The Seas and Mountains Have Their Own Returns, Wind and Rain Have Their Own Meetings

The next day, Xiang Yuan changed his clothes and headed to White Cloud Manor on East Street.

Xiao He, fearing something might happen, shamelessly insisted on following. Xiang Yuan had Yue Huanjiang if Xiao He wasn't there, but if Xiao He lost Xiang Yuan, he'd truly lose everything.

Xiang Yuan found him embarrassing and didn't want to go with him. He put on airs and gave him a stern look, finally managing to get away.

In the manor's backyard, Xiang Yuan saw Yue Huanjiang again. A dashing young man, pure as jade, with a refreshing aura that invigorated the spirit.

Yue Huanjiang was someone Xiang Yuan couldn't look at too much. Every time he did, Xiang Yuan regretted going out without an umbrella that night, to the point where even his master seemed less appealing.

"Brother, my visit today is first to thank you. The gift was too heavy; I feel unworthy of it."

"Why speak of such things between brothers? My younger brother taught me methods of doing business, and I've benefited greatly. Clearly, I've gained an immense advantage."

Yue Huanjiang grabbed Xiang Yuan's wrist and led him into the study and tea room. "Come, come. This is a new tea that just arrived. I wouldn't dare keep it to myself; I invite you to share its exquisite flavor."

"I wouldn't dare refuse."

They sat and tasted the tea. Yue Huanjiang smiled, "What is the second reason for your visit today, my dear brother?"

"I saw the five cultivation methods you bestowed upon me. They all possess extraordinary Spiritual Power, but they differ greatly from the Acupoint Opening cultivation I understand. I know you wouldn't harm me, so there must be a profound meaning behind this. I've come to seek your guidance." Xiang Yuan asked for clarification.

Yue Huanjiang nodded with a smile upon hearing this. "My brother knows me well. I cherish your kindness; how could I harm you?"

He first offered a cup of tea, then said, "Does my brother know that our ancient Human Race was born with innate bodies? It was only due to the jealousy of the Demon Race that the hardship of the acquired body came about?"

He looked displeased as he spoke.

Xiang Yuan nodded and said he had heard something of the sort.

"Since my brother has opened his acupoints and perceives the Five Elements within, now is the time to solidify your foundation and refine the Five Elements for your own use in advance. This is a secret art of White Cloud Manor that is not to be passed on. Keep it in your heart and do not reveal it." Yue Huanjiang transmitted his voice.

Xiang Yuan heard the voice in his ear and marveled at the man's skill, which was no less than Xiao He's. He wondered who would win in a fight.

He was curious.

"Brother, cultivating all five elements upon opening acupoints—isn't that too hasty?" Xiang Yuan asked with a wry smile. He had the will but not the ability; the Five Elements were too difficult a subject. He couldn't figure it out with just Acupoint Opening.

"You must do it, even if you can't..."

Yue Huanjiang's expression turned serious. After a moment of hesitation, he took out a small wooden box from his embrace and placed it on the table, pushing it towards Xiang Yuan. "This Five Elements Bead is an item possessed by inner disciples of White Cloud Manor. Hold it in your mouth while meditating and cultivating. Circulating your Spiritual Power through the Five Elements will protect yourself and prevent you from getting stuck in one element. This way, you won't delay your Foundation Establishment."

As expected, there was more.

Xiang Yuan opened the wooden box and saw a bead with a clear and bright outer shell, a chaotic interior, and subtle swirls of five-colored energy. He knew this item was extraordinary and a great opportunity.

"My brother, don't ask too many questions. There are some things I cannot reveal. Keep this well. Cultivate the five cultivation methods daily in the order of the Five Elements' mutual generation. With the aid of the precious bead, these five cultivation methods will not become your fundamental techniques, nor will they conflict. When you reach the Foundation Establishment Realm, and your internal Five Elements reach a minor completion, the world will be vast. You can cultivate any technique in the world, choose any path you wish to walk, change as you desire, or retreat as you please. With the assistance of the Five Elements, you will not be bound by rules." Yue Huanjiang transmitted his voice.

Xiang Yuan was greatly shocked. Such a statement was truly unheard of.

His martial uncle had said that once a martial artist's fundamental technique was fixed, their future path could only extend from it. Only those of great power could reverse it, and only those of great power could cultivate the Five Elements simultaneously.

How could Yue Huanjiang subvert the common sense of the cultivation world with just a Five Elements Bead?

Was White Cloud Manor that powerful?

Yue Huanjiang shook his head slightly, telling Xiang Yuan not to ask further. He said that revealing this much had already violated the sect's orders, and any more would involve a certain secret.

"My brother, if you trust me, just cultivate."

"I understand."

Xiang Yuan nodded heavily. Perhaps it was his charisma, or perhaps fate, but he felt a strong affinity for Yue Huanjiang and was willing to believe him. Unlike Xiao He, who always made him suspect he was being manipulated when he talked too much.

Of course, Xiang Yuan was willing to do this partly because of his fundamental technique, the Formless Seal Method. With an intangible body and formless energy, he wasn't afraid of messing around.

