that we've come all this way to Kunwu Camp, so we should at least try to get first place once, otherwise this trip will have been in vain."

Chu Nai sent another message.

Wang Xi typed: "Then I thank you very much, Leader Chu, for being lenient and giving me this month's opportunity."

"It wasn't 'letting' him have it; it was Brother Xi's own ability. (Silly Goose serious)"

After reading the message, Wang Xi smiled.

They chatted for a few more minutes and then said goodnight to each other.

Wang Xi put down his phone, leaned back in his recliner, and looked thoughtful.

'I have no classes for the next two days, so I can go to another world...'

He closed his eyes, using his mind to penetrate the gaps in his mind and communicate with the depths of the fog.

"Miaowei," Wang Xi called out.

Soon, he heard Shen Miaowei's slightly surprised voice: "Master, your disciple is here."

Wang Xi briefly inquired about the cultivation progress of this cheap disciple, Shen Miaowei, who replied with trepidation that she had only just managed to cultivate the "Ink Spirit Heavenly Questions" technique to the sixth question.

"..."

Wang Xi remained silent for two seconds.

It hasn't been long, and Shen Miaowei has already mastered the basic techniques of the Ink Sword Sect to the middle stage.

It shouldn't be long before things are resolved.

The saying that Confucius taught that it takes half a month to get started, three years to achieve minor success, six years to achieve major success, and nine years to achieve perfection, is completely inapplicable to Shen Miaowei.

This girl's talent for cultivation is simply too extraordinary.

Wang Xi was even a little worried that his speed of passing on the teachings couldn't keep up with the speed of his cheap disciple's progress...

Followed by.

Taking this opportunity, Shen Miaowei spoke of the difficulties and confusions she had encountered in her cultivation during this period and sought guidance from her master.

Wang Xi had already mastered the "Ink Spirit Heavenly Questions" technique to perfection, so these questions were naturally no problem for him. He then gave concise and insightful guidance, which made Shen Miaowei suddenly realize the truth.

The girl held her master in even higher esteem.

The question that I couldn't figure out might be simpler than what one plus one equals in the eyes of my master.

After answering his disciple's questions, Wang Xi asked, "Has Miaowei's three souls and seven spirits been perfected?"

"Master, what constitutes perfection... Uh, I recently discovered that my consciousness seems to be able to detach from my body and also observe my inner body, where I saw many bright lights like stars."

“Consciousness leaving the body is the primordial spirit,” Wang Xi said. “Can the number of light points within the body be ten?”

"Um...yes, ten."

After thinking for a moment, Shen Miaowei affirmed.

Wang Xi chuckled: "When the three souls and seven spirits are added together, there are ten or more. When the primordial spirit shines through introspection, it is considered complete."

"Ah? Master, has Miaowei already surpassed the Grandmaster level in the mortal realm and become a legendary cultivator?!"

Shen Miaowei was quite surprised and excited.

Wang Xi shook his head.

This girl's progress is too fast; she doesn't even know how strong she has become.

"You've not only surpassed ordinary grandmasters, but even ordinary cultivators are probably no match for you."

Wang Xi said softly.

"When Miaowei observes inward, can she see unusual phenomena in her spiritual platform?"

“Strange phenomenon…” Shen Miaowei thought for a moment and said, “Yes! This disciple saw a black stream, as if I were standing on the bank of the stream, and there was a small house not far away.”

At this point, she suddenly realized something and exclaimed in surprise, "Master! Could that be the 'Yellow Court Inner Landscape' you were talking about?!"

"Based on what you've said, it's pretty much true."

Wang Xi smiled.

"Miaowei, you have opened up your inner realm and possess magical power, thus embarking on a path of transcendence... Congratulations!"

"Thanks to Master's guidance!"

Shen Miaowei was quite excited, her tone jubilant.

Soon, the girl asked expectantly, "Master, you once said that after I open up my inner realm, I can go to the mortal world to meet you..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi thought for a moment.

Although the two are separated by thousands of miles in the Mysterious Realm, belonging to the Northern Kingdom and the Morning Kingdom respectively, their inner vision of the Yellow Court in the microscopic world connects to the outside world, allowing them to meet there.

However, the problem is that Wang Xi cannot locate Shen Miaowei's interior position and cannot find her for the time being.

The two disciples from Mojianzhai who guided him found him and led him to Golden Maple Valley based on Wang Xi's seal and token.

Thoughts raced through Wang Xi's mind, but he couldn't speak frankly.

Because it would damage his image...

how?

It doesn't make sense that an old immortal who has been dreaming for hundreds of years couldn't even find his disciple's inner vision.

"Miaowei, I have recently gained some insights from my experiences in the mortal world and need to go into seclusion for a period of time. I will not be able to see you for the time being."

