“ wǒ duì xiū xiān méi yǒu xìng qù 。”
“我对修仙没有兴趣。”
"I have no interest in cultivation."
jì yì zhōng ， xiāo héng shuō cǐ huà shí de shén qíng fǎng fú hái lì lì zài mù 。
记忆中，萧恒说此话时的神情仿佛还历历在目。
V Xiao Heng said this, and the expression on his face was still vivid in Li Fan's memory.
zhè cái guò le duō jiǔ ， zěn me tā jiù chéng gōng qū chú tǐ nèi zhàng qì 、 zhí jiē tū pò dào liàn qì qī le ？
这才过了多久，怎么他就成功祛除体内瘴气、直接突破到炼气期了？
How long had passed? How did he manage to completely expel the Immortal-Demon Mist from his body and directly break through to the Qi Condensation Realm?
yī shí jiān lǐ fán mǎn shì zhèn jīng hé máng rán 。
一时间李凡满是震惊和茫然。
Li Fan was stunned and bewildered for a moment. He read Xiao Heng’s letters several times, then went out to inquire around before reluctantly accepting this reality.
lǐ fán fǎn fù jiāng xiāo héng jì lái de xìn jiàn kàn le hǎo jǐ biàn ， suí hòu yòu chū mén dǎ tīng le yī quān ， zhè cái bù gān de jiē shòu de zhè ge shì shí 。
李凡反复将萧恒寄来的信件看了好几遍，随后又出门打听了一圈，这才不甘的接受的这个事实。
It turned out that although Li Fan had confidently assured him on that day that the rumors of illegal immigration were targeting Tianbao Tower, Xiao Heng still felt uneasy after returning home, unable to sleep.
yuán lái ， suī rán lǐ fán nà rì xìn shì dàn dàn dì ān wèi tā ， dǎo shàng tōu dù de liú yán shì zhēn duì tiān bǎo lóu de ， dàn xiāo héng huí jiā zhī hòu yī rán huáng huáng bù ān ， nán yǐ rù shuì 。
原来，虽然李凡那日信誓旦旦地安慰他，岛上偷渡的流言是针对天宝楼的，但萧恒回家之后依然惶惶不安，难以入睡。
Closing his eyes, he could see the Immortal Master descending from the heavens and slaughtering everyone in the Realm of Separation. This terrifying scene haunted him for several days.
bì shàng yǎn ， jiù fǎng fú kàn dào le xiān shī cóng tiān ér jiàng ， jiāng lí jiè zhòng rén jìn shù zhǎn shā de kǒng bù huà miàn 。
闭上眼，就仿佛看到了仙师从天而降，将离界众人尽数斩杀的恐怖画面。
Finally, Xiao Heng made up his mind. To be able to rest soundly at night and become a cultivator without daily fear, he began earnestly practicing the Xuanhuang Qixin Spell.
yī lián jǐ rì ， xiāo héng dōu shì rú cǐ 。
一连几日，萧恒都是如此。
To his surprise, his cultivation progress was truly rapid after focusing his mind. With the help of certain medicines, he managed to expel all the Immortal-Demon Mist from his body within just over a month. He even felt the earth’s vital energy as if it were alive, swirling around him affectionately.
tòng dìng sī tòng zhī xià ， xiāo héng zhōng yú xià dìng le jué xīn 。
痛定思痛之下，萧恒终于下定了决心。
He was so captivated by this scene that he felt he had successfully guided Qi into his body after a good sleep. Initially, he wasn't entirely sure if he had truly become an Immortal Master, but when he suddenly experienced palpitations and killed the servant girl with one palm, Xiao Heng knew for certain that he had indeed become a cultivator.
wèi le néng ān xīn rù mián ， gèng wéi le chéng wéi xiū xiān zhě ， bù yòng zài měi rì dān jīng shòu pà ， tā kāi shǐ rèn zhēn xiū xíng qǐ le 《 xuán huáng qīng xīn zhòu 》。
为了能安心入眠，更为了成为修仙者，不用再每日担惊受怕，他开始认真修行起了《玄黄清心咒》。
Immortals and mortals must remain forever separated.
