6: The Inner Fairy's Examination

Yun Zhi's words were like stones cast into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand ripples in the hearts of everyone in D-7 Courtyard.

Team Collaboration Method? Improved Qi Guiding Incantation?

Zhao Iron Pillar and the others immediately tensed up, subconsciously stepping in front of Wen Youyi. Although their legs were trembling slightly when facing an Inner Sect Disciple, they still adopted a protective stance. Wen Youyi had just led them to victory against Liu Ming, so now he was one of their own, and they couldn't let anyone bully him.

Wen Youyi's heart also sounded an alarm. He hadn't expected his small endeavors to attract the attention of the Inner Sect so quickly, and in such a formal manner as "by Revered Master's command." Was this a blessing or a curse?

He took a deep breath, gently pushed aside Zhao Iron Pillar who was blocking him, and cupped his hands to Yun Zhi again, his attitude neither servile nor overbearing: "Senior Sister Yun overstates it. 'Team Collaboration' is merely a clever trick that us Disciples haphazardly came up with to complete miscellaneous tasks; it's hardly worth mentioning. As for 'Improved Qi Guiding Incantation'... that's even more out of the question. This Disciple's Aptitude is poor, I merely have some superficial personal insights into Cultivation, and I would never dare to presumptuously alter a Sect Cultivation Technique."

His words were airtight. He clarified that "Team Collaboration" was for doing chores, categorizing it as an insignificant minor cleverness, and completely denied the serious accusation of "improving Cultivation Techniques"—privately altering Cultivation Techniques is a major taboo in any Sect.

Yun Zhi's cool gaze lingered on Wen Youyi's face for a moment, as if trying to discern something from his eyes. But Wen Youyi's gaze was clear and honest, carrying just the right amount of confusion and a hint of awe when facing an Inner Sect Disciple, revealing no flaws.

"Is that so?" Yun Zhi's tone was flat, revealing no emotion. "But I heard that you few just now joined forces and made a Qi Refining Fourth Layer Disciple suffer a loss. This, it seems, cannot be entirely explained by mere trickery for chores."

She knew after all! The news spread so fast!

Thoughts raced through Wen Youyi's mind, but on his face, he showed a hint of "shame": "Senior Sister's insight is keen. Just now, Senior Brother Liu came to offer guidance. Knowing we were no match, we had no choice but to use some undignified grappling methods, relying purely on a surge of courage. Coupled with Senior Brother Liu's mercy, we... luckily didn't lose too badly. It truly cannot be called 'joining forces against an enemy.'"

He deliberately twisted an underdog victory into a "not losing too badly" grapple, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Yun Zhi nodded slightly, unsure if she believed him or not. She changed the subject: "My Revered Master is quite interested in methods that can improve the efficiency of low-level Disciples. Junior Brother Wen, could you elaborate on how your 'Team Collaboration' operates?"

Wen Youyi's heart settled a little; as long as it wasn't about the Cultivation Technique, it was fine. He organized his thoughts and then described the concepts of division of labor, coordination, and real-time communication in the simplest, easiest-to-understand language, emphasizing that it was for "completing Sect tasks faster and better."

Yun Zhi listened quietly, a faint hint of surprise occasionally flashing in her cool eyes. This approach of breaking down a complex task, assigning specialized roles, and collaboratively advancing it, indeed seemed quite novel to her. The Immortal Realm valued individual power more, and this mindset emphasizing collective effort and efficiency was rare.

"Somewhat interesting," Yun Zhi commented blandly after Wen Youyi's narration. "If it can truly improve the efficiency of miscellaneous tasks, it could be considered a merit."

Just as Wen Youyi was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he heard Yun Zhi add: "However, your Cultivation is ultimately the fundamental. Observing your aura, your Spiritual Qi seems slightly... purer than that of ordinary Qi Refining First Layer Disciples. Why is that?"

Here it comes! The core issue couldn't be avoided!

