in2ebook Chapter 17: Burnt on the outside and tender on the inside
Chapter 17: Burnt on the outside and tender on the inside
After nine bolts of lightning flashed, sparks flew across the mountaintop. The old Taoist priest was charred beyond recognition, but he still clung to life. Suddenly, his Core Formation was complete. Because the old Taoist priest had successfully transcended his tribulation, Heaven bestowed a spiritual rain upon him. The rain slowly descended, sprinkling over an area of one kilometer in radius. All the vegetation on the mountaintop absorbed this spiritual rain, being cleansed by it, and all things were filled with vitality.
The once withered grass and trees, nourished by the spiritual rain, instantly shone with a vibrant green, their leaves unfurling and branches straightening. Flowers bloomed in profusion, a riot of colors, emitting a captivating fragrance. Even the mountain streams became clearer and more cheerful, their waters brimming with spiritual energy.
The little animals peeked out of their burrows, sensing the magical change, and leaped and ran joyfully. Birds sang merrily in the branches, their clear and melodious songs seemingly celebrating this wondrous rain.
The entire mountaintop seemed to have transformed into a paradise, brimming with life and vitality, exuding an atmosphere of peace and beauty. All of this stemmed from the old Taoist priest's successful tribulation, as if it were a special reward bestowed upon him by the heavens for his efforts and perseverance.
A stream of spiritual energy slowly flowed from the old Taoist's dantian, reshaping his body, which had been charred on the outside and tender on the inside by the lightning, and reshaping it again and again.
As the old Taoist priest felt the miraculous power within his body, his previously pained expression gradually eased. He could clearly feel his meridians widening, and every cell in his body was rejoicing, greedily absorbing this newfound power.
During the reshaping process, the charred blackening on the old Taoist priest's body gradually peeled away, revealing tender skin, as if he had been reborn. He slowly opened his eyes, which shone with surprise and disbelief.
The master, witnessing this scene, was so moved that tears streamed down his face. He clasped his hands together and murmured to himself, "Thank God, my disciple has finally pulled through."
The old Taoist priest stood up, feeling his new body and immense power, his heart filled with anticipation and longing for the future. He knew this was just the beginning, and a longer path of cultivation awaited him.
~~~Cute dividing line~~~~
After returning to her hometown, Lin Yue didn't leave for a whole month. Even when she wanted to buy something, she had relatives bring it down from town, and she paid for it. So what was she doing? Besides spending time with her elderly parents and children, what else was she doing? She knew her grandparents' lives were nearing their end, and she wouldn't be able to be with them for many more years, so she tried to go back to her hometown as much as possible during her children's school holidays to be with them.
During her time back in her hometown, Lin Yue would get up early every morning to prepare breakfast for the elderly. She would carefully cook a pot of fragrant porridge, served with homemade pickled vegetables, and watch the elders enjoy it with satisfaction, filling her heart with joy. During the day, she would sit beside her grandparents, listening to them tell stories of the past, the hardships and joys of those years, which gave her a deeper understanding of her family's history. She would also accompany her grandparents to the fields, helping with some simple farm work. Although she was a little clumsy, her earnestness made the elders smile from ear to ear.
The children played and laughed nearby, and Lin Yue felt incredibly warm looking at their innocent smiles. In the evenings, she would bring hot water for the elderly, washing their feet and giving them massages to help them relax after a long day. Before bed, she would tell the children heartwarming stories, watching them drift off to sleep in sweet dreams.
During this time, Lin Yue put aside the hustle and bustle of the city and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the warmth of her family. She cherished every moment with the elderly, because she knew that such time was incredibly precious and fleeting.
For the past month, she spent her days with her elderly parents and children, and her nights diligently cultivating with the remnant spirit Xueyang. Her hometown was blessed with beautiful mountains, clear water, fresh air, and abundant spiritual energy. Many might not understand what was so special about this place, but it happened to be situated on a spiritual vein. Many couldn't believe it was a spiritual vein; it had once been a large one, but with the passage of time, it was now just a small one. Many important figures hadn't noticed it, and cultivators felt its spiritual energy was too scarce, so they didn't want to stay. An old Taoist priest once wanted to build a temple there, but ultimately left due to financial reasons. Therefore, this spiritual vein remained undeveloped and unabsorbed; Lin Yue had returned home and gotten a windfall. Essentially, no one had touched this spiritual vein.
Every nightfall, Lin Yue would find a quiet corner, sit cross-legged, and, following the guidance of the remnant soul Xueyang, adjust her breathing, feeling the surrounding spiritual energy slowly flowing into her body. The faint but pure spiritual energy emanating from her spiritual veins, like a gentle stream, nourished her meridians and dantian. Under this tranquil night sky, Lin Yue immersed herself completely in cultivation, forgetting all the disturbances of the outside world.
