Chapter 78: The Ways of the World

Chapter 78: The Ways of the World

Nie Yanian was an honest man. He would never flatter Meng Yuan, but instead, he pulled Zhang Guinian and asked him to point out Meng Yuan's mistakes.

Zhang Guinian buried his head in his food and remained silent.

Nie Yanian then poured drinks for Zhang Lingfeng and Gong Zihua, saying, "You two, don't just eat, give some advice too!"

Zhang Lingfeng kept his head down and ate without saying a word. Gong Zihua, on the other hand, was modest and said that he had been busy lately and hadn't thanked Meng Yuan for saving people desperately before.

Nie Yanian ignored Meng Yuan pulling his sleeve and asked everyone in the room.

"You did a good job, indeed," Zhang Guinian said, "I'm not saying you're that capable. An Eighth Stage warrior doesn't have much capability either. But when you encountered that Earthshaking Vajra, you didn't panic, didn't flee recklessly, and didn't engage in close combat. Instead, you circled and wore him down, and just this calmness alone is commendable. It shows you're a capable person."

Nie Yanian signaled Meng Yuan, who quickly poured a cup of wine for Zhang Guinian.

"But you did have two issues," Zhang Guinian said with a smile, taking a sip. "After entering the Eighth Stage, our energy points gradually open up, and our energy core becomes more condensed and expansive. However, the difference isn't that significant, and it's only upon reaching the Seventh Stage that a true transformation occurs."

He pointed to Gong Zihua, Zhang Lingfeng, and the other two young men, continuing, "The Feather Dance Technique is a skill of the Demon Quelling Commandery, which we're all familiar with. For an ordinary Eighth Stage warrior, maintaining it for half an hour isn't a problem, but if used to its full potential, it would last only half that time."

"According to what you said, you fought with the Earthshaking Vajra for more than two hours, which means you must have used it at full power. This indicates that your true energy is thick and resilient, and your energy core can withstand twice as much as a typical Eighth Stage warrior."

Zhang Guinian wasn't just speaking to Meng Yuan but also addressed Zhang Lingfeng and the others, "Each person has their own unique method, and the capabilities vary greatly. I believe this is also where your confidence stems from. However, you're overly confident. It's only because that Earthshaking Vajra was reciting sutras that it became dazed. Otherwise, if it had abandoned the heavy wooden stick and chased after you, even with your Feather Dance Technique, it would've been difficult to maintain it for long."

"Quickly, thank Zhang Shu," Nie Yanian said, patting Meng Yuan's shoulder.

"Thank you, Zhang Shu," Meng Yuan had no choice but to comply.

Zhang Guinian smacked his lips and continued, "Secondly, that Earthshaking Vajra had just entered the Seventh Stage and hadn't yet practiced the Celestial Diagram Technique. You must understand that the Feather Dance Technique and the Gale Sword Technique are minor skills. Before mastering the Celestial Blueprint Power, they're just like chickens and dogs."

His tone became more serious, "Additionally, upon reaching the Seventh Stage, one can lock onto the energy flow. Even though that Earthshaking Vajra had both eyes and ears damaged, it still knew your location and your intentions. After you destroyed its eyes, its wailing was to lure you closer. It just didn't have the chance to attack again."

Meng Yuan benefited greatly from this advice.

"In the end, it's still about luck, right?" Nie Yanian laughed.

"A person with lofty ambitions needs luck to succeed. How can luck not be important? Besides, I'm just saying that the Castrate Master should be cautious. Why are you in such a hurry? He's your son-in-law, after all!"

Zhang Guinian sighed and looked at Meng Yuan, asking, "I remember you had just entered the Eighth Stage, and now you've opened seven energy points in the Central Thirty-Three Heavens. How long has it been?"

"Seven energy points, and I opened a new one today," Meng Yuan said as he poured wine for Zhang Guinian. "That bottle of Hundred Herbs Pill from Zhang Shu really helped me a lot. I've finished it, and when can you get me more?"

