Chapter 141 The Taoist of Tranquility

"Seniors, please, please stop arguing."

Watching their heated argument, Li Xi felt utterly exhausted.

Unable to stop them, she could only return to her room to rest.

However, Li Xi's departure did not stop the two from arguing; they seemed to be trapped in their own obsessions, unable to extricate themselves.

As night deepened, their voices echoed in the courtyard, as if trying to break the silence of the entire night.

Finally, the retired emperor could no longer tolerate it and ordered the two to be sent back to their respective rooms.

Li Xi lay in bed, her mind filled with thoughts.

She recalled how, when she first arrived, she was filled with curiosity and anticipation for everything here.

However, as time went on, she gradually discovered that this place was not as wonderful as she had imagined.

The power struggles and the wickedness of human nature left her feeling utterly exhausted and helpless.

When Li Xi woke up the next morning, she found her master and the Taoist priest Jingxin already sitting in the courtyard. Neither of them spoke; they just sat there silently.

Li Xi walked over and greeted them gently.

His master looked up at him and said expressionlessly, "Xi'er, you're awake. Come and sit down."

Li Xi sat down next to his master and sensed that something was off. He secretly glanced at Daoist Jingxin and found that he also had a serious expression on his face.

"Master, Taoist priest, what's wrong?" Li Xi couldn't help but ask.

Old Master Sun sighed deeply and said, "Xi'er, what I said is right. My martial arts skills are indeed limited, and I cannot teach you more. Your talent is beyond this, so we have decided." He cleared his throat, clearly having considered the matter for a long time.

“We have unanimously decided that you will also become the old Taoist’s disciple, and you will call him your second master.”

Ha, Second Master? Weren't you two at loggerheads last night? How come you've made up overnight?

Li Xi stared wide-eyed, her face filled with disbelief.

She looked at Elder Sun, then at Daoist Jingxin, her heart filled with mixed feelings, unsure whether to be happy or worried.

"Master, Taoist priest, have you really made up your minds?" Li Xi asked cautiously.

Old Master Sun nodded and said, "Yes, after discussing it all night, we feel this is the best decision. You have talent, and it shouldn't be wasted. Besides, although I don't get along with you, we're all doing this for your own good."

The Taoist Master Jingxin seemed unwilling to say much. He merely glanced at Li Xi before lowering his head, lost in thought.

However, this is a good idea. Elder Sun has profound internal strength, and Daoist Jingxin has exquisite swordsmanship. If I can receive guidance from both of them at the same time, I might be able to make great progress in a day.

"Master, did you plan this out?" Li Xi asked deliberately.

"Yes and no." Old Master Sun glanced at Taoist Jingxin and said, "It was this Taoist priest who suggested it, and after thinking about it, I realized it made a lot of sense, so I agreed."

"Thank you for your kind words, Daoist Master." Li Xi cupped his hands in greeting to Daoist Jingxin.

The Taoist Master Jingxin nodded in response.

"Should I kowtow to the Taoist priest and have him sit there and accept my three bows?" Li Xi asked playfully.

“No need, no need,” Master Jingxin waved his hands repeatedly. “We can each do our own thing. You can just call me Second Master.”

"Disciple will obey Master's orders." Li Xi gave a playful bow.

Despite saying that, Li Xi was somewhat conflicted. She knew she had good talent, but she was afraid she wouldn't be able to handle having two masters at the same time.

Master Jingxin stood up and said to Li Xi, "Disciple, come with me."

Li Xi didn't know what had happened, but seeing the serious expression on the Taoist Master Jingxin's face, she didn't say anything and silently followed behind him.

They walked through several courtyards and arrived at a quiet Taoist temple. The atmosphere here was completely different from the previous lively scene, and it was exceptionally quiet.

"My disciple, do you know why I took you as my disciple?"

Li Xi shook her head, a hint of curiosity rising in her heart.

The Taoist Master Jingxin spoke slowly, gazing ahead, his tone carrying a hint of melancholy.

“I have been practicing for many years and have taken in quite a few disciples. Now I am approaching sixty. You are the one who surprised me the most.”

Li Xi was somewhat taken aback, wondering why the Taoist Master Jingxin would say such a thing.

"I once had a disciple who was exceptionally talented, with astonishing speed. Despite his young age, he possessed extraordinary martial arts talent."

At that time, everyone thought he was my most outstanding disciple, and I also placed high hopes on him.

However, due to his unstable state of mind, he was unable to make further progress in his cultivation.

While he certainly had his own reasons, it was also partly because he had secretly practiced the martial arts manuals of a heretical cult.

At this point, the Taoist Master Jingxin paused, seemingly considering how to phrase his words.

"His path of cultivation focuses too much on power, neglecting the cultivation of the mind."

The path of cultivation is not only about practicing martial arts, but also about cultivating one's state of mind.

"Only when martial arts and mental state are integrated can one achieve..." Jingxin Daoren said, turning around to look at Li Xi, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

A higher realm.

Upon hearing this, Li Xi's heart stirred.

She once went astray in her cultivation, which must have been due to an unstable state of mind.

Perhaps it is precisely because of this that she has been able to go further on the path of cultivation.

"I brought you here today to tell you that the path of cultivation is not static."

Everyone has their own path, and only by finding the path that suits you can you go further on this journey of self-cultivation.

Li Xi nodded, deeply agreeing with what the Taoist Jingxin had said.

"This disciple has learned a great deal," Li Xi said respectfully.

She knew that the words of the Taoist Master Jingxin were of great significance to her.

"This villa was where the retired emperor used to communicate and exchange martial arts skills with people from the martial arts world."

Therefore, the architectural style and decorations inside are full of the atmosphere of the martial arts world.

There is a small pavilion in the courtyard, which was where the retired emperor and his friends from the martial arts world used to enjoy tea and discuss swordsmanship. The pavilion is surrounded by bamboo, and when a gentle breeze comes, the bamboo leaves sway in the wind, as if telling the stories of those bygone days.

There is also an artificial hill in the courtyard, with craggy rocks and the sound of flowing water. In the past, the retired emperor often practiced martial arts here in peace and tranquility, and contemplated nature.

A plum grove nearby stood proudly in the cold winter, its fragrance filling the air. The retired emperor once enjoyed plum blossoms and wine with his friends from the martial arts world here, celebrating the festival together.

The Taoist Master Jingxin recounted some old stories to Li Xi, his words filled with reminiscence of the past.

“You also need to grow up quickly. The future peace and prosperity of Jingyuan will depend on the younger generation. We old folks will be here to advise you.”

Li Xi was filled with mixed emotions upon hearing this. She knew that the Taoist Master Jingxin was right; she had to grow up quickly and shoulder more responsibility.

"Disciple understands." Li Xi took a deep breath and said firmly, "I will work even harder and live up to Master's expectations."

The Taoist Master Jingxin smiled and nodded.