Wang Xi said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Shen Miaowei felt a pang of disappointment and sighed inwardly. She could only bow to the unfolded portrait and say, "Disciple understands. May Master's seclusion be successful."

Wang Xi sensed the low spirits in the other person's tone, and after thinking for a moment, said:

“Miaowei, you have now opened up your inner realm, and the Moxi Cottage is the manifestation of your foundation… Your teacher is very pleased.”

Hearing her master's praise, Shen Miaowei smiled.

Her mood brightened slightly.

Then, Wang Xi continued, "Since you are skilled in painting, I will teach you another technique... This technique is a protective method, but it is far more profound and unfathomable than 'A Stroke of Mountains and Rivers.' You should cultivate it diligently."

"Huh?" Shen Miaowei exclaimed in surprise. "Even more profound than 'A Stroke of Mountains and Rivers'..."

She hasn't quite mastered "One Stroke of Mountains and Rivers," but she's almost there.

The sword, staff, and palm techniques contained within are extremely exquisite, and even in the secular martial arts world, they could be considered the ultimate martial arts techniques of a sect... Anything more profound than that would definitely be a cultivator's magic.

"Thank you for imparting the Dharma, Master!" Shen Miaowei's expression changed, and she hurriedly bowed. "This disciple listens attentively and dares not miss a single detail!"

“Good.” Wang Xi’s tone was friendly, and he immediately began to recite the general outline and key points of the “Shadow Painting” cultivation method from the “Shadow God’s Ode to Corpse Mountain and Blood Sea”:
"All phenomena are illusions, only shadows bear witness to the truth. Mountains of corpses forge the bones, seas of blood temper the soul. With the netherworld as an inkstone, and karmic debts as a brush, I cut the unbound shadows of the three realms, and draw the nameless forms of the six paths..."

...

...

After the teachings were finished, Wang Xi ended the cross-disciplinary communication with Shen Miaowei's respectful yet reluctant response.

He has now led Shen Miaowei onto the path of cultivation.

With the cultivation technique "Ink Spirit Heavenly Question" and the protective methods "Mountains and Rivers in One Stroke" and "Shadow Painting", it won't be long before this girl has a certain ability to protect herself.

Even if she doesn't reach four or five stars, she's definitely at least two or three. Plus, with Liuli protecting her, Shen Miaowei's inevitable death might be averted...

'Chaus, descend upon the realm of mysticism.'

Wang Xi closed his eyes and silently issued the instructions.

hum-

"The Projection Has Arrived"

"The World I Live In: Mysterious"

Exploration: 6.5%

"Legendary Status: 22 (...)"

When Wang Xi opened his eyes again, he found himself in a carriage that was bumping along.

The clatter of horses' hooves and the clanging of cart wheels rolling across the dirt road mingled in my ears, monotonous yet clear.

In the cramped carriage, besides him, there was only Liu Xunyan, the maid in a green dress, leaning against the wall on the wooden bench opposite him. The girl was fast asleep, with drool hanging from the corner of her mouth, and even with the carriage jolting so much, she couldn't wake up.

Wang Xi reached out and lifted the curtain, letting in a damp breeze carrying the scent of earth and vegetation. Looking up, he saw only a vast expanse of desolate hills stretching as far as the eye could see.

In the distance, mountains lie hidden beneath a leaden gray sky; nearby, wild grasses grow lush and vines cling freely to the gnarled branches of old trees. No one is in sight, nor a wisp of smoke rises from a chimney. Only the low murmur of the cold wind whistling through the treetops remains between heaven and earth.

‘Where is this? ’

Wang Xi was slightly puzzled.

He reviewed the "projection review," and the images flashed through his mind like a slideshow.

It turns out that he had already embarked on a journey north with Zhang Fuyun and Mei Yanxi, and had been traveling all this time.

More than half a month has passed, and they have long since left Fengdeng City and even Jingu Province. But to find out exactly where they went, we still need to ask Mei Yanxi, since the Jinghong Troupe has traveled all over the country and is quite familiar with the situation in Dalu.

On the carriage shaft, Mei Yanxi, who was whipping the horse to control it, seemed to sense something and turned his head to laugh loudly: "Brother Wang is awake? Perfect timing. We're on a fast pace and have already reached the northern border of Chen Kingdom... At this rate, we can leave Chen Kingdom's territory completely tomorrow."

He pointed his whip at the layered mountain shadows ahead: "Further ahead is the border between the two countries. I heard that in that no-man's-land, there is a town called 'Magou,' which is a place to stay."

"Although the town is a mixed bag, at least we can at least have a roof over our heads. Let's go there and rest for a few days, and also buy some supplies. What do you think, Brother Wang?"

