Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 579 My Cousin's Three Principles Lead Him to the East China Sea! (5k)

Zhou Xingye's gaze followed the jade boat as it slowly landed on the plaza, where several figures could be vaguely seen standing.

However, his gaze was quickly captured by one of them, whose hands were casually tucked into his sleeves.

[She was tall and graceful, dressed in a blue robe, the wide sleeves billowing in the wind.]

With her black hair flowing down her shoulders, her eyebrows and eyes were exquisitely beautiful, her features as radiant as jade shattering and mountains crumbling, her temperament utterly otherworldly.

[Truly a divine being!]

Many of the newly initiated female disciples couldn't help but exclaim in low voices, "Who is that senior brother?"

Zhang Tong chuckled from the side, "This is Zhou Jing, Senior Brother Zhou."

Zhou Xingye was slightly taken aback. This person... was actually his cousin?

He recalled his grandfather with his full beard, and his uncles, all of whom were burly and rugged—how come this cousin seemed like an immortal who had stepped out of a completely different painting?

Just as he was in a daze, the beautiful young woman and several senior female disciples hurried down to greet him.

The girl tiptoed and called out sweetly, "Senior Brother."

The newly initiated disciples were heartbroken.

Zhou Jing nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the crowd until it landed on a chubby little boy, and he gently waved.

Zhou Xingye pointed to himself somewhat uncertainly. Seeing your signal, he quickly walked over and stood beside you.

You said gently to Shen Qingxue, "Junior Sister Shen, let me take this cousin for a walk in the mountains to familiarize him with the surroundings. Please give me his cave dwelling number plate."

"I'll take him to collect the rest of his daily cultivation supplies later. He can go to the Hall of Affairs to pick up his tasks tomorrow."

Shen Qingxue replied, "Yes, Senior Brother." She then took out a jade waist token and handed it to you.

After you took it, you left with Zhou Xingye.

Looking at you walking ahead and Zhou Xingye following cautiously behind, Zhang Tong felt a pang of emotion. In just one year, this Senior Brother Zhou had gone from an unknown ordinary disciple to a figure known to everyone on Xiaoqing Peak.

What surprised him even more was that the aura you exuded was like a deep, still pool, making him feel a sense of solemnity when facing a sect elder, and he dared not be the slightest bit casual.

"Senior Brother Zhou has changed so much!"

Lin Shuang also felt something was off about Senior Brother Zhou today; he seemed a little different than usual, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Shen Qingxue withdrew her gaze, composed herself, and turned to her junior sister beside her, saying, "Junior Sister Lin, I'll trouble you to assign everyone their cave dwellings from now on."

Upon hearing this, everyone went back to their respective tasks.

You led Zhou Xingye, walking slowly up the bluestone steps leading from Xiaoqing Peak to the newlyweds' courtyard.

A mountain breeze rustles through the leaves.

You paused, and Zhou Xingye also stopped abruptly, nearly stumbling.

[You suddenly realize that you've practiced eight profound techniques today, and for a moment you haven't been able to conceal the harmonious and auspicious aura emanating from your body.]

With a flick of his sleeve, the mysterious aura gradually vanished, returning to its original simplicity.

You then turned your head and said, "Xingye, there's no need to be so tense."

"Grandfather...you must have mentioned me to you, right?"

[Zhou Xingye's mind flashed through various scenarios he had imagined before leaving home about meeting his cousin—none of them matched the aloof, ethereal, and imposing figure before him.]

"Yes... my grandfather instructed me to do this."

You nodded slightly, scrutinizing Zhou Xingye. His features did indeed bear a resemblance to your second uncle. It seemed your grandfather's strict upbringing had instilled in him this cautious and timid nature.

You continued leading him forward, and asked softly, "Xingye, do you know what is most important in the path of cultivation?"

Zhou Xingye shook his head blankly, then hesitated and asked, "Is it... joining a major sect?"

After all, the Zhou family was established after my grandfather became a disciple of Fangcun Mountain, and my cousin also became a disciple of Fangcun Mountain.

You smiled calmly: "It's not exactly wrong. With a major sect to rely on, the path of cultivation will be much smoother."

"But that's not the most crucial point. The most important thing is just two words: perseverance."

Zhou Xingye paused slightly, then asked, "Persist?"

[You said calmly: "'Persistence' is about perseverance, the key is in the long run. Nothing in this world is difficult if you're willing to persevere. That's what I've relied on to get here."]

