Exploring Immortality Cultivation

After overcoming the minor demons, Wang Qi returned to the Immortal Institute feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

He first went to the Book Tower, took some draft papers, and then recalled every move he had executed during the trial. He analyzed these moves using mathematical reasoning. After filling up several drafts, Wang Qi derived more than ten formulas. Then, he took out the Thunder Sound Chord Saber Technique and the Bai Ze True Formation Slash Sword Manual which he carried with him, comparing the formulas and their variations in the manuals with his own formulas.

After comparing for a while, Wang Qi could not help but sigh, "The more I practice these two sword techniques, the more I realize their profoundness and breadth. Was I too overconfident before?"

In September, Wang Qi spent a month mastering the specific moves of the Thunder Sound Chord Saber Technique, and then he got the Bai Ze True Formation Slash Sword Manual. Practicing the moves of the Bai Ze True Formation Slash also took him a month. Then, in the process of battling countless demon beasts, Wang Qi began to link his own moves using mathematical structures. Once he could perform the technique as seamlessly as the flow of the Great River, he would have mastered the second level of the technique.

Wang Qi originally thought, since the second levels of both sword techniques tested mathematical expertise more than the first levels, he, with his top-notch mathematical skills, should be able to master them within a month or two. However, he soon realized he was utterly mistaken. Both techniques required a profound mastery of the moves as a foundation, and only on this basis could he integrate mathematical reasoning into the techniques, which proved to be a painstaking effort.

If he continued at the current pace, even by the time of graduation, Wang Qi would not be able to master these techniques.

This result was somewhat unacceptable to a top scholar like him. According to Su Junyu, true scions of major families would begin learning an Absolute Skill from childhood and become familiar with the techniques even before starting Qi Cultivation. The stage Wang Qi was at had already been surpassed by them. If Wang Qi's technique wasn't at a certain level, his performance in the Martial Arts Examination might be less than stellar.

Fortunately, Wang Qi possessed a mathematical prowess far superior to his peers.

After organizing his problems, he began to ponder the weaknesses and Breaking Techniques of these moves. While investigating these, Wang Qi recorded the new problems that emerged and compiled them onto a piece of paper.

In the end, Wang Qi walked towards the storage of the Immortal Institute with this paper, as some issues still required consultation from experienced individuals.

Just as he left the Book Tower, Wang Qi felt a bone-chilling wind, which reminded him of his vestment robe that had been burnt through. With a mix of annoyance and pain, he wrapped his cotton coat tighter and stepped out of the academic area.

Before he reached the storage, Zhen Chan exclaimed in surprise, "What a pure Mysterious Sect aura."

Wang Qi was so startled that he immediately drew his sword, "Where?"

Modern Cultivators often dressed similarly to Ancient Method Daoists, and some high-profile individuals even adopted the term "Daoist" as their honorific. However, the path of Modern Law was fundamentally incompatible with that of the Ancient Method.

In Modern Cultivation, the focus was on analyzing objects, seeking the Dao, and understanding the principles—all aimed at unravelling the mysteries. The quest for the Dao disdained relying on the mystery of the word "mysterious," thus anyone related to the "Mysterious Sect" must undoubtedly be an Ancient Method Practitioner.

An Ancient Method Practitioner who could enter the Xinyue Main Temple! Heaven knew how formidable this person might be.

Zhen Chan said indifferently, "That person is a Modern Cultivator, and he's currently having a lively chat with Su Junyu."

Wang Qi was taken aback, "Old man, I'm not well-read — you can't fool me. Modern Cultivators don't indulge in empty talk. Which Modern Cultivator would possess an aura of the Mysterious Sect?"

"Ahem," Zhen Chan awkwardly explained, "It's not the Mysterious Sect you're thinking of, but rather Ancient Taoism."

Ancient Taoism once flourished and left its mark in various aspects of the Human Clan's civilization, yet it disappeared swiftly. This sect advocated that Heaven and Earth were fundamentally driven by the Dao and emphasized the principle of 'following the Dao.' However, this Cultivation method excessively depended on inborn talent and was exceedingly challenging, ultimately failing to attract disciples, leading to its disappearance from history.

It is worth mentioning that the Yuanli Master, in his writings on opening the Modern Great Dao in "The Calculation of the Great Dao," borrowed some ideas from Ancient Taoism and established the methods of seeking the Dao through 'analyzing objects, pursuing the Dao, reducing it to mathematical reasoning, and elucidating principles.' This also explains why Modern Cultivators often adopted Ancient Taoism attire.

Wang Qi sheathed his sword and stroked his chin, pondering, "That Ancient Taoism... Its philosophies inspired the Yuanli Master. It'd be possible for some of their traditions to have influenced Modern Cultivators..."

Zhen Chan smiled, "Why wonder about it? Just go over and ask."

Wang Qi grinned, "Right."

The young man continued toward the storage. Before long, he saw three people sitting at the doorstep of the storage—a man in a blue robe from Wanfa Sect, presumably the half-owner of this place, Su Junyu. Next to Su Junyu sat a woman in a red dress, Xiang Qi. The Cultivator Zhen Chan referred to as possessing a Mysterious Sect aura was sitting opposite the two, with his back to Wang Qi. The three surrounded a small stone table, on which a Talismanic Array for heating, likely Xiang Qi's doing, and in the center, there was a pot of wine and a stack of peanuts. It looked like they were drinking.

Wang Qi was somewhat surprised that the man "with a pure Mysterious Sect aura" surprisingly wore a green robe from Tianling Ridge. Because he was too far to see the pattern on his robe, Wang Qi couldn't tell which branch he was from.

Taking a few steps closer, Wang Qi heard the Green Robed Guest complaining, "... I'm telling you, it's driving me mad."

The Green Robed Guest continued to drink as he spoke, clearly trying to drown his sorrows with alcohol.

"Junior Brother Chen... Junior Brother Chen's behavior doesn't entirely conform to sufficient reason! What do you make of that!"

Xiang Qi embarrassingly replied, "He's not the only True Inheritor who's too prideful and a bit silly; take it easy."

The Green Robed Guest poured another drink, "And that Xiao Ai, ah. I mean, it's one thing to be petulant. But she's still a girl, right? Even if she's extraordinary, she's still a woman – the same applies universally."

Su Junyu held his forehead, "What does universal application have to do with anything?"

Ignoring Su Junyu, the Green Robed Guest continued, "With such a big issue at hand, we need her understanding! You two are quite familiar with her, right? Could you please find a chance to persuade her?"

Xiang Qi shook her head, "Qinglan is known as a 'Demoness'; her thoughts differ somewhat from ordinary people and might be difficult to persuade."

"This… another contradiction to sufficient reason."

"I repeat… what has sufficient reason got to do with this?"

Xiang Qi tugged at Su Junyu and then advised, "Second brother, drink less…"

"Don't call me second brother…"

Just then, Su Junyu noticed Wang Qi standing not far away. He called out, "Wang Qi, come over and sit. What's the problem today?"