Chapter 67 - 056 Serious Cultivation and Unconventional Martial Uncle (Two-in-One)_2

Even if one follows the pure Sword Dao, exercising attribute Spiritual Power can enhance various abilities, so no matter which path Xu Chang’an takes in the future, improving mastery over Spiritual Qi is essential.

Xu Chang’an nodded, very satisfied with his attributes; he cherished life the most, being able to adapt to various environments was enough for him.

"In fact, having a Water Attribute constitution is quite advantageous in the Inner Sect trials," Qinling said. "Its nature is the gentlest, the easiest to master initially, and has decent power right from the start."

"Is that so..." Xu Chang’an blinked, suddenly recalling that he had not yet used a Celestial Dao Wood Spirit Qi.

"Junior Master Qin, are there people with dual attribute affinities?" Xu Chang’an asked.

"There are, naturally, both complementary and opposing, it’s a very rare constitution," Qinling casually replied. "However, even with dual attributes, one should focus on a primary attribute during early cultivation, so you won’t encounter those with dual constitutions at the Martial Arts Gathering, most are like you, Outer Disciples, with average talent."

"..." Xu Chang’an wanted to quip that his talent was described as "average" by Qinling, and if it weren’t for the System, he would still be stuck in the Qi Refining Realm.

However, he understood the importance of Spiritual Qi attributes to a person.

He thought about it and decided it would be best to use the Celestial Dao Wood Spirit Qi after gaining some understanding of his original Water Attribute.

At this moment, Qinling’s voice pulled Xu Chang’an back. She said, "Then there’s the Inner Sect trial. For Outer Disciples to enter the Inner Sect, they must first achieve Open Source, then acquire the Inner Sect Token. You should know the acquisition methods for the Inner Sect Token by now."

"Yes," Xu Chang’an nodded, "the Outer Sect Martial Arts Gathering, or the Trial Tower."

"To be precise, either gain a certain number of points at the arena or pass the tenth level of the Black Stone Tower," Qinling looked at Xu Chang’an, "either condition allows entry into the Inner Sect... So, do you want to hear my advice?"

"I’d appreciate your guidance, Master Uncle," Xu Chang’an humbly sought advice.

"There’s no special advice, my suggestion is to work on both simultaneously," Qinling said seriously. "Young man, your focus shouldn’t be just on entering the Inner Sect, but on how impressively you do so. Remember to perform well."

"... I understand," Xu Chang’an’s eye twitched slightly, Steward Qin really had confidence in him... but he understood Qinling’s meaning.

If an Outer Disciple doesn’t show enough potential, even if they enter the Inner Sect, they won’t be taken seriously.

So, since he had to pass, he must do it impressively.

"Master Uncle, about Open Source Realm cultivation techniques..."

"I can’t recommend a cultivation technique for you," Qinling saw through Xu Chang’an’s thoughts and said. "I’m unfamiliar with the cultivation methods at Muyu Peak... or rather, you should choose for yourself."

Qinling suspected that the Senior who gave Xu Chang’an the Glazed Jade wanted to test his vision and potential, which is why he wasn’t assigned a mentor... so since the Senior didn’t select a cultivation technique for Xu Chang’an, she’d be cautious.

"I understand," Xu Chang’an sighed lightly.

"The difference between the Martial Arts Gathering and the Trial Tower is significant. I can only say... try to pick techniques with strong versatility when the time comes, and then I’ll discuss the nuances and key points for novices entering the Open Source Realm with you," Qinling continued.

"..."

Xu Chang’an remained intensely focused.

Qinling had walked the path from an Outer Disciple herself, so her insights and advice were invaluable to Xu Chang’an.

——

While Xu Chang’an absorbed the knowledge, Yun Qian, who was also at Celestial Bright Peak, lay on her side at the bed’s head, her gaze skimming slightly in Xu Chang’an’s direction.

Just awake, she thought cultivation seemed quite complex, something she couldn’t quite grasp.

She found everything in the world simple, aside from her husband, nothing was truly that complicated.