méi xiǎng dào xiāo héng chén xià xīn lái zhī hòu ， xiū xíng jìn dù dàng zhēn shì yī rì qiān lǐ 。
没想到萧恒沉下心来之后，修行进度当真是一日千里。
Although he was already at the Qi Condensation Realm, Xiao Heng was still unsure of what to do next. He wanted to meet the Immortal Master guarding Lustrous Isle. Unfortunately, Hao Zhenghao, who was overseeing the Purification Spirit Pool array, couldn't spare his time. So, Xiao Heng had to wait patiently at home.
pèi hé yào wù ， zhǐ yòng le yí gè yuè bú dào de shí jiān ， jiù zì xíng bǎ tǐ nèi zhàng qì jìn shù qū chú 。
配合药物，只用了一个月不到的时间，就自行把体内瘴气尽数祛除。
When Li Fan emerged from the spirit pool and Hao Zhenghao finally had some free time, Xiao Heng finally met him.
suí hòu gèng shì gǎn dào tiān dì líng qì fǎng ruò huó wù bān ， qīn nì dì zài tā zhōu wéi pái huái yóu zǒu 。
随后更是感到天地灵气仿若活物般，亲昵地在他周围徘徊游走。
Hearing Xiao Heng’s story, Hao Zhenghao carefully examined it and confirmed that he was not lying. He first rejoiced, then slapped his thigh in regret, as if realizing something important. After a while, he regained composure and eagerly wanted to take Xiao Heng to the Immortal Isle.
tā bèi zhè jǐng xiàng shēn shēn xī yǐn ， xīn shén chén nì qí zhōng 。
他被这景象深深吸引，心神沉溺其中。
Xiao Heng asked for permission to bid farewell to his friends, which Hao Zhenghao naturally agreed to. Xiao Heng said goodbye to everyone in the Realm of Separation before departing gracefully.
zhǐ jué de měi měi shuì le yī jiào ， biàn yǐn qì rù tǐ chéng gōng le 。
只觉的美美睡了一觉，便引气入体成功了。
As for Li Fan, Xiao Heng intended to visit him as well. However, he knew that Li Fan was devoted to cultivation and had only succeeded after more than three years of purification. Moreover, just a short while ago, he had openly stated that he had no interest in cultivation, but now he had become a Qi Condensation Realm cultivator!
qǐ chū tā hái yǒu diǎn bù gǎn què dìng ， zì jǐ yǐ jīng chéng wéi chuán shuō zhōng de xiān shī le 。
起初他还有点不敢确定，自己已经成为传说中的仙师了。
Xiao Heng didn't know how to face Li Fan. He feared upsetting him, so he left a letter instead.
dàn zài tā shì tú hé jiā zhōng shì nǚ qīn rè 、 què tū rán gǎn dào yī zhèn xīn jì 、 xià yì shí jiāng tā yī zhǎng pāi sǐ zhī hòu ， xiāo héng zhōng yú què dìng le ， zì jǐ yǐ jīng shì yī wèi xiū xiān zhě le 。
但在他试图和家中侍女亲热、却突然感到一阵心悸、下意识将她一掌拍死之后，萧恒终于确定了，自己已经是一位修仙者了。
Li Fan was deeply grateful for Xiao Heng’s repeated assistance and said he would wait on the Immortal Isle for his arrival, promising to repay him in kind.
xiān fán xū yǒng gé 。
仙凡需永隔。
"Brother, I owe my success today to your protection."
suī rán yǐ jīng shì liàn qì qī de xiū shì le ， dàn duì yú jiē xià lái yào rú hé zuò xiāo héng shì yī tóu wù shuǐ 。
虽然已经是炼气期的修士了，但对于接下来要如何做萧恒是一头雾水。
"I hear that you have successfully expelled the Immortal-Demon Mist. It seems you will soon break through to Qi Condensation."
yú shì tā xiǎng yào jiàn dào liú lí dǎo de zhèn shǒu xiān shī 。
于是他想要见到琉璃岛的镇守仙师。
"I am taking a step ahead and await your majesty’s visit on the Immortal Isle."
