Chapter 195: Chapter 195: On the Mountain Path
Lin Xiao quickly explained:
"No, Senior, what I meant was that I want to go into seclusion until I reach the Golden Core stage, but I plan to start by trying it for six months."
Then he continued:
"I hope that during my seclusion, you can keep an eye on the sect. I estimate that slowly, our sect might not remain as unknown as it is now."
Lin Xiao was well aware that as their sect continued to develop and with his plans to improve Xiushui Village, Lingxian Sect couldn't remain hidden forever. Moreover, he never intended to keep it a secret. He still aimed to grow the sect into something strong and influential.
Now that Sun Yigao's private school had started, the village would inevitably have more contact with the outside world. It was only a matter of time before their sect would gradually become known.
Liao Pantu also understood this well. Hearing Lin Xiao's request, he nodded and said:
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things. But let me tell you, cultivation is not something you should rush. Although you've advanced quickly so far, you must remember that the higher the realm, the harder it becomes to cultivate. Progress will slow down, and it's not just about hard work—you also need your mindset to keep pace.
Moreover, breaking through is never a sure thing. You need to be cautious, and you're still young. I suggest you don't rush into a breakthrough unless you're absolutely certain. If you fail, it could seriously damage your foundation."
Lin Xiao nodded earnestly, acknowledging the wisdom in Liao Pantu's words. While he believed that his system might make breakthroughs easier, he knew that Liao Pantu was only concerned for his well-being.
After discussing various arrangements for the sect, Lin Xiao left, while Liao Pantu began considering his own plans.
Meanwhile, after the group dispersed, those who were heading down the mountain reached the mountain path and noticed the changes. They marveled at how beautiful the path had become and also spotted Liu Yunan standing on the path, seemingly lost in thought.
"Tuzi!" Tietou called out, thinking something was wrong. He rushed over, followed closely by the rest of the Lin family—Lin Dayou, Lin Yun, Lin Lei, and Lin Ying. But as soon as they stepped onto the path, their eyes glazed over, and they stood there in a daze just like Liu Yunan.
It was noon, and Xiao Luan, along with Da Tao, emerged from a nearby shelter to find food. Turning their heads, they noticed the six people standing on the mountain path, seemingly frozen in place.
Da Tao, imitating its master's usual gestures, scratched its head with a wing and clumsily asked:
"Master, what... are they doing?"
Xiao Luan had no idea. But being curious and brave, it decided to investigate.
"Let's go! Let's take a look!" it said, striding confidently towards the group with its large chicken feet. Da Tao quickly followed behind.
Soon, the group of dazed people on the mountain path had two additional members—a large and a small fat demon chicken.
At the same time, in the private school at the foot of the mountain, Sun Yigao had just finished his lesson. It was lunchtime, and the village children had gone home to eat, while the city children had their meals brought by servants. Sun Yigao was in the adjacent room, organizing materials for the afternoon lesson, when he realized that Tuan Tuan, who usually basked in the sun by the window, was nowhere to be seen.
Although Tuan Tuan was generally well-behaved, Sun Yigao decided to look for it, worried it might have wandered off to snatch someone else's dried fish. Lately, Tuan Tuan had developed a habit of pilfering fish drying outside homes, even though Sun Yigao had plenty stored at home.
As he stepped outside, he noticed Tuan Tuan lying motionless on the mountain path. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly ran over. As soon as he stepped onto the path, he felt a momentary dizziness, but it passed quickly. Shaking off the strange sensation, he walked over, picked up Tuan Tuan, and began examining the altered path.
It seemed that the fragrant scent that had suddenly filled the air earlier had come from here. Judging by the changes, it was undoubtedly Lin Xiao's doing. Sun Yigao smiled to himself. It seemed that in the future, he could bring his students here for strolls and perhaps even teach lessons amidst such beautiful surroundings.
Looking down at Tuan Tuan, who was still dazed in his arms, he checked the cat's body and found nothing wrong. With that reassurance, he carried Tuan Tuan back to the private school.
Not long after, Auntie Sun arrived with lunch for her son. Although Sun Yigao was now a cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refinement and didn't require food as often, Auntie Sun insisted that her son still needed to eat since he wasn't an immortal yet. So, she made sure he had three square meals a day.
Sun Yigao knew this was her way of showing love and, after trying to refuse a few times, decided to simply accept it. He dutifully ate everything she brought, savoring each meal under her watchful and caring gaze. Auntie Sun always brought some extra bits of meat and shrimp for Tuan Tuan as well, treating it like a proper disciple of her son.
With Liu Shengsheng helping, Jiang Youfu quickly prepared the entire fish banquet. Shengsheng then set the table with bowls and chopsticks, while Jiang Youfu used his recently learned skill, Amplification Technique, to call out:
"Dinner's ready—!"
In no time, the doors of the Formation Hall swung open with a bang, and Mo Yuanjiao and Mo Que came rushing out, sprinting towards Jiang Youfu.
At the same time, the doors of the Talisman Hall next to the cultivation room also opened. Liu Chun poked his head out, looking around curiously, until he saw the plump young boy he had met that morning—Jiang Youfu—waving at him from the foot of Guiyuan Mountain. He remembered the boy's name and turned to see the two Mo brothers running toward Jiang.
Earlier that morning, when Liu Chun had been enthralled by the Sunflower Manual, it was Mo Yuanjiao who had recommended a more potent cultivation technique called the Peach Blossom Void Sutra, saving him from missing out on an even brighter gem.