"What kind of nonsense is this?"

"These are all incorrect calculations, corrected by Shi Xiaowu."

Jiang Yuebai’s eyes widened, "Are these calculations for spells? Does that mean the spells we’re using now are all wrong?"

Lii Jiuchuan pondered for a moment and said, "It’s not that they’re wrong. It’s more that, to conserve spiritual energy, they have been suppressed and subdivided. When I first studied the Great Derivation Scripture, I also did these calculations. Since they were passed down from the patriarch, I couldn’t understand why the calculations didn’t make sense. I always thought it was my own lack of comprehension until Shi Xiaowu pointed out the mistakes, and then I realized."

"Yes, I felt the same, always thinking that the methods passed down by the patriarch couldn’t be wrong, and neither could the spells. I assumed I was wrong, spending the whole day thinking without results. So, according to the new equations, if we remove the excess parts, can we restore the spells to their original state?"

Lii Jiuchuan frowned, "In theory, yes, but it’s impossible to verify in the Earth Spiritual Realm; the spiritual energy here is insufficient to use spells from ancient times. These are just the simplest spells, and verifying high-level magical techniques and cultivation techniques is even more challenging."

Jiang Yuebai said disappointedly, "Then are we studying in vain?"

"Not entirely. Look at these."

Lii Jiuchuan pulled out a piece and pointed out to Jiang Yuebai the newly added parts in the equations.

"After simplifying, we can add more suitable parts, retaining the energy-saving aspects of the spell, shortening the casting process, and maximizing the spell’s power, adapting it to the Earth Spiritual Realm environment, and then verify it."

"Previously, the Ten Thousand Laws Hall investigated the improvement of spells through thousands of trials without specific methods or standards. These equations point to a clear path. I have decided to set up a new institute in the Ten Thousand Laws Hall, and you and Shi Xiaowu will study this with me."

"But before that, I need my talented disciple here to teach Shi Xiaowu the Five Elements Rotation Method, and then refine a batch of Foundation Establishment Elixir for him, with all materials provided by the sect. If he successfully builds the Five Elements Wheel Bridge and achieves Foundation Establishment, I will accept him as your junior disciple, and Jiangg Ziying as well."

"Alright, leave it to me."

"Don’t blame me for speaking harshly first; if Shi Xiaowu can’t build the bridge and reach Foundation Establishment, then he has no fate with me or Heavenly Cry Peak."

"Hmm, we’ve provided him with resources and opportunities. If he can’t seize them, he can’t blame others. Master, don’t worry, I’ll make it clear to him."

Lii Jiuchuan habitually picked up the tea to see off guests, only realizing Jiang Yuebai wasn’t fond of this gesture after setting down the cup.

"If there’s nothing else, you can head back."

Jiang Yuebai stood up, took a few steps, then turned back.

"Master, I know that the way of the Dao should not be spread lightly, but this method of improving spells and cultivation techniques through calculations in the Great Derivation Scripture isn’t limited to Five Spirit Roots. We should properly pass on what the patriarch left us and recommend to the Sect Master to establish a mathematics Dao class to select talents in the sect."

"The threshold is quite high, but what if there’s more than one Shi Xiaowu in the sect? Giving others opportunities is also benefiting ourselves; after all, didn’t Shi Xiaowu help us? If more people study this path, perhaps proving all ten thousand paths through mathematical Dao won’t remain a fantasy, with you and I being the first to benefit."

Lii Jiuchuan thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay, I’ll discuss it with the Sect Master and the Supreme Elder."

Jiang Yuebai cupped her hands in salute and left, feeling unexplainably happy.

Returning to her small courtyard at the foot of her mountain, Jiang Yuebai saw Little Monk Niankong pacing at her gate from a distance.

Upon seeing her, Little Monk Niankong ran over with a serious expression on his face.

"Sister Fairy, I’ve decided to accept the heritage of Prajna Temple and help Brother Ruosheng rebuild it in the future. Although he’s not a real person, he has deeper emotions than many people, and I admire him. I want to help him."

Jiang Yuebai smiled and patted Niankong’s head.

"Alright, for the next two years, you’ll stay by my side. Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Technique and also teach you to recite the Prajna Sutra."

After all, she could multitask. Teaching Shi Xiaowu wouldn’t hinder her Crane Feather Avatar from instructing Niankong.

This matter finally seemed to have some clarity, allowing Ruosheng to be at ease.

The night breeze gently rustled, as small yellow flowers gradually bloomed under the trees.

*

The next day, Huaxi Valley.

Shi Xiaowu finished balancing the previous day’s accounts and went outside to take a walk, reflecting on the equations he calculated the day before, sensing that there were commonalities within them, as well as some intriguing patterns.

Engrossed in thought, he twisted his ankle and fell into a paddy field, deciding then to lay there, using the white clouds as paper and his thoughts as a pen, staring at the sky and pondering.

"...I heard that Shi Xiaowu failed the assessment at Heavenly Cry Peak yesterday. When asked to solve problems, not only couldn’t he solve them, but he also dared to say the problems were wrong."

"If it weren’t for him being Manager Guo’s godson, who would pay him any respect? He’s already thirty, and all he can do is calculate accounts—a complete waste of a person."

From outside came the voices of two spiritual cultivators, and Shi Xiaowu clenched his fists tight.

But he didn’t rush out to confront them. He was no longer the reckless youth of years ago. Over the years, he’d seen much of human nature’s warmth and coldness, especially after his failed Foundation Establishment attempt, encountering many who appeared respectful but secretly looked down on him.

Shi Xiaowu unclenched his fists, somewhat getting used to it.

