I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2237: 2236: Unique Cultivation, The Middle-Aged Man
Previously on I Truly Am The Villian...
Because the Righteous Sun Sect adheres to a simple and straightforward cultivation path, their security measures are notably lax.
Disciples at the gate often come and go without much scrutiny. In essence, the entire Sect compound is as impoverished as a pauper.
The most prized location within the main sect premises is, without question, the mixed mineral mine situated in the rear mountains.
The origins of this peculiar mine remain a mystery, yet it yields an astonishing array of minerals.
Should any disciple require materials for refining weapons or crafting arcane artifacts,
they are permitted to request Spirit Stones for their endeavors.
Cultivation within this sect is centered on aligning with one's inner heart and the natural order.
However, the Righteous Sun Sect does impose certain mandates.
For instance, the monthly sermon assembly is compulsory for all disciples.
Yet, this assembly is not a platform for a powerful figure to impart profound cultivation secrets or deeply held insights.
Instead, it is a gathering where multitude congregates to gain a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
During this occasion, both the strong and the weak participate in this shared enlightenment.
This constitutes their unique cultivation doctrine.
Furthermore, aside from meditating under clear skies, they also convene during torrential downpours or thunderstorms to achieve comprehension.
This specialized cultivation method is unparalleled across the entirety of the Divine Continent.
Moreover, the Sect Master of the Righteous Sun Sect, Supreme Nine Suns, is not the type of individual who remains secluded and rarely seen.
It is said that Supreme Nine Suns frequently wanders within the main sect grounds, leading to frequent encounters with disciples.
Supreme Nine Suns possesses an exceptionally open mind toward novel concepts; when the technological era began to dawn, he was among the very first to explore its potential.
…
As Xu Zimei ascended to this particular mountain summit,
he observed that the depths of the majestic mountains unfolded before him, nearly entirely visible at a single glance.
The pathways were smooth, and an assortment of flora, including grasses and trees, had been meticulously and impeccably pruned.
In addition to this, diverse fruit-bearing trees were planted along both sides of the paths.
There were apple trees, pear trees, and virtually every conceivable type of fruit tree.
Xu Zimei cast a casual glance around,
and his eyes fell upon numerous cultivators diligently working within the orchards.
Mere moments prior, a heavy rain had fallen, and Xu Zimei now looked upwards to find that the downpour had ceased.
“Returning at dusk, one eventually finds their rightful place,” Xu Zimei softly mused to himself.
…
“The heavens and the earth possess a capricious nature, altering in less than a moment.”
“Precisely, it was raining just a short while ago, and I was concerned the orchard’s reflective devices might become waterlogged, yet the rain has ceased instantaneously.”
“Zhou Zhi, what is the purpose of these reflective contraptions?”
“You are evidently unaware. For apples to develop a rich, rosy hue, they require ample sunlight. However, due to their spherical shape, certain areas inevitably fail to capture sufficient sunlight. I employ these reflectors to direct sunlight onto those shaded portions of the apples.”
“So, that is the underlying principle? Might you consider setting up a similar arrangement for us when you have some free time?”
“I have heard that if True Disciples effectively manage their fruit trees, they can achieve breakthroughs across several major cultivation realms.”
The cultivators present were remarkably different from what Xu Zimei might have anticipated.
There was no semblance of sword-wielding wanderers or an overwhelming aura of power.
They remarkably resembled ordinary farmers, tending to their fruit trees in simple attire.
They carried themselves like devout ascetics.
This, too, is intrinsically linked to the cultivation methodology of the Righteous Sun Sect.
The sect places immense value on comprehending the heavens and the earth; but what precisely does this comprehension entail?
And what, in reality, constitute the heavens and the earth?
The Sect Master, Supreme Nine Suns, has provided the definitive answer.
To truly comprehend the heavens and the earth, one must first integrate oneself back into them.
How does one achieve this integration? Through sustenance like grains and cereals, and through the spectrum of human emotions and relationships – all integral components of the cosmos.
