Shi Junxi rescued Mu Zixiao, whose brain had overheated, and supplemented her with celestial spiritual treasures to boost her spiritual power and expand her spiritual veins. He even retrieved nine ten-thousand-year-old Prajna Fruits, which he had treasured for years from the depths of the Abyss, to replenish her mental energy.
To use an analogy, Mu Zixiao was like an old, broken-down computer that had been running an advanced future program. With the help of spiritual power, this supercomputer was barely able to function, but it would often crash after running for just a few minutes.
The intense computations required for Qi Induction and Body Entry to break through the Qi Refining Stage had directly caused her “host” to overheat.
Fortunately, she had found a good master. Not only did he repair her overheated “host,” but he also used the ten-thousand-year-old Prajna Fruits to expand her “memory” ninefold and further expanded her spiritual veins. Apart from not replacing her brain, it was almost like installing a brand-new system.
Upon waking, Mu Zixiao immediately sensed the difference in herself. She felt much clearer-headed than before, and her reactions were even faster.
Although she was now clear-headed, Shi Junxi forbade her from leaving Fenghuang Peak to avoid any accidents, especially with the six-month deadline mentioned by Feng Yue Ying.
To compensate for her restricted freedom, Shi Junxi even connected the Kunlun Sect’s library directly to her cave abode. She could now access any book she wanted through telekinesis without ever leaving Fenghuang Peak.
Shi Junxi had already foreseen the arrangements of the Upper Realm and worried that this newly accepted disciple might lose her life because of him. He feared she might grow restless and attract fatal trouble.
But in reality, Shi Junxi was overly concerned.
During this period, Mu Zixiao either spent her days studying books from the library, overexerted her mind to the point of falling unconscious, or immersed herself in her cave abode as a recluse. Although they rarely met in person, she never strayed more than fifty meters from her master.
It was laughable—there was simply no opportunity for any accidents to occur.
Not only did she not leave Fenghuang Peak for six months, but she also never once stepped out of her cave abode.
Even the Sect Leader visited several times and was quite impressed by such a young person—causing no trouble, staying composed, and seemingly someone capable of great things.
Over these six months, countless coincidental events and opportunities tried to lure her out, yet she remained completely unmoved.
Her ability to “lay low” had reached a certain level.
With this lifestyle of eating, sleeping, and reading, Mu Zixiao’s improvement speed was astonishing. In just six months of reading, she skipped the early stage of Qi Refining and directly reached the Qi Refining Mid-stage, without much actual cultivation.
Finally, as the six-month deadline approached, Mu Zixiao stretched lazily, took a Dust-Cleansing Pearl to freshen up, and headed to Tianshu Hall to visit her master.
Although she had been his disciple for half a year and they were often in close proximity, they were still not very familiar with each other.
Even Shi Junxi felt a sense of timeless separation when he saw Mu Zixiao again.
Mu Zixiao, on the other hand, felt a deeper sense of gratitude toward Shi Junxi. After all, in the cultivation world, aside from this master who had saved her life, there was likely no one else who would wholeheartedly care for her well-being.
“Greetings, Master.”
Shi Junxi, still dressed in white robes and maintaining his aloof demeanor, sat upright in the main seat of Tianshu Hall.
With his profound cultivation, it naturally did not escape his notice that Mu Zixiao had reached the Qi Refining Mid-stage simply through reading.
However, having attained this level through comprehension without practicing any cultivation techniques was like a child carrying gold through the marketplace—inevitably inviting covetous eyes.
“You have progressed rapidly, reaching the Qi Refining Mid-stage. It is now time to cultivate some techniques to protect yourself.” As he spoke, Shi Junxi lightly tapped his finger, and five magical treasures immediately appeared on the table. “These are all immortal-grade treasures used by Artifact Cultivators for attack. Before using puppets, I can teach you how to wield them…”
“Master.” At this moment, Mu Zixiao pulled out a bound stack of notes from behind her. “Today, I wish to discuss the next steps with you.” She presented the notes with both hands.
Shi Junxi glanced at the cover page of the notes: “On the Cultivation Methods of the Five Spiritual Roots,” Author: Mu Zixiao.
Under Mu Zixiao’s expectant gaze, he flipped to the first page—the table of contents.
Chapter One: On the Feasibility of Cultivating Each of the Five Spiritual Roots Individually
Chapter Two: Similarities and Differences in the Cultivation Methods of Ascension Cultivators
…
When Shi Junxi saw Chapter Three: Differences Between Ancient Great Powers and Contemporary Cultivators in Ascension, his eyes twitched, and he looked up at Mu Zixiao.
Yet, the disciple before him remained completely unaware, utterly failing to understand the earth-shattering nature of what she had just done.
The content of these notes was something even he had never heard of or seen before.
Mu Zixiao cleared her throat and said, “Master, today in this Tianshu Hall, I begin to present the results of my half-year of research.”
As if suddenly remembering something, Mu Zixiao leaned closer to Shi Junxi, lowered her voice, and whispered, “I wonder if Master knows the difference between achieving sainthood through the physical body and being deified?”