They chatted pleasantly. Xiang Yuan recited a few poems, which captivated Yue Huanjiang. If Yue Huanjiang had sisters, they would have been betrothed today.

This flirtation—no, this conversation—lasted all day.

Seeing that it was getting late, a trace of melancholy flashed in Yue Huanjiang's eyes. "My brother, I must depart tomorrow. After today's farewell, I don't know when we will meet again."

"Brother is leaving?" Xiang Yuan was quite reluctant.

"Yes, I'm only in Dezhou for an inspection and cannot stay long..."

Yue Huanjiang murmured, "Inspired by my brother, White Cloud Manor is going to do a big business with the Xiao clan. I must return to inform my elders, and I will have less time to roam the jianghu in the future."

"The sea and mountains will eventually have their return, and wind and rain will meet again. Go with the flow, accept it calmly, don't force it, and don't be attached," Xiang Yuan advised.

"My brother's words are always so pleasant to hear."

Yue Huanjiang smiled, dispelling his melancholy. "If you travel the jianghu in the future, you can go to White Cloud Manor in Tongjing Prefecture, on Linyou Road, and say, 'A toast to the wine, for the moon,' and I will come to find you."

"Traveling the jianghu..."

Xiang Yuan felt a flicker of yearning. If fate hadn't brought him here, wouldn't he have wanted to be a scholar-swordsman, traveling the world and living by his own code?

Yue Huanjiang misunderstood Xiang Yuan's thoughts and smiled. "I see that my brother is extraordinary. The small Fengxian County cannot hold you. In the future, you will be like a tiger returning to the mountains, roaming freely."

"I'll take my brother's kind words and we'll strive together."

"Good, I will wait for you in Tongjing Prefecture."

Xiang Yuan did not return all night. After seeing Yue Huanjiang off at dawn, he finally returned to the Xiao Residence.

Before he even reached the main gate, he saw Xiao He squatting on the threshold, hands tucked into his sleeves, looking haggard and forlorn. Anyone who didn't know would think his beloved had run off with some young master.

Xiang Yuan was speechless as he looked at him, knowing he was acting and ignoring him, he simply walked around.

Xiao He followed with a mournful tone, "Little Yuan Brother, why didn't you come back all night? Did that demon man use his sorcery on you?"

"My brother returned to the Sect Gate today, I specifically escorted him."

"He left?!"

Xiao He was overjoyed, a huge weight lifted from his heart. He didn't bother asking if the demon man had succeeded with Xiang Yuan last night. Happily, he grabbed Xiang Yuan and wanted to go to the academy to tease Wang Wenxu for fun.

That little demon man was ultimately just a passerby, not worth mentioning!

Xiang Yuan listened to his words and was speechless again. What did he mean by teasing Wang Wenxu for fun? So those two poems from that day were deliberately written to be nonsensical by Xiao and Xu.

No, that's not right. With his "useless" persona, he had to write them that way.

Teachers have it so hard!

On the carriage, Xiang Yuan asked, "How are the arrangements for the Bao Yi of Song Family Village?"

"The Clerk is here. I finished it yesterday. With me handling it, how could it not be done? I hadn't even spoken yet, and that Qin guy softened up."

Xiao He didn't elaborate, but Xiang Yuan already guessed. Just like how he had Sima Qingyan in his grasp, County Lieutenant Qin also had a handle on him. He figured it must be some corrupt dealings, enough to warrant execution of his entire clan.

Otherwise, what kind of decent county lieutenant would only have a concubine and a manor? He must have benefited quite a bit.

Xiang Yuan took the document. It was on white paper, with black ink and a seal, ready to take office at any time.

"How are things over there? Little Yuan Brother, you can ask Master Xian. If you're not confident, I'll have Brother Xu disguise himself and help you," Xiao He said. The disciples of Yellow Springs Dao who were qualified to travel the world were all at the Acupoint Opening stage. They were numerous and powerful, so Xiang Yuan alone was not safe.

"How strong is Brother Xu?"

"Foundation Establishment Perfection. His Protective Qi defends his body, making him immune to hidden arrows and impervious to water and fire."

"..."

The guy who peed his pants is that strong?

No, if he's that strong, why did he pee his pants?

Xiang Yuan shook his head repeatedly. If it were him, let alone being at the Foundation Establishment Realm, even without any martial power, he wouldn't have the face to wet his pants while acting.

Xu Jixian worked diligently on dirty and tiring tasks without complaint; he was a man who could achieve great things.

Xiang Yuan wanted to know how capable Xiao He was. Seeing his proud expression, waiting for him to ask, Xiang Yuan remained silent, acting as if he had no interest.

If you want to show off in front of me, forget it. Even if there was a door, I'd tear it down!

A moment later, the carriage arrived at the academy. Xiang Yuan followed Xiao He, crouching low as they exited through the back door. He immediately saw Xu Jixian, who was winking at him from the side.

"I heard Little Yuan Brother didn't return all night. Did you encounter some beautiful widow on your night journey?"

Xiang Yuan ignored him, suddenly sensing a murderous gaze. He looked over and saw Sima Qingyan's cold eyes.

Where is my sword!