ér bù qiǎo de shì ， nà shí hòu hé zhèng hào zhèng zài zhǔ chí jìng tǐ líng chí fǎ zhèn ， bù néng chōu shēn 。
而不巧的是，那时候何正浩正在主持净体灵池法阵，不能抽身。
"On our next meeting, if you have any requests, I would risk my life to fulfill them."
xiāo héng zhǐ néng huí jiā nài xīn děng dài 。
萧恒只能回家耐心等待。
Xiao Heng bowed deeply.
děng dào lǐ fán chū le líng chí ， hé zhèng hào zhōng yú yǒu kòng zhī hòu ， xiāo héng cái zhōng yú jiàn dào le tā 。
等到李凡出了灵池，何正浩终于有空之后，萧恒才终于见到了他。
Li Fan put down Xiao Heng's letter and exhaled slowly.
hé zhèng hào tīng wén xiāo héng de jīng lì ， suí hòu zǐ xì chá tàn le yī fān ， què dìng le xiāo héng méi yǒu shuō jiǎ huà 。
何正浩听闻萧恒的经历，随后仔细查探了一番，确定了萧恒没有说假话。
Is this what they call someone with extraordinary talent? Without any help, he managed to break through to the Qi Condensation Realm on his own. He could even sense the earth’s vital energy as if it were alive...
tā xiān shì dà xǐ ， fù yòu měng pāi dà tuǐ ， yī fù hòu huǐ bù yǐ de yàng zi 。
他先是大喜，复又猛拍大腿，一副后悔不已的样子。
Although Li Fan knew that cultivators had varying levels of talent, he also understood that his own was not particularly high. But this genius next to him...
guò le yī huì ， tā cái zhèn zuò qǐ lái ， pò bù jí dài dì jiù yào bǎ xiāo héng dài wǎng wàn xiān dǎo shàng 。
过了一会，他才振作起来，迫不及待地就要把萧恒带往万仙岛上。
It really made him uncomfortable.
xiāo héng tí chū yào hé péng yǒu gào bié ， hé zhèng hào zì rán yīng yǔn 。
萧恒提出要和朋友告别，何正浩自然应允。
Xiao Heng's concerns weren't unfounded; if he suddenly appeared before me after expelling the Immortal-Demon Mist, I might lose my composure.
zhè zhī hòu xiāo héng hé lí jiè zhòng rén yī yī dào bié ， suí hòu piāo rán yuǎn qù 。
这之后萧恒和离界众人一一道别，随后飘然远去。
Li Fan smiled wryly. However, it was just a matter of his mental state being slightly off-balance.
zhì yú lǐ fán zhè lǐ ， xiāo héng běn xiǎng lái de 。
至于李凡这里，萧恒本想来的。
He knew that his reliance wasn’t on his talent but on the countless chances given to him by [Truly Real]. With [Truly Real] in hand, he had confidence in overpowering any genius.
kě tā yě zhī dào lǐ fán xīn xiàng xiū xíng ， sān nián duō shí jiān cái jìng tǐ chéng gōng 。
可他也知道李凡心向修行，三年多时间才净体成功。
The process might be long, requiring lifetimes of planning.
ér tā bù jiǔ qián hái zài lǐ fán miàn qián qīn kǒu shuō guò ， duì xiū xiān méi yǒu xìng qù 。 rú jīn què yī zhǎ yǎn jiù chéng le liàn qì qī xiū shì ！
而他不久前还在李凡面前亲口说过，对修仙没有兴趣。如今却一眨眼就成了炼气期修士！
As the Xuanhuang Qixin Spell circulated within him, Li Fan's chaotic mind gradually calmed down. He opened Hao Zhenghao’s gift, the Wujing Qi Method, and began to study it carefully.
xiāo héng shí zài shì bù zhī zěn me miàn duì lǐ fán ， zài jiā shàng pà cì jī dào lǐ fán ， suǒ yǐ tā jiù zhǐ shì liú le yī fēng shū xìn ， tuō rén sòng lái 。
萧恒实在是不知怎么面对李凡，再加上怕刺激到李凡，所以他就只是留了一封书信，托人送来。
According to the book, in ancient times, there was a concept of spiritual roots. Only those with spiritual roots could cultivate as mortals. There were ordinary elemental spiritual roots—metal, wood, water, fire, earth—and also unique attributes like lightning, wind, and darkness.
