Comprehending Myriad Techniques as Woodcutter

Xie Yuan’s mind reeled. He stood stunned for a long moment before coming back to his senses.

’The [Black Celestial Book] on the panel... it’s finally activated?’

’Just from a single glance at the real Black Celestial Book?’

Recalling the dreamlike black and white lotus, a ripple of emotion showed on Xie Yuan’s face.

’Is that thing... the so-called Black Celestial Book?’

He had originally thought it would be something like the pages of a book... but this form seemed far more profound.

Though he’d only had a glimpse, it had been a true eye-opener. Since coming to this world, Xie Yuan had never seen anything so fantastical.

But even though the [Black Celestial Book] was activated, how was he supposed to use it? This wasn’t a Cultivation Technique or a skill; it was completely different from what he was used to.

For the abilities previously recorded on his panel, all he had to do was practice them repeatedly, and he would eventually gain enlightenment.

But for the [Black Celestial Book], aside from the three words themselves, Xie Yuan was completely in the dark about how to increase his progress.

’Do I have to keep "reading" the Black Celestial Book? But it doesn’t look like something one can read.’

"This lotus is the Black Celestial Book? How miraculous. But if it’s called a book, how is one supposed to read it?"

Xie Yuan looked at Mu Chaoyun, his tone a mix of admiration and inquiry, his attitude frank and open.

He had thought Mu Chaoyun wouldn’t show him the true form of the Black Celestial Book, but unexpectedly, the same woman who had been exuding a chilling aura just moments ago had generously granted him a look.

It was just a fleeting glimpse, but that was generous enough. Since she had done that, Xie Yuan didn’t bother hiding his curiosity.

Mu Chaoyun had already retracted her gaze, once again lowering her head slightly to hide her face within her hood.

Her voice was clear and cold, like a frigid spring in a mountain ravine. While pleasant to the ear, it sent a chill through the listener’s body and soul.

"To this day, no one has been able to fully comprehend the mysteries of the Black Celestial Book. It’s just as you were able to comprehend a saber technique from a few lotus petals. If you have the karmic fortune, you can gain enlightenment simply by visualizing it, gazing upon it, or even just being near it. If you lack this fortune, even if you carried it with you at all times, holding it close day and night, it would be nothing more than an ordinary, inanimate object.

"Countless ancestors of my clan have tried this innumerable times. Meticulously visualizing and comprehending it may lead to gains, but it is also fraught with danger."

Mu Chaoyun’s voice sounded ethereal as she asked:

"Do you know the origin of the Black Celestial Book?"

Xie Yuan shook his head.

"You just said that rumors claim it’s a scattered, broken page from the Celestial Book of the Human Race? It sounds a bit far-fetched..."

As he said this, he suddenly froze, recalling the vision he’d seen when he first met Mu Chaoyun and received the Black Celestial Book from her.

Mu Chaoyun’s black robe stirred, as if she were nodding.

"You must have remembered the scene you saw then. Hmm, you do possess a certain spiritual acuity, or you wouldn’t have been able to see it...

"All of that... it’s real. Sometimes, the most unbelievable rumors are not without basis.

"The Celestial Book, which records the principles of the Celestial Dao, was the ultimate treasure that allowed the ancestors of the Human Race to fight their way out of the competition among the Hundred Races and establish our people. After eons of turmoil, the Celestial Book was scattered and lost without a trace. The fragmented pages recording the Martial Dao were passed down, but they had been scorched by celestial fire, leaving them broken and damaged. These came to be known as the Black Celestial Book.

"Although the Black Celestial Book is a wondrous treasure that records the ultimate principles of the world’s Martial Dao, it was born of catastrophe, and thus its records are extremely chaotic.

"For example, this page, the Eight Trigrams Lotus, simultaneously records methods of celestial divination and shapeshifting concealment, as well as some principles of weapon usage and other miscellaneous arts. There is no connection between them, no pattern to speak of.

"From the Black Celestial Book, you might comprehend a supreme Secret Technique, or you might grasp a common martial art. It’s also possible to learn a chaotic, evil technique and suffer from cultivation deviation. It’s not without reason that every time the Black Celestial Book appears in the world, it causes a great uproar, a rain of blood and a storm of gore, and is even seen by many as an ill omen.

"This is all knowledge my clan has gained through generations of countless individuals exploring and summarizing their findings after immense hardship. Those who become too obsessed with the Black Celestial Book, studying and visualizing it day after day, do not meet with good ends."

