Chapter 766: Rotten Mud Cannot Support a Wall

Chapter 766: You Can’t Prop Up Mud Against a Wall

Upon hearing these words from True Lord Xinghuo, Yu Xinghan nodded deeply in agreement and said, “Master Xinghuo speaks wisely—I share the same view.”

“Dual cultivation must arise from genuine affection and mutual resonance. Only when qi flows naturally between both parties can it come to fruition. It should never be pursued merely for profit.”

As he spoke, Yu Xinghan turned toward Li Xuelian and asked, “Senior sister, what do you think?”

Li Xuelian cast him a sidelong glance and replied coolly, “My primal yin essence remains intact. Cultivating with you… would be a loss on my part.”

Yu Xinghan was slightly startled by this and thought inwardly, “Her primal yin hasn’t dispersed? Could Senior Sister truly still be… untouched? Is that even possible? That’s exceedingly rare.”

He patted his chest confidently and declared, “My heart of pure innocence still burns bright—comparable even to one born of pure yang!”

Li Xuelian responded flatly, “What good is a pure heart? Will it improve your cultivation quality? More likely, it’ll only hold you back.”

Yu Xinghan quickly added, “Senior sister, we can split the gains sixty-forty! You take sixty, I’ll settle for forty!”

Li Xuelian remained unmoved. “At the very least, ninety percent of the refined essence and spiritual power must go to me…”

Yu Xinghan protested earnestly, “But senior sister, I have costs too…”

Watching them haggle over losses and profits as if dual cultivation were a business transaction, True Lord Xinghuo shook his head helplessly. He realized his earlier words had fallen on deaf ears—this generation of cultivators simply couldn’t grasp his meaning.

He tried once more to caution them: “Beyond unfair profit-sharing, indulgence in dual cultivation itself is perilous. Otherwise, why do you think—aside from the Harmony Sect—neither the Myriad Arts Sect nor any other sect openly encourages their disciples to engage in dual cultivation?”

“Dual cultivation appears too pleasurable, too comfortable, too effortless—but precisely therein lies its danger. The deeper one sinks into its delights, the harder it becomes to extricate oneself, and the less suited one grows to other cultivation methods.”

“It steadily erodes your efficiency in all other forms of practice…”

Yu Xinghan raised a question: “What if we used the memory-sealing service offered by the Dharma Realm? After each session of dual cultivation, we seal away those memories. Wouldn’t that prevent any negative influence—as long as we don’t remember the experience itself?”

Though he posed the question, Yu Xinghan had no intention of actually doing it.

Ever since Zhang Yu’s warning, he’d resolved not to touch anything involving memory manipulation—lest a data leak expose the secrets hidden within his mind.

Of course, Yu Xinghan understood that within the sect, such matters were ultimately beyond individual control. He could only do his best to avoid leaks; the final outcome wasn’t his alone to decide.

Li Xuelian replied calmly, “Memory manipulations aren’t limitless. Whether it’s downloading cultivation manuals, knowledge packs, or sealing memories like you mentioned—all these techniques carry risks. The more frequently they’re used in a short span, the greater the chance of mental-physical dissonance, which may lead to regression of one’s Dao-heart… or even demonic deviation.”

Zhang Yu knew well that when Li Xuelian spoke of “downloading manuals” or “knowledge packs,” she didn’t mean reading texts. She referred specifically to direct downloads into one’s mind via the Dharma Realm—where learning occurred instantaneously upon download.

Li Xuelian continued, “Even sect cultivators use these methods sparingly and strategically—to enhance work or cultivation efficiency.”

“To apply them to something as frequent as dual cultivation would be sheer folly—far more loss than gain.”

On the side, Le Mulan’s eyes lit up with sudden curiosity. “Then… what about Dharma Pills? Could they counteract addiction to dual cultivation?”

True Lord Xinghuo nodded. “Precisely. The Myriad Arts Sect’s willingness to promote dual cultivation on a large scale likely stems from the growing number of Dharma Pill users.”

As True Lord Xinghuo spoke, Zhang Yu suddenly mused inwardly, “Behind dual cultivation technology… is there perhaps an associated Dao lineage? Likely the Harmony Sect’s, isn’t it?”

Jianxian replied at once, “Naturally. The Harmony Sect, having elevated dual cultivation to its zenith, surely possesses a dedicated Dao lineage.”

“Your suspicion holds weight. The Dharma Pill lineage may well have been elevated specifically to counter the dual cultivation lineage. Shifting from intoxication with dual cultivation to mastering it through Dharma Pills—that’s nothing less than poaching disciples right from under the Harmony Sect’s nose.”

Zhang Yu thought silently, “Gambling, Dharma Pills, dual cultivation, natural procreation…”

In that moment, he felt the countless threads of the sect weaving together—a vast, intricate web of entangled interests, like a colossal chessboard ensnaring every cultivator within.

He began to understand why, despite the sect’s aggressive promotion of dual cultivation, Myriad Arts University had refrained from large-scale implementation—until Yun Zhiguang finally started planning the Dual Cultivation Academy just as he was leaving.