xiāo fán duì yú lǐ fán de lǚ cì bāng zhù hěn shì gǎn jī ， yú shì shuō zài wàn xiān dǎo děng tā ， dào shí hòu bì dìng bào dá lǐ fán 。
萧凡对于李凡的屡次帮助很是感激，于是说在万仙岛等他，到时候必定报答李凡。
Those with single spiritual roots had rapid initial progress and could easily achieve great success by specializing in their corresponding attribute cultivation methods. Those with multiple spiritual roots progressed more slowly but could balance various elements, though they often wasted energy without much success. However, if a prodigy possessed multiple spiritual roots, their strength would far exceed that of single-rooted cultivators at the same realm.
“ dì yǒu jīn rì ， quán lài xiōng zhī bì yòu 。”
“弟有今日，全赖兄之庇佑。”
These were just old tales, however. In ancient times, cultivation was about achieving harmony with heaven and earth. Spiritual roots were bestowed by the heavens; only those favored by fate could sense the laws of nature and gain the qualifications to ascend to immortality.
“ jīn wén xiōng chéng gōng qū zhàng ， xiǎng bì bù rì biàn kě tū pò liàn qì 。”
“今闻兄成功祛瘴，想必不日便可突破炼气。”
But there were so many mortals in the world, and few possessed spiritual roots.
“ dì xiān xíng yī bù ， yú wàn xiān dǎo gōng hòu xiōng zhī dà jià 。”
“弟先行一步，于万仙岛恭候兄之大驾。”
Most people could only look on at cultivation from afar, wondering if it was fair.
“ xiāng jiàn zhī rì ， ruò xiōng yǒu suǒ tuō ， dì suī wàn sǐ yì bù gǎn cí 。”
“相见之日，若兄有所托，弟虽万死亦不敢辞。”
Fortunately, ancient times saw the transmission of Dao!
“ héng dùn shǒu zài bài 。”
“恒顿首再拜。”
According to the Wujing Qi Method, Immortal Sages imparted longevity techniques to countless ordinary people who couldn't achieve immortality. The sage said: "If I wish to become an immortal, why seek heaven? If heaven does not grant me, I will take it myself!"
……
……
Harmony with heaven leads to being mortal; defiance of heaven leads to becoming an immortal!
lǐ fán jiāng xiāo héng de shū xìn fàng xià ， huǎn huǎn tǔ le kǒu qì 。
李凡将萧恒的书信放下，缓缓吐了口气。
A mere mortal dared to seek longevity without seeking harmony with heaven but by defying it.
zhè jiù shì chuán shuō zhōng de tiān zī zòng héng zhī rén me ？
这就是传说中的天资纵横之人么？
Thus, the Immortal Sage established his sect and shared his path with all. This was the cultivation path followed in today's world:
bù kào rèn hé bāng zhù ， zì jǐ wù dǎ wù zhuàng jiù néng tū pò zhì liàn qì qī 。
不靠任何帮助，自己误打误撞就能突破至炼气期。
Absorb the essence of nature to command its energy;
Leverage the wonders of nature to build a foundation;
Pore over the laws of nature to refine the golden pill;
Seize the essence of heaven to achieve an embryonic soul;
Draw out the marrow of heaven to gain divine power;
Sacrifice the spirit of heaven to merge with Dao;
Defy the principles of heaven to attain eternal life!
shèn zhì hái néng gǎn shòu dào tiān dì líng qì duì tā de qīn nì ……
甚至还能感受到天地灵气对他的亲昵……
...
suī rán zǎo jiù zhī xiǎo xiū xiān zhī rén zī zhì liáng yǒu bù qí ， lǐ fán yě zhī dào zì jǐ de tiān fù bìng bù gāo ， dàn zhè zhǒng tiān cái jìng zài wǒ shēn biān de gǎn jué ……
虽然早就知晓修仙之人资质良莠不齐，李凡也知道自己的天赋并不高，但这种天才竟在我身边的感觉……
With a thud, the Wujing Qi Method fell to the ground. Li Fan trembled as he picked it up, overwhelmed by his shock.
hái zhēn shì ràng rén bù hǎo shòu a 。
还真是让人不好受啊。
The cultivation methods in this world were entirely different from what he had anticipated—almost terrifying.
