Chapter 36: The Mindset of the Weak
Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Meeting Hall.
Ning Fengzhi was attending to sect affairs as usual when a young man in a white suit slowly approached him and bowed respectfully.
"What happened to Rongrong?" Ning Fengzhi didn't look up, his attention still focused on the sect affairs before him.
"Master, Miss Rongrong is fine, but I have something important to report to you," the young man in the white suit said.
"Oh?" Ning Fengzhi raised his head slowly, curious, and put down his quill.
Then, the young man pulled a scroll from his soul guide and respectfully presented it to him.
Ning Fengzhi slowly took it, opened it, and began to read it carefully. As he read deeper, his previously calm eyes began to fluctuate violently. When he had read the entire scroll, he let out a sigh of relief, a hint of his inner turmoil.
The scroll contained the exact conversation between Ning Rongrong and Shi Yi that day, not even a single word missing.
Ning Fengzhi slowly composed himself, trying not to appear overly excited. He addressed the sect disciple standing by, "I'll credit you for this. For now, keep it secret. Let me verify this with the sect elders before we make any plans. I want to know everything Rongrong has to say to this child."
The young man in white excitedly replied, "Yes!"
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly at the young man, nodded slightly in affirmation, and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Please withdraw."
The young man in white respectfully and slowly exited the hall.
Soon, a faint, anxious voice echoed through the hall, "Fengzhi, has something happened with Rongrong? It's got you so agitated."
Ning Fengzhi could no longer suppress his inner excitement, a smile spreading across his gentle face.
"No, Uncle Gu, Rongrong is fine. He's even made a good friend. You should come take a look at this and give me some advice," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, shaking the scroll in his hand.
At that moment, the void, accompanied by the emergence of soul power fluctuations, began to distort. The figure of an old man appeared above the void, stepping on the void and approaching Ning Fengzhi with a hint of urgency.
Ning Fengzhi smiled and handed the scroll to Gu Rong. Gu Rong took it and slowly read. As Gu Rong read deeper, ripples appeared in his calm eyes.
Gu Rong nodded affirmatively as he read. "This fellow named Shi Yi is quite good. Compared to those who just talk about theory, he's come up with many practical methods. Fengzhi, I think we should bring Rongrong back and let her try these methods. Rongrong has great talent. Perhaps we can actually see the eighth and ninth colored lights."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head slightly, a gentle smile on his face. "Uncle Gu, don't you think it would be more effective to let the person who came up with these theories implement them? Besides, if Rongrong comes back, would you and Uncle Jian be willing to let her endure the hardships of training?"
Seeing his little thought exposed, Gu Rong's face flickered with embarrassment. He continued, "The conditions outside are nothing like those in the sect..."
"Uncle Gu, I have a feeling Rongrong will be very different the next time she comes back," Ning Fengzhi said slowly, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Gu Rong snorted softly. "I just hope Rongrong can truly make the progress you say she will."
Ning Fengzhi's face flickered with resignation, and he smiled briefly before falling silent.
Elsewhere, on the country road from Soto City to Shrek Academy, Shi Yi, returning to the academy, spotted the Shrek members carrying baskets for physical training.
"It's been a while since we last met, and you all seem in good spirits," Shi Yi said with a smile, looking at the panting Shrek members.
"You... stop making sarcastic remarks... help me share some of the burden," Ning Rongrong panted, addressing Shi Yi.
"That's right..." Oscar also panted.
Compared to the others, the two Shrek support members had clearly received the least training. Even after Shi Yi's absence, they were still far behind in this endurance training.
"I'm your teacher, how can I help you cheat? Keep doing your best. Endurance and willpower are exactly what you support-type spirit masters lack," Shi Yi chuckled at Ning Rongrong and Oscar.
In reality, Shi Yi believed that weighted long-distance running was only suitable for Ning Rongrong and Oscar, the two support spirit masters. As for the others, instead of having the other five accompany the two support spirit masters on a long-distance run, it would be more effective if they received specialized training.
"So-called team spirit?" Shi Yi shook his head inwardly.
