Duosheng Danyuan

"Oh, I see. How come I didn't notice?" After hearing my analysis, Zeng Yixi hung her head in frustration, seemingly lamenting her own slowness.

"Alright, it's your turn." Having finished recounting my guess about Elder Qingyue's identity at the Refining Heart Hall, I had recovered from the discomfort of blushing and tried my best to maintain my usual composure.

"Okay, don't think that me asking you for clues first is bargaining. I'm just making sure you really don't understand what I'm about to say. Only then will the clues I share with you be meaningful, right?"

"I'm all ears." I turned my head slightly and focused my gaze on the eerie fire by the roadside, trying my best not to look at Zeng Yixi.

"Alright," seeing my reaction, Zeng Yixi didn't say anything more, just shrugged helplessly, and then said, "My discovery is actually very simple, but it's completely opposite to yours. When you saw Elder Qingyue appear at Mingling Residence, you felt enlightened, right? I felt completely different. When I saw Elder Qingyue, all I felt was shock and fear."

"What do you mean?" I have to say, Zeng Yixi's words are very artistic in their expression. I must admit, once again, I was successfully aroused by her words.

"The literal meaning. Why did you feel enlightened? Because Elder Qingyue's appearance fit your reasoning. Similarly, why was I shocked and terrified? Naturally, it's because Elder Qingyue's appearance completely contradicted my predictions."

"You mean, in your reasoning, Elder Qingyue couldn't possibly be at Mingling Residence? Interesting, I never even considered that... Why?" I turned my head and stared intently at Zeng Yixi, scrutinizing her confident expression with great interest.

"It's simple. Do you remember what Elder Jianshan and his group of four said when they took Su Wanqing away?"

"Of course I remember. 'Go to Yangyuanzhai for your meals, and then return to Jingxilu on your own. The afternoon classes at Lianxintang are canceled. Those who are determined can go to Minglingju to cultivate.' What's wrong with that sentence?"

As someone at the Foundation Establishment stage, I would never forget what happened just ten hours ago, but even if I were to repeat Elder Jianshan's words again, I still couldn't figure out where Zeng Yixi's deduction came from.

"The problem lies in what he said. 'Those with ambition should go to Mingling Abode to cultivate.' There is nothing wrong with the statement itself, but when combined with Elder Qingyue appearing next to Elder Jianshan, is there still no problem with the statement?" Zeng Yixi said seriously.

"..." I frowned, vaguely sensing that what Zeng Yixi was about to say would completely change everything that had just happened at Mingling Residence.

"The rules of Mingling Residence are very clear. If we want to go into seclusion for cultivation, we must be allowed to enter the 'Wonderful Landscape' by the elders and then undergo a spiritual root test, right? In that case, Elder Jianshan's permission for us to go to Mingling Residence means that, from his perspective, there must be an elder stationed at Mingling Residence at this time."

"..."

"When we were at the Refining Heart Hall, Elder Huaizhen and Elder Jianshan left together, so we were allowed to leave early to return to the Quiet Resting Abode. If Elder Jianshan knew that the managing elder of Mingling Residence had also gone with them to check on Su Wanqing's affairs, why did he send us to Mingling Residence? Wasn't he afraid we would leave empty-handed?"

"..."

"Of course, I admit that my thinking is somewhat overthinking and contains elements of conspiracy theory. But after I learned about Su Wanqing's ordeal from Elder Qingyue, some of his statements further confirmed my suspicions."

"for example?"

"For example, why didn't Elder Jianshan mention sending us to the Ancient Elixir Scripture Pavilion? The Ancient Elixir Scripture Pavilion is also organized by class, and we even went there yesterday during our tour. The answer is that Elder Jianchen, who manages the Ancient Elixir Scripture Pavilion, also appeared in the Old Profound Hall where Su Wanqing's talent was being discussed. And why did Elder Qingyue arrive so slowly? Clearly, in his description, he made up an excuse to escape from the Old Profound Hall."

"But the account of Su Wanqing's ordeal is ultimately written by Elder Qingyue himself. If he lied about some key points, then..."

"You're right, but his lying at crucial moments doesn't change the fact that his words confirm my suspicions. The reason is simple: Elder Qingyue might lie about some details, but he wouldn't lie about key time points or the appearance of key figures, because that would be too easy to expose. According to him, Su Wanqing might meet with us again. At that time, wouldn't we ask Su Wanqing what she went through? We definitely would."