Wen Youyi's heart module tightened slightly, knowing this was the true focus of the other party. His brain raced, knowing he absolutely could not expose the truth of "spirit net bloodsucking" and the "Breathing Cache Method"; that would bring about utter disaster.

A hint of "hesitation" and "embarrassment" appeared on his face at just the right moment, and he whispered: "Replying to Senior Sister, this Disciple... this Disciple's Aptitude is dull. Directly absorbing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi always feels sluggish and difficult. Later, one time when I was dizzy from hunger, while meditating, I vaguely felt that if I circulated the inhaled breath a few more times in my belly, it seemed... it seemed I could retain a bit more strength. This Disciple doesn't know if it's correct; I was just haphazardly trying it myself, and I absolutely have no intention of altering Cultivation Techniques!"

He cleverly packaged the "Breathing Cache Method" as "inspiration born from hunger," a clumsy, makeshift method for an untalented person, and once again emphasized it was "personal insight," disassociating it from Sect Cultivation Techniques.

"Circulate it a few more times in your belly?" Yun Zhi frowned slightly. Her Divine Thought stirred, and she carefully sensed Wen Youyi. Indeed, although his Spiritual Power was weak, it truly had fewer Impurities and a hint of an indescribable "resilience" compared to Disciples of the same stage.

This could definitely not be explained by ordinary "inspiration born from hunger." This child either had astonishing natural intuition, or... he harbored a secret.

However, his Spiritual Root Aptitude did appear poor, and his Cultivation was pitifully low, not like someone with a great background. Perhaps it really was some kind of accidental coincidence?

Yun Zhi was meticulous and did not immediately draw a conclusion. Her gaze swept over Zhao Iron Pillar and the others, who were clearly nervous in the courtyard, and then at Wen Youyi, who, though feigning composure, had slightly tensed fingertips. She had made up her mind.

"Diligence can compensate for lack of talent, which is also the Righteous Path," her tone remained flat. "Although your method is crude, it is not a major issue. Just remember, on the path of Cultivation, Foundation is paramount. Do not blindly seek novelty and stray onto the wrong path."

These words sounded like a warning, but in reality, they were a subtle act of letting him off the hook.

A great weight fell from Wen Youyi's heart, and he quickly bowed: "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your guidance. This Disciple will bear it in mind!"

Yun Zhi nodded, said no more, and turned to leave. Her white skirt traced a cool arc.

Just as she was about to exit the courtyard gate, she suddenly stopped, her back to Wen Youyi, and as if casually mentioning something, her voice was so soft that only the two of them could hear it:

"It's best to eat fewer calming heart pills."

With that, her figure flickered, and she had already disappeared outside the gate.

Wen Youyi's body trembled, and he suddenly looked up, only to see the empty courtyard gate.

She... she also knew there was a problem with the calming heart pill?!

Who exactly was this Senior Sister Yun Zhi from the Inner Sect? Was her arrival truly just because her Revered Master was interested in "Team Collaboration"?

Wen Youyi stood rooted to the spot, looking in the direction Yun Zhi had disappeared, his brows deeply furrowed.

He felt as if he had fallen into a larger, invisible and intangible net. The spirit net, the Medicinal Pill, and this mysterious Inner Sect Fairy... the waters of this Immortal Realm were deeper than he had imagined.

Zhao Iron Pillar and the others, seeing Yun Zhi leave, then crowded around, asking excitedly: "Little Wen, are you alright? Did the Inner Sect Fairy not make things difficult for you?"

Wen Youyi shook his head, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind, and forced a smile: "It's nothing, Senior Sister Yun was just curious. Everyone remember her words, try not to eat calming heart pills in the future."

He looked at everyone, his eyes once again firm.

No matter what lay ahead, he had to quickly make himself and this small group stronger. Only with sufficient power could they glimpse a sliver of hope in this strange "Ranch," and even... find a way to break the situation!

(End of Chapter)