Wang Xi nodded: "I'll leave it all to Brother Mei's arrangements."

He secretly thought to himself that this development was exactly as predicted in the "Preview of Seclusion".

Magou Town...

It seems that some evil spirit is lurking there.

It's a good opportunity to resolve this on the way, accumulate "virtuous deeds," and complete a chapter of the "Demon Funeral Scroll."

As dusk deepened, like ink splashed across the landscape, the desolate hills were dyed a deep blue. Suddenly, a rumble of thunder rolled across the horizon, sending a shiver down one's spine.

The sky suddenly darkened as if it were night, with only pale lightning bolts tearing through the clouds and instantly illuminating the vast mountains and fields.

Boom!

A sudden clap of thunder.

Wang Xi's heart skipped a beat.

It is going to rain.

Heavy rain was a harbinger of his sudden death from "seeing a funeral"...

"Brother Mei," Wang Xixian called out as he opened the curtain. "Let's find somewhere to take shelter from the rain."

“Okay,” Mei Yanxi readily agreed. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

at this time.

Zhang Fuyun rode a horse closer to the carriage, cracking his whip and pointing to a mountain hollow in the northeast: "Senior brother, Brother Mei, there is a temple at the foot of that mountain."

Wang Xi looked in the direction he was pointing.

Amidst the howling wind, a solitary dilapidated temple stood halfway up the mountain. The temple walls were crumbling and mottled, revealing a gray-black stone foundation, and weeds had grown taller than the broken walls and ruins.

Several tiles on the temple roof had collapsed, revealing jagged holes, as if gnawed by a giant creature. The rotten wooden plaque hanging above the temple gate was no longer legible, with only half of it remaining, creaking and swaying in the wind and rain.

"That's it." Mei Yanxi said without hesitation, giving the reins a sharp tug. "Giddy up! All of you, hurry up and follow!"

He called out loudly to the convoy of the Jinghong Class behind him.

The wheels were stuck in the mud, but the horse struggled forward with the whip until it finally stopped in front of the crooked gate of the dilapidated temple.

Boom! !

Another thunderclap boomed.

Large raindrops began to pour down, making a splashing sound, turning the surroundings into a blurry curtain of water.

The members of the Jinghong Troupe, including martial arts actor Luo Qu, female lead Jiang Xiaolan, and musician Uncle Ya, jumped off the train in the rain without taking a break. They quickly covered several large boxes filled with props and costumes with tung oil tarpaulins and tied them tightly with ropes.

The suitcases were heavy, and even more so in the wind and rain, but they moved nimbly, clearly used to the elements.

Wang Xi, along with Liu Xunyan and Zhang Fuyun, pushed open the half-collapsed temple door and went inside.

Upon entering, a strange smell, a mixture of mold and stale smoke, filled the nostrils.

Zhang Fuyun coughed repeatedly, while Liu Xunyan covered her mouth and nose with a scented handkerchief, her pretty eyebrows slightly furrowed.

The temple was dimly lit, with only a few faint rays of sunlight filtering through the broken roof, making it seem even more secluded and desolate.

Looking up, the clay bodhisattva statue in the very center, which should have been solemn and dignified, was now headless.

The broken neck was not a rough crack, but rather strangely smooth, as if it had been cleanly sliced ​​off by some sharp blade. At the abrupt break, a strangely large brown Ganoderma lucidum was growing.

The Ganoderma lucidum was as big as a large bowl, with thick flesh, layered caps, and a glossy, oily surface.

Despite the damp and chilly environment, it seemed to thrive, emitting a subtle and unusual fragrance that seeped into the air of the temple.

"Huh? Where did that Bodhisattva head go?"

Zhang Fuyun, being young and only just beginning his cultivation journey, couldn't help but be curious about this strange sight. He climbed onto the lotus seat, wanting to reach out and touch the Ganoderma lucidum.

"And this Ganoderma lucidum looks so unusual, could it be some kind of rare and precious treasure?"

"Fuyun, don't touch it!"

Wang Xi said in a deep voice.

His voice made Zhang Fuyun pause in his movements.

Liu Xunyan approached at this moment and said softly, "Young master is right. This fungus is not an ordinary Ganoderma lucidum medicinal material; it just looks similar... It is highly poisonous. If a mortal touches it on their skin, the poison will instantly penetrate to the bone marrow, and even a god cannot save them."

As a disciple of the Liu family among the Five Immortals, her perception of poisons far surpasses that of ordinary people.

Wang Xi looked at Zhang Fuyun, whose expression had changed slightly, and said in a calm but cautionary tone: "Fuyun, your cultivation is still shallow, and your magic power may not be able to withstand the poison."

"Thank you for the reminder, senior brother and Miss Liu."

