Chapter 71 A Good Math Problem, More Valuable than Immortal Pills

Su Junyu said to Wu Shiqin: "And you, your Mind Holding is totally not up to standard."

Wu Shiqin, who wasn't good with words, shot Su Junyu an angry glare. She was clearly waiting for an explanation.

Su Junyu then said, "Okay, I'll just say it directly. Cultivation techniques can influence one's temperament, but on the other hand, one's temperament can also influence the techniques. Try using the Tian Ge Xing's power."

Without saying anything, Wu Shiqin extended her right hand and a blue arc of electricity crackled to life in her palm, buzzing loudly and sparking continuously.

"You may have solved that problem, but that doesn't mean you've mastered Tian Ge Xing," Su Junyu frowned. "You can't even control your own power. The foundation of Tian Ge Xing is the Tian Ge Tian Yuan Set and the Tian Ge Bian Tian Set. These four Tian Yuan formulas and four Bian Tian formulas cover the full spectrum of light, heat, electricity, and magnetism. In the laws of the movement of all things, Tian Ge Xing holds the same importance as the three principles of Yuan power. This is also the foundation for the grand修 (Xiaoyao cultivation) that integrates all methods, the path followed by the great Mikes Wei."

Saying this, Su Junyu pointed to Wu Shiqin: "Look, what have you turned this technique into? Does this look anything like a typical lightning-based technique?"

Wu Shiqin replied, "At least among people my age, I haven't seen anyone stronger than me."

Su Junyu responded, "Wang Qi, you also practiced Tian Ge Xing, right?"

Wang Qi nodded.

Su Junyu then said, "Show her."

Wang Qi extended his right hand, and a deep blue glowing ring appeared, spinning rapidly, making a buzzing sound.

Then, Su Junyu threw a cast iron pot that Wu Shiqin had brought towards Wang Qi. The pot sped up mid-air and crashed toward him. Wang Qi punched the air, deflecting the pot.

"Power turned to light, electromagnetic unity, this is the correct manifestation of Tian Ge Xing's power," Su Junyu said. "Your practice is only able to use a tenth of the wonders of this technique."

Wu Shiqin glared at Wang Qi and muttered, "I admit I'm not as good as him…"

Wang Qi grinned and teased, "No need to feel embarrassed."

Wu Shiqin glared at him again, but then said, "But, I should be better than most."

Su Junyu replied, "You're just wasting your talent. When others catch up to your level in terms of theory, you'll fall behind more and more."

Mao Zimiao, his voice a bit shy, said, "Senior Su, what exactly should our Mind Holding look like… and how should we cultivate it, meow?"

When Su Junyu heard Mao Zimiao's question, his expression softened. He thought for a moment and then smiled. "Alright, I'll explain this 'Mind Holding' to you little ones."

With that, Su Junyu moved closer to the campfire. The other four gathered around him.

Su Junyu first asked Wu Shiqin: "Have you thought about what I told you before about 'the joy of seeking the Way' and 'the joy of seeking the Way itself'?"

Wu Shiqin shook her head. Su Junyu continued asking, "Then, you must know what cultivating the present method is about, right?"

Wu Shiqin nodded, "Seeking the Dao of heaven and earth, to understand the breathing of heaven and earth."

"Very good," Su Junyu smiled. "Through the breathing of heaven and earth, we gather the external spiritual energy. This process doesn't harm heaven and earth, but actually strengthens them. Thus, we are cultivating together with heaven and earth. You all know this already." He then turned to Wu Fan: "Wu Fan, do you know how we make ourselves in sync with the breathing of heaven and earth?"

"Er… is it by seeking the Great Dao?" Wu Fan stammered a bit, "The breathing of heaven and earth is the flow of spiritual energy between all things, so studying the laws between things is studying the breathing of heaven and earth."

Su Junyu nodded, "Correct. This leads to the next level: Dao law is natural, and humans live harmoniously with heaven. The transcendent path that you will touch after you break through the human realm and become a great grandmaster is not something I'll discuss for now. Wang Qi, having practiced ancient techniques, what do you think is the biggest advantage of the present method compared to the ancient methods?"

Wang Qi looked a little sarcastic and said, "Isn't this something we were taught on the first day of class? Why are we suddenly reminiscing?"

Su Junyu laughed heartily, "It's for the atmosphere, you know? I'm creating a good learning environment here."

"Anyway, the present method connects with the breathing of heaven and earth, while the ancient methods cultivate in a more constant state."

Su Junyu continued, "That's right. The root of cultivation in the present method is 'enlightenment of the Way.' The deeper your understanding of the Great Dao, the better your connection with the breathing of heaven and earth. As for me, I cultivate the Xiangyu Tianwei technique and hold the Baize calculation, so I naturally comprehend the Dao of calculation. For me, a good math problem is more valuable than any immortal pill."

A good math problem is a major breakthrough in the Dao. One such breakthrough in the Dao is far more valuable than any elixir.

Su Junyu cleared his throat, "Ahem, I got carried away there. Anyway, the essence of the present method is to seek the Way. The Mind Holding in the present method is that of a seeker of the Way."

Wu Shiqin softly muttered, "Seeking the Way…"

Seeing that the other three were not quite understanding, Su Junyu asked, "Hey, do you all think this level of Mind Holding is easy?"

Mao Zimiao answered hesitantly, "Senior Su, actually, the axioms in the textbook are quite interesting, meow!"

Su Junyu smiled and praised, "That's a good way of thinking. But imagine if you had to start from zero, and develop these axioms from scratch. What would you do then?"

Mao Zimiao was suddenly speechless.

"Don't think this level of Mind Holding is easy. About 1500 years ago, after the Yuanli stage, two prodigies from our school stood tall in the world."

"One was named Gauss, later known as the 'Sword Madman,' and the other was Apuna, today's 'Baize God King.'"

When Su Junyu mentioned the name of the Baize God King, he smiled proudly. "My ancestor was a direct disciple of the Baize God King's disciple. If I breakthrough to the grandmaster level, I might be able to join the God King's school. Now, when I think about it, I'm quite qualified to tell you this story."

"The God King loves fame and fortune, likes to show off before others, and acts quite carefree… Well, I could say he's a bit, um, shameless? But Senior Gauss was different. He was more refined and courteous, treating people with great propriety."

Wu Shiqin asked, "Is the story going to end with the Sword Madman achieving immortality first, and the Baize God King stagnating for a while, before suddenly realizing his mistake, completely focusing on the Dao, and then finally achieving immortality?"

Wang Qi couldn't help but think to himself: "Yeah, I can already guess how this goes."

Su Junyu shook his head, "No, no. The two of them only had a few years difference in their ascension. The God King is still the same today, with no sign of any sudden realization."

"Then what happened?"

"After they became immortal, Senior Gauss gradually lost interest in calculations, and his Mind Holding weakened, causing his cultivation to stagnate. Of the two, only the God King remains active in the Dao today."

"This level of Mind Holding is something even the greatest cultivators might not be able to fully master."