Including whatever system her husband had, once crushed, it all looked the same.

However... this gradual process was what Xu Chang’an desired, so Yun Qian had nothing to say.

Yawning, Yun Qian got out of bed, donned her outer clothing, and walked out of her little yard.

——

With Qinling’s words, much of the haze on Xu Chang’an’s cultivation path dissipated; he gradually learned about cultivation technique selection and the various details and rules of the Inner Sect trials, all things no one had previously explained to him.

Qinling simplified how she passed the Inner Sect trials before... which alone was of great reference value to him.

"That’s all I’ll say; you won’t be able to digest more," Qinling stated. "The journey is taken step by step; first, follow what I said, then feel the difficulty of Black Stone Tower, and choose your cultivation technique afterward."

"I’ve memorized it, Master Uncle," Xu Chang’an gratefully looked at Qinling, stood up to give a respectful bow, and earnestly said, "Junior Master Qin, I..."

"No need for thanks," Qinling interrupted Xu Chang’an, narrowing her eyes slightly, then with Xu Chang’an’s slightly surprised gaze, she said, "I didn’t help you for free... In fact, there are things I want to know from you."

"Me?" Xu Chang’an was quite puzzled and after regaining his composure, sincerely asked, "What is it you’d like to know?"

"Good."

"?!"

Xu Chang’an’s eyes narrowed.

For he noticed, the usually straightforward, gentle, and strict Qinling suddenly appeared embarrassed.

Xu Chang’an, looking at the writing on the wall, thought of the Beauty Fruit Tree in the courtyard and had a guess.

What Qinling wanted to ask was likely related to Zhu Pingniang.

Indeed, Qinling began, "I can’t leave the mountain, and news is sparse on my end, so I don’t know much about Miss Zhu recently... You’ve just come up the mountain; have you met her lately?"

"I have, Junior Master Qin," Xu Chang’an responded.

Not only met but also listened to a song.

"Is Miss Zhu doing well?"

"Quite... well, I think."

"In the brothel, where she is Refining Heart, there must be many other girls around, right?" Qinling asked.

The more Xu Chang’an thought about this topic, the stranger it felt, yet he displayed no unusual expression, simply replied seriously, "Master Uncle, Senior Zhu is the Steward of Flower Moon Building, so naturally, many girls surround her."

Like Liu Qingluo, who was once the artiste-courtesan beside Zhu Pingniang.

"I know," Qinling took a deep breath, asking, "Have you heard if Miss Zhu has found a ’shared meal’ partner recently?"

Xu Chang’an was puzzled, "Shared meal? What is that?"

"Foolish," Qinling bit her lip, then explained, "In brothels, it’s common for two girls to live together as partners... that’s called ’shared meal’. Have you heard anything about Miss Zhu in this regard?"

Thinking earnestly for a while, Xu Chang’an said, "I haven’t been in Beisang City for long and haven’t heard any such rumors, Master Uncle."

"I see," Qinling sighed with relief. "She mentioned yesterday about a girl she liked and wanted to send up the mountain. It’s the first time I’ve seen her so happy; I thought... never mind, it’s good if there’s nothing."

Qinling’s eyes were now much more at ease; she calmed down and looked at Xu Chang’an.

Qinling didn’t consider having someone she admired as embarrassing, so she didn’t hide her feelings in front of Xu Chang’an. But seeing the young man only slightly surprised before regaining his composure, she was somewhat taken aback, asking, "You don’t find it strange?"

"No, I don’t," Xu Chang’an shook his head.

Having someone to like or admire is natural; in fact, he had already guessed it a moment ago.

Zhu Pingniang liked eating Beauty Fruit, and the Fruit Tree in Steward Qin’s courtyard was likely prepared for her.

"You really are quite unusual, just as she said," Qinling thought for a moment, then suddenly asked.

"Your wife is very beautiful and also has a Token from Miss Zhu. The girl Miss Zhu said she liked... it couldn’t be her, could it?"