“It’s not just about differences in people or environment. The greater reason is likely that the lower-tier Dharma Realm hadn’t been fully constructed yet—meaning no Dharma Pills existed. Hence, the university couldn’t promote dual cultivation earlier.”

“And even…” Zhang Yu recalled Shen Ji, the Magnetic Pole True Lord. “If not for the University War—if Shen Ji hadn’t sought recognition through his research on Nascent Soul-grade Spirit Artifacts to obtain his Nascent Soul Certification—it might have been impossible to achieve before the Dharma Realm’s establishment.”

Jianxian said, “Whether you rely on dual cultivation or Dharma Pills, either path leaves you dependent on others. This is Kunxu—a realm where the ceiling of one’s immortal path is often set far earlier than one realizes.”

“If your sole ambition is to rise high within the Myriad Arts Sect, then Dharma Pills might suffice as a path.”

“But if you aspire to accomplish something earth-shattering, then avoid both Dharma Pills and dual cultivation.”

“And better yet—urge your companions to avoid them too.”

Zhang Yu nodded. He knew Jianxian wasn’t merely the ancient sword spirit anymore; it was now a fusion of Jianxian’s memories and his own. It understood his thoughts intimately—which was why it gave this advice.

So, watching the others still debating, Zhang Yu spoke up: “I agree with Master Xinghuo. If we can avoid dual cultivation, we really should.”

He explained his reasoning—but carefully omitted all mention of hidden Dao lineages, focusing instead on the conflicts, profit motives, and reliance on Dharma Pills that True Lord Xinghuo had highlighted.

Hearing Zhang Yu’s words, True Lord Xinghuo nodded inwardly, sighing to himself, “Earlier, I saw Zhang Yu silent and assumed he disagreed… but now I see—he truly carries the virtue of ancients.”

Back when Zhang Yu was in the First Layer, True Lord Xinghuo had already sensed his archaic mindset. At the time, he’d attributed it to Zhang Yu’s origins in the lower strata, expecting him to be gradually assimilated as he climbed upward.

Yet now, as Zhang Yu ascended layer by layer, that ancient spirit hadn’t faded—it had only grown stronger, radiating ever more clearly to True Lord Xinghuo.

Upon hearing Zhang Yu’s suggestion, Yu Xinghan’s heart stirred slightly. He glanced at Le Mulan, then at Zhang Yu, thinking, “Is Zhang Yu worried I’ll dual-cultivate with Le Mulan?”

“If that’s what he thinks, he sorely underestimates me, Yu Xinghan.”

“Do you think I haven’t noticed your little quirks after living together for years, brother? You don’t like others touching your dual cultivation partner—you prefer keeping things to yourself. Such outdated notions… only someone from the First Layer like you would cling to them. Just like me.”

A knowing smile spread across Yu Xinghan’s face. He gave Zhang Yu a reassuring gesture and thought, “Even if Le Mulan knelt before me, offering a fortune just for one session of dual cultivation… I’d still ask your opinion first.”

“That’s the brotherhood of Yu Xinghan.”

True Lord Xinghuo watched as none of them—especially Yu Xinghan—objected after Zhang Yu spoke. He couldn’t help but marvel inwardly, “They… truly trust Zhang Yu. They listen to him so readily.”

“But how long will such trust last within the sect?”

Having ruled out dual cultivation and Dharma Pills, the group chose “borrowing” as their homework assignment for the day.

Zhang Yu became Ye Xingli’s loan recommender. After Ye Xingli activated a 500 Immortal Coin credit line, Zhang Yu received a three-month interest reduction and unlocked his own 1,800 Immortal Coin credit limit.

He thought wryly, “This is just like Huabei or credit cards—spend this month, repay next month, and if you can’t pay it off, you’re stuck with high-interest installments.”

The stark difference in credit limits clearly reflected the platform’s differing assessments of the two.

Yet Zhang Yu didn’t rush to spend. He was still mapping out his financial plan.

Likewise, Yu Xinghan and the others held back—none of them made purchases, not even for food or medicine.

Fortunately, at their current cultivation level, daily absorption of spiritual energy allowed them to survive for long stretches without eating or taking pills.

But Yu Xinghan voiced a troubling concern: “If we abstain from dual cultivation long-term… won’t we draw attention? Like from that Dual Cultivation Support Division?”

Under True Lord Xinghuo’s surprised gaze, Zhang Yu simply said, “I’ll think of something.”

Inwardly, though, he wondered, “Is there really a way?”

Jianxian replied, “I’ve seen one method before. Given the changed circumstances, I’ll need time to test it…”

Days passed with the training program. With each batch of graded assignments, Instructor Hong Jian grew increasingly familiar with his students.

Naturally, he favored outstanding pupils—they boosted his performance metrics.

But for those lagging behind…

That day, Hong Jian frowned deeper and deeper as he reviewed Zhang Yu’s latest submission.

“After all, he’s from below… he’ll never match our local students.”

“At this rate, he’ll inevitably become a failure.”

