Qin Yi really wanted to tell her to have some self-respect.
A girl running into a man's house alone, isn't that a bit shameless?
But he understood that Ming He probably hadn’t even thought about that. It was like two stars hanging in the sky or two big trees standing opposite each other, nothing more than that.
He slowly walked inside and asked, “Is there something you need from me, Miss?”
Ming He turned to glance at him and said, “I’m not a fairy. You called me a friend before, why change it to fairy now?”
Qin Yi replied, “You’re too beautiful. Whether I call you senior or friend, it feels awkward.”
Ming He shook her head slightly, “Is this why you couldn’t see through things and are protecting the snake demon?”
“Maybe.”
“The corpse insects from Zhang Family Village, didn’t you see them yourself?”
“It’s easier said than done.”
Ming He didn’t press the matter further and continued to look at the half talisman, as if something there was very captivating to her.
Qin Yi, pretending to be curious, asked, “What are you looking at, Miss?”
“This talisman… where did you learn it?”
“My master, Mu Feng Zhenren, travels the world, and I don’t know his teachings.”
Liu Su almost fainted from shock.
Ming He didn’t know whether to believe him or not, but she said, “This talisman is very profound. It’s not just a rigid drawing of existing methods; it’s unique and expressive. Every line and stroke contains mysteries, changing principles in a small space, playing with the world in the palm of your hand, turning an eighth-grade talisman into something even those without any magic can use. The one who created this talisman is truly remarkable. This level has likely reached a state of formlessness, far surpassing me.”
As Qin Yi listened, he took a cloth and started wiping the dirt off the end of his wolf tooth club like a sycophant.
He knew the club was impressive, but he didn’t realize it was this impressive. It turned out making talismans wasn’t just about memorizing lessons but creating something new… Maybe it was the same with alchemy before; no wonder he could use it without any magic.
“But…” Ming He murmured to herself, “This kind of talisman thinking is quite unique… like the formations in the backyard, it’s very…”
Qin Yi was startled, “How so?”
Ming He whispered, “It feels very different from the conventional methods now. The patterns are more complex, striving to get closer to the source. This kind of thinking… it’s like some ancient methods seen in ruins, which no one uses anymore.”
Liu Su also paused, lost in thought.
Qin Yi was very concerned about this matter and asked, “Are you saying this kind of thinking is outdated?”
“Heaven’s way moves forward. In just a thousand years, farming methods have changed many times; how many tens of thousands of years have cultivation methods gone through? Except for some forbidden techniques, it’s undeniable that today’s methods surpass the ancient ones.”
Qin Yi could feel Liu Su’s anger, a feeling that was about to explode. He tightened his grip on the cloth, sweating nervously.
Then Ming He added, “But these ancient ideas also have their merits. Many aspects are very meaningful and can help verify gains and losses, understanding the source… I wonder if you could give me a complete talisman, a complete system would be even better. I will certainly repay you.”
Liu Su, ignoring the risk of being discovered, shouted angrily, “No way! If she thinks it surpasses the ancient, then let her! If she’s so great, why does she need my talismans?”
Qin Yi was sweating profusely, “Um, my master said not to share what I’ve learned, so please forgive me, Miss.”
Ming He shook her head regretfully, “The world has many schools of thought, and this kind of narrow-mindedness is too deep. But I have no right to mock others; my own methods from Tian Shu Shen Que also cannot be shared… I was too presumptuous.” After saying that, she turned to leave for the backyard. Qin Yi was a bit stunned. Shouldn’t it be easy to take a talisman? Why did she just give up?
This mindset is true cultivation…
Liu Su was still scolding, “A Taoist nun in a flashy robe, what’s with the act of cultivation? I… ugh…”
Qin Yi pressed it down into the bedding, whispering urgently, “Hold on, wait until she leaves to scold. Didn’t you say the soul force fluctuations might be discovered? Are you trying to get us killed?”
Liu Su huffed, calming down a bit. Qin Yi stumbled out of the backyard and saw Ming He standing by the wooden sword, looking at the formation.
“What a strange formation,” Ming He sighed softly. “Just a simple sword technique, split into two, then three, layer upon layer, killing intent soaring. Not only can it slay demons, but it can also kill people. It’s clearly my own sword, but if I recklessly enter this formation, I would be in trouble… What you’ve learned is truly remarkable.”
Qin Yi didn’t know if Liu Su heard that or not; it would be good if she did and calmed down.
While he was worried about Liu Su’s feelings, Ming He said, “Your courtyard has much to learn from, may I stay here for a while?”
Qin Yi almost cried, “Miss, please have some self-respect!”
Ming He’s usually calm expression finally turned a bit irritated, “You’re fixated on appearances, stuck in gender barriers, thinking in a twisted way… If your heart isn’t pure, your cultivation won’t be clear. You don’t even seem like a cultivator.”
Qin Yi retorted, “If you’re not fixated, then give me a hug!”
“That’s a different matter.” Ming He didn’t get angry, calmly saying, “Your courtyard isn’t a lonely room; there are many entrances and exits, enough to host guests without interfering with each other. A cultivator’s heart should be clear and bright; why think of those dirty things?”
You finally said that word. Qin Yi pouted, “I’ve told you before, I have no cultivation at all, I’m not a cultivator.”
Ming He suddenly said, “So, that Mu Feng Zhenren only taught you minor skills, not the main teachings. If that’s the case… would you like to cultivate with me?”
Qin Yi was dumbfounded. His first reaction was to rush inside and hold Liu Su down on the bed, otherwise, she might really explode.
However, the bed was quiet; Liu Su didn’t explode.
Qin Yi sighed in relief and said, “My master has already taught me the main teachings. It’s my own worldly distractions that haven’t allowed me to start cultivating. I appreciate your good intentions, Miss.”
Ming He stared at him for a while, sighed softly, “You’re very suitable for cultivation. It’s a pity you’re too entangled in this mundane world.”
Qin Yi felt her kindness and thought for a moment before saying, “My home isn’t convenient for guests, but you’re welcome to visit anytime.”
Ming He nodded, not insisting, and bowed slightly before leaving gracefully.
Qin Yi slumped his shoulders, feeling exhausted.
So much had happened today, it was too draining…
He walked back to the bed unsteadily, and Liu Su said gloomily, “Why didn’t you learn from her? You actually want to cultivate, you even said you wanted to find immortals like Li Qingjun… Ming He’s methods are better than mine, and she won’t leave any backdoors to take your things. Plus, she’s so beautiful; you’re drooling over her, and she looks at you differently. Maybe you could get both, cultivating and enjoying her beauty.”
Qin Yi lifted the blanket, gently stroking the club handle, and said softly, “I have you, and that’s enough. I’ll learn that inner alchemy tonight.”
Liu Su finally fell silent.
(End of Chapter)