A clear warning was hidden in Mu Chaoyun’s tone, which Xie Yuan understood perfectly. He immediately said:

"For such a secret, thank you, Miss Mu, for your generous explanation. I am merely curious and dare not have any improper designs on this treasure."

"That is for the best."

Mu Chaoyun said softly.

Xie Yuan’s heart stirred as he listened, and he thought to himself:

’Black Celestial Book? The Celestial Book? This world is truly wondrous. But then again, I’ve already transmigrated and even have something like a Golden Finger. No matter how miraculous this world is, it should be considered normal.’

Looking at the [Black Celestial Book: (1/100)] before him, he secretly deduced that he likely needed to visualize the true body of the Black Celestial Book, the Eight Trigrams Lotus, to make progress and gain enlightenment.

’According to Mu Chaoyun, comprehension is all up to luck. But if I could observe it constantly, I should be able to make steady gains...’

However, Mu Chaoyun was already very wary. Xie Yuan had asked a lot, and he didn’t dare reveal any more of his thoughts, lest he be seen as having ulterior motives.

But as long as she was here, perhaps there would be an opportunity. Suddenly, Xie Yuan wasn’t so resistant to the idea of Mu Chaoyun lodging here.

’After all, she’s already here. Maybe there’s an unexpected reward to be had.’

"Miss Mu, are you from the Mu family of Beidu Mountain?"

Silence fell in the room. Xie Yuan refilled Mu Chaoyun’s tea and started a new topic.

Otherwise, sitting face-to-face in silence just felt strange to him.

Mu Chaoyun’s black robe stirred, as if she had glanced up at him.

"Yes."

"I go into Beidu Mountain often... Heh, as you know, Miss Mu, since that’s where you ran into me. I’m from Little Stone Village at the foot of the Beidu Mountain Range. So in a way, you and I are neighbors, wouldn’t you say?"

Xie Yuan was just making small talk, trying to force a connection.

Mu Chaoyun heard him but didn’t answer for a long time. Just as Xie Yuan was thinking his attempt at conversation was so awkward his toes were curling, he suddenly heard her ask:

"You learned the details about me from that little girl, didn’t you?"

Xie Yuan froze for a second, then raised an eyebrow.

"Miss Mu, you knew that I was later saved by that young lady?"

"I made a rough calculation. She was destined to be your benefactor."

Mu Chaoyun didn’t answer directly.

Xie Yuan was silent for a moment, then shook his head.

"You left me behind, Miss Mu. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to meet this ’benefactor,’ I’m afraid I would have long since become a ghost under someone’s blade."

"Left you behind..."

Mu Chaoyun repeated his words in a faint whisper, then suddenly let out a scoff. Her voice became even colder, like an icy spring on a snow-capped peak.

"Then you have only your own lack of skill to blame. What obligation did I have to save you?"

"You..."

Hearing this, Xie Yuan’s brows knitted together, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes.

But he thought for a moment, let out a long breath, and said in a low voice:

"You’re right."

It was Mu Chaoyun’s turn to be stunned. She hadn’t expected Xie Yuan to not lash out.

From beneath her hood, she secretly observed Xie Yuan. She saw that his expression was composed and tinged with resolve, his lips pressed tightly together as he said no more.

The room fell into complete silence, the air growing somewhat heavy.

Xie Yuan sat by the tea table, slowly sipping his tea with his eyes closed, his thoughts unreadable. Meanwhile, Mu Chaoyun remained shrouded in her black robe, sitting cross-legged on the couch, motionless. If one didn’t look directly at her, one might not even know someone was there.

The two of them sat there in silence, like a pair of wooden statues.

BANG! BANG!

A sudden knock on the door shattered the silence of the room.

Xie Yuan opened his eyes and looked toward the door, hearing the cheerful voice of an old man:

"Xie Yuan, are you resting?"

’The Chief?’

Xie Yuan stood up, walked to the door, and pulled it open. Sure enough, a ruddy-faced, tall Shen Longteng stood at the entrance, laughing heartily.

"Xie Yuan, I knew you weren’t asleep! I figured for a young man like you, wiping out the Vajra Sect is as easy as flipping your palm. A trivial matter! No need to sleep it off. Come on, come on, get yourself ready. Today’s a big day, we’re going to celebrate now!"

