Each peak of the Peifeng Sect has dedicated places for disciples to enter seclusion, quiet and serene, free from disturbances. This allows the disciples to focus on their cultivation and gain insights for breakthroughs.

Luoxia Peak, as an independent secondary peak, is home to only three people. It has everything it needs, and the place for seclusion is located at the stone wall of the back mountain, with a refined name: Yinjie Abyss. 

Though it’s called an abyss, it’s really just a lower area within Luoxia Peak, surrounded by high mountains and a deep pool inside. Those in seclusion can mark their territory and set up restrictions. 

However, it’s not necessary to go through all that trouble. Even if the three of them went in together, there would still be plenty of space. Unlike other places where one has to apply in advance and wait in line, here it’s much simpler.

When a disciple who is at a bottleneck applies for seclusion, it’s common sense that they need to go in pairs, with no fewer than two people applying each time. After entering, they would receive a communication jade token to keep in touch before separating. This is to prevent any mishaps; if someone fails to break through, they can be treated in time, avoiding the loss of talent for the sect.

Now, Lu Xiaobai wants to attempt to refine his spiritual root, and Lin Ji is naturally the first choice to accompany him in seclusion. Although their companions are also very concerned and willing to help Lu Xiaobai, they can’t bypass Lin Ji, who has the highest status and qualifications among them. Having too many companions wouldn’t be good either.

“A Ji,” Lu Xiaobai asked privately, “are you willing to go with me and protect me?”

“……”

If we’re talking about feelings, Lin Ji naturally doesn’t want to help Lu Xiaobai improve his cultivation. It would be more in line with his character to secretly stab him with a sword instead.

Lu Xiaobai sighed again, “If you don’t want to, I won’t force you. I can find someone else.”

Lin Ji scoffed, “Who do you want to find? Senior Brother Feng or your Junior Sister Luo?”

Both of them would definitely be willing, but if that were the case, what would he become? In this life, he and Lu Xiaobai are disciples of the same master, and with their status, Lin Ji doesn’t want outsiders to see any rifts between them.

Hearing this, Lu Xiaobai smiled reassuringly, “Look at you, overthinking again. I’m just respecting your wishes. A Ji, of course, I hope the one helping me the most is you.”

Lu Xiaobai always speaks smoothly and comprehensively, making it hard for Lin Ji to tell whether he’s sincere or just being polite. 

Since he agreed, he couldn’t sabotage it and had to ensure Lu Xiaobai’s process goes as smoothly as possible. What Lin Ji doesn’t know is that Lu Xiaobai isn’t worried about his junior brother causing trouble; he simply prefers Lin Ji as his first choice.

However, with A Ji watching, any small tricks would be as difficult as climbing to the sky, and some things need to be prepared in advance.

Meng Wanqiu had finished refining the pills and was feeling quite conflicted. For such a new product, no one could be sure of its effects, like a river no one has crossed before—no one knows how deep it is. 

If any step in the formula or process he researched went wrong, it could lead to unpredictable consequences, and helping could turn into hindering.

At this moment, Lin Ji and Lu Xiaobai arrived and saw Meng Wanqiu seemingly about to try the medicine himself. Lu Xiaobai nimbly snatched the pill from his hand, “Wasn’t this made for me? Why are you so tempted?”

Meng Wanqiu held his forehead, “You little brat, you can’t be comfortable unless you annoy me every day, can you?”

Lin Ji glanced at Lu Xiaobai and said, “Master, you have a Heavenly Spiritual Root. Even if you take the pill, you won’t be able to test its effects.”

Perhaps there are disciples with poorer qualifications who could take the Marrow Cleansing Pill, but who would want to be the first tester? No one would willingly become a stepping stone for others, no matter how foolish they were.

In this world, only Lu Xiaobai has a defective mixed spiritual root, and the tribulation he has to face cannot be replaced by anyone else.

Lin Ji suddenly remembered that in his previous life, he didn’t know Lu Xiaobai for long, and he never asked how Lu Xiaobai ultimately got rid of his defective spiritual root and turned his fate around. 

It’s likely not just the effect of the Marrow Cleansing Pill; that would be too slow. Long Aotian must have some sort of cheat to reverse his fate.

Meng Wanqiu still felt it was unreliable, “How about we wait a bit? I’ll find a way to verify the efficacy of the medicine.”

He didn’t want his disciple to have any mishaps.

Lu Xiaobai shrugged, “With so many rare herbs, it took a long time to refine one pill. If I don’t take it, wouldn’t that be a waste? How long would it take to gather enough materials for the next pill?”

According to his memories from his previous life, he had already swallowed it, but in this life, he couldn’t be so reckless; he had to be reasonable. Lu Xiaobai’s expression turned serious, “Master, you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Compared to the risk, I’m more afraid of always having this kind of qualification. You know I’m not willing to accept that.”

