Chapter Twenty-Nine: Brother Yi, what does it mean to bow to heaven and earth?

Inside the Qingzheng Hall.

It is unclear how much time had passed before Chen Yi’s consciousness stirred. He opened his eyes, surveying the golden nanmu pillars, the jade-white floor, and the children sleeping soundly around him. He let out a long sigh.

"So, it really was just a dream."

After being affected by the "Nightmare Realm Technique" cast by Gu Tiangang, Chen Yi’s consciousness had drifted into a hazy state before arriving in a mountain valley. The scenery there was exquisite, with lush green hills and clear waters. Amidst a dense forest, a magnificent waterfall cascaded down. He found himself standing beneath that waterfall, practicing sword techniques. To be precise, it was a version of himself that had already grown into adulthood, holding an iron sword as he pivoted and leaped against the torrent. He could even feel the heavy, cooling impact of the falling river water against his body. Yet, it had no effect on him; every sword movement felt as if it had been tempered a thousand times, reaching a state of consummate perfection.

However, before long, his vision blurred, and he found himself on a battlefield. Around him were countless demons, and numerous people locked in combat with them, though the figures and faces of those people remained indistinct. The demons, however, were vivid and lifelike, each as gargantuan as the one in the martial arts arena of the Marquis of Wu'an's estate. Some had green faces and fangs, some had sharp, monkey-like features, and others were constructed entirely of mountain stone; the bizarre variety was endless.

Then, just as he had when he first received the reward for "Sword Mastery: Minor Success," he engaged in a fierce battle with these demons. It was only after slaying the final one that he finally awoke.

"Is this 'enlightenment'?" Chen Yi muttered to himself, curling his lip.

He wondered if Lin Xueru and the others had experienced the same thing. Probably not, he reasoned. If they had endured a nightmare like that, they would likely have been frightened to tears.

Just then, the sealed doors of the hall were pushed open from the outside. Gu Tiangang walked in, his eyes meeting Chen Yi’s. A trace of surprise flashed across his face.

"You woke up surprisingly quickly."

Chen Yi composed himself and bowed. "In reply to the Master, this student has only just regained consciousness."

Regardless of what he had experienced in the "Nightmare Realm," the "Counter-Attack Points" he had gained were real. Calling himself a "student" was appropriate enough.

Gu Tiangang observed him, becoming more satisfied the longer he looked. The boy possessed a mature mind and exceptional talent; even his posture and expression while bowing were far superior to his peers.

"Tell me, what did you see and experience while in meditation?"

Chen Yi hesitated for a moment before answering, "I saw a forest in the mountains. The scenery was beautiful."

Gu Tiangang nodded, a smile gracing his face. A love for mountains and clear waters suggested this child was not enamored with the extravagance of the capital. Yes, he was definitely excellent material for the Dao.

"And what else?"

"And..." Chen Yi guessed that the old Daoist had likely perceived something, so he responded swiftly. "Practicing the sword. This student was practicing sword techniques there."

That was it! Thinking of the soaring sword energy he had sensed earlier through his "Qi-Observation Technique," Gu Tiangang felt a weight lift from his heart. Someone who yearned for nature and was devoted to the path of the sword was more than just a simple candidate for the Dao; he was a talent destined to become a disciple of the Taixu Sect!

"I am very satisfied with your answer. Here is a Spirit-Nurturing Pill. Take it to restore your mental energy."

Seeing the box Gu Tiangang handed over, Chen Yi’s instinctive reaction was to suspect poison. But on second thought, he scolded himself for having persecution mania. Given that Gu Tiangang was the Vice Sect Leader of the Taixu Sect, possessing power and status far exceeding that of the Marquis of Jingye, why would he ever want to harm him?

With that thought, Chen Yi accepted the pill and swallowed it in one gulp. His deduction was correct. As the pill entered his stomach, a cooling sensation rose from his abdomen to his forehead.

[Age 32: You received a Spirit-Nurturing Pill from a great Daoist master. Upon consumption, your spirit is nourished.]
[Great Fortune: Counter-Attack Points +1]

*Huh?* Chen Yi checked his interface, his heart skipping a beat. This worked too? He glanced at Gu Tiangang; a gift from a great master... If that was the case, could he spend the coming time accumulating as many Counter-Attack Points as possible through similar means? Chen Yi fell into deep thought.

...

The morning passed quietly. The children in the Qingzheng Hall woke one by one, and Chen Yi, under the amused gaze of Gu Tiangang, pretended to have just woken up as well. However, Gu Tiangang soon stopped smiling—when he began distributing the Spirit-Nurturing Pills to each child, he saw Chen Yi extend his hand, looking at him with wide, expectant eyes.

The two stared at each other for a long moment before Gu Tiangang realized what was happening and placed a second pill in his hand.

*Fine, fine,* he thought. Two pills were a small price to pay for a sword-wielding prodigy with such extraordinary talent. It wasn't a loss.

And Chen Yi, of course, was gaining even more—

[Age 32: You received a Spirit-Nurturing Pill from a great Daoist master. Upon consumption, your spirit is nourished.]
[Great Fortune: Counter-Attack Points +1]

Seeing the information on his panel, a smile appeared on Chen Yi’s face as he reviewed his gains:

[Name: Chen Yi]
[Age: 32]
[Cultivation: Mortal Realm (Lower Stage)]
[Talent: Late Bloomer—The older the bone age, the faster the cultivation speed.]
[Basic Techniques: Minor Success—Dripping water wears away stone; only then can one become a great vessel.]
[Sword Mastery: Minor Success—Travel the world, fight well, and use well to comprehend the Intent of the Sword.]
[Counter-Attack Points: 30/100]

Seeing his points doubled, Chen Yi felt secretly delighted. Previously, he had considered using more extreme measures to gain points, such as provoking the children of nobles, thinking he could use himself as bait to draw the malice of those around him. He hadn't expected that upon entering the Xingwu Academy, he would discover a much safer and less conspicuous method. Naturally, he would not let this opportunity pass.

As for whether Gu Tiangang would become suspicious or disgusted by his "insatiable" behavior, that was not his concern. Having finally found such a method, maximizing his Counter-Attack Points was the only thing that mattered.

Just then, Lin Xueru, having finished her pill and looking much more relaxed, leaned in close to Chen Yi and whispered, "Brother Yi, what did you dream about just now?"

"Me? Oh, just some mountain forest..." Chen Yi repeated the story he had told Gu Tiangang and asked, "What about you?"

"I... I don't know what it was," Lin Xueru said, biting her finger as she recalled. "I just knew there were many people around, and they were congratulating me. Then you, I suppose it was Brother Yi, appeared, and then..."

She looked at Chen Yi and asked with a slightly confused expression, "Brother Yi, what is 'worshipping heaven and earth'?"