Seeing Shen Longteng about to pull him along, Xie Yuan took a small step back and replied:

"Alright, Chief. Let me just change my clothes and I’ll be right there."

"Okay, no rush, I’ll wait for you!"

With that, Shen Longteng made to enter the room, apparently intending to wait in the outer chamber.

However, Xie Yuan showed no intention of moving aside, a polite smile on his face.

"I’ll have to trouble you to wait a moment, Chief."

Then, with a BANG, he shut the door.

Shen Longteng stood outside, staring at the tightly closed door. He was stunned for a moment, then grumbled to himself:

’This kid is so damn polite, even closes the door just to change his clothes. On escort missions, the lads all line up to piss, competing to see who can go the farthest... Could it be the Vajra Sect left him with some trauma? Preposterous! How can he lump me in with that pack of rabbits!’

Shen Longteng felt a bit displeased, but with his straightforward and generous nature, he didn’t take it to heart.

Besides, Xie Yuan was now the Escort Agency’s number one hero. Never mind waiting outside for him; even if Xie Yuan were to become the Chief and Shen Longteng his subordinate, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Xie Yuan returned to the room and glanced at Mu Chaoyun, who was still motionless on the couch like a mannequin. He then went to grab a set of clean clothes for himself, preparing to change.

He was still wearing the robes he’d worn on his journey back from Yunzhou Prefecture. Although they were made of fine material gifted by Situ Qin, they were stained with blood and mud from his travels and battles, and he certainly couldn’t wear them to a celebration banquet.

Also, his conversation with Mu Chaoyun had just ended on an unpleasant note. If he left immediately, it would seem like he was storming off in a fit of pique, which wouldn’t be appropriate.

Holding a set of clean clothes, Xie Yuan glanced at Mu Chaoyun in the inner room, then at the silhouette of Shen Longteng faintly visible through the paper window by the door. After a moment’s hesitation, he had no choice but to walk to the outer side of the folding screen and deftly change his clothes.

Hearing the RUSTLE of fabric and seeing the indistinct silhouette on the screen as it dressed and undressed, the black-robed figure tilted her head slightly, seeming to grow even more still, like a true statue.

Once Xie Yuan had finished changing and placed his dirty clothes in the laundry basket, he entered the inner room and lowered his voice to a whisper:

"Miss Mu, you get some rest. I’m heading out."

Mu Chaoyun’s hood bobbed, as if in a nod.

Having said his piece, Xie Yuan cupped his fist in a brief salute, turned, opened the door, and stepped out. He quickly shut the door behind him and said to Shen Longteng, who had a peculiar expression on his face:

"Chief, shall we head to the banquet now?"

"Yes, let’s go straight there. Why were you changing in the outer chamber just now?"

"Uh... I didn’t want to make you wait too long, Chief, did I? Where are we going? And I’m honored you came to get me yourself."

"Hahaha, I’ve already booked the entire Chunjiang Building, the best in the county. After this morning’s tournament, everyone wants to give us face wherever we go. The Chunjiang Building used to be the Vajra Sect’s regular spot, but they won’t be bothering with them anymore."

Shen Longteng laughed loudly.

"Xie Yuan, you’re the Escort Agency’s number one hero! Name your prize! What reward do you want?"

"It was a team effort."

Xie Yuan said humbly.

"Cut the crap. If you don’t pick something, I’ll pick for you. Hmm, I have a Demon Tiger Bone in my storeroom that Old Chu and Old Wei have been eyeing for ages. It’s yours this time. And also..."

The two of them walked off as they spoke, their voices gradually fading until they were inaudible, and Xie Yuan’s small courtyard fell silent once more.

Inside the room, Mu Chaoyun slowly pulled back her hood, revealing an exquisitely beautiful, melon-seed-shaped face.

Her features were so beautiful they seemed otherworldly. But her skin was snow-white and completely devoid of color, her cheeks were thin, and she possessed a delicate frailty that would inspire pity in any who saw her.

Yet her eyes were like a deep lake, extremely profound, and her dark brows were slightly arched, as if she were holding something back.

Mu Chaoyun’s gaze swept across the room, flickered to the laundry basket, and her lips twisted as she whispered, "Lecher."

Then she stared blankly ahead for a long while before closing her eyes, wrapping her arms around herself, and curling up on her side on the couch.

Her frail figure looked inexplicably helpless and a little lonely.