“The path of cultivation has never been smooth. If you’re always hesitant and cautious, what’s the point of cultivating? You might as well go home and farm.”

Lin Ji rarely agreed, “That’s true. Cultivating and advancing is just a common process. It’s better to take risks steadily than to take shortcuts that might harm others in the future.”

Lu Xiaobai: “……” Lin Ji’s subtle sarcasm still hasn’t diminished.

Meng Wanqiu: “Alright, at a critical moment, you two are indeed on the same page.”

After reaching an agreement, Lu Xiaobai returned to his cave to prepare. He openly took the pill back with him since it was originally refined for him.

That night, Lu Xiaobai stayed up late, with Elder Shuhua assisting him in modifying the pill. 

He cared about his own body more than anyone else. Since returning, he had also been collecting Marrow Cleansing spiritual herbs everywhere.

The next day, the two entered Yinjie Abyss, where Feng Funian, Luo Xiang, and other companions were waiting outside.

Lu Xiaobai took the first-tier Marrow Cleansing Pill and sat cross-legged by the pool, trying to absorb spiritual power, while Lin Ji set up a restriction to guard the edge and observe.

Aside from Lin Ji, the others weren’t just waiting idly; they completed their daily cultivation while sparring and guiding each other.

By noon, the group sat under a tree to cool off. At one moment, Junior Sister Luo Xiang slightly tilted her head and suddenly asked uncertainly, “Hey, did you guys see a green light flash across the sky?”

Shen Che: “Green light?”

Everyone looked up at the sky. It was a clear day, nothing was visible.

“Nope.”

“Didn’t see anything…”

Luo Xiang was puzzled. Did she see it wrong? Or was it the sunlight that dazzled her eyes, creating an illusion?

What they didn’t know was that in the world of the story, when they doubted their own perceptions, it often turned out to be true.

As evening approached, Lu Xiaobai and Lin Ji came out from the back mountain side by side, and the group quickly surrounded them.

Feng Funian: “So soon?”

Luo Xiang asked with concern, “Xiaobai, do you feel any discomfort in your body?”

Lu Xiaobai shook his head with a smile, “No.”

As he spoke, he formed a Wind Control technique with his hands. Although it wasn’t very powerful, the branches did sway a bit due to his spell.

“I can absorb spiritual power much faster now, and I won’t be interrupted anymore. This is a huge step for me.”

Everyone fell silent for a moment before cheering!

“Great! You can officially start cultivating now!”

They actually had no hope at all and didn’t expect it to succeed on the first try!

Lin Ji watched indifferently, feeling that he couldn’t empathize with this group of people. 

What seemed like a very ordinary small matter could excite them so much.

At this moment, Lu Xiaobai clasped his hands and bowed, “Thank you all for your efforts in helping me. Please don’t refuse this gratitude.” After a pause, he smiled at Lin Ji, “I’m able to succeed so smoothly thanks to A Ji watching over me.”

“It’s nothing. When you’re rich and powerful, don’t forget me, haha!”

“Yeah, yeah, Senior Brother Lin has worked hard too!”

Lin Ji couldn’t stand it when the topic suddenly turned to him. He awkwardly said, “It’s Lu Xiaobai’s good fortune; I didn’t do anything.”

He really didn’t do anything. He just watched the whole time, and in the end, Lu Xiaobai didn’t make any mistakes; it was a bit too smooth.

After the group celebrated for a while, a junior brother asked, “So, Lu Senior Brother, have you figured out your spiritual root attribute?”

Lu Xiaobai pouted, looking pitiful. Others understood and comforted him that it was a good development, and nothing happens overnight.

After everyone said their goodbyes, Lin Ji and Lu Xiaobai headed back to report to Meng Wanqiu.

As they walked side by side in silence, Lu Xiaobai blinked and said, “Don’t tell the old man.”

Lin Ji snorted coldly, and Lu Xiaobai took it as his silent agreement. He immediately smiled and said softly, “You’re really great, Junior Brother.”

“……”

Even without today’s moment of enlightenment, Lin Ji knew Lu Xiaobai’s spiritual root attribute.

Lu Xiaobai wasn’t like other protagonists in reversal stories who would want to max out all spiritual root attributes—metal, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, thunder, and lightning… he wanted them all.

In the end, he only had a single Heavenly Spiritual Root, but it was the rarest wood attribute spiritual root.

Among all things, water and wood are fundamental. The wood attribute spiritual root absorbs spiritual energy the best, and wood-based spells are also the most difficult among all spiritual root attributes, with both high lower limits and upper limits.

Since ancient times, wood spiritual root cultivators have been rare, and among those, most are mediocre: they know a bit about attack, defense, and healing, but none are proficient, ultimately becoming auxiliary cultivators like medical or alchemical cultivators.

However, once a powerful wood spiritual root cultivator emerges, they practice the most superior techniques in the cultivation world that others find hard to comprehend.

