On the peak of a small mountain, Chen Xu sat upright, listening to Mr. Zhou talk about the many mysteries of the world.
This famous scholar eloquently explained amidst the mountain breeze: "Cultivation in this world has always been regarded as the correct path when the Three Treasures of Essence, Qi, and Spirit advance simultaneously.
Just as the saying goes, for the birth of a mortal, Heaven produces its essence, and Earth produces its form.
Born within Heaven and Earth, if one wishes to unite with them, it is first necessary to balance Yin and Yang, cycle the Five Elements, and have all Three Treasures complete. Only then can one achieve a state of Returning to Truth, the utmost state of perfection."
Chen Xu listened intently, nodding inwardly.
The prerequisite for unlocking the Food God Cultivation Technique Scroll was the successful completion of the Three Elements Foundation Establishment, just as Mr. Zhou described the simultaneous advancement of the Three Treasures: Essence, Qi, and Spirit.
Previously, Chen Xu only knew he should do so but did not understand why.
Now, hearing Mr. Zhou's teachings, many of his prior doubts were unconsciously resolved.
Yet, Mr. Zhou sighed and said: "However, it is a pity that human nature tends to be biased. People's time and energy are always limited, and having all Three Treasures complete is extremely difficult.
Some people are diligent in honing their physique, practicing martial arts to enter the Dao, thus making their Qi Blood particularly strong.
Some are obsessed with longevity and excel in nurturing their Essence, naturally having more Essence than the other two Treasures.
As for scholars like you, reading tirelessly is akin to refining the spirit and strengthening the Divine Soul. Hence, the more one reads, the deeper one's understanding, and the stronger the Divine Soul becomes."
At this point, Chen Xu suddenly understood why Xu Wenyuan's Celestial Book judged his daily likes limit to be 10 points.
Xu Wenyuan is not only a scholar but has also passed the Tongsheng examination. Though not an official title, in terms of Divine Soul, Xu Wenyuan is far stronger than the average person.
Chen Xu couldn't help but ask: "People have biases, Three Treasures are hard to unify, but how is this related to scholars taking imperial exams?"
"Imperial exams, titles, and reputation can all generate Literary Qi and Literary Fortune. With Literary Fortune as protection, ordinary demons have difficulty invading. A strong Literary Fortune can also neutralize the excess deviation caused by an overly strong Divine Soul, preventing the Essence and Qi Blood of scholars from being excessively suppressed."
Mr. Zhou finally warned Chen Xu: "Young friend, chaos may soon arrive in the world; now is the last stable period before the ice breaks. If you wish to take the imperial exam, you must do so early.
There is no path to immortality in this world. Even immortals and gods face the five decays of heaven and earth and endless tribulations.
Yet, those with extremely strong Literary Fortune and fame known worldwide always receive a little more invisible protection from heaven and earth.
Whether to strive or not, the choice is yours."
After saying this, he personally poured Chen Xu a cup of Moonlight Flowing Spirit Immortal Tea.
Chen Xu hurriedly stood up and refilled Mr. Zhou's cup.
The two men raised their cups to each other, Mr. Zhou's withered face slightly smiling.
Chen Xu's heart was swirled with many emotions, fluctuating back and forth.
Mr. Zhou actually said there is no path to immortality in this world? He also mentioned that imperial exams can obtain Literary Fortune, and Literary Fortune protects against demon invasion!
Another layer of the world's veil seemed to be lifted before his eyes, yet at the same time, there appeared to be more mysterious peaks hidden behind layers of fog.
Chen Xu drank the cup of Moonlight Flowing Spirit Immortal Tea, the pure energy emerged from his lips and teeth, swirling around his consciousness.
At this moment, sitting on the mountain, he seemed to see farther and farther.
Mr. Zhou laughed and said: "Young man, how the world truly is cannot be conveyed in a few words by me. You must tread the earth yourself to measure it personally.
See the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Seas and Nations, fame, wealth, beauty, and desolation.
Now I am avoiding calamity here, with nothing to gift. Before parting, let me offer you a drop of Taiyi Rejuvenating Dew to heal your injured leg.
If in the future you achieve fame and carve out your path in this tumultuous world, and have strength remaining to save me, then come see me again."
As he spoke, he lightly tapped Chen Xu with his finger.
A drop of glowing green dew emerged from thin air, instantly falling into the wound on Chen Xu's right leg.
Chen Xu felt his entire right leg seem to be soaked in a hot spring at that moment.
He involuntarily stood up, only to see an Ugly Monkey appear from the mountain range, suddenly jumping onto Mr. Zhou's shoulder.
The Ugly Monkey crouched on Mr. Zhou's shoulder, making faces at Chen Xu, grinning widely.
Chen Xu's ear heard a muffled drum-like strange voice from the Ugly Monkey: "Hey, young man, didn't you say people create civilization and history? Well, I want to see what you will ultimately create?
In times of chaos, even immortals and gods face tribulations. You, a mere youth, better not be swept away by a wave and sink to the bottom, unable to rise again!"
"Hahaha…"
The Ugly Monkey's laughter seemed to draw a line splitting heaven and earth.
In an instant, Chen Xu felt the mountain beneath him seemingly drift away in front of him, and the people on the mountain seemed to vanish in the wind.
Only Mr. Zhou's helpless shout remained: "Monkey, do not speak recklessly!"
"Young friend, until we meet again…"
The wind blew the bamboo forest, rustling gently.
Chen Xu conversed with Mr. Zhou for quite some time on the mountain, yet unbeknownst to him, not even a quarter of an hour had passed below the mountain.
The morning sun rose to the sky, suddenly leaping out from the clouds.
People outside the bamboo forest were somewhat anxious and expectant.
Lin Yuan was still kneeling outside the bamboo forest, his back upright, expression earnest.
Several acquaintances tried to persuade him: "Brother Lin, do not kneel anymore. You want to save your brother but also must take care of yourself."
"Chen Xu entered the great formation. With his attainments in divination, he might actually pass the formation's test. He has always been close to Brother Lin Qi and will surely ask Mr. Zhou to help save him!"
Of course, some disagreed: "Brother Wang, even if Chen Xu is formidable, can he possibly surpass those few from Prefecture City?"
"Well…" Wang Mochuan wanted to say surely he could surpass them, but felt unsure.
His words were hesitating at the tip of his tongue, about to muster courage to say something, when suddenly he saw the mist outside the bamboo forest dissipate, and two figures exclaimed in surprise, rolling out of the forest.
Judging by their clothing and appearance, it was clearly the guests from Prefecture City who rode in with Cui Yunqi.
Yet when they arrived, they were finely dressed and high-spirited. Now, each appeared disheveled, frightened, and pale.
As they rolled out of the bamboo forest, they still cried out: "Help! Save me, I don't want to die!"
Bang!
The two tangled together rolled out, crashing right into Lin Yuan kneeling by the roadside.
Lin Yuan was caught off guard by the heavy hit, only able to cry out in pain before his whole body fell backward.
"Hey…"
"Ah, it hurts!"
Bang bang bang!
The three collided into each other, with Lin Yuan being pressed at the bottom, momentarily seeing stars, his whole body in severe pain, feeling as if he was not hit by people but rather run over by a speeding carriage.
Filled with pain and anger, he endured the buzzing in his head and shouted: "Get away! Help me pull them apart…"
He thought his voice was loud, but it was actually barely louder than a mosquito's murmur.
Of course, others indeed began helping to pull people apart.
But at this moment, a sound emerged from the direction of the bamboo forest.
The scholars from Jichuan County hurriedly looked up and witnessed an even more astonishing scene.