Shy Hinata, the Sound Four

"I hope you will accept Hinata and let her cultivate at your side."

Chen Feng's eyes flickered slightly at those words. The request surprised him, but upon reflection, it was not difficult to understand.

Hyuga Hiashi had come before, trying both threats and persuasion to make him hand over the Dao School's cultivation methods, only to be refused and leave empty-handed.

Yet the Hyuga Clan had clearly not abandoned that goal. They simply did not dare to force the issue again because of the Old Celestial Master.

So they changed tactics, sending his daughter to become a disciple and openly learn the skills for herself.

Although Chen Feng understood their little scheme perfectly well, he did not reject it immediately. Instead, he gave Hinata a casual glance.

After all, Hyuga Hinata was not only the eldest daughter of the main family and its future head, but also an important figure in this world.

If he took her as a disciple, his reputation points would surely rise considerably. Moreover, he could use her as a bridge to quickly spread the Dao School's influence throughout the Hyuga Clan.

Though he had not yet planned to spread the Dao Sect's arts on a large scale, establishing a foothold here would not be bad. It would only benefit his future plans.

Still, he needed to test her first.

With that in mind, Chen Feng said, "I can consider this matter. If Clan Head Hyuga is willing, Hinata can stay here for now.

"I need to see whether she meets the requirements for cultivating the Dao."

Hearing this, Hyuga Hiashi smiled slightly and nodded. "That is only proper."

He then turned to his daughter and earnestly instructed, "Stay here for a few days. Remember, you must listen to the teacher."

Hinata obediently nodded. "Yes, Father."

"Then I will leave her in your care, sir."

After saying that, Hyuga Hiashi rose and departed.

Once he had left, Chen Feng's gaze settled on Hinata as he quietly considered things.

The little girl seemed somewhat nervous. With her head lowered and cheeks flushed, she did not know what to say.

At that moment, Chen Feng took the initiative. "Why do you want to take me as your master?"

The question made little Hinata even more nervous. At a loss, she said, "I-I..."

Seeing this, Chen Feng chuckled. "It was your father's idea, wasn't it?"

"Mhm..."

Hinata answered softly with her head lowered.

Chen Feng said, "Don't be nervous. I do not mean to blame you. I simply want to know what you truly think. The path of seeking the Dao cannot be forced. It must be something you genuinely wish for."

Hinata's expression shifted slightly at those words. Ever since she had become aware of the world, the clan elders had constantly told her that she had to become strong enough to inherit the position of head of the main family someday.

No matter how difficult it was, no matter whether she wanted it or not, she had to do as she was told. No one had ever cared about what she felt inside.

After all these years, this was the first time someone had actively asked for her opinion. A warm current could not help but surge through her heart.

She then gathered her courage, looked at him, and asked, "Sir, what is the Dao?"

Chen Feng smiled. "Simply put, the Dao is the law by which heaven and earth operate. It is the origin and destination of all things. Everything in this world—life and destruction, seas turning into fields—is merely one manifestation of the Dao."

Hinata felt that it sounded incredibly profound, though with her current way of thinking, she could not understand something so deep.

She could not help asking softly, "Then how does one cultivate the Dao?"

Chen Feng saw her confusion and put it another way. "Everyone's Dao is different. You can only ask your own heart that question. Where your heart longs to go, there lies your Dao."

"My heart..."

Hinata raised a hand to her chest and felt the beat of her heart.

Chen Feng continued, "In truth, people are most suited for cultivation when they are infants, in that hazy state when their hearts are pure and unstained. As they grow older and learn more, all sorts of thoughts are poured into their minds.

"Though they come to understand many principles, their hearts also become filled with disorder and distractions. If you wish to cultivate the Dao, you must understand your true heart. Put simply, seeking the Dao is also seeking your heart."

When he finished speaking, Hinata's eyes brightened slightly, as though she had gained some insight.

Then Chen Feng asked again, "Is there anything you usually enjoy doing?"

Hearing the question, Hinata was about to answer, but hesitated, seemingly too embarrassed to speak.

"Go ahead. I will not blame you."

Chen Feng reassured her.

With his encouragement, Hinata finally answered, "I-I like pressing flowers..."

After speaking, she lowered her head in shame.

She had once given her father pressed flowers she had made herself, only to receive harsh criticism. He had said it was neglecting her proper duties and severely scolded her.

From then on, she hid this hobby deep in her heart, only daring to make some when she was alone.

Just as Hinata was feeling uneasy, a warm palm gently rubbed her little head. Chen Feng said softly, "Pressed flowers? That is quite nice."

At those words, Hinata looked up, a glimmer flashing through her large eyes. "R-Really?"

Chen Feng nodded. "Of course. Is it not normal for people to have hobbies? For example, I like lying in a chair and basking comfortably in the sun, so much that I cannot bear to turn over for half a day.

"Since you like pressing flowers, then enjoy doing it."

Hinata's eyes filled with anticipation, but they soon dimmed again. "But Father sent me here to cultivate..."

Chen Feng smiled. "Returning to your true heart is the first lesson of cultivation."

At those words, an unprecedented light shone in Hinata's eyes. She nodded heavily. "Mm!"

A sweet smile appeared on her delicate face. Being acknowledged by someone felt so wonderful...

While little Hinata was happily playing, several figures were racing toward Konoha Village at the border of the Land of Fire.

Three men and one woman, each differing in build and appearance, yet all giving off a similarly cold and vicious aura.

They were the Sound Four who had infiltrated Konoha Village alongside Orochimaru and set up the Four Violet Flames Formation.

Kidomaru, who led them, said, "This mission is urgent. We must bring back the vessel designated by Lord Orochimaru within three days."

The red-haired Tayuya said, "Is that little brat from the Uchiha Clan really that special? Lord Orochimaru values him so highly."

Kidomaru said, "That is not our concern. We only need to complete the mission."

Sakon said, "The matter of reincarnation is extremely important. To be safe, I think we should choose another backup vessel."

Kidomaru thought for a moment before saying, "Fine. We are making the trip anyway. If we find a suitable candidate, we will bring them back as well..."