kàn lái zhè xiāo héng de dān xīn yě bìng fēi méi yǒu dào lǐ ， ruò shì tā zhēn de tū rán chū xiàn zài gāng gāng chéng gōng qū chú zhàng qì de wǒ qián miàn ， wǒ hái zhēn de yǒu kě néng huì xīn tài shī héng 。
看来这萧恒的担心也并非没有道理，若是他真的突然出现在刚刚成功祛除瘴气的我前面，我还真的有可能会心态失衡。
No wonder he felt strange ever since coming into contact with cultivators here. The heaven of this world seemed to harbor a great malice toward cultivators.
lǐ fán kǔ xiào 。
李凡苦笑。
From the law that Immortal techniques could not be practiced simultaneously, to the bizarre sight of a cultivator’s death illuminating the sky for thousands of miles, and the sinister Immortal-Demon Mist in mortals' bodies—all these hinted at it.
dàn yě zhǐ shì xīn tài yǒu xiē shī héng ér yǐ 。
但也只是心态有些失衡而已。
Today, after delving into the cultivation world, the truth was finally revealed.
lǐ fán qīng chǔ de zhī dào ， tā de yī kào cóng lái bú shì tā de tiān zī ， ér shì 【 hái zhēn 】 fù yǔ tā de wú shù cì chóng xīn lái guò de jī huì 。
李凡清楚的知道，他的依靠从来不是他的天资，而是【还真】赋予他的无数次重新来过的机会。
"Defy the principles of heaven to attain eternal life!" Li Fan said softly, exhaling deeply.
"I have no interest in cultivation."
V Xiao Heng said this, and the expression on his face was still vivid in Li Fan's memory.
How long had passed? How did he manage to completely expel the Immortal-Demon Mist from his body and directly break through to the Qi Condensation Realm?
Li Fan was stunned and bewildered for a moment. He read Xiao Heng’s letters several times, then went out to inquire around before reluctantly accepting this reality.
It turned out that although Li Fan had confidently assured him on that day that the rumors of illegal immigration were targeting Tianbao Tower, Xiao Heng still felt uneasy after returning home, unable to sleep.
Closing his eyes, he could see the Immortal Master descending from the heavens and slaughtering everyone in the Realm of Separation. This terrifying scene haunted him for several days.
Finally, Xiao Heng made up his mind. To be able to rest soundly at night and become a cultivator without daily fear, he began earnestly practicing the Xuanhuang Qixin Spell.
To his surprise, his cultivation progress was truly rapid after focusing his mind. With the help of certain medicines, he managed to expel all the Immortal-Demon Mist from his body within just over a month. He even felt the earth’s vital energy as if it were alive, swirling around him affectionately.
He was so captivated by this scene that he felt he had successfully guided Qi into his body after a good sleep. Initially, he wasn't entirely sure if he had truly become an Immortal Master, but when he suddenly experienced palpitations and killed the servant girl with one palm, Xiao Heng knew for certain that he had indeed become a cultivator.
Immortals and mortals must remain forever separated.
Although he was already at the Qi Condensation Realm, Xiao Heng was still unsure of what to do next. He wanted to meet the Immortal Master guarding Lustrous Isle. Unfortunately, Hao Zhenghao, who was overseeing the Purification Spirit Pool array, couldn't spare his time. So, Xiao Heng had to wait patiently at home.
When Li Fan emerged from the spirit pool and Hao Zhenghao finally had some free time, Xiao Heng finally met him.
Hearing Xiao Heng’s story, Hao Zhenghao carefully examined it and confirmed that he was not lying. He first rejoiced, then slapped his thigh in regret, as if realizing something important. After a while, he regained composure and eagerly wanted to take Xiao Heng to the Immortal Isle.
Xiao Heng asked for permission to bid farewell to his friends, which Hao Zhenghao naturally agreed to. Xiao Heng said goodbye to everyone in the Realm of Separation before departing gracefully.
As for Li Fan, Xiao Heng intended to visit him as well. However, he knew that Li Fan was devoted to cultivation and had only succeeded after more than three years of purification. Moreover, just a short while ago, he had openly stated that he had no interest in cultivation, but now he had become a Qi Condensation Realm cultivator!
