The transformation of Enlightenment Peak drew the curiosity of many disciples.
They had seen what it looked like before. Precisely because they had witnessed it, they now marvel at the changes.
A few months ago, it was a desolate place overgrown with weeds, the kind where even birds wouldnât stop. Yet, in less than half a year, such a tremendous change had occurred.
The legendary stories of Enlightenment Peak were once again being recounted.
Hearing of the past, witnessing the present.
Thus, a discussion rose throughout the Eternal Immortal Sect.
Could Enlightenment Peak return to its former glory?
Fan Wubing spent half a day exploring every nook and cranny of Enlightenment Peak. Feeling the pervasive flow of energy throughout the mountains, everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.
Now with that Parasol Tree stabilizing the luck, it wouldnât be long before the richness of the Immortal Spirit Qi at Enlightenment Peak would catch up to the other Immortal Peaks, perhaps even surpass them.
But,
Isnât there something missing?
On the way back to his dwelling, Fan Wubing kept pondering what Enlightenment Peak was missing.
The tranquil, mystical atmosphere affirmed that something was lacking, but he couldnât figure out what.
Returning to his dormitory, he discovered Luo Qingyao was alone in the training room, practicing her breathing techniques.
This girl seemed to have become a bit more diligent recently, probably not wanting to be underestimated by her sister.
"Senior Brother, youâre back. How was it?" Luo Qingyao asked.
Fan Wubing replied,
"Very good, everything is great. With Senior Sister Guâs month-long renovations and training, plus that Parasol Tree stabilizing the luck, the momentum of Enlightenment Peak is strong. But..."
He furrowed his brows slightly.
"But?"
"Junior Sister, donât you feel that something is missing from Enlightenment Peak?"
Fan Wubing pulled over a small stool to sit down,
"Iâve thought about it the whole way, but couldnât make any sense of it."
Luo Qingyao looked at him, blinked her eyes, her delicate nose twitching slightly before she laughed,
"Senior Brother, as they say, those within are confused, those outside see clearly."
"What? Am I confused by something?"
"Youâre confused by the solitary and accustomed life of the past ten years."
"What do you mean?"
Luo Qingyao came over, squatted in front of Fan Wubing,
"Senior Brother, havenât you realized yet? Look carefully, how many people are there on this big Enlightenment Peak?"
"Two."
"And the other peaks?"
"With all the disciples from first to fifth period added together, at least two hundred."
"So."
"So?"
Luo Qingyao puffed her cheeks,
"Dummy! Enlightenment Peak is missing people!"
Fan Wubing stared at her, feeling a sensation of realization from above his head, suddenly enlightened, as if it cut sharply through his thoughts.
Of course!
What Enlightenment Peak lacks is people! No matter how abundant the luck and energy, without people, it remains like idle clouds and wild cranes, never settling down. Why was Enlightenment Peak so prosperous in the past? Because of the succession of geniuses and the presence of leading figures, pillars of support after all!
Great landscapes produce great people!
Once the land is spiritually rich, it must nurture the people and create great individuals!
Fan Wubing realized that he had grown accustomed to living alone for ten years, waking every day to the wind and dew, with no one else around. Though a disciple of the sect, he lived a life like clouds and cranes.
Back then, he was introverted and withdrawn.
When did the change start?
Receiving "Swallow Stars, Chew Moon," gaining the "Tongue Desire" ability?
But that only concerned himself.
It was...that afternoon when Luo Qingyao blocked his way home and recklessly intruded into his life.
"Senior Brother?"
Seeing Fan Wubing lost in thought, Luo Qingyao softly called out.
Fan Wubing came back to his senses, smiling,
"Thank you, Junior Sister!"
"No need, thatâs what being your Junior Sister is for."
"Really, thank you."
Luo Qingyao felt that todayâs Senior Brother seemed even more like a "Senior Brother"? What more "Senior Brother" meant, she couldnât quite say. Just that today, Senior Brother seemed to care a little more about her.
"Hmm."
The young girl should have been very happy, as her Senior Brother finally interacted with her a bit. But for some reason, she fell silent, slightly lowered her head, her nose reddening, her voice now layered with a soft nasal tone. Her toes came together, reflecting her unease and discomfort.
...
Sect Leader Hall.
As soon as Mei Jinqiu saw Fan Wubing enter, he immediately laughed and came forward to greet him.
Fan Wubingâs instincts kicked in, and he quickly stepped back to avoid being hugged.
"Wubing, this is..." Mei Jinqiu felt a bit rejected.
Fan Wubing chuckled awkwardly,
"The Sect Leaderâs spiritual pressure is too strong for the disciple to bear."
Mei Jinqiu laughed heartily,
"You child."
Getting back on topic,
"Wubing, about this trip to the blessed land. Iâve heard from others about your actions. Everyone agrees you contributed the most."
Fan Wubing said,
"These matters are honors shared by our Eternal Immortal Sect, thereâs no need to differentiate the size of contributions."
"Thatâs true." Mei Jinqiu clicked his tongue in wonder, "We underestimated you. Previously, we thought you couldnât cultivate and were quite weak. However, it turns out weâre the ones, supposedly experienced, whoâve gotten too entrenched on the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment path, like frogs at the bottom of a well, unable to see the broader world. The world is vast, and each personâs Immortal Path is different."
Fan Wubing nodded.
Mei Jinqiu comforted,
"Wubing, I say this to help you understand that despite your unique Immortal Path, you wonât be treated any differently by us, as long as itâs not a nefarious path. Strength ought to be respected. Therefore, you shouldnât feel inferior for lacking a foundation; be more confident. Iâm sure that with your ambition, you wonât be swayed by the external world either."