She could feel her power gradually increasing, and her mind becoming more and more peaceful. Although this spiritual vein was not valued by the world, it was an invaluable gift to Lin Yue. She was grateful for this opportunity and cherished her time in her hometown even more, hoping to gain greater power through cultivation so that she could protect the people and things she valued.
Lin Yue returned to Rongcheng, and the second semester began again. On September 1st, she sent her two children to school, and then, with one other person taking care of her youngest child, she began collecting supplies.
The sun shone brightly that day. Lin Yue got up early to prepare breakfast for the children, then personally took her two older children to school. Watching the children walk into the schoolyard with their backpacks on, she felt both gratified and a little reluctant. After returning home, she held her youngest child and began her busy day.
Lin Yue had prepared a long list of supplies and pushed her shopping cart between various shopping malls and supermarkets. She carefully selected each item, from daily necessities to snacks and toys that the children liked, considering everything meticulously. Little Bao sat obediently in the shopping cart, curiously looking around, occasionally letting out a surprised sound, as if cheering his mother on.
While selecting supplies, Lin Yue also had to take care of Xiao Bao's emotions. Although it was a bit tiring, her face was always filled with a happy smile. In her heart, preparing sufficient supplies for her family and creating a warm and comfortable home was her most important responsibility.
After a long day of shopping, the shopping cart was overflowing. Lin Yue returned home with her little one, feeling exhausted but incredibly happy. Back home, she began organizing the purchases, imagining her family using them, her heart filled with anticipation.
After the old Taoist priest successfully transcended his tribulation, his master asked him, "Old disciple, where did you get this fruit?"
The old Taoist priest said, “Master, I went down the mountain to buy some things, and on the way, I met a family of three in a pavilion. The husband had a bead on the back of his neck with many auspicious and lucky symbols on it, which I couldn't understand, but I knew it was a treasure. Then, when his child and wife were eating, I felt that the fruit they were eating was radiating a strong spiritual energy, so I asked for a piece. Then I felt that the fruit was particularly delicious, and a surge of spiritual energy rushed straight to my head. When they left, I used about ten of the auspicious and lucky symbols you gave me to exchange for a box of five. I ate two during my tribulation, and there are three left in that jade box, which I'll give to you. As for the WeChat on your phone, I've added them. I'll ask them now to see if they have any more fruit or anything like that. I'll ask them where the fruit came from, but I doubt they'll tell me.”
After listening to the old Taoist's description, the master frowned slightly and pondered for a moment before saying, "This fruit is indeed miraculous. You should inquire about it first. If you can find some more, it will be a great opportunity for our sect. But be careful not to force it, lest you cause unnecessary trouble." The old Taoist nodded and quickly picked up his phone to contact the family.
The old Taoist priest quickly asked Lao Xiao via WeChat: "Hey benefactor, do you still have any of those fruits? Could you sell me some?"
Old Xiao replied, "Master, these fruits were a gift from a friend of mine who practices Buddhism; there aren't many."
Old Xiao asked, "Master, can you tell me what the medicinal effects of this fruit are?"
The old Taoist priest said, "Since you're eating it, don't you know its effects? Didn't your friend who practices cultivation tell you?"
Old Xiao said, "No, I helped out a little, and she gave me a few boxes. What you see is that we finished eating them, and there was only one box left, so we gave it to you. That's all."
The old Taoist priest asked, "Did you experience any reaction after eating?"
Old Xiao said, "No, I just think it tastes really good and I feel great. I don't have any other reaction."
The old Taoist priest said, “That’s true. You’re not cultivators, just ordinary people. Eating these fruits is good for your health. Other fruits can’t absorb that spiritual energy. That spiritual energy just circulates in your body and then goes out again. That’s really true.”
The old Taoist priest felt a little disappointed, but he also felt that what Old Xiao said made sense. He continued, "Benefactor, could you please ask your friend who is cultivating again if he still has this kind of spiritual fruit? The price is negotiable." Old Xiao hesitated for a moment and replied, "Master, I can only ask for you, but I can't guarantee that there will be any results." The old Taoist priest quickly thanked him, "Then I'll have to trouble you, benefactor."
That night, Lao Xiao and Xiao Hui lay in bed. Lao Xiao showed Xiao Hui his phone and said, "This is the old Taoist priest." Xiao Hui said, "This is the old Taoist priest's contact with you?" Lao Xiao said yes, and continued, "You said Lin Yue gave us so many good fruits, but she didn't mention their effects."
Xiao Hui frowned, deep in thought. The old Taoist priest said this was a good thing, so how much do we have at home now? Xiao Hui got out of bed and ran to the corner of the living room to rummage through the pile, muttering as she did so: "There are about ten mangoes left, half a box of cherries, two bunches of grapes, a whole box of apples, the apples are still untouched, and the strawberries are all gone."