Zhou Xingye couldn't help but exclaim, "But cousin, Grandfather clearly said that you entered the Innate Realm at the age of four, comprehended the 'Slanting Moon Immortal Technique' in one night, and that you didn't like cultivation when you were young, only loved to travel, and left home alone at the age of six..."

You coughed lightly, your expression remaining unchanged, and said, "...These details don't need to be examined too closely."

"Oh, cousin, I've got it."

"Don't call me cousin in the mountains, just call me senior brother."

"Yes, cousin."

"In private, you can call me cousin."

"Yes, senior brother."

You continued walking slowly, your tone growing more serious: "The second most important thing in cultivation is—"

The voice suddenly became solemn: "The word 'lust' is the first hurdle a young person must overcome. If this hurdle cannot be passed, no matter how exceptional your talent or how extraordinary your cultivation, you will ultimately find it difficult to achieve true success."

"One must learn to control one's desires. If one can maintain a calm and tranquil mind in youth, one will either become a sage or a hero in the future. To achieve success at a young age is truly a great misfortune."

"If one achieves success but lacks self-control, desires will surge like a burst dam, engulfing everything."

"Once the defenses are breached, it's like a river bursting its banks—irreversible and ultimately leading to ruin and destruction."

"At home, you are under your grandfather's strict discipline, so you are naturally safe. But once you enter Fangcun Mountain, your cultivation depends entirely on yourself. Therefore, you must remember the first principle of cultivation—"

You turned to look at him and said, word by word, "Beautiful women are always trouble; don't mess with them."

[You noticed just now that the way Zhou Xingwang looked at the female cultivators of Xiaoqing Peak was exactly the same as the way you'd seen your fellow disciples who were also having wandering thoughts.]

Zhou Xingye murmured softly, "Does my cousin mean... we shouldn't associate with pretty female cultivators?"

You calmly nodded: "Cultivation is a personal matter; quiet practice behind closed doors is the right path."

"Especially at your age, you are like a rice seedling just sprouting in a paddy field, a time for taking root and growing. If you indulge in romantic relationships, you will only waste your time and delay your path."

Zhou Xingye muttered to himself, "Cousin, I've never farmed before..."

You remain unfazed: "It's alright, just remember this. That's how your cousin got here."

Although Zhou Xingye seemed to understand but not quite, he still nodded obediently—before leaving home, his grandfather had repeatedly instructed him to obey his cousin's orders in Xiaoqingfeng.

He solemnly replied, "Yes, cousin, I will definitely work hard in my cultivation and avoid associating with female cultivators... especially the beautiful ones."

You smiled with satisfaction: "Hmm, a promising student."

[As you talked, you arrived at the gate of your residence.]

"I'll just show you around today. If you have any questions later, feel free to come to me."

Just as Zhou Xingye was about to agree, he suddenly noticed two figures standing by the courtyard gate not far away.

One, dressed in flowing blue robes, was as serene and aloof as the moon; the other, barefoot, stood radiant and fiery.

Both women were radiant and beautiful, leaving him momentarily stunned.

The two women stepped forward. Lü Qingyu gave a light snort, her tone tinged with a hint of coquettishness: "Junior brother, you've been in seclusion for so long, and you didn't even tell me you were coming out."

She turned her gaze to Zhou Xingye beside her, frowning slightly as she asked, "Who is this person?"

Xiao Wan'er also looked over upon hearing the sound.

"This is my cousin, Zhou Xingye."

"Oh, so he's my junior brother's cousin."

The two women suddenly moved closer to Zhou Xingye, smiling, and said, "Come on, be good, call me 'sister' and let me hear it."

Zhou Xingye blushed instantly, at a loss for words. He glanced at you instinctively, then suddenly remembered something, a realization dawning on him—

[Cousin, didn't you just tell me to avoid associating with pretty female cultivators? You set a good example.]

Cousin, you're clearly lying!

[You noticed the resentful look in Zhou Xingye's eyes, coughed lightly, and your expression returned to solemnity: "Alright, Xingye, now that you know where I live, I'll take you to collect your cultivation supplies."]

Upon hearing this, Lü Qingyu and Xiao Wan'er naturally followed, and the four of you walked side by side.

With two more women around, Zhou Xingye felt extremely uncomfortable, but he still obediently followed behind you.

You continue the previous topic, your tone calm: "Where were we? Right, it was the third principle of spiritual practice—you must remember to cultivate your business."