Do not arrogantly aspire to transcend these boundaries or harbor delusions of eternal life.
Overextending oneself can lead to exhaustion and injury.
For cultivators of lesser attainment, diligently cultivating the land and tending to the crops is regarded as the most effective method of cultivation.
…
Xu Zimei surveyed his immediate surroundings.
He observed numerous disciples emerging from the orchards.
However, these disciples paid no particular attention to Xu Zimei; in a sect of such immense scale, it is hardly unusual not to recognize every individual.
Nevertheless, Xu Zimei took the initiative to speak.
“Esteemed sirs, is your Sect Master, Supreme Nine Suns, currently within the sect?”
Xu Zimei’s voice immediately captured the attention of the assembled disciples.
“Are you not affiliated with the Righteous Sun Sect?”
“Who might you be, and for what reason do you seek our Sect Master?”
“I am a celestial messenger, dispatched from the heavens, seeking an audience with your Sect Master regarding certain urgent matters,” Xu Zimei responded nonchalantly.
“A messenger from the heavens?
An angel?”
The throng expressed palpable skepticism.
While such claims might be met with disbelief elsewhere,
the Righteous Sun Sect places a profound emphasis on reverence for both the heavens and the earth.
“We are unaware of our Sect Master’s current location; he does not typically disclose his whereabouts to us.”
One disciple stepped forward and stated.
“You could perhaps inquire with our Core Elders; they are all considered True Disciples of the Sect Master and would undoubtedly possess this knowledge.”
“Allow me to escort you,” a middle-aged man offered, stepping forward.
This man had remained at the rear until this moment, and Xu Zimei had not paid him much attention.
Now that he spoke, the surrounding disciples automatically parted to let him pass.
It was evident his standing was not ordinary.
Clad in simple garments, with a straw hat tucked into his belt and a hoe in hand,
he appeared as if he had just returned from tending the fields.
“Senior Brother Nine Heavens,” numerous disciples greeted, acknowledging the middle-aged man.
“You may return to your cultivation; there is little to see here,” the middle-aged man said, gesturing for them to leave.
He then approached Xu Zimei.
With a gentle smile, he spoke, “I shall guide you to the Elders. This mountain is immense, and it would be unfortunate to lose your way.”
Xu Zimei appraised the middle-aged man.
Despite his unassuming outward appearance, his posture was erect, like an ancient tree.
Whether this middle-aged man harbored genuine kindness or a cautious wariness towards Xu Zimei as an outsider,
Xu Zimei was indifferent.
Thus, he responded with a smile, “Very well, let us proceed.”
As they traversed the path, the middle-aged man navigated with evident familiarity.
He remained quiet, not initiating further conversation with Xu Zimei.
“With your current level of Cultivation, did Supreme Nine Suns not accept you as a True Disciple?” Xu Zimei inquired, curiosity piqued.
Despite his unpretentious demeanor,
Xu Zimei perceived the individual’s profound strength.
The spiritual Qi within him flowed like a boundless ocean, immeasurable and unfathomable.
While not on par with Xu Zimei’s own power, within the Righteous Sun Sect, he was undoubtedly a formidable cultivator.
The middle-aged man offered a smile.
He replied, “The Sect Hierarch conveyed that the Dao I tread differs from his own.
Even if he had accepted me as a True Disciple, his assistance would have been limited.”
“The path I am on involves proceeding by feel, like stepping on stones to cross a river, with no established precedents to guide me.”
During their exchange, they reached the base of an artificially constructed hill.
This location was known as the “Heavenly Crevice,”
spanning several hundred meters in length yet barely a few centimeters in width. It was so narrow that not even a fly could easily pass through, let alone a person.
Upon their arrival, several sticks of incense materialized in the middle-aged man’s hand as if by magic.
He ignited one, and tendrils of smoke immediately began to ascend.
“What brings you to this place?”