Zhang Guinian was drinking wine when he heard this and looked up at Meng Yuan.

Gong Zihua and Zhang Lingfeng also stopped eating, and their two colleagues also had peculiar expressions.

"I remember when you killed Luo Mu, you had just entered the Eighth Stage, right?" Gong Zihua counted on his fingers and said, "It's been less than a month!"

"I won't hide it from you, Gong brother," Meng Yuan said. "This time, I followed Jingxu Daozhang and obtained a Fire Bodhi Fruit, which greatly helped me."

It's better to be straightforward and show sincerity.

Of course, even with the help of the Fire Bodhi Fruit, his progress was still unusually fast.

But Meng Yuan had already demonstrated his warrior potential, and his advancement was naturally rapid. So, it wasn't that surprising.

Moreover, warrior potential isn't something to be hidden. It's better to show some capability and serve the Third Miss better.

"I say, Old Nie," Zhang Guinian said, patting Nie Yanian's shoulder. "You were once renowned in the Demon Quelling Commandery and followed the Queen Consort's brother. I think it's a bit inappropriate for you to marry your niece to him."

"Finally, you're speaking some sense," Nie Yanian nodded.

"How about this," Zhang Guinian suggested with a smile. "I have a distant niece who is quite decent. If your niece doesn't approve, let my child test the waters first. I don't mind being the matchmaker."

"When did I say my niece disapproves?" Nie Yanian immediately shook off Zhang Guinian's arm and pointed at Meng Yuan, saying, "Control yourself, don't go around causing trouble! Listen to me when we get back!"

Seeing this, Zhang Guinian smiled, stood up, and patted his belly, saying, "We'll head back first and rest. These days have been exhausting without a moment's rest!"

He nodded, and Gong Zihua and the others followed suit.

Nie Yanian didn't see them off but pulled Meng Yuan aside to talk.

"What Old Zhang said isn't wrong. You should remember it," Nie Yanian said.

"I understand," Meng Yuan naturally agreed and poured him some wine, asking softly, "Teacher Nie, what exactly went wrong?"

Nie Yanian raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Do you still remember the disaster last year?"

"I'll never forget it for the rest of my life.

"Meng Yuan, how could you not remember?"

"Last year, the north suffered a severe drought followed by heavy snowfall, leading to countless refugees. Some fled north towards the capital, while others headed south towards our region, and some even ventured west."

He pointed west, saying, "Those who went west encountered trouble and many perished. But our region is still doing well. The magistrate is competent, and he has done a decent job in resettling the refugees. However, there's a catch. Do you still remember why you got the opportunity to study at the Royal Manor?"

Meng Yuan naturally remembered. After arriving at Mu Zhuang over a month ago, the northern towns of Songhe Prefecture experienced civil unrest. Many wealthy households were robbed, which alerted the Queen Consort to train some of her younger confidants.

However, Meng Yuan later heard that the unrest in the north was quite severe. Many wealthy households were killed, and countless refugees also lost their lives.

"I remember it was civil unrest in the northern towns," said Meng Yuan.

"It was in the west," said Nie Yanian with a sigh. "Songhe Prefecture couldn't accommodate so many refugees. They couldn't go to the Canglang River, nor could they just wait to die, right? Unable to return, they headed west in search of food. Along the way, they linked up with others, and that's when the trouble started."

He tapped the table, "While there's chaos outside, Songhe Prefecture is thriving. Why is that? Firstly, it's built along the river with unobstructed waterways, and the upstream areas are grain warehouses. Secondly, the National Master emerged from seclusion to perform rainmaking rituals, alleviating the northern drought. Most refugees returned home in the spring."

"What does this have to do with demon turmoil?" Meng Yuan still didn't quite understand.

