novellaaa Chapter 4: Interesting and Uninteresting
Chapter 4: Interesting and Uninteresting
Ji Baizhi returned quickly, clearly indicating that she had not left the courtyard.
She held a stack of clothes in her hands, neatly folded, the fabric gleaming softly in the candlelight.
"There weren't many clothes in the manor before," Ji Baizhi placed the clothes by the bed. "These were prepared in advance. If you don't mind, young master, please wear them for now."
Li Zhi walked over and picked up the top item.
It was a dark blue garment, made of thick, warm material, with simple cloud patterns embroidered in silver thread on the collar and cuffs.
"That's good," he said. "The preparations are really thorough."
Ji Baizhi didn't say much, but turned and walked to the bookshelf on the other side of the room, leaving the space to Li Zhi.
The bookshelf occupied the entire wall, densely packed with books.
She stood on tiptoe and searched the top floor.
Li Zhi took the clothes and walked behind the screen.
He took off his tattered shirt and put on a dark blue coat.
The clothes fit perfectly, with just the right shoulder width and waist, as if they were tailor-made.
The fabric clings to the skin, feeling warm, soft, and thick, completely keeping out the cold.
After changing his clothes, he walked to the bronze mirror.
The person in the mirror has sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and a calm demeanor.
The deep blue color made her skin appear even whiter, and the silver cloud patterns subtly shimmered in the candlelight, adding a touch of nobility.
It hasn't changed at all, that's interesting.
Li Zhi smiled. So, was the future she saw the original future in the game, or my real future?
He turned and stepped out from behind the screen.
Ji Baizhi had already found the books and was sitting at the table waiting for him.
There were two books on the table.
"Young master is indeed handsome." She looked up, her gaze lingering on him for a moment, something flashing in her eyes before quickly disappearing. "These clothes fit him well."
"Hmm," Li Zhi sat down opposite her, "It seems that in the future you saw, my figure hasn't changed much, or did you remember me from the future? Or did something happen between us in the future that made you know my size?"
Ji Baizhi did not answer this probing question: "These are all minor matters. I think the most important thing for you right now is to focus on your cultivation."
As she spoke, Ji Baizhi pushed two books in front of him.
The first book was a bit thicker, and the cover was printed with "The Essentials of Body Strengthening".
The second book is the thickest, with a dark blue cover: "Xiantian Gong".
Li Zhi glanced at the book title, then shifted his gaze to Ji Baizhi's beautiful face and said, "There are some issues I've decided I need to clarify, otherwise I still can't be sure."
Sensing her seriousness, Ji Baizhi fell silent for a long time before asking, "What else would you like to confirm, young master?"
To determine what? Of course, it's to determine if you're interested.
"I've been following your pace before, but you just said you want to stand by my side, so you have to follow my pace, is that alright?" Li Zhi pushed the two books over.
"Of course," Ji Baizhi said, appearing somewhat weak.
Ji Baizhi regretted her hasty decision.
Although I knew that the person in front of me would be incredibly powerful in the future, I didn't expect him to be so domineering even before he started cultivating.
This is about seizing control; it seems I might have to humble myself a bit more in front of him.
We shouldn't be in such a hurry.
As expected, they had been holding back for too long, and they became somewhat blinded by the slightest hope.
Ji Baizhi vaguely understood why she couldn't reach the seventh realm.
But they really are as heartless as I saw them; even now, they have no trust at all.
I'll bear with it for now.
Faced with Ji Baizhi's resentful gaze, Li Zhi seemed somewhat disinterested: "Never mind, it doesn't mean anything. You can continue."
This puzzled Ji Baizhi. Why did she stop asking now that she had been pushed to this point?
"Is the young master toying with me?"
"No, it's not that, it's just that I find it a bit boring." Li Zhi shook his head: "I originally wanted you to tell me everything you know, but suddenly I just felt it was pointless. A game where you know the strategy in advance is really not interesting."
"I don't quite understand, young master. What are you talking about?"
"Because it's pointless to know now, it's that simple," Li Zhi replied calmly. "Also, I'm starting to find you interesting."
If it's not interesting, then don't ask.
Interestingly, he wanted to see what other interesting things Ji Baizhi could do.
This woman prepared a lot—clothes, a carriage, and cakes—but all she wanted was for me to stand beside her.
This is getting interesting.
Moreover, this woman, who seems so compliant and says she'll stand by my side, still has her own little plans in mind.
This shows that this woman is not simple, and extraordinary people will do interesting things.
It's too boring to always do things your way.
That's not good; it's pointless.