Zhang Fuyun quickly withdrew his hand, jumped off the lotus seat, and felt a wave of fear wash over him.

He stared at the headless Bodhisattva statue and the strange poisonous fungus, his eyes filled with confusion: "Senior brother, what exactly is going on? In this dilapidated temple in the middle of nowhere, how could the Bodhisattva statue be headless and have such a poisonous creature growing on it?"

Wang Xi said calmly, "The world is vast and full of wonders. It could be mountain spirits or monsters, or some evil beings with blasphemous intentions passing through, doing this on purpose to mock the immortals and Buddhas."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fuyun was quite surprised.

Are they mountain spirits, monsters, or evil spirits causing trouble?
As they spoke, Mei Yanxi called to Luo Qu and the others who came in behind them. They found a dry corner, quickly cleared a space, gathered some dry firewood and grass left in the broken hall, and started a fire to dispel the dampness and cold.

The light from the bonfire flickered, slightly dispelling the stagnant chill inside the temple.

Having received his senior brother's admonition, Zhang Fuyun dared not touch the evil Ganoderma lucidum again. He then mustered his spirits and, by the light of the fire, cautiously patrolled the four walls of the main hall to check for any venomous insects or snakes.

A faint halo of light flowed between his fingertips, clearly indicating that he had mobilized a small amount of magical power to cast a detection spell.

Wang Xi then called out to Liu Xunyan, asking her to gather some wood and seal up the doors and windows.

Others were unaware that he was avoiding "meeting a funeral," and Liu Xunyan only thought that Wang Xi was worried that the dilapidated temple could not withstand the storm, so he asked her to make some repairs. She obediently got up and started working without asking any further questions.

After a while.

Just as Liu Xunyan blocked the doors and windows, she heard a series of hurried footsteps outside the temple.

Then came a few more thumping sounds.

The knocking sounded particularly clear through the rain.

"Is there anyone in there?"

A timid, soft female voice came from outside the door.

"Could you open the door so we can get out of the rain?"

Liu Xunyan subconsciously looked at Wang Xi, who was sitting by the fire with a calm expression.

"Open the door."

Wang Xi nodded.

Liu Xunyan obediently agreed and slowly opened the door.

Three people were standing outside the door—

A scholar in a blue robe and two young women.

The scholar had a handsome face and carried a book basket on his back. The woman on the left was tall and slender, with a green ribbon tied around her waist. The woman on the right was petite, dressed in a plain robe, carrying a long sword, and had a cool and aloof expression.

Rain dripped down the hems of the three people's clothes, forming a small puddle in front of the threshold.

The scholar bowed respectfully, his gaze falling on Liu Xunyan, and said with a smile, "Miss, we were passing through this area when we were caught in a sudden downpour. Would you mind taking shelter for a while?"

Although Mei Yanxi had only just embarked on the path of cultivation, she sensed that these three were extraordinary. She stood up, frowned, and said, "The three of you, this temple is too small; I'm afraid it won't be able to accommodate you all..."

A hint of surprise flashed in the scholar's eyes as he continued to look at Liu Xunyan: "Miss, we mean no harm, we just want to get out of the rain...we'll leave once the rain stops, what do you think?"

He clearly regarded Liu Xunyan as the person in charge here.

There is no other reason.

The scholar sensed a connection between the woman before him and another member of the Five Immortals family.

Liu Xunyan did not answer.

She subconsciously turned to look at Wang Xi, who nodded almost imperceptibly.

"Well... alright then." Liu Xunyan stepped aside. "Please come in."

The three scholars noticed her turning around.

They then looked at the young man in the long black coat by the fire, and their pupils immediately contracted.

The man was unassuming, yet he exuded a chilling aura.

He is definitely a powerful cultivator!

"My name is Hu Bugui, and this is my younger sister, Hu Xiaosheng."

The scholar introduced himself and the tall woman beside him.

Then he gestured to the woman in white robes carrying a sword: "This is our good friend whom we met on the road, Miss Sang."

The scholar bowed respectfully to Wang Xi.

"Thank you...sir for taking me in."

Wang Xi then raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the three of them: "Sit down."

Hu Xiaosheng curiously observed everyone in the temple, her gaze lingering on Wang Xi for a moment before she suddenly whispered in her brother's ear, "Brother, this person..."

Hu Bugui quickly stopped his sister with a look.

He was secretly shocked—what kind of being could someone be that even he, a fox spirit with a hundred years of cultivation, couldn't see through?

And that Liu family girl had to act according to his mood...

Could she be his maid?

The three of them quietly walked to a corner and sat down, gently wiping the water droplets off their bodies.

Outside the temple, the rain intensified.

(End of this chapter)