Cultivating the Mind (2)

Xiao Xiao's clumsy steps and unclear speech sounded very unfamiliar; someone who didn't know him might even think he had just learned to communicate.

"I... I'm Xiao... Xiao."

After speaking, Xiao Xiao chuckled foolishly, and perhaps out of embarrassment, his right hand kept scratching the back of his head.

His two splayed feet also squeezed tightly together, as if trying to hide his toes.

Looking at Xiao Xiao in front of him, his comical and silly appearance was quite amusing.

However, this Young Master frowned, then couldn't help but pinch his nose, his eyes openly revealing arrogance and disdain.

He had no intention of responding to Xiao Xiao, merely looking down at him from above.

Xiao Xiao naturally noticed the hint and felt utterly mortified, only able to relieve the icy atmosphere with a foolish smile.

Fortunately, Monk Xinjian shouted loudly from the crowd, helping Xiao Xiao alleviate his embarrassment.

"To prevent anyone from not understanding the rules, I declare again!"

As these words fell, everyone's gaze gathered on Monk Xinjian!

Xiao Xiao also gazed intently at Monk Xinjian with grateful eyes, his heart filled with gratitude, admiration, and respect for Monk Xinjian.

"There are a hundred people present; you will all be My Named Disciples, and during this period, countless tribulations and thorns await you."

"Only those who truly stand out will be qualified to inherit My Dao!"

As soon as these words fell, the cheers of the crowd were like earth-shattering roars, everyone expressing their opinions, turning into utter chaos.

Xiao Xiao, however, seemed a bit lonely in the crowd; no one was willing to communicate with him, and he just stood silently in place.

Listening to the cacophony of differing opinions, Xiao Xiao only felt it was very lively, and he liked this environment, which made his heart feel very warm.

Before Xiao Xiao was chosen by Monk Xinjian, in the streets near their home, his neighbors and parents toiled for their livelihood every day, and they hardly ever spoke more than a few words, which made him feel very lonely....

And Monk Xinjian did not scold the crowd for this, merely made a gesture for quiet.

Fortunately, there were no mischievous children below; they all consciously closed their mouths, silently waiting for Monk Xinjian to speak.

"During this period, you will all reside in the mountains, and I will assign tasks to you."

"What you need to do is execute them unconditionally! Without any doubt or resistance!"

Everyone's hearts were filled with anxiety, and each person's small hands were clenched tightly; they knew that their future lives would be very difficult!

But the next moment! Monk Xinjian's words! Exploded in their ears like thunder!

"If anyone cannot complete a task, they can pay a certain amount of Spirit Stone based on the difficulty of the task!"

"If you cannot complete the task and refuse to pay Spirit Stone! Then you will face elimination!"

The cheers from below surged like a tide, rising and falling, continuous and unending.

Looking around, their faces were all beaming with excited and fortunate smiles; their family's wealth and background would become a great aid to them.

In contrast, in the corner, Xiao Xiao, who was in the most disadvantaged position, merely silently approved of this decision, without any complaints or resentment.

In Xiao Xiao's heart, he greatly admired everyone, without any so-called jealousy or resentment, just pure admiration.

Because in his view, this was others' advantage, and he had no reason to forcibly demand to be on the same starting line as them.

"Others' gains are not our losses."

He would feel sincere happiness for them, and he would deeply admire them, but if he were narrow-minded and resented them for no reason, it would seem somewhat inexplicable.

"One hundred rooms have been opened in the mountains, and their Ranks vary, with A, B, C, and D Ranks respectively!"

"The higher the Rank, the better the treatment, and the richer the Spiritual Qi concentration, and the method to obtain it is very simple: just pay Spirit Stone!"

As Monk Xinjian's words fell, a stir quickly arose in the field....

As expected, Xiao Xiao moved into a D-Rank room, while others occupied up to A-Rank, down to B-Rank, and even the C-Rank rooms were empty.

However, Xiao Xiao was already extremely satisfied with this; he had never seen such a beautiful house, nor had he ever used such soft bedding.

The clean hygiene and delicious food made Xiao Xiao fall in love with this place, and he became even more grateful and admiring of Monk Xinjian.

After everyone had settled down, Monk Xinjian made the first request!

"Cut off your hair! Or pay a certain amount of Spirit Stone!"

In a large Yanwu Arena, Xiao Xiao was beaming with joy, because in his opinion, this was simply too trivial a matter.

"Hair is a regenerative thing; even if it's gone, it will still grow back after some time, so why care?"

He didn't hesitate at all and cut off his hair, his bald head looking quite comical.

In contrast, the crowd in the field found it difficult; they cherished their precious hair as if it were their life.

There was also a portion of the crowd who, to leave a good impression on Monk Xinjian, resolutely cut off their hair, and of course, many also spent Spirit Stone to keep their hair.

Immediately after, Monk Xinjian made his second request!

"Every day, at sunrise, you must be here to practice diligently! No delays and no tardiness! Or pay a certain amount of Spirit Stone!"

Facing this request, everyone was strangely united!

They all expressed their willingness to come and practice daily, the faces of the young men and women full of fighting spirit, looking forward to a beautiful future.

Three months later....

Gradually, many people began to give up and pay a certain amount of Spirit Stone as required, while the number of those persisting was still over seventy.

Six months later....

More and more people could not persevere; over half of the crowd had given up, but Xiao Xiao was tirelessly happy; here, he had no worries about food or clothing, and even less about any danger befalling him.

Even among his peers, there were so many, and even if they were unwilling to communicate with him, he still lived happily every day, so Xiao Xiao felt very fortunate in his heart.

One year, two years, three years....

More and more people gave up, and those still persisting could be counted on one hand.

On this day, Monk Xinjian, seeing that the time was ripe, made his third request!

"From today onwards, each of you must carry a thousand jin of water every day! Or pay Spirit Stone!"

"For a period of three years!"

Having learned from the previous rigorous practice, many people resorted to clever tricks, promptly paying a large amount of Spirit Stone on the first day.

Of course, there was no lack of persistent individuals; they held firm to their beliefs, always thinking that this was Monk Xinjian's test for them.

During this period, Xiao Xiao's hands, from carrying large amounts of water, had broken countless times and shed much blood.

Every night or when the weather was warm, it was always incredibly hot and unbearably itchy, causing him great suffering.

Three years passed quickly, and the result was still the same as last time: only three people persisted.

After everyone had arrived, Monk Xinjian issued the fourth request!

And this request was even more arduous! And more dangerous!

"From today onwards, you must climb the cliff every day! For a duration of five years! Or pay Spirit Stone!"

The crowd below complained bitterly; even if they had a lot of Spirit Stone, they couldn't withstand such massive consumption!

A few people compromised, and a small portion decided to give it a try.

At the edge of the cliff, goshawks attacked from time to time, scratching many people, and even causing serious injuries!