Xiao Hui returned to the bedroom and told Lao Xiao what had happened. Lao Xiao stroked his chin, pondering, and said, "This old Taoist priest is so concerned, could there really be something special about these fruits?" Xiao Hui leaned against Lao Xiao and said, "Who cares? As long as we find them delicious and good for our health, that's fine." Lao Xiao nodded, "That's true, but this old Taoist priest keeps asking questions, it's really hard to deal with." The two were silent for a while, then Xiao Hui broke the silence, "Why don't we ask Lin Yue?" Lao Xiao hesitated for a moment, "Okay, we'll ask her tomorrow." Afterwards, the two gradually fell asleep while discussing the fruits.
The next day, Xiaohui called Lin Yue. "Lin Yue, have you returned from your hometown yet?"
Lin Yue said, "Not yet. I'll be back in a couple of days. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Xiao Hui hesitated for a moment, then said, "It's like this, the old Taoist priest was particularly interested in the fruit you gave us before, and he kept asking about it. I wanted to ask you, is there anything special about those fruits?"
Lin Yue chuckled on the other end of the phone and said, "Xiao Hui, actually I'm not too sure either. It's just some local specialties from my hometown. I thought they were delicious, so I brought some for you. What? Is that old Taoist priest bothered by it?"
Xiao Hui replied, "Yes, I really care about it, and I've been wanting to buy it for a while."
Lin Yue said, "Oh, I see. Let's talk about it when I get back. It's not convenient for me to go into details right now since I'm at my hometown."
Xiao Hui said, "Okay, then we'll talk again when you come back."
After hanging up the phone, Xiaohui was still a little confused, wondering what was so special about this fruit.
After returning to Rongcheng, Lin Yue made arrangements for the child. The next day, she contacted Xiao Hui and Lao Xiao to ask about the details. Lao Xiao said, "Let's meet at my restaurant at noon. We'll have hot pot in a private room, and it'll be my treat. You can bring the child too. Xiao Hui and I will pick you up at noon so we can talk."
After picking up Lin Yue, they went to the hot pot restaurant. After ordering the food, and once all the dishes were served, Lao Xiao showed Lin Yue the conversation he had with the old Taoist priest on his phone. After reading it, Lin Yue glanced at Lao Xiao and Xiao Hui, unsure of what to say.
Lin Yue had originally planned to sell the fruit and the rice, flour, and vegetables inside, but she was worried about being discovered. In the end, she was found out anyway. She gave them to Lao Xiao and Xiao Hui because they lived in the city and often ate out, leaving them somewhat unhealthy. She gave them the fruit hoping to improve their health and that of her family. Who knew they would take a few boxes with them on their summer trip and be discovered by an old Taoist priest? Lin Yue was now wondering whether to sell them or not. If she sold them, even more people would find out; what would she do then?
Lin Yue frowned, lost in thought. Old Xiao and Xiao Hui didn't dare disturb her, and the private room fell silent except for the bubbling of the hot pot. After a while, Lin Yue slowly spoke, "This is indeed a bit difficult. I originally just wanted to help you out, but I didn't expect it to cause such trouble." Old Xiao comforted her, "Lin Yue, don't worry too much. Let's think of a solution together; we can always find a way." Xiao Hui echoed, "Yes, let's discuss it first." Lin Yue sighed softly, "Well, that's all we can do." So, the three of them ate their hot pot while discussing how to deal with the situation.
Lin Yue explained why these fruits and vegetables couldn't be sold: they were imbued with spiritual energy, a very concentrated kind that was extremely beneficial to the health of ordinary people and highly advantageous to the cultivation of those who practiced spiritual cultivation. However, if they were targeted by others, it could potentially lead to their deaths. This was Lin Yue's explanation to Lao Xiao and Xiao Hui.
Old Xiao asked, "Besides fruit, you also have rice, noodles, and vegetables?" Lin Yue replied, "That's right. I won't hide it from you, I have land in my little world where I grow fruit, wheat, millet, and some beans. In short, I grow all the vegetables you can find in the market, but not much, just enough for my own consumption. I gave you these fruits because the fruit trees I planted are ripe, and I picked some for you. Even if I don't pick them, they won't fall off."
Old Xiao and Xiao Hui said, "Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Lin Yue said, "I thought you could just eat it at home. I didn't expect you to take it out to eat during the summer." Old Xiao and Xiao Hui patted their chests and said, "It's okay, it's okay. We only took it out once. We still have some at home, and we'll keep it safe." Lin Yue said, "You should eat it quickly. If you need more later, just ask me for it. This is very beneficial for you practitioners. For ordinary people, it only improves your physical health, but it doesn't have any other side effects."
Lao Xiao and Xiao Hui nodded and began to eat their hotpot in silence. Their minds were still replaying Lin Yue's words, filled with surprise and a sense of relief. After finishing their hotpot, the three of them relaxed a little. Although the problems they faced next were daunting, they believed that as long as they worked together, they would find a solution.