Pseudo-disciples*

"A cultivation method can be explained as a manual for qi accumulation and utilization, and, to some extent, it's just that. In the beginning stages of cultivation, almost all cultivation methods are similar in nature— you gather spiritual qi, condense it, and form your foundation, preparing for refining your core."

Jianyu paced back and forth in front of Mo Suyin and Xin Guang, who were seated on the floor of the disciple's hall. He was imparting basic knowledge about cultivation manuals.

"Now, can you tell me what causes cultivation manuals to differ from one another?"

Jianyu questioned them, causing both Mo Suyin and Xin Guang to startle. Mo Suyin hesitated due to her lack of knowledge, while Xin Guang, out of habit, trembled under Jianyu's gaze.

"Hm... How about Mo Suyin? Can you guess the reason for this?"

"Ah-umm... Is it perhaps the element of the cultivation method?"

Mo Suyin replied hesitantly, feeling embarrassed about her limited understanding.

"Mhm, that's right." Jianyu nodded with a pleasant smile, "The element of the cultivation manual can be considered the very foundation of a cultivation method."

Jianyu paused for a moment, making eye contact with Mo Suyin, and continued his explanation, "However, if that's all there is to a cultivation method, then what distinguishes one fire element method from another? And what about non-elemental cultivation methods?"

He shifted his gaze to Xin Guang, gesturing for him to answer.

"The core concept of the cultivation method, the very concept, the worldly law that the cultivation method is trying to pursue."

Xin Guang answered with pride, his chest swelling, and his face beaming with self-satisfaction.

'This guy...' Jianyu's calm smile strained a bit as he looked at Xin Guang's boastful expression.

"Alright then, can you tell me the core concept of your cultivation methods?"

"..."

Seeing Mo Suyin remain silent, Xin Guang cleared his throat and proceeded to answer.

"I practice my family's Sun-Soul Flame Scripture. Its core concept is to form a true spirit flame!"

Xin Guang answered with great pride, his nose almost reaching the high heavens.

"Mhm," Jianyu simply nodded his head, feeling increasingly annoyed, before turning his attention back to Mo Suyin. "What about you?"

"I... Do not know..."

Mo Suyin lowered her head and bit her lip, feeling ashamed. Xin Guang couldn't help but smirk.

"Don't worry, just tell me whatever you think the answer is."

"I... I feel... close to the environment around me whenever I cultivate the Verdant Flow Qi Arts..."

Mo Suyin blushed a bit as she nervously answered Jianyu.

"Mhm, that's more or less correct. That cultivation method is more focused on harmonization with nature's qi."

Nodding at Mo Suyin, Jianyu smiled before turning back to Xin Guang.

"Alright, do you know the drawbacks of your cultivation methods then?"

"Hmph! My family's Sun-Soul Flame Scripture has been improved over countless generations, it has no such weaknesses!!"

Xin Guang frowned in displeasure, but Jianyu's smile deepened.

"Sigh~ so you don't even know this much, huh?"

Jianyu said in a mocking tone.

"Your family's cultivation method nurtures a spiritual flame to form a 'True Spirit Flame' or 'Heavenly Flames,' and it is a great cultivation method. However, it's not truly suitable for everyone. Let's see..."

Pausing for a moment, Jianyu cupped his chin with his hand as if pondering something.

Finally, as if he had made up his mind, Jianyu stretched out a finger and pointed it toward Xin Guang.

"Firstly, this method consumes a lot of resources. After all, it's quite difficult to nurture high-quality spirit flames. But, it shouldn't be a problem for you."

He pointed another finger.

"Secondly, this method doesn't account for the full extent of one's talent. After a certain threshold, it doesn't matter if your talent is greater than other practitioners with similar talent, it would all be the same."

Stretching out a third finger, Jianyu walked closer to Xin Guang, getting close enough for Xin Guang to involuntarily back away from him.