"When faced with a situation, remain calm and avoid impulsiveness; think thrice before acting. But what if, after careful consideration, the matter still cannot be resolved satisfactorily?"

Zhou Xingye carefully considered his answer: "Should we avoid it for now? Or... seek help from others?"

"Wrong, terribly wrong." You calmly replied, "There's an old saying that goes, 'An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.'"

"Therefore, if you don't nip the problem in the bud, it will lead to a cycle of revenge."

"Ah!?" Zhou Xingye was startled again.

"Isn't this...isn't this a bit too ruthless?" Zhou Xingye's voice trembled slightly, his face showing hesitation.

[You said earnestly:] "A person can live a life filled with guilt, but not a lifetime of living in constant fear."

"The path of spiritual practice is like rowing against the current; all beings are struggling to cross it. If you harbor doubts, you give others an opportunity to take advantage of you."

"Have you remembered these words?"

Zhou Xingye nodded emphatically: "I'll remember, cousin."

Xiao Wan'er, listening from behind, seemed thoughtful and nodded slightly; Lü Qingyu, however, couldn't help but chuckle, finding his junior brother today somewhat different from usual, possessing a unique charm.

The group arrived at the sect's miscellaneous supplies department. You handed the number plate to Zhou Xingye and watched him enter the hall.

Before long, he emerged, beaming with joy, carrying all the items: a set of chess pieces, two blue-patterned Taoist robes, a bottle of Qi-gathering pills, a map of Fangcun Mountain, and a sickle-like magical tool for cutting down spirit bamboo.

"Let's go, I'll take you back to the accommodations I've arranged for you inside the peak."

The group arrived once again at the courtyard complex where the newly initiated disciples resided.

After Zhou Xingye found his small courtyard, you personally rearranged several layers of protective array flags for him and handed him several bottles of Qi-accumulating pills suitable for the Body Shaping Realm.

After everything was arranged, you left with Lü Qingyu and Xiao Wan'er.

Zhou Xingye stood in front of the courtyard gate, waving to you: "Goodbye, cousin; goodbye, senior sisters!"

~

Zhou Xingye walked into the courtyard he was assigned to. The courtyard was small, with only two quiet rooms.

The room was simply furnished with a wooden table, a meditation cushion, and a very comfortable-looking bed.

He lay down on the bed and found the bedding unusually soft.

He turned over, looking at the simple ceiling of the quiet room, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"Today... I have finally entered Fangcun Mountain. This is a sacred place that even my father and the others have never set foot in."

"Here, I will meet fellow disciples from all over Yuzhou in the Central Plains."

"This place... doesn't seem as terrible as Grandfather said, with people being cannibalistic and everyone being very friendly."

"My cousin's three principles: First, persevere in your cultivation; second, do not associate with beautiful female cultivators; and third, eliminate all potential threats..."

The boy's thoughts were in turmoil, but perhaps because he had been traveling too much that day, he soon fell into a deep sleep.

Silent all night.

The next day at dawn, before the morning mist had completely dissipated, the new disciples had already gathered on the bluestone platform.

Zhou Xingye arrived a little later, and there were already quite a few figures in twos and threes, chatting and laughing in hushed tones.

He was not talkative by nature, so he stood alone to the side and noticed many unfamiliar faces, which he guessed were another batch of new disciples.

Just as the two female cultivators who had traveled with him on the blue fish boat yesterday were walking towards him, about to greet him, the scene suddenly became quiet.

Two women gracefully walked up to the crowd, and the previously whispering stone platform fell silent instantly.

A new disciple recognized the two as the senior sisters who had been in charge of guiding the disciples the day before; they were not easy to talk to.

Their expressions were aloof and they looked quite stern, not like people who were easy to get along with.

Once the entire room had fallen silent, one of the women slowly spoke: "Once you enter Xiaoqingfeng, you must abide by its rules."

The voice was not loud, and the new disciples lowered their heads, not daring to utter a sound.

"Today, the two of us will distribute the cultivation techniques and assign tasks within the peak."

“My name is Wei Zhi,” she said, turning slightly to the side. “This is Senior Sister Shang Fang.”

Both of them were exceptionally beautiful. Zhou Xing gasped. How come all of Xiao Qingfeng's senior sisters are so beautiful?
No wonder my cousin said that "lust" is like a knife above one's head, but this little Qingfeng has way too many knives on him!
Remembering his cousin's stern face from yesterday, Zhou Xingye quickly lowered his head, not daring to look any longer.