“Sigh… Is it truly still a pipe dream for some lowly mortal cultivator to thrive within the sect?”

Hong Jian wasn’t sneering at Zhang Yu in his heart—he was merely forming an objective judgment based on the available data.

Yet even though he’d already concluded that Zhang Yu lagged far behind his peers, he refused to give up on him.

“Even if you crawled up from the lowest rung, I won’t abandon you so easily!”

“Otherwise, how am I supposed to boost my performance metrics? How will I earn more bonuses?”

With that thought, Hong Jian sent a message straight to Zhang Yu, resolved to have a serious talk with him.

Moments later, a flicker of movement appeared ahead—Zhang Yu’s Dharma Realm projection had already descended.

Staring at this student, Hong Jian said coldly, “You know why I summoned you, don’t you?”

Without waiting for a reply, a video projection materialized before Hong Jian’s eyes, showing Zhang Yu and Ye Xingli locked in an embrace.

“Where’s the frontal angle? Where’s the actual practice footage?”

Medical examination data floated into view. Pointing at the figures, Hong Jian snapped, “It’s all just for show! Neither of you is genuinely cultivating!”

“What’s this fake nonsense meant to accomplish? Are you trying to deceive your teacher—or yourself? Is dual cultivation something you do for me?”

“And another thing—when your dual cultivation instructor asked you to stay after class for extra tutoring, why did you just walk off?”

Watching Zhang Yu lower his head in silence, Hong Jian sighed. “You refuse to cultivate properly, won’t take spirit medicines, and even when borrowing funds, you pinch every copper coin… Just what exactly did you join this sect for? Do you even still aspire to ascend the Immortal Path?”

Shaking his head, Hong Jian continued, “I understand—you climbed up from the bottom, so your mindset hasn’t quite caught up with proper sect disciples yet. But if you keep this up, being expelled isn’t a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’”

Knowing he was in the wrong, Zhang Yu bowed his head even lower and muttered helplessly, “Master… I’m working on it. I’ll catch up with everyone as soon as I can.”

Just then, projections of Yu Xinghan and Starfire True Lord also descended one by one, standing obediently before Hong Jian.

Seeing these two other underperformers he’d summoned, Hong Jian went on, “Ah, you’ve arrived too? Impressive. At least Zhang Yu submitted a video—you two didn’t even bother turning in your assignment footage.”

“Yu Xinghan, you barely scraped into the sect by the skin of your teeth—why don’t you cherish this opportunity while you still can?”

“And you, Starfire!” Hong Jian’s gaze turned icy as he glared at Starfire True Lord. “This is your second time entering the sect—you’re practically a veteran! How is it you still lack even a shred of self-awareness?”

Of the three, Starfire True Lord was, in Hong Jian’s eyes, the worst offender. He believed it was precisely this old reprobate’s influence that had led Zhang Yu and Yu Xinghan astray.

Hong Jian pressed on, “Look at yourselves—your age, your cultivation level, your rank… If you’re not grinding dual cultivation day and night, gulping down pills, and aggressively taking out loans, what do you think you’re doing? Treating cultivation like some leisurely wellness retreat?”

With a flick of his finger, Hong Jian released a cascade of video projections—footage of assignments submitted by other disciples.

He magnified frame after frame of exemplary work right before Zhang Yu and the others, barking, “Look at them! See how diligently they train, how hard they sweat? Watch how their techniques improve day by day!”

Noticing Zhang Yu and Yu Xinghan staring intently at the footage, Hong Jian gave a slight inward nod. Their willingness to study others’ work meant there was still hope for them.

But glancing at Starfire True Lord beside them—head hung low, utterly ignoring the videos—Hong Jian shook his head again, sighing inwardly: *Worthless mud that can’t be propped up.*

The next moment, Hong Jian spoke aloud: “I’m giving you one final day.”

“If you show no improvement by tomorrow, I’ll personally supervise your training. Every day after class, you’ll report to my office.”

Gazing at the three bowed heads before him, Hong Jian’s eyes gleamed with quiet resolve: “In all my years, not a single student under my guidance has ever failed to improve…”

Hearing this, Yu Xinghan’s heart jolted. *Wait… personal tutoring from him?*

Looking at Hong Jian’s distinctly masculine frame, Yu Xinghan groaned inwardly: *This is going to be agony.*

He stole a glance at Zhang Yu, hoping for some clue on what to do—only to find Zhang Yu staring fixedly at the floor, as if he hadn’t heard a word Hong Jian said.

Then Hong Jian shifted topics, sighing again: “It’s bad enough you can’t manage your own cultivation—but why are your outsourced junior staff just as hopeless?”

Fixing his gaze on the trio, he continued, “Leadership is a fundamental skill for any sect disciple. If you can’t even unlock the potential of the outsourced personnel you’ve brought under your wing, how do you expect to lead anyone in the future?”

*These three,* he thought privately, *don’t seem petty or resentful of others’ progress. Clearly, it’s just their mindset that’s holding them back.*

(End of Chapter)