Ji Baizhi, of course, had no idea what Li Zhi was thinking, but his sudden step back relieved her, and she smiled, replying in the same tone:
"Young master is quite an interesting person."
"Then let's get back to cultivation." Ji Baizhi pushed the two books out again.
"After sensing the Qi, comes body tempering," she said slowly. "Once body tempering is complete, and you cultivate the 'Innate Skill' to generate and circulate the true Qi within your body, once the true Qi circulation is complete, you will be a cultivator of the third realm."
"Judging from this, it seems that these three realms can be reached simultaneously."
"Young Master, you are indeed wise." Ji Baizhi said, "Before the fourth realm, it is all about building a foundation. Sensing Qi is to draw spiritual energy into the body, body tempering is to solidify the foundation, and the Innate Skill is to allow true Qi to circulate on its own, endlessly."
"What is required for the Fourth Realm?" Li Zhi asked.
Ji Baizhi looked up at him, her eyes becoming serious: "The fourth realm requires visualization in order to concentrate one's divine sense."
"Visualization and spiritual consciousness?"
"Yes," Ji Baizhi closed the book, "To enter the fourth realm, one must condense one's divine sense, and the key to divine sense is the visualization diagram. This is where the different sects and schools differ. Only with a visualization diagram can one break through to the fourth realm. Without a visualization diagram, no matter how abundant one's true energy is, one can only be stuck at the peak of the third realm forever."
She paused, then lowered her voice.
"This is also the foundation upon which the sect can stand—the imperial court arranges for students to learn the second realm of bone forging and the third realm of innate cultivation in academies across the country. These are basic methods passed down from ancient times and are not considered secret teachings."
However, the visualization techniques beyond the fourth realm are each sect's own secret teachings, never to be revealed to outsiders.
Li Zhi understood.
The first three stages constitute basic education, which everyone can learn.
But from the fourth realm onwards, it is the true inheritance of the sect, the foundation of the sect.
"Therefore, I want to join a sect." Li Zhi seemed to understand. "I think the imperial court should also have suitable visualization diagrams."
"Of course." Ji Baizhi nodded. "However, there's no need to think about that too much for now. Young Master, please complete your cultivation of the three realms first. As for the visualization diagram, I'll figure something out."
Li Zhi looked at her, as if he wanted her to reveal the whole plan.
It also reminds her that the initiative lies with her.
Ji Baizhi clearly understood as well, and she sighed, "Cultivation requires a teacher."
"You can't do it?" Li Zhi raised an eyebrow.
"My cultivation method is special and I cannot teach it to you, young master," Ji Baizhi shook her head. "The teacher I originally found for you... should have been my master."
"master?"
"Hmm," Ji Baizhi's eyes dimmed, "It's a pity that we don't know where she went. It will take some time to find her."
Li Zhi looked at her and understood somewhat: "Your master has a visualization diagram that is suitable for me."
Ji Baizhi was taken aback, then smiled: "Young Master is indeed intelligent. Don't worry, my master is very easygoing. She doesn't mind having another disciple. I think we should hear from you after you reach the third realm."
Li Zhi naturally understood that Ji Baizhi still wanted to add some intimacy to their relationship.
Are you fellow students?
"As for now, young master, you can try circulating one cycle first," Ji Baizhi's voice pulled him back to reality. "The Qi sensing is complete. You should have already remembered that, as the book says, you guide spiritual Qi into your body, circulate it along the meridians, and finally return it to your dantian. That is one cycle."
Li Zhi nodded, took the book, and began to read.
He read through the book and nodded after confirming that everything was correct.
Then, Ji Baizhi led him to her bed and began to adjust his position.
I sat behind him and began the first guidance.
Breathing is a simple thing.
He could see spiritual energy flowing into his body.
That feeling was absolutely wonderful.
The spiritual energy is like a warm stream, bringing a subtle tingling sensation as it flows through the meridians.
Wherever it passed, the previously sluggish meridians were slowly opened up, like a dried-up riverbed welcoming fresh water again.
One week.
Two weeks.
Three cycles...
Li Zhi was so immersed in this feeling that he forgot about time.
The spiritual energy flows continuously within the body, growing stronger with each complete cycle.
The area around the dantian gradually felt warm, as if a small furnace was slowly burning.
He didn't know how much time had passed when he felt a slight tremor in his dantian.
It looks like something has broken out of its shell.
Immediately afterwards, a purer and more abundant spiritual energy surged out from the dantian and instantly flowed throughout the entire body.
The meridians are expanding, the bones are cracking softly, and the flesh is being reshaped—the feeling is not painful, but rather like being freed from heavy shackles, making the whole person feel light.
He opened his eyes.
