Chapter Thirty-Eight: The True and Proper Methods of the Sages

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Zhao Qianxue was momentarily stunned. "The Alliance of the Righteous?"

Su Ji’an’s expression grew solemn. "No, the Alliance of the Righteous is not our immediate concern. What I’m about to tell you pertains to another matter."

Hearing this, Zhao Qianxue’s demeanor became serious as well.

Su Ji’an sighed. "The Alliance of the Righteous pursues us relentlessly; evading them today only means facing them tomorrow. This is certainly no long-term solution. Only by utterly crushing the Alliance with overwhelming strength can we achieve lasting peace."

Zhao Qianxue found Su Ji’an’s ambition somewhat unrealistic. Their current strength compared to the Alliance was like mud to clouds, worlds apart.

Yet she did not dampen his confidence, but instead encouraged him. "You can do it! If need be, we can conceal our identities. As long as we have enough time to cultivate, destroying the Alliance of the Righteous will be within our grasp!"

Su Ji’an narrowed his eyes, deeply agreeing. "Great minds think alike. But to realize our hopes sooner, I wish to ask you, Master’s wife, for your guidance in cultivation!"

Zhao Qianxue did not hesitate, readily agreed. "Little Ji’an, you have good judgment at last, finally recognizing my strengths. If you have any doubts in your cultivation, ask me freely."

Su Ji’an: "......"

What could possibly inspire such mysterious confidence in her?

She’s consumed enough elixirs that even a dog would become enlightened.

He felt embarrassed to expose her.

Su Ji’an paused in silence, then spoke gently. "Perhaps I didn’t express myself clearly, leading to your misunderstanding... What I mean is that we cultivate together, mutually enhancing each other’s progress, which will undoubtedly accelerate our growth."

At all times, true power is what matters; relying solely on external aids is putting the cart before the horse.

And his Dao companion’s recent progress had been lackluster; he could not rely wholly on her.

Should the dog system leave him one day...

Su Ji’an stopped this thought at once, silently chiding himself, "Nonsense, dog system, you must live well, I shouldn’t curse you."

Zhao Qianxue was momentarily perplexed, then seemed to realize something. Her red lips bit lightly as she said, "You mean dual cultivation!?"

Su Ji’an chuckled. "Precisely."

Zhao Qianxue was at a loss, eyes wide. "You’re clearly after something else! Besides, dual cultivation is harmful to the body. You’re still young, do not stray from the righteous path!"

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Su Ji’an’s expression did not change; he corrected her immediately. "That’s a grave misconception! This method was created by ancient sages; the fundamental principle of heaven and earth is the Dao of yin and yang—growth and harmony, life continuing without end. It’s inherently mutually beneficial. Only later did some degenerate sects corrupt it, turning it into the exploitative method now spread among the masses."

He added, "The scripture I possess, the Mystic Maiden Sutra, is an authentic legacy of the sages!"

Zhao Qianxue hesitated...

"If not for the looming threat of the Alliance of the Righteous, our time would not be so pressed." Su Ji’an spoke earnestly, then with a light step indicated for Zhao Qianxue to follow him.

...

Meanwhile, Ouyang Ke crept back quietly. Seeing the old beggar unchanged from when he’d left, he relaxed significantly.

Just as he turned, ready to sleep, the old beggar suddenly grabbed him.

Ouyang Ke’s expression changed drastically, but he forced a smile. "Senior, why not rest a bit more? Replenishing your energy is beneficial for longevity."

The old beggar laughed. "I’m five thousand years old now; I hardly need the extra time you speak of."

Ouyang Ke was somewhat discouraged, yet also invigorated in spirit.

But his immediate concern was how to survive; otherwise, what use was cultivating immortality?

Feigning composure, Ouyang Ke said, "Longevity is always welcome, senior. May I ask your intention?"

The old beggar grinned. "Stop pretending to be ignorant. Why were you wandering instead of sleeping soundly in the middle of the night?"

Ouyang Ke replied quickly, "The solitude of night made it hard to sleep, so I just went out for a stroll."

The old beggar decided to be blunt, sneering, "Your stroll happened to take you to the Treasure Pavilion, and you blew it up while you were at it. If you don’t start telling the truth, you won’t need to speak at all."

With a thought, he scanned Ouyang Ke, seeing through him entirely, and frowned. "Where did you stash the spiritual items you looted?"

Ouyang Ke was startled. The old beggar knew even this?

A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind.

Suddenly, inspiration struck. He explained, "Senior, you are indeed perceptive... Since you know I looted the Treasure Pavilion, you must also know whom I met afterward."

The old beggar nodded, letting Ouyang Ke’s feet touch the ground, signaling him to continue.

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"The cultivation resources I took from the Treasure Pavilion, I gave them all to that person..."

Before Ouyang Ke could finish, the old beggar bared his yellow teeth, looking exasperated. "Are you simple-minded? Is he your father or mother? You’re so foolish, you’d better stay away from me. I’ve always detested the company of fools."

Ouyang Ke sighed deeply. "Senior, you misunderstand. How could I make such a losing deal? As you know, I’m new to the path of immortality; advancing my cultivation is no easy feat. Yet now I’ve found a shortcut."

The old beggar looked at him as if he were an idiot. "Did someone trick you? Did you use the spiritual items to trade for something from him?"

Ouyang Ke nodded. "You’re insightful, senior. I did exchange them for a chance at immortality."

The old beggar cursed, "Fool, stay away from me."

Ouyang Ke hesitated. "Senior, he wasn’t deceiving me, it’s just..."

The old beggar pressed, "Just what?"

Seeing Ouyang Ke so certain, he was intrigued.

Perhaps there was a new twist to deception nowadays?

Indeed, the world produces talent with each generation; he was truly getting old.

Ouyang Ke hesitated. "It’s just that this opportunity is perilous, and the Alliance of the Righteous is now after it."

Hearing the Alliance mentioned, the old beggar’s interest was piqued. "Why are you so sure he wasn’t lying?"

Ouyang Ke responded, "Because... I witnessed the immortality myself. I simply didn’t know the method, which led to the transaction you saw, senior."

The old beggar was skeptical. "Tell me everything you know, in detail."

Ouyang Ke hesitated. "This..."

The old beggar glanced at him. "Do you think I’d covet your meager fortune? Besides, with the Alliance involved, your chance is slim, and you may well lose your life."