55. The world (4)

The sun leaned toward the west. Amid the orange hues of clouds, flocks of birds flew by, chirping ceaselessly. The scene of dusk in the mountains and forests unfolded. Under the Enlightenment Tree, Noah held a Daoist scripture in his hands.

Although a translation system was available, the texts seemed as complex as ancient scripts, making them incomprehensible. Looking at two renowned scholars of the time, who could rival the extraordinary sages, he observed their flushed faces and dazed eyes.

After learning that my era differs from theirs, they grew curious, wanting to hear more from me. I initially refused, but with Lalatina beside me, her eyes filled with curiosity, I couldn't resist.

So, I told them my story. For some reason, I ended up getting carried away, so now the two of them look stunned, gazing at the sky and ground in bewilderment.

"Don't dwell on it too much, both of you. Times are different. What matters is the present. First, go eat and get some rest."

Trembling, Wu Ding Xi suddenly grasped Noah's hand and stammered, "Master, do you mean one can attain enlightenment through the arts of music, chess, poetry, and painting?"

The situation seemed heavy.

"Stay calm. Such achievements are unique to my era. This age doesn't seem to hold that potential. Don't let it weigh on you too much. There's a saying: 'The past is bygone, the present is a gift, and the future is but conjecture.' Cherish the present."

"Why don't you both sit under the Enlightenment Tree and calm yourselves? Don't let small things hinder your cultivation."

Hearing they could meditate under the "Enlightenment Tree," their spirits lifted, and they continuously bowed in gratitude. However, Noah still felt uneasy and mentally prayed, "AI System Butler, these two seem on the verge of insanity. Can you restore their minds to normal?"

The AI Butler responded, informing that the management functions were still initializing but would do its utmost to keep the estate running smoothly. Noah felt reassured.

Having such a dependable system, transmigration—or rather, reincarnation—was indeed a blessing.

By now, night had fallen, and the manor lights were aglow. The atmosphere was peaceful, with only the soft sounds of insects filling the air. In the bathhouse, there was a proper bathing room, but he had foolishly run to bathe in the stream the night before like a wildling…

Leaning back in a tub filled with warm water, Noah mused on this world. Or more accurately, the unique cultivation paths here.

In the Scholarly Dao, one needed a profound understanding of life's principles. Becoming a paragon of such principles would harmonize one with the Dao. But not everyone could achieve this. Even the texts were hard to understand, let alone excelling in music, chess, poetry, and painting. It required an exceptional mind. Having recently escaped studying through transmigration, he wasn't ready to study again in a foreign land. "I'll let fate decide," he thought.

Martial Dao was something anyone could cultivate, but the outcomes varied greatly. A common person reaching the level of a Great Warrior would only rival a genius Warrior. And this was not to mention the grueling process of cultivation.

The Immortal Dao required one to cultivate the spirit and connect with the essence of the world through the soul, sensing the flow of vital energy. But spiritual roots were essential for this path, and Noah doubted his were especially strong, considering he hadn't made any progress over the past three years.

Wait a minute. Maybe my growth path lies with the system. As a reincarnated Emperor, why should I cultivate in the usual way? I'll follow the system's path.

Not that it mattered—whatever the path, true power was the ultimate law.

Emerging from the bath and donning new clothes, the question of mundane needs faded, now that he knew the truth about his entourage. Stepping outside, three handmaidens awaited, standing in a respectful line and bowing.

"Master."

Normally, handmaidens would assist their master in bathing, but these three were of unique status, and as a modern young man, bathing with three beauties in attendance was far from comfortable.

As he returned to his room, he asked, "Luna Hart, did you have any findings this afternoon?"

Luna Hart answered obediently. "Yes, Master. This afternoon, I informed Kim Lian of all recent events. She is deeply grateful to you."

Kim Lian was only at Nascent Soul cultivation level. As for those eccentric scholars, they needed careful monitoring. And in front of the ladies, he couldn't go back on his word. So, for now, Zhao Yu and Kim Lian would handle management.

"No, I meant, did you receive the recognition token?"

Luna Hart lowered her gaze, speaking in a small voice. "I still haven't been accepted by the token."

Noah, inwardly curious, pondered, "System, why hasn't Luna Hart been acknowledged by the token yet?"

The system responded that the token sensed her consciousness was split into two opposing personas, failing the requirement for a stable mind.

"Split personality... How could I treat this?"

"Luna Hart, did you ever experience trauma in childhood that left a shadow in your heart?"

Luna Hart remained silent, her gaze questioning. Realizing his misstep, he reassured her, "Don't misunderstand; I'm not prying. It's just that I suspect your mind may be divided, possibly as two personalities. Even if Kim Lian were to leave, it wouldn't change things."

Luna Hart looked confused.

"Master, do you mean I have two personalities?"

Seeing her hesitation, Noah didn't press further. Instead, he encouraged, "Luna Hart, you should open up more with others rather than keeping things inside. If you ever need to, feel free to confide in me. I believe that what I know might be of help."