A glint flashed in his eyes, shining like a morning star in the dim room, before quickly disappearing.
"Young Master..." Ji Baizhi stared at him blankly, her voice filled with disbelief, "You've already completed thirty-six cycles?"
Li Zhi felt the continuous flow of true energy within his body and nodded: "It seems so."
Ji Baizhi remained silent.
She looked at Li Zhi with an extremely complex expression—shock, joy, anticipation, and even a hint of fear.
On his first practice session, he circulated the Qi thirty-six times, and his innate skill was already partially mastered.
This goes beyond mere innate talent.
This is a monster.
"Young master," she finally spoke, her voice a little hoarse, "do you know how long it takes for an ordinary person to complete their first cycle of Qi circulation?"
"how long?"
"Three days," Ji Baizhi said. "For those with good talent, one day. For those with exceptional talent, six hours. And you..."
She didn't finish speaking.
Li Zhi understood.
He was too fast.
It was faster than normal, faster than terrifying.
However, it was also surprisingly quick for Ji Baizhi: "Young Master, I now think you might be able to complete what I need to do in less time than I imagined."
"I didn't think there was anything wrong with it," Li Zhi said. "I thought cultivation was a rather difficult thing."
Ji Baizhi didn't know how to respond to these words, so she could only stand up, walk to the window, and open it.
Night had fallen, and the snow had stopped.
The clouds dispersed, revealing a crescent moon hanging coldly and forlornly on the horizon.
Moonlight streamed into the room, casting long shadows on the floor.
"Young Master, please rest today," Ji Baizhi said calmly, her back to him. "I will start teaching you body tempering tomorrow. Body tempering is different from the circulation of true qi; it requires a gradual approach and cannot be rushed."
"It seems you need some peace and quiet," Li Zhi said, instantly seeing through her thoughts.
"Young Master, it's good that you know." Ji Baizhi once again felt helpless towards Li Zhi.
That's incredibly clever; it's amazing that it can understand its own fears.
Although I knew Li Zhi would be very strong in the future, I didn't expect him to make such progress as soon as he started cultivating.
For the first time, Ji Baizhi felt lost. Could the future really be changed?
"Very good, you're starting to lose faith in the future." Li Zhi stood up and came behind Ji Baizhi. "That's more interesting. I won't practice today. There should be a bed for me in the next room."
"What do you mean by this, young master?" Ji Baizhi turned to look at Li Zhi.
"Because you're an interesting person, I feel I should give you some respect," Li Zhi said. "It's a bit unbecoming of me to be sleeping in your bed right after I arrived."
Ji Baizhi understood somewhat this time, and she frowned: "Young Master, do you think I'm being too forward?"
"It's also possible that I want you to invite me willingly."
"Young Master's words are rather frivolous." Ji Baizhi took a few steps back warily, her gaze towards Li Zhi filled with disdain.
Li Zhi didn't mind at all. He waved his hand and said, "Weren't all your previous arrangements and plans just to make me fall in love with you?"
Ji Baizhi bit her lower lip. Her lips were very beautiful, and she used a lot of force, showing her great resentment.
That's my plan, how could I say it out loud?
"You're quite an interesting woman," Li Zhi said, ignoring Ji Baizhi's pale face. "You're willing to do things yourself, but you won't let me do them. You seem to be someone who refuses to be second best."
"This is different," Ji Baizhi said, uttering the words women often say.
Of course it's different. There are many reasons why someone might volunteer; it's a sacrifice, or it's for something noble.
Ultimately, however, I am willing.
If someone takes the initiative, it means you're unwilling, which is absolutely unacceptable.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything to you."
Li Zhi, who was just beginning his cultivation, spoke of letting Ji Baizhi go in front of her, who was only one step away from becoming a grandmaster in the seventh realm.
However, upon hearing this, Ji Baizhi felt relieved.
After the initial relief, the confusion remained.
Since he knows this, why doesn't he go along with it?
I have beauty, status, and martial arts techniques.
Moreover, his plan should have been very successful, as Li Zhi had already agreed to it.
But why is it that things changed after I turned around and left the house, and then came back?
Li Zhi seemed to see through Ji Baizhi's confusion, "Because before, I didn't understand you."
I don't understand, I can't figure it out, and I can't see it clearly.
Once you see things clearly, there's no need to remain silent or be passive.
"I knew I shouldn't have said what I wanted to do most." Ji Baizhi realized where she went wrong.
Once you know your most desired goal, you'll naturally know your bottom line.
Looking at Li Zhi's calm expression, Ji Baizhi still felt a little unwilling: "Why?"
"I already said it, it's because it's boring."