"Heavenly Cry Peak recruited many disciples with Five Spirit Roots, yet he wasn’t among them. It must be his root value is too poor, and his age too advanced for them to consider."

"He’ll live his life only flaunting authority in Huaxi Valley, always claiming to have had childhood ties with Master Wangshu. Master Wangshu is like a bright moon in the sky, and yet he dares think like that."

"Exactly, if there were true sentiments, Master Wangshu has been back for a few days, and still hasn’t come to see him."

"She must have been here, in his dreams, hahaha... Wang... Master Wangshu!"

"Greetings, Master Wangshu!"

Hearing the commotion, Shi Xiaowu sat up, parting the rice stalks, and saw the two bowing, standing before Jiang Yuebai, who appeared as if an immortal in white.

Jiang Yuebai carried a chill in her demeanor, and asked softly, "Did you see Shi Xiaowu? My master wishes to take him as a disciple, and has sent me to invite him."

As soon as she spoke, not only did the two shudder, but Shi Xiaowu in the paddy field also widened his eyes in disbelief and covered his mouth.

Currently, he was merely a Qi Cultivation Disciple who barely squeezed into the outer sect under Jiang Yuebai’s protection, yet True Monarch Jiuchuan wished to take him as a pupil?

He couldn’t be dreaming, Shi Xiaowu pinched his thigh hard, hissing from the pain.

Jiang Yuebai swept a glance over the paddy field; ever since she left the servant ranks, and the bottom tier, she rarely encountered people badmouthing her behind her back, even those around her had become increasingly amiable.

But her inability to see did not mean there were none; ultimately, strength is revered, and strength determines whether one’s environment is open or hidden.

"Get busy then."

Jiang Yuebai said nothing else as the two excused themselves, filled with fear and respect.

This was Shi Xiaowu’s grievance; whether he swallowed it himself or spat it out was his own matter. She could help once but not for a lifetime.

"Not coming out yet?"

Jiang Yuebai raised her voice, the paddy field rustled, and Shi Xiaowu, covered in mud, emerged with a hint of timidity and apprehension, approaching Jiang Yuebai.

Back then, a fearless and lively youth, full of vigor, was eventually worn down by reality and time, losing his spirit.

Jiang Yuebai looked at him, feeling a bit of disappointment for his lack of progress, among all of Huaxi Valley, he was the most unmotivated.

Guo Zhen emerged from the woodworking institute in the distance, observing the scene from afar.

Jiang Yuebai nodded to Guo Zhen in greeting, then said to Shi Xiaowu, "You heard my words earlier, my master does indeed wish to accept you as his second disciple, but there are two conditions."

Shi Xiaowu suddenly lifted his head, a light of excitement in his eyes, yet he quickly bit his lip, wearing an expression of worry.

"What if... I can’t accomplish it?" Shi Xiaowu asked.

As soon as he spoke, Guo Zhen in the distance couldn’t hold back, turning his head, searching for a stick.

Jiang Yuebai replied irritably, "If not, then you’ll be a bookkeeper in Huaxi Valley your whole life, stuck in Qi Cultivation Stage forever, always insulted behind your back, forever hunched, head bowed, hiding from people!!"

Shi Xiaowu clenched his fist, his eyes reddening suddenly, a surge of unwillingness rising within.

"What are the conditions?"

Jiang Yuebai took a deep breath, speaking slowly, "What my master values in you is your mathematical prowess, this is your advantage and your stepping stone, it’s not shameful. Even if others in the future say you entered my master’s sect because of this, you must remain mentally unclouded, and don’t overthink it."

Shi Xiaowu nodded.

"Heavenly Cry Peak holds the legacy of the lineage of Heavenly Interence Sect’s ancestors. To enter Heavenly Cry Peak as a direct disciple, there are three conditions: first, Five Spirit Roots; second, Five Elements Wheel Bridge; third, Foundation Establishment. I will teach you the method to construct Five Elements Wheel Bridge, and I will personally refine a furnace of Foundation Establishment Elixir for you."

"Listen well, it’s one furnace; when I, Jiang Yuebai, practice alchemy, a full furnace results in nine elixirs. I’ve never produced fewer than seven. If you can’t establish your foundation even with this, then you deserve every hardship you face now!"

Shi Xiaowu looked earnestly at Jiang Yuebai, ensuring she wasn’t deceiving him. However, recalling his last foundation establishment, when Heaven and Earth Ban shattered his painstakingly built Dao Platform, almost costing him his life, he couldn’t help but feel frightened, sensing an inescapable destiny.

"Why are you still hesitating here, you unlucky brat? Such a good opportunity and you still don’t seize it..."

Guo Zhen rushed over with a stick, striking Shi Xiaowu’s behind.

"Hesitate and the opportunity will fleet, really like trying to eat shit only to miss the warm part."

Guo Zhen lifted the stick, in the past Shi Xiaowu would scurry around escaping, but now he stood straight, taking the beating.

Jiang Yuebai grabbed Guo Zhen’s stick, "I know what you’re afraid of. Human lives may indeed be destined, but effort is key. If there’s an indomitable will within, one can certainly prevail against destiny! Everything relies on you, not on destiny, don’t be afraid; I will do my best to assist you."

Shi Xiaowu lifted his head, looking at Jiang Yuebai before him, recalling her experiences, realizing his solitary failure in foundation establishment was nothing in comparison.

"Effort is key..."

Shi Xiaowu murmured, forcefully suppressing the fear in his eyes, clasping his trembling hands together, bowing deeply.

"I ask Master Wangshu to guide me!"

Jiang Yuebai smiled genuinely, while Guo Zhen was moved to tears.