Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Provocation

Jiang Hanzheng was fully aware of Liu Yihan’s covert hostility, but he chose not to reveal his feelings, maintaining an indifferent demeanor. Whenever they crossed paths in the sect, he would greet him respectfully, addressing him as “senior brother” with proper deference, so as to avoid further displeasing him and causing unnecessary trouble for their master.

He cherished his master’s favor but knew better than to take it for granted. Besides, he had an inexplicable aversion to his master having any interaction with this man.

Whenever his master appeared, Liu Yihan’s gaze would burn with intensity, as if the whole world dimmed around him. He would cling to their master, unwilling to separate for even a moment. Even if someone spoke to him, he seemed not to hear. His usual lofty demeanor would transform into one of humility and politeness.

But then again, wasn’t Jiang Hanzheng just the same? The difference was that he loathed Liu Yihan’s presumptuous attitude, as if he were entitled to their master’s attention and should stand by his side.

Jiang Hanzheng despised this feeling, and it led him to maintain a respectful but distant attitude toward Liu Yihan. He preferred to show courtesy and avoid deeper entanglements.

However, Liu Yihan was not blind to Jiang Hanzheng’s odd behavior. After repeatedly targeting him with both subtle and overt acts of hostility, he noticed that Jiang Hanzheng remained unflustered, continuing to treat him with courtesy. Even when cornered, Jiang Hanzheng would respond with polite but watertight remarks, leaving Liu Yihan no room to find fault before walking away with a faint smile.

Liu Yihan knew Jiang Hanzheng wished to avoid him, which only spurred him to push harder. It wasn’t just dissatisfaction driving him—it was the discovery that whenever he and Jiang Hanzheng clashed, their master’s gaze would inevitably fall upon them, perhaps out of concern for his young disciple.

For years, Liu Yihan had longed for even a fleeting glance from that person, but the master had only ever spared him the briefest of looks before turning away. Now, however, through this indirect method, he had managed to draw the master’s attention. Though he envied Jiang Hanzheng, he also felt a perverse sense of satisfaction.

This twisted feeling drove Liu Yihan to act even more brazenly, seemingly intent on garnering more attention. When the master was nearby, he seized the opportunity to provoke. “So, this is how junior disciples behave these days—too arrogant to greet their senior brother?”

Nearby disciples exchanged awkward glances and quickly approached to exchange pleasantries.

Aware that Liu Yihan was looking for trouble, Jiang Hanzheng sighed inwardly and stepped forward.

Liu Yihan responded half-heartedly, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Hanzheng with ill intent. Then, as if suddenly intrigued, he asked, “I heard you’re planning to participate in the sect competition?”

Jiang Hanzheng, showing no sign of irritation, replied respectfully, “It depends on my master’s wishes. If he desires it, I shall naturally participate.”

Whether intentional or not, mentioning their master made Liu Yihan’s gaze sharpen, and his tone turned pointed. “What prizes are you aiming for? Aren’t the treasures bestowed by your master enough?”

Though his tone was casual, the underlying jealousy was clear.

Understanding Liu Yihan’s envy, Jiang Hanzheng couldn’t help but feel a trace of satisfaction. His demeanor became even more measured. “My aptitude is dull, and my master expends much effort on me. I feel ashamed. This competition is a rare opportunity, and though my cultivation is weak, I hope to bring some honor to my master.”

Hearing the first half, Liu Yihan could barely contain his frustration, maliciously thinking that Jiang Hanzheng’s participation would bring disgrace rather than honor.

Having heard much about their master’s boundless generosity toward his disciples, Liu Yihan found that hearing it directly from Jiang Hanzheng had a different sting. Already narrow-minded, he felt his cheeks flush and his temples throb, as if Jiang Hanzheng’s words were mocking him. Unable to restrain himself, he sneered, “Oh, advancing at a miraculous pace, but how much of that is just a facade of cultivation propped up by pills? I’d wager your dantian is hollow, and your actual level barely reaches the early stages of Qi Refinement.”

He scoffed and added, “You’re new to the sect and probably don’t realize how many seniors in the competition could annihilate you in an instant. With less than a decade of cultivation, you’re hardly qualified to compete. Better to train for a few more decades before talking about bringing honor to our master—don’t embarrass him.”

Jiang Hanzheng took a deep breath and responded calmly, “The master is my teacher, senior brother. Such remarks are inappropriate.”

Before Liu Yihan could retort, Jiang Hanzheng preempted him, politely taking his leave. “Well, I look forward to your brilliant performance, senior brother. I must return to my training and won’t keep you.”

Jiang Hanzheng didn’t take all of Liu Yihan’s words to heart, though he couldn’t entirely ignore them. Despite Liu Yihan’s malice, there was some truth in his criticism.

He couldn’t forget his struggles from a few years ago. Though he had come a long way, he reminded himself never to let his master’s favor or others’ envy cloud his judgment. If he wished to even slightly keep pace with his master, the road ahead remained long, requiring humility and diligence.

He Lang was aware of their exchange. While Liu Yihan had overstepped, he felt it served as a useful warning for his disciple. Besides, as Liu Yihan was the beloved student of the sect master, He Lang couldn’t take harsh action against him.

Now that his disciple had completely captured Liu Yihan’s attention, the upcoming competition was bound to be a further test. If Jiang Hanzheng didn’t make swift progress, he’d have no chance of contending with Liu Yihan.

With this in mind, He Lang grew more concerned.

Fortunately, Bai Lingzhi soon located clues about the whereabouts of a bodhi seed.

Before she could deliver the news, He Lang brought Jiang Hanzheng to visit her, startling her into coming out to greet them.

She had found an old, worn book from the mountain’s base titled Chronicles of Chaos. The yellowed pages were coarse, and the text was ancient and difficult to decipher. After painstakingly restoring it, she uncovered its contents.

The book recorded anecdotes and marvels spanning from centuries ago to a decade prior, authored by an anonymous writer. Among them was the origin and effects of the bodhi seeds.

It was said that during his travels, Siddhartha Gautama once meditated under a pipal tree on Qingqu Mountain. In a moment of deep contemplation, he accidentally broke a string of bodhi seeds, scattering several of them. These were picked up by ignorant villagers who regarded them as treasures and sold them in the city. Over time, they were dispersed far and wide, their whereabouts now unknown.

There might still be one or two left at the original location, though they would be exceedingly difficult to find. Fortunately, Guatu lent a helping hand, providing them with definitive information. As a result, He Lang decided to set off immediately to search for them.

Bai Lingzhi was puzzled by his unwavering decision. “The bodhi seeds have been lost for years. It won’t be easy to locate them quickly. Uncle, shouldn’t we plan more carefully?”

He Lang did not offer a detailed explanation. A glimmer of mystery flashed in his eyes, and a faint smile curved his lips. “Your Master has his methods.”

Sensing his confidence, Bai Lingzhi wisely refrained from asking further. She knew that whatever her uncle set out to do was always meticulously planned. Assured of his success, she couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Once you use the bodhi seeds and, given time, ascend to immortality, what will happen to little Zheng’er?”

The air fell silent for a moment. Bai Lingzhi, speaking without much thought, failed to notice Jiang Hanzheng’s expression change as he gazed at He Lang, his eyes seeming to glisten with tears.