Yu Xiaogang had a fatal flaw as a teacher: a weak-minded mentality. The idea of teamwork and complementarity was always something only the weak needed. The strong were always alone, constantly overcoming their weaknesses to climb higher.
This mindset led to this type of training, but weighted long-distance running wouldn't be suitable for every Shrek student.
For example, Shi Yi believed that Dai Mubai, as a powerful attack-type spirit master, hadn't even fully utilized the White Tiger's power. Strengthening his strength and increasing his control over it was what he should be focusing on. As for endurance, Shi Yi believed that any type of training could indirectly improve one's stamina through long-term practice.
"Senior Brother..." Tang San panted as he greeted Shi Yi, bringing his thoughts back to reality.
Shi Yi nodded slightly and chuckled, "Do your best."
Tang San nodded slightly, and the Shrek group followed him, running past Shi Yi. Ning Rongrong even glared at him.
Shi Yi smiled and walked towards Shrek. Soon, he saw the Shrek teachers sitting in rocking chairs, a large tent set up above them for shade.
"Hello, teachers," Shi Yi said with a smile.
The teachers looked up and nodded slightly in response. They were obviously there to take turns supervising the Shrek people.
"Teacher," Shi Yi said to Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly and said, "You're back. You saw the children's training just now, didn't you? What did you think?"
"I just got back, and you're going to exploit me?" Shi Yi asked angrily.
"So you want to participate in the same training tomorrow?" Yu Xiaogang, knowing Shi Yi's character well, said calmly.
Shi Yi looked helpless. "Well, I'd say it's okay. At least it wasn't a waste of time."
The Shrek teachers looked at Shi Yi with surprise. As teachers, they had seen the progress of the Shrek people in recent days.
"Do you have a better training method?" Yu Xiaogang said calmly, looking at Shi Yi.
"It's not a better training method, but you need to change your mindset," Shi Yi said softly.
"Oh?" Yu Xiaogang looked at Shi Yi, a hint of anticipation in his slightly cloudy eyes.
"If I'm not mistaken, you plan to use the fusion flow to create a perfect team," Shi Yi said to Yu Xiaogang.
A glint flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes, and he nodded slightly.
Shi Yi smiled, shook his head, and said, "I won't discuss whether the fusion flow concept can forge a perfect team, but it definitely limits their individual development. Teacher, only the weak will cling to each other for warmth, while the strong will overcome difficulties through their own efforts. There's really no single perfect answer to cultivation. The strong have vast hands, often able to grasp more, while a spirit master only needs to expand their own hands. While the same training can bring them together temporarily, true difficulties can often only be faced alone. Do you agree? Just like you alone in Notting City."
The Shrek teachers, upon hearing Shi Yi's words, fell into deep thought. Yu Xiaogang looked at Shi Yi's complex expression. Flanders, the dean, sighed slightly and said, "Indeed, Xiaoyi, true difficulties can often only be faced alone. Well said."
Flanders was deeply moved. No matter how hard he tried, he hadn't been able to bring Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang together. Clearly, such a difficulty wasn't something he, a friend, could help him with. It would require Yu Xiaogang to overcome the hurdle in his heart on his own.
"The talents of Shrek's students are among the highest on the continent. What they need is tailored instruction, weighted long-distance running, to develop a spirit master's endurance and willpower. This is very suitable for Ning Rongrong and Oscar, but not for others. I just observed that, apart from the two auxiliary spirit masters, the combat spirit masters are battle-hardened and don't have any major issues with endurance and fighting spirit. They need something else," Shi Yi continued.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll assign Zhu Zhuqing to you. I hope you can show me a difference," Yu Xiaogang said, staring at Shi Yi.
Shi Yi smiled slightly. He naturally understood Yu Xiaogang's point. Of all the Shrek students, Zhu Zhuqing was the most obedient. Letting Shi Yi lead the others might not necessarily obey him. This would also give Shi Yi a chance to prove himself.
Shi Yi chuckled, "You could train her, but you have to think carefully. Accepting my training might mean the Netherworld White Tiger fusion skill is gone."
Yu Xiaogang frowned, saying, "What's the connection between training and the fusion skill?"
