Chapter 21 Ask the Celestial Pavilion again
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Unaware of the passing of time in the mountains, Pei Jing spent several months at Yinghui Peak, but he still couldn’t grasp the intricacies of worldly affairs. The seven emotions and six desires sound simple when spoken of, but putting them into practice proved to be challenging. After all, most of the time, emotions merely skimmed the surface, unable to reach the depths of his soul. Moreover, he usually found himself being the one who provoked others.
On the monthly rest day for Outer Peak disciples, Pei Jing decided to pay another visit to the Celestial Pavilion.
His unanswered questions had been lingering for quite some time, and perhaps there were other explanations awaiting him.
Arriving at the Wenqing Peak to meet Chen Xu, Pei Jing noticed the distorted expression on Chen Xu’s face, ready to send him away.
Pei Jing: “Hear me out before dismissing me. This time, it won’t trouble you much. I will go as Zhang Yiming, and you just need to guide me to the Book Collection Pavilion.”
The Book Collection Pavilion only allowed cultivators of the Foundation Establishment Stage or above to enter. If Pei Jing were to go as a new Outer Peak disciple, he would need someone to vouch for him.
Chen Xu had been traumatized by his last encounter, truly falling into a psychological shadow cast by Pei Jing.
Being locked inside the Celestial Pavilion and facing an angry Elder Lou, the memories still sent chills down his spine. He replied with a cold face, “I won’t go.”
“Please reconsider. Do you want me to suffer a humiliating defeat against Feng Jin, a little brother, in the next Trial?”
Chen Xu sneered, “A single strike is not a problem for you, or so you claim.”
Pei Jing: “A few months ago, I went to the Ghost Realm and met Ji Wuduan. He also reached the peak of the Golden Core stage. One must maintain a sense of crisis. Overconfidence is not advisable.”
He raised an eyebrow, “If Feng Jin defeats me once, with his temperament, I don’t know how many years he’ll boast about it. It will definitely become a shadow over my life.”
Chen Xu immediately knew that Pei Jing was talking nonsense. They had grown up together, and he understood him well. The only person who could make Pei Yuzhi bow his head in submission, besides their Master, was probably the founder of the Institute of Celestial Ascension. However, Chen Xu had a kind-hearted nature and, after being pestered by Pei Jing for a while, reluctantly agreed with a stern face. As they walked out, he retorted, “I actually hope someone can defeat you. You said Feng Jin needs to temper his character, but I think it’s you who needs the most tempering. You conveniently ignore the words of the founder at the Institute of Celestial Ascension?”
Pei Jing listened and inwardly rejoiced. A defeat was all he wished for. However, since he was asking a favor from someone, he refrained from speaking those words aloud.
Recalling the countless words spoken by the founder at the Institute of Celestial Ascension, it was difficult for him to pinpoint which one Chen Xu was referring to.
Amidst the vast Yunxiao Mountains, where summer and autumn intertwined, there was a path leading to the front of the mountain. The frost-touched leaves blushed with a tinge of red, resembling a cluster of crimson clouds scattered among the forest from afar.
Sitting on a cloud crane, Chen Xu inquired about Chu Junyu’s well-being.
“How is that disciple doing in Outer Peak?” It pained him to see such a talented disciple like Chu Junyu being delayed by Pei Jing.
Pei Jing grasped a white crane feather, pondered for a moment, and smiled, “Why do you treat everyone as if you’re their caring old father? You haven’t even encountered many female cultivators, and yet you already want to play the role of a father?”
Chen Xu: “…Get lost.”
Pei Jing chuckled before leisurely continuing, “Chu Junyu has me by his side, and he’s thriving in his cultivation in Outer Peaks. You don’t need to worry.”
Chen Xu rolled his eyes, “It’s precisely because of you that I can’t relax.”
Pei Jing sat upright, pondered for a moment, and earnestly said, “In another three months, these new disciples at Yinghui Peak will have completed a year. There will be a competition that will determine their future path. What if Chu Junyu secures the first place, and I reveal my true identity to take him as my disciple? Would he be deeply moved?”
Chen Xu remained silent.
After a brief pause, he displayed foresight, “If it were someone else, they might be overwhelmed with gratitude and kneel down, but if it’s Chu Junyu, I believe you would be rejected. After all, he sees you as ‘less than.'”
“When did you become so sharp-witted?”
Chen Xu had a rare moment of agreement with him and felt invigorated. “I think what he said makes sense. He’s perceptive. Without even meeting you, he has already discerned your true nature.”
Pei Jing laughed in exasperation. “Could you be a bit more sensible? He’s only bold because he hasn’t encountered me in person.” With a shameless grin, he raised his hand and counted on his fingers. “In terms of cultivation, I’m unrivaled and hold the top spot on the Wentian Rankings. In terms of appearance, I am the dream of countless female cultivators in the realm of cultivation. I dare say that if he were to meet me in person, he would retract those words and willingly become my disciple.”
Chen Xu hadn’t anticipated such shamelessness from him. “Fine, we’ll see.”
“We’ll see indeed.”
It was all a joke… Although he didn’t want to admit it, Pei Jing secretly acknowledged that there was some truth in Chen Xu’s words. The final statement he made was simply him bluffing.
Considering Chu Junyu’s temperament, no matter how one thought about it, he would never take someone as his master.
Arriving at Shufeng Peak, they walked through the crimson maple forest. The leaves were on the verge of turning red, hanging loosely, while the reed flowers rustled in the breeze.
As Pei Jing stepped into the forest, he momentarily froze. He remembered that night in the Yunlan Mountains, the unfamiliar figure in black attire with silver hair and blood-red eyes. Mysterious and inscrutable. He couldn’t help but wonder, who was he exactly?
Elder Lou was never particularly attentive. Pei Jing strolled past him without drawing any attention. He reached the top floor alone. Celestial Pavilion had several rooms, but Pei Jing always went to the one at the far end. Pushing open the door, he found the scene unchanged. Countless scrolls cascaded down, creating a spectacular and magnificent sight. He walked to the center and noticed that Elder Lou had removed all the brushes and ink, leaving only an empty desk. Presumably, his temper had been irked by Pei Jing knocking over the ink bottle twice, and he had abandoned his pretentiousness.
Pei Jing couldn’t help but burst into laughter, “It was about time they were removed.”
He crossed his legs and sat at the desk. Extending his hand, he drew a symbol in the air. Instantly, countless sheets of rice paper whirled rapidly, until one sheet, his own, gradually came to a halt before him.
How does one return to basics?
After his previous conversation with that person, he had gained many responses, although most of them were nonsensical.
Returning to basics, let me explain. It means stripping away external embellishments and returning to one’s original plain state. Perhaps, fellow cultivator… you can try streaking.
Soon enough, he received a scolding.
What rotten idea did you come up with? Don’t mislead others, please. My Master also mentioned the concept of returning to basics, but it’s mostly the machinations of inner demons, urging you to abandon distractions.
Pei Jing read the second response and curled his lips. Why did his own Master happen to have the opposite perspective, urging him to return to basics in order to foster inner demons?
As he scrolled down, some people seemed to vaguely understand his intention.
According to the dialogue between you and the first respondent, your notion of returning to basics and immersing oneself in the mundane world is perhaps to experience the full range of human emotions and desires. It’s quite simple, actually. In the thirty-three heavens, there is a realm of utmost longing, and the four hundred and four ailments include the torment of lovesickness. Fellow cultivator, find someone who captivates your heart and embark on a romantic journey. It will enable you to experience all kinds of emotions and grant you a profound understanding of this mortal world.
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