"You silly child," Nie Yanian smiled and patted Meng Yuan. "Don't let the little weasel fool you into thinking all demons are well-behaved. It's because Songhe Prefecture has a wharf with bustling travelers, soldiers upstream, and the Demon Quelling Commandery's Hundred Household Garrison. So, the surrounding demons are 'well-informed' and 'sensible,' daring not to cause too much trouble."

He tapped the table and continued, "But the situation is different in the smaller towns and counties. It's a matter of who's suppressing whom."

"The great disaster also affected Songhe Prefecture. Several counties and towns in the northern region have fled south, leaving them deserted."

"Nowadays, refugees are returning home to farm, but those places have already been occupied by demons. They retreat when they see people coming back, but there are also fierce ones who have killed several people. Since no one dares to deal with them, they naturally become more rampant!"

"It's not just you who want to play with a spirit beast. If demons get tired of eating humans, can't they find a human to play with? This is still the lesser evil. I saw a Tiger King hosting a banquet over there, tsk tsk tsk!"

Nie Yanian shook his head and frowned as he spoke.

Meng Yuan took a sip of wine and remained silent.

"You're a historian, what do you think? When do demon disturbances frequently occur?" asked Nie Yanian.

"During times of heavenly calamity, age of chaos, and when commoners struggle to survive," replied Meng Yuan.

"That's the logic! Why do they say that demons emerge during chaotic times? Because no one is available to deal with them, there's a lack of people to handle the situation," said Nie Yanian.

Nie Yanian chuckled softly, "We can't call it a chaotic age yet, it's just a major disaster. Eventually, someone will manage the situation, and those wild demons will calm down again."

"Can demons be eaten?" Meng Yuan was intrigued, as it could not only nurture his Essence Fire but also benefit the people by eliminating harm.

"Of course."

Nie Yanian, as if seeing through Meng Yuan, said, "After entering cultivation, demons possess even more abundant spiritual energy, and their flesh and bones are more precious than ordinary mortals, especially those of slightly higher ranks."

"I see," Meng Yuan touched the corner of his mouth.

"They can be eaten, demons eat humans, and humans eat demons. It's true that eating more and using them more is beneficial for one's cultivation. However, proper Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist practitioners do not eat them."

Nie Yanian spoke with added solemnity, "Ordinary spirit beasts are of little use when consumed. That's why you see many spirit beasts in the mountains, yet few warriors capture them. That's the reason."

Meng Yuan nodded.

"But it's still better not to eat them. Spirit beasts emit spiritual auras, their bones are refined, and they can speak human language. Although they retain some wild instincts, they are becoming more and more human-like, distinct from ordinary beasts."

Nie Yanian patted Meng Yuan's chest, "There may be temporary benefits, but eating too much can affect one's mindset. It might not cause any issues for a lifetime, or it might gradually lead to problems. Perhaps even the aspiration to ascend will become more challenging."

He exhaled the alcohol and continued, "Just as medicinal baths aid in opening energy points, you can't rely on them continuously. Otherwise, you'll fall further behind those who diligently work on opening their energy points. In summary, occasional consumption is fine, but don't be greedy."

"So, can demons eat humans?" Meng Yuan smiled.

"That's why our human race thrives while the demon race remains hidden in the mountains, only daring to emerge during chaotic times," said Nie Yanian.

"Teacher Nie's words are like gold and jade, I'm enlightened," said Meng Yuan, bowing respectfully.

Nie Yanian smiled and patted Meng Yuan's shoulder.

"Do you still need to go? Is there anything I can help with? Sister Qingqing has been worried about you, and I can accompany you," said Meng Yuan, feeling that he should still give it a try, as there was truly no other way to nurture his Essence Fire.

"Are you thinking of picking a little wife?" Nie Yanian asked with a smile.

"Then, Teacher Nie, please help me choose one," said Meng Yuan, smiling.

Nie Yanian looked at Meng Yuan, feeling that this young man became more and more likable the more he saw him.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end