Under One Person: Did Zuo Ruotong and I switch bodies?

"Parents hit their children because the children 'made a mistake,' and in order to prevent the children from making the same mistake again, they use pain to instill fear and teach them a lesson..."

But that's not the most fundamental thing.

Li Muxuan remembered that once he took a few younger brothers out of the city to play, and they played so late that they couldn't find their way back to the city. The adults were so anxious that they carried torches and searched all over the mountains.

Although his younger brothers were also beaten that time, the worry in the eyes of the uncles and aunts and the way they hugged the child tightly when they were found left a deep impression on him.

The tight embrace his father gave him when he found himself, and the trembling of his mother's body, all made him realize that, at least most parents don't really want to hurt their children...

"But I'm afraid that if my child is separated from me, they will suffer more and learn more lessons!"

Thinking of this, Li Muxuan's eyes lit up, and he suddenly understood something: "A teacher for a day is a father for life. This applies to parents, and it also applies to teachers..."

"That slap was actually a reminder, a hope that I would remember that the most important thing in spiritual practice is 'sincerity'!"

Not only that, he recalled the question Zuo Menchang had asked earlier:

Boss Li has met many talented and extraordinary people from all walks of life, so why does he insist on studying under the San Yi School?

What do you think of Liu Deshui and Lu Jin?

How do your family and neighbors perceive you?

"Perhaps Master Zuo already knows the answers to these questions, but he simply wants me to answer truthfully; this is his true test of me!"

Li Muxuan suddenly realized.

I was wrong from the very beginning!

Previously, he had always thought that as long as he worked hard and played the role of a disciple who was recognized in all aspects, he could naturally enter the Sanyi Sect for cultivation.

But now it seems that my little tricks are nothing but childish tricks in front of a true master like Master Zuo, which can be seen through at a glance.

  

What Master Zuo truly wanted to see was his complete, authentic self; that slap was meant to tell him:

"If one doesn't express sincerity when seeking entry into the path, how can one talk about acceptance or cultivation!"

Li Muxuan felt a chill run down his spine, muttering to himself, but a smile appeared on his face as he looked at Liu Deshui and Lu Jin beside him.

What do you think of them...?

He gritted his teeth and made a decision.

"Brother Liu! Brother Lu!"

The next moment, Li Muxuan stood up and bowed solemnly to the two men: "I would like to apologize to you both. When I first arrived, I actually looked down on you... especially Brother Liu..."

He then bowed.

"I'm so sorry!"

"this……"

Seeing his sudden change in demeanor, the two exchanged a bewildered glance: "Brother Li, what's wrong with you...?"

"Don't be surprised, I've just figured out a few things!"

Li Muxuan straightened up and said seriously, "When I first came here, I guessed that the mountain staff made us do chores so that they could observe our talents while we were carrying water and chopping wood, as a test for our entry into the workforce."

"In my view, the most important aspects of spiritual practice are wisdom and enlightenment, and it's about going with the flow rather than forcing things. Therefore, seeing that Brother Liu only knows how to work hard, I think you're foolish... I'm truly sorry!"

"Now I understand that Brother Liu's actions also demonstrate wisdom, and his perseverance and persistence are beyond my reach."

"No, it's not your fault..."

Sensing his sincerity, Liu Deshui naturally didn't hold it against him. He just scratched his head and smiled憨直的: "To be honest, my family always thinks I'm silly and foolish. I'm actually used to it, haha."

"Brother Liu is very magnanimous; it was I who was petty!"

Then, Li Muxuan looked at Lu Jin: "When I first spoke with Brother Lu, I learned that you came from the Lu family, but you are not much better than me. On the contrary, your mind seems to be inferior to mine. I also had a moment of contempt for you."

"But after spending these days together, I realize that Brother Lu is calm and composed, while I am impetuous. Although Brother Lu is a few years younger than me, he is much more mature than me. I am truly ashamed."

Lu Jin quickly waved his hand: "Brother Li, don't say that. I just come from a family that practices Qi cultivation, so I was exposed to cultivation earlier than you. It's nothing."

The two were just teenagers, with very simple minds. Li Muxuan's sincere expression and heartfelt apology did not make them reject him; on the contrary, they were pleasantly surprised.

"Brother Li, after spending half a month with you, I've finally heard you speak your mind. That's rare!" Liu Deshui patted him on the shoulder.

"Yes, we were always worried that we had done something wrong that made you unwilling to befriend us sincerely. Now we can rest assured!" Lu Jin nodded and smiled.

"Brother Liu... Brother Li..."

Seeing that they didn't blame him, a feeling he had never experienced before rose in his heart, making Li Muxuan pause and feel a lump in his throat...

Is this what it feels like to treat people sincerely?

Their words made him realize that even two people his own age could see through his disguise, let alone Master Zuo, and that his initial actions...

"What a joke!"

And it was at this moment...

"Only by treating others with sincerity will they treat you with sincerity. If you can understand this today, then your trip has not been in vain."

A clear voice suddenly rang out, the courtyard gate opened, and several figures walked in.

"Left Gate Chief!"

Upon seeing that the person in the lead was none other than the Left Gate Master, the three children tensed up and froze on the spot.

Liu Deshui and Lu Jin were genuinely nervous.

Li Muxuan was afraid.

I was afraid that I wasn't being sincere enough.

"You don't have to do that. Honesty is for yourself, not for others. As long as you have no shame or regret, that's enough."

A glint flashed in Ming Chen's eyes, and he immediately saw through her thoughts, revealing a calm smile.

As he spoke, he walked up to Li Muxuan and asked, "Now I'll ask you again, why are you so insistent on becoming my disciple under the Sanyi Sect?"

"Although my father often associates with eminent people, among all of them, only your demeanor truly inspires my admiration!" Li Muxuan suppressed his shame and responded sincerely.

"So, you used to live in the countryside..."

"I was indeed unruly back then, but I never truly hurt anyone. I compensated double for what I owed and apologized for what I needed to apologize for. I acknowledge my past absurdity, but now I have genuinely restrained myself and am single-mindedly focused on spiritual cultivation, hoping to hone myself properly through this practice!"

"Um."

Seeing his sincerity, Mingchen was finally satisfied and asked the final question: "So now you understand... why I hit you half a month ago?"

"clear!"

"A teacher is like a father; though I have not yet mastered the art, you have already fulfilled your responsibilities as a teacher..."

thump!

With that, Li Muxuan knelt down and solemnly kowtowed: "Whether you accept me or not, in my heart, you will always be my master!"

"Alright, get up."

Seeing that he understood this principle, Mingchen nodded slightly and then said, "Now that you can open your heart and understand the word 'sincerity,' you are qualified to enter my Sanyi Mountain Gate and carry out the cultivation of reversing life."

"I'll take you as my apprentice."

Then he looked at Liu Deshui and Lu Jin: "And you two, one with strong bones and a resilient spirit, the other with a calm temperament and insightful views, are both promising talents. From today onwards, you no longer need to stay here..."

"Come with me up the mountain."