"Lastly, this method doesn't give much leeway for body cultivation. In the last few days, I've seen that you have some talent for body cultivation, or at least for ones related to flame affinity."

Stepping back from Xin Guang, Jianyu grinned, making his point clear.

"So tell me, do you want to remain within normalcy and simply be another genius or..."

Jianyu raised his hand toward Guang and Suyin, letting his four elemental qi swirl around his fingers, radiating a brilliant glow.

"...do you want to become something more... someone better... someone who'll be more than just another privileged genius."

'How?!'

Guang felt flabbergasted as he observed the elemental qi swirling around Jianyu's hand. He had always known that Jianyu was a genius, but this display exceeded his wildest expectations. It dawned on him that Jianyu's true talent far surpassed what was publicly known.

'With this devil's talent, anyone who opposes him in the clan should have been silenced... Could it be?!'

The idea seemed outrageous, but as Xin Guang considered the reality before him, beads of cold sweat formed all over his body.

'Is he trying to eliminate all his opponents in one fell swoop... Such a terrifying... and ruthless strategy!!'

Little did Xin Guang know that the Xin family's elders were well aware of Jianyu's unique situation. Even if Jianyu had willingly removed one of his spiritual roots, the remaining Dao fragment and the damaged spiritual roots would have interacted and caused the creation of a mutation, that would have still elevated him to unparalleled heights among the clan's geniuses.

'Hmm~'

Savoring the dramatic reactions of both Xin Guang and Suyin, Jianyu, feeling a surge of ego fulfillment, couldn't help but sport a bright smile.

"Now that you understand, I have something for both of you!"

Two manuals materialized in Jianyu's hands—one with a wooden cover and the other with a scarlet cover adorned with flame motifs. Each bore a name, written with immaculate writing.

"I've modified both of your scriptures. While Mo Suyin's previous method was penned by me, I hadn't accounted for the vast vitality provided by her physique. Therefore, I've created the 'Verdant Renewal scripture'. This method will help you harmonize with nature and harness your vitality to nourish your body, eliminating the need to divide your efforts between body and qi cultivation."

Jianyu used his qi to send the manual to Mo Suyin and then turned to Xin Guang with a solemn expression.

"As for you... Over the past week, I've come to realize that you possess a stronger will than it may seem, and you're a sore loser at heart. Furthermore, your affinity for the flame element is remarkably high. Thus, this method will harness your pure flame qi and your talent for body cultivation..."

Jianyu paused for a moment, locking eyes with Xin Guang, filled with determination.

'He truly does resemble that brat...'

"Through the cultivation of this method, you will merge your body with the flames, akin to powerful flame elementals. The benefits you gain will be immense—you'll develop a stronger physique, Though not as great as a true body cultivator, it will still be remarkable, especially when combined with the ability to transform into a flame elemental. Additionally, you'll gain exceptional control over flames."

Xin Guang's jaw dropped as he listened to the unbelievable cultivation method.

"Here, catch~"

Jianyu carelessly tossed the manual toward Xin Guang, who hurriedly caught it as if it were his most treasured possession.

"Alright then, you may take your leave and examine the methods. Visit me later this evening to discuss any questions you might have."

Xin Guang began to walk away, still in disbelief as he clutched the manual in his hands.

'...Can this really be true?'

Reading the name on the manual, Xin Guang felt something resonate within him.

'...Sun-Blaze Ascension Arts...'

Watching his pseudo-disciples depart happily with their newfound knowledge, Jianyu felt elated. He gazed at their retreating figures for a moment before shaking his head and reaching for his sword.

|Lei Qiang, keep an eye on them for any irregularities.|

|Yes, young master.|

"Well then, I should begin my practice as well..."

Staring at his sword, Jianyu tightened his grip.

'I must learn 'that' as soon as possible...!

[AN-Thank you for reading, chapters will be infrequent this month as I have to study for an important exam, so I apologise for that]