"As a master of the fusion skill, you should understand the crucial aspect. The requirements for the creation of a fusion skill are extremely demanding. Not only does it require a perfect match between the spirit masters' spirits, but it also requires a profound level of psychic connection."
"This psychic connection isn't just about simple coordination and tacit understanding; it requires a deep trust and understanding between the spirit masters. If one day the spirit cat surpasses the white tiger, do you think a fusion skill would still be created? This is why the royal family belongs to the Dai family, not the Zhu family." Shi Yi chuckled.
"Can your training achieve this? Besides, Mu Bai isn't that cunning," Yu Xiaogang said slowly.
"Let me train Zhu Zhuqing. After breaking through to Soul Master, it'll be easy for her to defeat Dai Mubai. As for cunning..." Shi Yi chuckled.
Flanders, standing by, simply pushed his glasses silently. Zhao Wuji's face was filled with embarrassment.
"Dragons are naturally proud, and tigers aren't much worse either," Shi Yi chuckled.
Yu Xiaogang's face showed hesitation. If they truly let a rift develop between them, without the Netherworld White Tiger, wouldn't that mean their survival was cut off?
"I think it would be best if you ask Zhuqing tomorrow. Some things need to be made clear. Pushing things forward isn't a good idea," Shi Yi said calmly.
Flanders nodded and said, "That makes sense. Now that Xiaoyi is back, we might as well ask tomorrow."
Yu Xiaogang nodded, and then Shi Yi said to the others, "I've been a little tired these past few days. I'll go back and rest. You guys go ahead and get busy."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded slightly to Shi Yi, and he left as they watched him leave.
Flanders gazed at Shi Yi's back and chuckled, "Xiaogang, why do I feel like you're not here to heal this kid, but instead, he's the one who's healed you?"
Yu Xiaogang's expression shifted slightly at this, and he sighed as he gazed at Shi Yi's back. "Although I'm Xiaoyi's teacher, he's already surpassed me in theoretical research. Sometimes I even wonder if there are truly people born with innate knowledge."
That night, after dinner, Shi Yi began his daily meditation practice.
Lost in meditation, Shi Yi felt a deep sense of surprise at the vastly different state of his body.
He hadn't meditated since absorbing the Eight-Angled Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Delicatesparate within the Yin-Yang Eye of Ice and Fire. Today, he discovered that his meridians had not only become stronger with his increased strength, but also wider. More importantly, the meridians within his body had connected, revealing a new channel that Shi Yi's power had never before reached.
"It seems one of the eight extraordinary meridians has opened up. Judging by its route, it should be the Chong Meridian. I'll have some work to do next. I can start incorporating this newly discovered meridian into my internal energy circulation, trying to develop a new, more efficient route," Shi Yi thought to himself.
Then, all night long, Shi Yi practiced, adjusting his route, practicing again, and modifying it again, repeating the cycle.
When a rooster crowed in the village, Shi Yi instinctively glanced out the window at the horizon, which was already beginning to light up.
He put away the stack of data not far from him, washed up briefly, and began running around the village as usual.
As he ran, he soon spotted two familiar figures ahead: Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Good morning, both of you," Shi Yi said with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Shi Yi, her words precious. Dai Mubai's expression darkened. He had finally gotten up early, hoping to spend some time alone with Zhu Zhuqing, but Shi Yi had ruined his time.
However, Shi Yi was no tactless person. Seeing that Dai Mubai didn't respond, he simply smiled and said, "Then I won't bother you two."
With that, Shi Yi controlled his strength and breathing, suddenly accelerating, leaving the two behind.
Zhu Zhuqing felt Shi Yi's explosive speed, and a look of surprise crossed her pretty face. They had only witnessed the fighting power of Xiao Yi, but seemed to know nothing about Shi Yi himself.
With this in mind, Zhu Zhuqing also quickened her pace. She had always been a person who refused to admit defeat. She wanted to see if she could catch up with Shi Yi.
Dai Mubai looked at the two figures in the distance ahead, gritted his teeth, and burst out at his own speed to catch up.
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