Xiao Heng didn't know how to face Li Fan. He feared upsetting him, so he left a letter instead.
Li Fan was deeply grateful for Xiao Heng’s repeated assistance and said he would wait on the Immortal Isle for his arrival, promising to repay him in kind.
"Brother, I owe my success today to your protection."
"I hear that you have successfully expelled the Immortal-Demon Mist. It seems you will soon break through to Qi Condensation."
"I am taking a step ahead and await your majesty’s visit on the Immortal Isle."
"On our next meeting, if you have any requests, I would risk my life to fulfill them."
Xiao Heng bowed deeply.
Li Fan put down Xiao Heng's letter and exhaled slowly.
Is this what they call someone with extraordinary talent? Without any help, he managed to break through to the Qi Condensation Realm on his own. He could even sense the earth’s vital energy as if it were alive...
Although Li Fan knew that cultivators had varying levels of talent, he also understood that his own was not particularly high. But this genius next to him...
It really made him uncomfortable.
Xiao Heng's concerns weren't unfounded; if he suddenly appeared before me after expelling the Immortal-Demon Mist, I might lose my composure.
Li Fan smiled wryly. However, it was just a matter of his mental state being slightly off-balance.
He knew that his reliance wasn’t on his talent but on the countless chances given to him by [Truly Real]. With [Truly Real] in hand, he had confidence in overpowering any genius.
The process might be long, requiring lifetimes of planning.
As the Xuanhuang Qixin Spell circulated within him, Li Fan's chaotic mind gradually calmed down. He opened Hao Zhenghao’s gift, the Wujing Qi Method, and began to study it carefully.
According to the book, in ancient times, there was a concept of spiritual roots. Only those with spiritual roots could cultivate as mortals. There were ordinary elemental spiritual roots—metal, wood, water, fire, earth—and also unique attributes like lightning, wind, and darkness.
Those with single spiritual roots had rapid initial progress and could easily achieve great success by specializing in their corresponding attribute cultivation methods. Those with multiple spiritual roots progressed more slowly but could balance various elements, though they often wasted energy without much success. However, if a prodigy possessed multiple spiritual roots, their strength would far exceed that of single-rooted cultivators at the same realm.
These were just old tales, however. In ancient times, cultivation was about achieving harmony with heaven and earth. Spiritual roots were bestowed by the heavens; only those favored by fate could sense the laws of nature and gain the qualifications to ascend to immortality.
But there were so many mortals in the world, and few possessed spiritual roots.
Most people could only look on at cultivation from afar, wondering if it was fair.
Fortunately, ancient times saw the transmission of Dao!
According to the Wujing Qi Method, Immortal Sages imparted longevity techniques to countless ordinary people who couldn't achieve immortality. The sage said: "If I wish to become an immortal, why seek heaven? If heaven does not grant me, I will take it myself!"
Harmony with heaven leads to being mortal; defiance of heaven leads to becoming an immortal!
A mere mortal dared to seek longevity without seeking harmony with heaven but by defying it.
Thus, the Immortal Sage established his sect and shared his path with all. This was the cultivation path followed in today's world:
Absorb the essence of nature to command its energy;
Leverage the wonders of nature to build a foundation;
Pore over the laws of nature to refine the golden pill;
Seize the essence of heaven to achieve an embryonic soul;
Draw out the marrow of heaven to gain divine power;
Sacrifice the spirit of heaven to merge with Dao;
Defy the principles of heaven to attain eternal life!
...
With a thud, the Wujing Qi Method fell to the ground. Li Fan trembled as he picked it up, overwhelmed by his shock.
The cultivation methods in this world were entirely different from what he had anticipated—almost terrifying.
No wonder he felt strange ever since coming into contact with cultivators here. The heaven of this world seemed to harbor a great malice toward cultivators.
From the law that Immortal techniques could not be practiced simultaneously, to the bizarre sight of a cultivator’s death illuminating the sky for thousands of miles, and the sinister Immortal-Demon Mist in mortals' bodies—all these hinted at it.
Today, after delving into the cultivation world, the truth was finally revealed.
"Defy the principles of heaven to attain eternal life!" Li Fan said softly, exhaling deeply.