Chapter 1012: Chapter 1012: Life, Internet
Zhang Caixin admitted to Elder Yu's speculation, but she had no intention of elaborating further, merely indicating that the cultivation content included more than just the Thunder Talismans.
Even such a limited acknowledgment brought a significant shock to others, and… endless speculation.
After a moment of silence, Elder Yu continued to speak up, and he even gestured with his hands, “Your cultivation, can it produce those kind of… talismans that summon thunder out of thin air?”
Zhang Caixin first glanced at Feng Jun, and seeing that he had no particular reaction, she shook her head, “Talismans are talismans, and should not be equated with cultivation. However, only after cultivation can one activate talismans.”
Elder Yu nodded slowly, and after a while, he asked, “Are you saying then that even if others have your talismans, if they have not cultivated, they would still be unable to use them?”
His words sounded somewhat ill-intentioned, but that was how he asked, and Zhang Caixin's response was very straightforward–she didn't even need to look at Feng Jun's face, “That's right, without the spiritual energy cultivated, holding a talisman is useless.”
The mention of spiritual energy carried the risk of revealing secrets, but Elder Yu had heard too many “masters'” tales, so what was spiritual energy to him? Many masters even directly talked about “immortal energy.”
What he was more concerned about was, “This talisman, surely there is no other way to activate it? Like lasers or electromagnetic fields, after all, it's just a form of energy conversion, maybe an energy field… Is there anything wrong with my understanding?”
Zhang Caixin really couldn't answer that question, because she genuinely didn't know if it was possible to simulate spiritual energy using technological means–she tended to believe it was not, but she could not give a definite answer.
So all she could do was look helplessly at Feng Jun.
Feng Jun knew what Elder Yu was thinking about–wanting to increase the military's combat power, which was a notion worth supporting, but to want to take these things away for nothing… wasn't that a bit inappropriate?
In fact, he did not believe that Earth Realm's current science could simulate the operation of spiritual energy, but he still said, “Theoretically it is indeed so, but these talismans belong to supernatural phenomena… not in line with mainstream consciousness.”
Elder Yu truly intended to get some talismans to take back for related organizations to research–he would not openly acknowledge the existence of extraordinary powers, but taking some things back for research to enhance national defense was no issue.
Hearing this, he could only fall silent, as Feng Jun had blocked everything he planned to say.
Yu Qingzhu then spoke up, she didn't look at Feng Jun, but asked Zhang Caixin, “Can I study cultivation with you?”
She knew that Zhang Caixin didn't have much good will towards her, but comparatively, she disliked Feng Jun's demeanour even more, so… this was also a choice of the lesser of two evils.
Zhang Caixin glanced at her, shook her head slightly, but gave no answer.
Then Ren Zhixiang, seeing the awkward situation, spoke up with a smile, “Yu… young Yu, among those who pursue cultivation, there is a convention of not transmitting secrets lightly. You asking so directly is inappropriate… If someone were to pass it to you casually, it would definitely not be anything good.”
His words really made sense, and Yu Qingzhu couldn't say much in response.
Feng Jun had no intention of making things difficult for Yu Qingzhu, but he also had no plans of taking disciples, he simply called out to Men Gang, asking them to let Xia Xiaoyu in as well–after all, it was also a matter of experience.
Having not seen her for two years, Xia Xiaoyu appeared much more mature, and upon seeing Feng Jun, she wasn't too surprised, just smilingly greeted, “I truly didn't expect you to have gotten so far.”
Xia Xiaoyu had two acquaintances in the manor, aside from Sister Hong, the other was Gao Qiang–they had grown up in the same courtyard and had a rather good relationship.
In the afternoon, Yang Yuxin and Ren Zhixiang discussed where to build the Rehabilitation Center.
Ren Zhixiang knew that there was something mystical about the manor, so he intended to choose a location nearby to build, but Director Yang made it clear that it couldn't be too close to the manor, as it would compromise the security of the manor.
While they were discussing, Elder Yu and his party were sitting not far away, listening in.
Suddenly, Elder Yu spoke up, “Wouldn't being too far from the manor affect the effectiveness of rehabilitation?”
Ren Zhixiang couldn't answer this question, and could only look at Yang Yuxin.
Director Yang pondered for a moment and shook his head, “There would be some impact, but it wouldn't be too significant.”
Elder Yu then asked Ren Zhixiang, “Once you have built the Rehabilitation Center, may I stay for a while and help you advertise?”
“That would be most welcome,” Ren Zhixiang nodded with a smile, his spirits lifted, “I thank Elder Yu in advance.”
Seeing his enthusiasm, Elder Yu also smiled, “Then you better start the construction soon. I consider every day I'm alive a boon, who knows when I might not be able to hang on.”
“How could that be?” Ren Zhixiang answered with a laugh, knowing the taboos many elderly people have. He could say that he himself might not live for many more days, but if someone else said it, that would be completely unacceptable. Therefore, he could only play along, “You've turned a bad situation into a good one this time; there's still plenty of good fortune awaiting you.”