"Um..."

"Therefore, I believe Elder Qingyue is unlikely to lie about at least two things—Elder Jianchen's appearance and the time they left the Old Xuan Palace. Elder Jianchen's appearance confirms why Elder Jianshan didn't mention sending us to the Ancient Pill Scripture Pavilion, while the time they left the Old Xuan Palace confirms that Elder Qingyue didn't rush back because of us two newcomers who broke into Mingling Residence."

"So, what's your opinion?"

"My opinion? It's simple. Elder Qingyue lied to us. He is not the managing elder of Mingling Residence. At the very least, there should be more than one managing elder of Mingling Residence."

"Yes, I think the same thing." After listening to Zeng Yixi's analysis, I breathed a sigh of relief, tried to control my excited heartbeat, and continued, "If Elder Qingyue really did usurp Mingling Residence, then that senior sister named Wen Guanmiao would not have acted so naturally when she saw Elder Qingyue."

“But that doesn’t mean Elder Qingyue is without fault,” Zeng Yixi shook her head, gesturing for me to continue walking towards the dormitory with her. “Why can’t we see the other elder who should be in Mingling Residence? If it weren’t for the rules, we wouldn’t even know that Mingling Residence is a place managed by elders, just like the Ancient Elixir Scripture Building.”

"Yes, you're absolutely right. I hadn't thought of it that way at all." I nodded sincerely to Zeng Yixi.

"Hmph." Zeng Yi chuckled smugly, then grinned mischievously at me, "How about it? This piece of information is more valuable than your 'Rapid Walking Technique,' isn't it?"

"Tsk," looking at her smug expression, the slight admiration I had felt for her vanished instantly. I said, annoyed, "Even if I said no, would you give it back to me?"

"Of course not." With a wicked grin, Zeng Yixi spread her hands, striking a rogue's pose. "If you're so capable, come and take it yourself."

"Hehe... Fine, I'll take it, but I have one more question."

"Hey, you bastard. Fine, I was the one who insisted on buying it first. Consider it a buy-one-get-one-free deal. I'll answer one more question for free. Go ahead and ask."

"Among the clues you have, what cultivation techniques are related to the definition of cultivation? I'd like to see them. In exchange, I can show you what I have." As I said this, I actually started to take out some new slips of paper from my pocket.

"Huh?" Zeng Yixi looked at me with a completely bewildered expression.

"Um..." Unable to tell whether Zeng Yixi was genuinely naive or pretending, I decided to show my sincerity first. So, I took the initiative to show her the two slips of paper with "Hundred Meridians Return to Origin" and definitions related to cultivation. "I'll show them to you first, but you can only look, you can't take them."

"Fine, fine, fine." Zeng Yixi rolled her eyes dismissively as she looked at me keeping my distance.

The note in "Hundred Meridians Return to Origin" isn't very important; it mainly contains explanations of the techniques' settings. The truly important one is another note.

—Definition of Spiritual Practice—

To be born as a human being is to cultivate oneself. To live is to undergo arduous self-cultivation every moment of one's life.

However, for cultivators, the definition of cultivation needs to be more precise.

A cultivator is someone who cultivates spiritual energy and possesses spiritual roots. Therefore, for a cultivator, cultivation is defined as: using spiritual roots to mobilize the spiritual power in the dantian, the surrounding spiritual energy, and the mixture of spiritual energy in the meridians to achieve goals such as cultivating techniques, improving realms, forming contracts with magical artifacts, taming spirits, and summoning elements.

It is important to note that mere physical training does not fall under the category of cultivation. The physical body is merely a vessel; the biggest difference between a cultivator and a mortal is that a cultivator can detach from the physical body while retaining their soul. Any technique that does not involve the manipulation of spiritual energy or power is a mere trick, a flashy but ineffective display, and cannot be presumptuously called cultivation.

——Divider——

"Oh, I see. So the second rule in the rules of the Tranquil Abode, the word 'cultivation,' means this, right?" Zeng Yixi nodded thoughtfully.

"Um."

"This 'Hundred Meridians Return to Origin' technique is really something, hehe... Hey! What are you doing?"

Seeing Zeng Yixi's increasingly lewd gaze, I quickly put the two notes back.

"Nothing, I'm afraid you'll keep trying to steal it."

