Chapter 19: Outstanding Talent
1123 Words
Lu Li's progress was remarkable. His starting point was hard to determine, but after three months of cultivation, he now possessed the strength of an intermediate spirit cultivator. He could not only fly but also perform various simple spells, surpassing several senior brothers and sisters.
Today, Lu Li and Lotus Fairy went to Elder Zhufeng's place, only to see the rarely seen Elder Cuishan.
Unlike the aged Elder Zhufeng, Elder Cuishan appeared chubby and not old at all, though he was short. His face bore a kind smile.
Looking at Lu Li, Elder Cuishan said with a loud voice and a smile, "To achieve such results in three months, you are the first in a thousand years of Luoxuan Mountain."
Now that Lu Li understood the methods of cultivation, his arrogance had somewhat subsided. He was no longer as disdainful as before.
Hearing Elder Cuishan's praise, Lu Li responded calmly, "Perhaps I had a deep foundation, which gave me a great advantage."
Elder Cuishan asked curiously, "Have you taken any special elixirs?"
Lu Li shook his head, "Never."
Elder Cuishan, puzzled, said, "That's strange. Forget it, no need to mention it. I came today at Elder Zhufeng's request to bring you a technique that might help you."
Lu Li asked curiously, "What technique?"
Elder Cuishan replied, "The Soft Wind Technique."
Lu Li inquired, "What are its characteristics?"
Elder Cuishan smiled, "Soft wind is like water, both offensive and defensive. You are currently practicing the Ethereal Wood Control Technique. If you can incorporate the Soft Wind Technique into it, it will greatly enhance your attack and defense capabilities."
Lu Li smiled lightly, "This shouldn't be a unique skill of the Cuizhu Sect, right?"
Elder Cuishan didn't hide it, replying honestly, "I obtained this from the Cuihua Hall."
Lu Li didn't ask further and took a bamboo scroll from Elder Cuishan's hand.
As he opened it, the scroll shone brightly, and characters floated in the air before swiftly entering Lu Li's mind.
This scene lasted only a moment before disappearing.
Elder Cuishan retrieved the scroll, laughing, "Given your age, you will surely become great in a few years. Keep working hard."
Lu Li nodded slightly, a mysterious smile on his face.
Watching Lu Li, Lotus Fairy thought to herself, "What will his future be like?"
After leaving Elder Zhufeng and Elder Cuishan, Lu Li took Lotus Fairy to the Wanzhu Forest, a favorite play area for the senior brothers and sisters. Lu Li had been there a few times with Lotus Fairy.
It was late afternoon, and shadows moved through the Wanzhu Forest, accompanied by the sounds of laughter.
Standing in the forest, watching his senior brothers and sisters play happily, Lu Li showed a rare smile.
After three months together, these senior brothers and sisters were very kind to him. Despite his pride, Lu Li was not heartless.
Noticing Lu Li's smile, Lotus Fairy exclaimed, "You're smiling."
Lu Li retorted, "Can't I smile?"
Lotus Fairy quickly said, "No, that's not what I meant. I just thought you were always so cold, and it's rare to see a genuine smile from you. If you smiled more often, it would be better."
Lu Li replied, "Do you think smiling means being happy?"
Lotus Fairy hesitated, "At least others would think you're happy and wouldn't know what you're really thinking. Remember, Master said that those who cultivate immortality should forget the mundane world, not be troubled by worldly matters, and always maintain a peaceful heart, so their cultivation won't be hindered."
Lu Li said calmly, "Does that have anything to do with smiling?"
Lotus Fairy replied, "I'm not at a high enough level to explain it well. But I think whether you smile or not has a big impact on those around you. Also, if you show all your emotions on your face, wouldn't that be exposing your weaknesses and letting everyone know what you're thinking?"
Lu Li countered, "Being cold can also hide emotions."
Lotus Fairy said, "Yes, but when you always wear a cold expression, others will be shocked by your coldness, secretly observing or distancing themselves from you. They will subconsciously notice you and pay more attention to your every move. Doesn't that go against your intention to hide your true self?"
Lu Li was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you think I should use a smile to conceal myself?"
Lotus Fairy said, "A smile is not just a disguise. It can also bring good feelings to those around you. Why not? Look at Sixth Sister. She always has a stern face. When the senior brothers and sisters see her, they immediately restrain their smiles. Isn't that the best example?"
Lu Li said, "Personality is destined. Can it be changed?"
Lotus Fairy said, "Master said personality is related to the environment and can be changed. You are only twelve years old. Maybe your previous environment made you cold and arrogant, but it's not too late to change now."
Lu Li pondered Lotus Fairy's words, feeling hesitant.
He was naturally intelligent and knew Lotus Fairy was right. However, his inherent pride made immediate change difficult.
After a long silence, Lu Li asked, "Do you really want me to change myself and face the world with a smile?"
Lotus Fairy earnestly replied, "That has been my wish all along. I stay by your side every day, using smiles and joy to influence you, hoping that one day, I will see a genuine smile on your face."
Lu Li's eyes changed slightly, and he looked at Lotus Fairy. Seeing her pure gaze without any flicker, he was moved and nodded, "Alright, I promise you. I will try to change my personality, but I can't guarantee success."
Lotus Fairy was overjoyed, laughing, "As long as you are willing, you can do it. Let's go play with the senior brothers and sisters."
Lu Li smiled and joined the games with Lotus Fairy, opening his heart for the first time and playing without any reservations.
This play session brought some changes to Lu Li. Although subtle, since that day, his face often carried a faint smile.
From then on, whenever the senior brothers and sisters played, Lotus Fairy would call Lu Li. Everyone was united and friendly, fostering deep camaraderie.
Two more months passed quickly.
Lu Li had been on Cui Xuan Peak for over five months. His Ethereal Wood Technique and Soft Wind Technique had significantly advanced, breaking through the spirit cultivator realm and entering the initial saint stage.
Only Saint Aoki, Elder Zhufeng, Elder Cuishan, and Lotus Fairy knew about this advancement; the other senior brothers and sisters were unaware of Lu Li's specific level.
One day, Saint Aoki called Lu Li over for a conversation.
- Writer