“Good fortune… Heh,” Elder Yu chuckled indifferently. He had experienced both hardships and blessings in his life, facing death many times in the first half, and enjoying all the glory in the latter half. What more good fortune did he need?
But this did get him thinking about something, so he turned to glance at Yang Yuxin, “Yang, this master… is it possible for him to calculate how much longer I'll live?”
Director Yang smiled slightly, “Elder Yu, you'll live a long and prosperous life… what's the point of calculating that?”
“Long and prosperous life, doesn't that mean I won't live past the year?” Elder Yu still had a sense of humor, “Yang, are you cursing me?”
Yang Yuxin shook her head with a smile, “Your health is improving, and it will get even better. But if you ask me, even if someone could calculate my age, I wouldn't want to know… It would make the days ahead much less interesting.”
Elder Yu shook his head slightly, smiling as if resigned, “You slick kid.”
Yang Yuxin wasn't actually cunning. She had taken care of the elderly before and knew what they liked to hear, but Yu Qingzhu knew her grandfather better – the old man genuinely wanted to live healthily for a few more days.
So she pulled Xia Xiaoyu aside and whispered, “You're on good terms with Gao Qiang, could you ask him what exactly is it they practice, and if it can help the elderly extend their lives?”
Gao Qiang felt somewhat embarrassed by this little sister's questioning. He didn't want to lie to her, but he also couldn't cause trouble for Elder Feng, could he? So he selectively shared, “Each of us has a different practice; I'm training in martial arts under Elder Feng.”
Xia Xiaoyu knew that Brother Qiang had been obsessed with martial arts since childhood, but she wasn't quite satisfied with the answer, “Brother Qiang, practicing martial arts can't activate talismans, right?”
Gao Qiang sighed, “Activating talismans, that's part of the cultivation path… In the manor, the male disciples mostly practice martial arts, and the females cultivate, as not many girls like martial arts.”
Xia Xiaoyu raised her eyebrows, “But it seems like Tang Wenji from Maoshan practices martial arts, right?”
Little Celestial Master had made a scene at the gate, and she was standing by Yu Qingzhu at the time, so the impression was deep.
“She's been practicing martial arts in Maoshan since she was young,” Gao Qiang wasn't afraid to talk about this, “She's known Elder Feng for only a few years.”
Xia Xiaoyu blinked, puzzled, “Isn't Maoshan known for exorcisms? They should also use talismans… After training in martial arts, can they use talismans?”
“Practicing martial arts is just one choice in cultivation,” Gao Qiang didn't want to deceive her on this, “If one's martial arts achieve a very high level, a quantitative change can lead to a qualitative change, but… reaching that level is extremely difficult.”
Xia Xiaoyu was very curious, “Even with your talent, you can't be sure?”
Gao Qiang had a high opinion of himself, but he was well aware that the chances of becoming an Innate Expert were not high. He sighed heavily, “The main issue is that I met Elder Feng too late… My bones have already set.”
Hearing this, Xia Xiaoyu's eyes lit up, “If I start cultivating now, will it also be past the best time?”
After thinking briefly, Gao Qiang shook his head slightly, “You can't say you haven't missed it; there's still a chance, but… Elder Feng rarely takes disciples lightly. You saw how Yang Yuxin tried to learn cultivation from him and it took her a full two years just to be accepted.”
Xia Xiaoyu sighed with regret. She had guessed that the threshold for Feng Jun to teach the cultivation technique was high, and even the Yu Family probing didn't stir him. However, confirming how high the threshold was still left her feeling a bit disappointed.
At least, she'd managed to find out a bit for Yu Qingzhu: the people in the manor were divided into martial arts practitioners and cultivators.
After learning this, Yu Qingzhu called her father to discuss since she thought her grandfather was getting a bit senile–a common way young people view the elderly. She wanted to know her father's opinion.
“Let the old man practice cultivation…” Yu Zhiyuan had a sharp intake of breath while on the phone.
It took a long while before he sighed, “Can you be sure that what Feng Jun teaches would be beneficial to the old man? Practicing martial arts seems to deplete one's vitality, and old age is not the time to rely on physical strength…”
“Cultivation might be possible,” Yu Qingzhu replied softly, “There are more women practicing it there, and I've heard they even have pills that aid in cultivation. I think, if grandfather is only doing it for fitness, it might be worth trying.”
“I know,” Yu Zhiyuan sighed again, “It's not too hard to persuade the old man about this, and we can manage healthcare and medical aspects, but the key issue is… Feng Jun is difficult to talk to, and whether he's willing to teach is the biggest problem.”
Yu Qingzhu fell silent for a while before speaking up, “The people he's currently accepting aren't that special, dad, can't you think of a way?”
“I've looked into his people,” Yu Zhiyuan spoke with a hint of helplessness, “They're mostly people who have known him since before he rose to prominence, from the time he was still working at the gym, true friends from his days of hardship.”
“Now that he's on the rise, it's much harder to get in touch with him, and since he operates outside the system, he doesn't have to please anyone.”
(Update, calling for monthly tickets.)
Chapter end
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