"Oh, no way." Zeng Yixi waved her hand dismissively, then said helplessly, "However, unfortunately, I don't have the information you need, and I didn't carry the note with me, so you know what that means."

"Alright..." I wasn't surprised by Zeng Yixi's words, and nodded lightly. Then, as if remembering something, I asked, "What's the name of the martial arts technique you used to take me down just now?"

"How about 'Embracing Bones and Returning to the Origin'? A good name, right? I must say, it does have some similarities to your 'Returning to the Origin of All Veins'."

"You can't tell anything just from the name. Next time, show me the actual fragment of the cultivation technique."

"sure."

Zeng Yixi's quick agreement took me by surprise.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Oh, you're wondering why I agreed so readily, right? Hey, you can't even beat me, so what am I afraid of?" As he spoke, Zeng Yixi patted my shoulder and revealed that smug, mischievous grin.

"..." I twitched my lips, barely suppressing the urge to punch her.

"Speaking of which, the 'Hundred Meridians Return to Origin' technique isn't really that useful, since it's purely a physical technique. It's applicable in very few scenarios, and might only be useful in extreme situations like inside a thatched hut," Zeng Yixi said, stretching and yawning.

"Who told me that this is the only physical technique I know? If you think 'Hundred Meridians Return to Origin' is bad, then teach me 'Embracing Bones Return to Origin' instead." I said with a pout.

"I already said it's okay, I'll show it to you when we eat at Yangyuanzhai tomorrow. Honestly, why are you still angry? Even though I insulted your 'Rapid Walking Technique,' don't you still have a lot of other things left? Besides, isn't what happens in a dream real? That dream within a dream in the Jingxi Lodge this morning was so real, it was indistinguishable from the real world. Don't tell me you didn't feel anything when you were in the seclusion room. I still remember the pain I felt both times very clearly."

"The second time you said you weren't in pain and were actually quite comfortable."

"You!" My words provoked Zeng Yixi, whose cheeks instantly turned red, and she raised her fist as if to hit me.

So I quickly dodged.

"Tch, anyway, you've made a profit and I've lost. I'll take this 'Rapid Walking Technique,' and we'll be even!" Zeng Yixi snorted and said sullenly.

"...Whatever makes you happy."

"..." He was speechless for a moment.

"By the way, do you know why you can't beat me?" After turning the corner, three familiar thatched huts began to appear in front of us one after another, and Zeng Yixi finally spoke again.

"Why? Could it be that 'Embracing Bones and Returning to Origin' is a physical technique for the Foundation Establishment stage?"

"How could that be?" Zeng Yixi shook her head and laughed. "If it were really a Foundation Establishment stage physical technique, how could I have learned it in less than a day? It's just a Qi Refining stage trick."

"Then how did you beat me? Are you Chang Wei, born with superhuman strength?" As the thatched hut drew closer to us, I couldn't help but relax, and even had the energy to joke with Zeng Yixi.

"What Chang Wei? Don't talk nonsense," Zeng Yixi said, slapping my back hard with his left hand. Hearing my scream, he continued with satisfaction, "Of course it's because 'Embracing Bones and Returning to Origin' is a proper cultivation method, not just a technique, you idiot."

"what?"

"What? I've read the introduction to 'Hundred Meridians Return to Origin.' It explains it very clearly, right? Essentially, you've only mastered a technique for generating power, not the complete method, right?"

"Wait, you..."

"But the 'Embracing Bones and Returning to the Origin' is different. It is essentially a complete cultivation method for tempering the physical body. Based on this alone, the 'Hundred Meridians Returning to the Origin' is completely incomparable..."

"Wait!" I interrupted Zeng Yixi sharply, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her violently a few times. Looking at her bewildered face with a serious expression, I said in a deep voice, "You're saying 'Embracing Bones and Returning to Origin' is a cultivation technique?"

"Ah, ah, yes, what's wrong?" Zeng Yixi was clearly startled by my sudden agitation, and for a moment, she even stuttered.

Did you use your spiritual power?

"Nonsense, of course I used it. Aren't all cultivation techniques activated by spiritual energy? Your 'Rapid Movement Technique' is also activated by spiritual energy, isn't it?"

"...Don't you know...uh!"

Before I could finish speaking, a familiar, rotten, and nauseating stench began to waft from behind us. My intuition told me that the source of the smell was only inches away from us.

"Good evening, junior brother, junior sister... junior sister?"