In a tranquil temple hall, Primordial Monarch Taixu sat high atop a cloud bed at the head of the hall, with piles of bamboo scrolls stacked like mountains on the right side.
Taixu took a rectangular jade slip from his sleeve, a wolf-hair brush, a blue inkstone, and a bottle of Grain Avoidance Pill, letting them all fly to the bamboo scrolls in front, on a table.
"These are the secrets of Jade Capital Purple Star, Golden True Seven Crystals, and the Purple Words of the Pill Book. Begin transcription now."
Standing below, Chu Xuan was stunned for a moment. So fast? Without even asking if I can read?
Yet, he didn't ask further, instead sat down at the table and picked up a bamboo scroll to start transcribing.
Although Chu Xuan had no magical power, the jade slip and brush seemed to be special magical artifacts. After he dipped the brush in ink and wrote, the characters naturally concealed themselves, as if hidden deep within the jade slip.
Actually, Chu Xuan was illiterate, but the ancient seal script of this world had certain similarities to the traditional characters from his previous life, so he could barely recognize four or five out of ten.
But expecting him to comprehend divine techniques from these seemingly powerful Taoist scriptures was simply out of the question.
While Chu Xuan was transcribing, Taixu sat cross-legged on the cloud bed, meditating with closed eyes.
This made him feel slightly pressured, as if it was like an exam in his previous life, with the proctor sitting right beside him.
Thus, Chu Xuan became more earnest; whatever the other said, he did, not in the least bit hurried.
...
A month flew by, and in the initial days, Chu Xuan dared not relax, exhausting himself greatly.
Later, when he realized Taixu never opened his eyes, he would occasionally get up to stretch his muscles and bones, sometimes being dragged outside by the snow mink, enjoying a good leisure time before returning to continue transcribing with renewed energy.
Although the pile of bamboo scrolls looked terrifyingly numerous, limited by the medium, one bamboo scroll didn't hold too many characters, so unexpectedly, Chu Xuan finished in a month.
Only then did Taixu open his eyes, looked at Chu Xuan, and said blandly, "Transcribe it again."
Chu Xuan's expression stiffened for a moment, but he still did not refute, bowed, and complied.
He thought to himself: It must be a test of my patience; I absolutely must not complain at this point.
However, what Chu Xuan did not expect was that the Primordial Monarch Taixu walked down from the upper seat this time, conjuring a mat beside him to sit down.
The two were so close, almost shoulder-to-shoulder, the fragrance of the woman wafted over, like a white magnolia blossoming gently in the morning, with dewdrops, like clouds and snow, refreshing and pleasing.
Chu Xuan couldn't help but blush and his heart raced; he secretly cursed himself for being such a coward. Are you some pure-hearted little virgin?
Well, actually you are...
"This time I'll teach you to recognize characters and understand their meanings. If there are any words you don't understand, ask me." Taixu casually took up a bamboo scroll.
Chu Xuan's heart was filled with joy; personally teaching him to recognize characters, this was definitely the treatment of a disciple. This was steady, he mustn't squander such a good opportunity!
He immediately dismissed any distracting thoughts, focused his mind, listening to the icy beauty intone as he wrote down word by word, occasionally asking about the meaning, keeping it in mind, thinking he might be tested later.
Since he had transcribed once before, due to increased familiarity, this time, even with the character recognition class, it only took Chu Xuan another month to complete.
During this time, the snow mink was still audacious, occasionally grabbing people to go play, fortunately, this beautiful master was very understanding, always taking the initiative to set aside the bamboo scroll, giving Chu Xuan an opportunity to rest.
This increased his goodwill towards Taixu further, of course, he carefully buried it deep in his heart, not showing a trace.
...
Just as Chu Xuan finished writing the last stroke of the second time, rubbing his aching wrist, Taixu calmly said, "Transcribe it again."
Though not too surprised, he still nodded compliance.
"This time, you must deeply understand the meaning of these Taoist scriptures. If there is anywhere you cannot read, ask me as before."
Chu Xuan suddenly realized that saying it was a three-month scripture copying, was actually guiding him gradually, helping him lay a solid foundation.
Of course, this was also a test; if Chu Xuan showed any impatience during the process, he would probably have been sent down the mountain long ago.
Moreover, he needed to have a certain level of understanding, show achievements; if he was truly too dull, such teaching wouldn't have succeeded, and it would be better to go back home early to farm and marry a wife.
Hence, the last month, Chu Xuan doubled his diligence; in his heart, there were no such beauties, even during rest and sleep, he was recalling those profound, obscure scriptures.
...
The agreed three-month term had ended, and Chu Xuan felt he should score a passing mark, but he was still somewhat anxious.
The Primordial Monarch Taixu wouldn't actually keep his word, and immediately send him down the mountain, would they?
The two were still sitting side by side at the table, looking at the stopped pen of Chu Xuan; Taixu nodded, "Not bad."
Whether it was Chu Xuan's illusion or not, he felt there was a touch of acknowledgment in the other's gaze, which made him immensely joyful— it was the feeling of effort being recognized.
Taixu again took out a jade slip from his sleeve, "As per the previous agreement, now I bestow upon you a method of cultivation."
"If you can enter Qi Cultivation in three days, I can allow you to stay for another three months."
Well, Chu Xuan didn't even need to mention it himself, the other had already proactively provided a plan extending three months by another three months; he naturally accepted gladly.
Taixu placed the jade slip against Chu Xuan's forehead; he closed his eyes and focused, immediately feeling mysterious incantations appearing one segment at a time in his mind, with the opening line being:
Heavenly White Jade Capital, twelve towers and five cities.
Immortals stroke my head, tying hair to receive longevity.
...
Once Chu Xuan roughly read through it, Primordial Monarch Taixu gently explained, "This is a fundamental method directly pointing to the Great Dao, differing greatly from other cultivation techniques because it must have guidance from a True Immortal to establish the foundation."
"Ah?" Chu Xuan nearly thought he heard wrong, True Immortal?!
Could his master actually be a fairy descended from the celestial court? No way...
Seeing the surprised look from Chu Xuan, Taixu couldn't help but smile lightly.
Although the smile was very faint, similar to just a few pixels in the words of his previous life, yet still moved Chu Xuan unexpectedly.
The colder the type, the more irresistible they are once a smile breaks.
Unfortunately, the beautiful scene was fleeting, Taixu continued:
"I'm naturally not a True Immortal, but I preserve a trace of 'immortal energy' here. If you perform well, I can use this trace of immortal energy to help you establish your foundation."
Chu Xuan was astonished further, "Such a thing, must be extremely valuable?"
Taixu nodded, calmly said, "Don't think too far yet. If you fail the first trial, I would replace it with a simpler method and send you down the mountain."
Chu Xuan's sense of crisis heightened, quickly nodding.
Next, under the guidance of his beautiful master, he seriously studied this cultivation technique known as "Jade Capital Purple Star Daoist Core Secrets."
Benefiting from the three months of scripture copying earlier, Chu Xuan had understood some foundational Taoist terms, such as "Golden Raven and Jade Rabbit," "Kan and Li, lead and mercury," hence learning quickly.