Wei Zhi distributed cultivation manual jade slips to each of the new disciples.

Zhou Xingye noticed that the three jade slips shone with different spiritual lights. The first two books, "The Art of the Everlasting Moon" and "The True Explanation of Primordial Qi," were the same for everyone, but the last book varied from person to person.

Zhou Xingye chose the "Five Elements Escape Techniques Sword Manual".

His cousin had already warned him yesterday, saying that his talent was too low and that this technique was the most suitable for his foundation in the Body Shaping Realm.

My cousin is never wrong.

After receiving their training manuals and tasks, the new disciples gradually dispersed.

It was finally Zhou Xingye's turn.

He stepped forward, only to see that Senior Sister Shang Fang, who was holding the bamboo slip, paused slightly, and her tone changed from cold to gentle, saying, "Zhou Xingye, Junior Brother Zhou, right?"

“Yes, Senior Sister Shang,” Zhou Xingye replied quickly.

The senior sister, dressed in a palace dress, smiled gently and said in a softer tone, "If you encounter any difficulties on your cultivation journey, you can ask me at any time."

"If you have something to do and don't complete your monthly tasks, you can contact me in advance."

Wei Zhi, who was standing to the side, also spoke up, her voice still cold but softened a bit: "Junior Brother Zhou, your monthly task is to cut down three hundred clumps of Moonshadow Spirit Bamboo and take care of that low-grade spirit garden on the mountainside."

The two women's attitude surprised the surrounding senior disciples. Why had their personalities changed so suddenly?
Senior sister, you weren't like this just now!

Under the astonished gazes of everyone, Wei Zhi and Shang Fang still spoke softly and gently, giving Zhou Xingye a few more words of advice.

Zhou Xingye was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling quite flattered.

Shang Fang smiled slightly and said, "I am now working in the Outer Department. If you need anything in the future, whether it's task assignment or merit points, feel free to come to me. I will definitely help you with everything."

Shang Fang and Wei Zhi had already heard Shen Qingxue mention yesterday that one of Senior Brother Zhou's cousins ​​had come to Xiao Qingfeng.

"Thank you, senior sister!"

“No need to be so polite,” Shang Fang said gently. “Compared to how much Senior Brother Zhou took care of me in the past, this is really nothing.”

Zhou Xingye suddenly realized that... it was his cousin.

He bowed respectfully and took his leave, walking towards the mountain cemetery halfway up the mountain, facing the mountain wind.

My mood became increasingly cheerful.

As soon as you step into the park, you see an old man leisurely lying on a bamboo rocking chair, swaying gently with the chair.

The old man squinted at him for a moment, then smiled and said, "You're Jing's cousin? You don't look like it."

"They don't look alike at all. He's handsome, but they're worlds apart."

Zhou Xingye was speechless for a moment.

The old man laughed and said, "Alright, from now on, just stay here and cultivate in peace."

As he rocked in his rocking chair, he muttered to himself, "That guy Jing never likes to bother others... I never expected him to actually speak up for you."

He turned to Zhou Xingye, his eyes carrying a different meaning, "Since that's the case, from now on you're under my protection."

"Just call me old."

Zhou Xingye quickly agreed, but couldn't help but recall that when he was young, his grandfather had asked a monk to interpret his fate.

The monk said he was born with good fortune and would be of immeasurable nobility, and even predicted that after the age of ten, he would have extraordinary luck.

However, Zhou Xingye never encountered any good fortune from childhood to adulthood. On the contrary, he was often reprimanded and disciplined by his grandfather because his cultivation progress was slow and he was far inferior to his brothers and sisters in the clan. His grandfather said that he was "truly useless".

Even this breakthrough to the Body Shaping Realm was something he did in a daze, breaking through the barrier inexplicably.

When his grandfather found out, he shook his head and chuckled, "Fools are always lucky."

At this moment, Zhou Xingye realized that he had just turned ten years old this year, which was exactly the time he entered Fangcun Mountain.

~

Time flies, and half a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

Today is the day to set off for the East China Sea.

[You slowly finished your practice, the aura flowing around you gradually returning to calm. After half a year of arduous training, you have finally mastered all thirteen profound techniques to the Dragon Court Realm.]

You flicked your sleeve, activating the courtyard's protective barrier, and calmly stepped out of your meditation retreat.

The Eastern Sea Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault is about to be revealed!

You have waited too long.

(End of this chapter)