Telling Meng Wanqiu that Lu Xiaobai might be a wood spiritual root would be like telling him there’s a sword covered in layers of rust that can’t be cleaned, serving no purpose other than to make him feel distressed.

Lu Xiaobai’s mixed spiritual root, with its impurities reduced to seven parts, made Meng Wanqiu very happy. The three of them even celebrated with a feast that night, with the celebrant as the chef.

“Ah, if those kids weren’t all so pure-hearted and not greedy for food, I would have invited them to dinner together.”

Meng Wanqiu said, “Xiaobai, you need to be grateful to those senior brothers and sisters who treat you well and help you. If you have the chance, don’t forget to repay them.”

“Of course, if you encounter any fellow disciples with poor character who look down on you, don’t hold back. If you can’t beat them, call A Ji for help. If they’re not convinced, let them come find me.”

Meng Wanqiu wasn’t completely unaware of Lu Xiaobai being bullied in the past due to his lack of qualifications, but unfortunately, he couldn’t always be there to watch over him.

Lu Xiaobai glanced at Lin Ji, “Got it.”

At this point, the atmosphere shifted, and Meng Wanqiu turned to Lin Ji, pondering for a long time but couldn’t find any words of guidance.

Lin Ji was simply the epitome of a good disciple—diligent and studious, not causing trouble. His previous worries were unnecessary; there was no need for reminders.

After a long while, Meng Wanqiu said, “A Ji, you should make more friends and take breaks when you’re tired. Don’t let yourself get too tense.”

Lin Ji: “……”

Days passed slowly. In the tranquil atmosphere of the Peifeng Sect, where everyone was indifferent and naturally cultivating, Lin Ji gradually relaxed his heart. When he felt tired, he would rest, recharge, and continue. His rate of improvement was even faster than in his previous life.

Peifeng Sect also had a rest day every month, where a few friends would gather to go to the hot springs, cleanse their bodies, and relax their minds.

Lin Ji, dressed in a loose robe with long sleeves and wooden clogs, strolled near the hot spring mountain, realizing that cultivating could be so relaxing.

Lu Xiaobai was sitting not far away, basking in the sun, also wearing a loose moon-white robe, letting his hair dry naturally.

He saw Lin Ji stand up, “Why did you come alone? Didn’t you invite me to join?”

Lin Ji walked over and sat beside him, still indifferent and cold, “You have plenty of friends to invite.”

Lu Xiaobai sat cross-legged beside him, and they both looked up at the sunset in the sky, “But now that I have a junior brother, I naturally came to find you first.”

Lin Ji scoffed lightly, full of disdain, “No need. Don’t get too sentimental trying to warm me up.”

“Some people can’t stand loneliness and love to make friends, while others find solitude more comfortable. You’re not a fish.”

“Do you really like being alone?” Lu Xiaobai gazed gently at Lin Ji’s perfect profile, feeling wronged, “Then do you find me annoying?”

Aren’t you annoying? Lin Ji didn’t want to respond, but he saw Lu Xiaobai’s fingers seemingly unintentionally brushing through his long hair, sincerely exclaiming, “Your hair is really nice.”

Long, black, and shiny, with a lot of volume and silky to the touch, making him look even more handsome.

“Unlike my hair, which isn’t good,” Lu Xiaobai said, grabbing a strand of his own hair, “I need to take good care of it from now on.”

Lin Ji was taken aback. He looked at Lu Xiaobai’s warm and handsome face, his eyes sparkling like stars, and for some reason, his heart raced for a moment.

He had heard his mother say that a person’s hair can reflect their appearance and state.

Looking at Lu Xiaobai’s hair, it wasn’t as bad as he said; it was just a bit dry and grew slowly.

It must be due to the hardships he endured, starving and freezing while fleeing. As long as he got out of that environment, over time, he would eventually be able to take care of it.

Lin Ji had completed the basic coursework requirements for each peak ahead of time and didn’t go often afterward. 

He stayed at Luoxia Peak, where he could ask his master for guidance and practice with Long Aotian, saving unnecessary steps to focus on quiet cultivation.

Lu Xiaobai was also slowly refining his spiritual energy, while Lin Ji was still more inclined to spar with his former rival from his past life. Even though the other party’s strength wasn’t apparent now, he didn’t mind shedding his spiritual energy to exchange moves with Lu Xiaobai.

Time flew by, and three years passed.

For the characters in the story, the timeline that was briefly mentioned in the book, they had to live through it day by day.

He and Lu Xiaobai had grown up together, almost like childhood friends.

One day, while the brothers were back-to-back practicing their spiritual energy, a summons from Lingxiu Peak suddenly spread throughout the sect.

Lin Ji opened his eyes to catch the summons, glancing sideways at Lu Xiaobai. The main storyline was finally about to begin.