55. The world (4)

The sun dipped westward. Amid orange-tinted clouds, flocks of unknown birds soared in formation, chirping ceaselessly.

 A twilight scene in the mountain forest. 

Beneath the Dao Enlightenment Tree, Noah held a Taoist scripture.

Though the system translated, it felt like ancient script… incomprehensible.

The two Great Confucians, comparable to Void Refining Stage, faces flushed, eyes dazed.

After learning my era differed, they grew curious, eager to hear more. Meant to decline, but Lalatina beside, her eyes yearning for knowledge… Ah.

So, told them.

 Somehow, got carried away, now they're soulless, staring blankly at sky and earth.

"You two, don't dwell on era differences. The present matters."

"Go eat, rest."

Su Qing suddenly grabbed Noah's hand, trembling, voice quivering.

"Manor Lord, could zither, chess, integrity, calligraphy each alone form a Dao?"

Situation's dire.

"Calm down, that was only in my era. Seems not in yours. Don't overthink. There's a saying: the past is gone, the present a gift, the future mere guesses."

"Cherish the now."

"Here, sit under this banyan tree, meditate, calm your minds. Don't let trifles harm your Dao."

The two, spirits lifted, bowed repeatedly, thanking???

Noah, still uneasy. Silently summoned, AI Butler System, these two show signs of madness, can you restore them?

AI Butler responded: Management functions still initializing. AI Butler will ensure this estate runs smoothly. Please, host, rest assured.

…Truly reliable… With such a system, transmigration—no, reincarnation—is bliss.

Outside, pitch black, the manor lit with lamps. Silence, only crickets chirping.

In the bathhouse, this manor had a bathhouse, yet last night, like a savage, ran to bathe in a stream…

Soaking in a tub filled with hot water, Noah sighed.

This world, or rather, its cultivation methods, intriguing.

Confucian Path demands profound insight into life's truths, shaping oneself into a model of those truths, aligning with the Dao. Not for everyone. Forget those complexities, can't even grasp what's in these books, let alone zither, chess, integrity, calligraphy… Requires immense intellect. Escaped studying in my old life, now studying in another world??? Let fate decide.

Martial cultivation, anyone can try, but strength varies. An ordinary person reaching Great Martial Warrior might only match a genius at Martial Apprentice… And it's gruelingly tough…

Immortal Path cultivates the divine soul, sensing nature's flow, seeking its essence. But requires a spiritual root. Thinking back, my root's likely poor. Three years, no progress…

Wait.

My path to greatness lies with the system. A reincarnated Great Emperor, how could I follow ordinary methods?

I'll tread the system's path.

No matter the route, only strength reigns supreme.

Stepping from the tub, donning fresh clothes. After learning their true identities, mundane worries like food and money faded.

Outside, the three maidens stood in neat rows, bowing.

"Manor Lord."

By custom, personal maidens should attend their master's bath. But their special statuses, and a modern youth like him, bathing with three beside? Uncomfortable.

Gazing at these princesses. This is another world, when in Rome… Must adapt gradually.

Heading back to the room.

"Luna, any gains this afternoon?"

Luna replied obediently.

"Yes, Manor Lord, this afternoon I recounted all recent events to Madam Kim. She's deeply grateful to you."

Kim Lian's only Nascent Soul stage. No, those Great Confucians are erratic, need monitoring. Can't retract before them. Fine, keep Zhao Yu and Kim Lian as Stewards for now.

"No, I meant, have you received the token's recognition?"

Luna lowered her face, voice faint.

"Luna's talent is poor, still unacknowledged by the token."

Noah, hearing this, silently summoned, System, why hasn't Luna been recognized?

System responded: The token reflects the servant's mind. Luna's mind splits into two opposing personalities, failing the token's requirement for a stable mind…

Split personality? How to treat…

"Luna, as a child, did you suffer any deep trauma, leaving shadows in your heart?"

Seeing Luna silent, eyes confused, staring. Careless.

"Don't misunderstand, I'm not prying. I suspect your mind's split into another part. Meaning, one body, two personalities… So even if Kim Lian leaves, nothing changes."

Luna, face flustered.

"Manor Lord, you mean I have two personalities?"

Seeing her reluctance, Noah didn't press, only saying.

"Luna, open your heart to others, don't bottle things up."

"If needed, confide in me. I believe my knowledge could help you."