298: Chapter 298 Kind-hearted Xu Ruyu is repeatedly politely rejected.

The Qi Induction and Micro-Movement Art had been drafted and lay on the desk in the Enlightenment Pavilion, the ink still wet, with a faint spiritual light shimmering across it.

Xu Ruyu let out a long sigh and rubbed his temples, which were throbbing from long hours of intense concentration.

The theoretical framework, cultivation steps, risk mitigation, and even the "story" for marketing it were all prepared; everything was ready, save for the east wind.

And this east wind was the first batch of "seeds" willing to try it and serve as role models to inspire others.

Several names flashed through Xu Ruyu's mind: Leng Ningshuang, Zhao Yan, Ning Caihe, and Qingyan.

Leng Ningshuang, the current top Senior Sister of the Hehuan Sect, was at the Golden Core Peak, possessed exceptional talent, was decisive in her actions, and held immense prestige among the young generation of Disciples in the Sect.

If she could approve of and Cultivate this art, the demonstration effect would be explosive.

Zhao Yan, with a forthright and straightforward personality, was at the Late Stage Foundation Establishment. He excelled in fire-type spells and close-quarters combat, was quite popular among the Disciples, and was a typical "man of action" and "opinion leader."

Ning Caihe, a taciturn Sword Cultivator, was at the Perfection of Foundation Establishment. With a clear Sword Heart and a heart set on the Dao, he was low-key, but his resilient and pure image as a Sword Cultivator carried significant weight among those Disciples who pursued Perfection.

Qingyan, his "little fan girl," appeared weak but was actually sharp-minded. She was at the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment, and more importantly, she had an almost blind trust in him, making her the most likely firm supporter in the Early Stages of promotion.

These four, with varying cultivation levels and personalities, had influence in different circles of the Sect. With his existing rapport (or their one-sided trust) with them, they were undoubtedly the ideal candidates for the "Seed Project."

"No time to lose."

Xu Ruyu carefully tucked the Qi Induction and Micro-Movement Art (Volume 1) into his robes and stood up to walk out of the Enlightenment Pavilion.

The sun in the valley was just right, and the newly transplanted spiritual trees and flowers radiated vitality.

Xu Ruyu first arrived at an independent courtyard located on the east side of Qixia Valley, next to a secluded bamboo forest.

This was the place for quiet cultivation that the Sect had arranged for Leng Ningshuang.

Having experienced the great upheaval of the Sect and the long journey, this Senior Sister seemed even more taciturn than before, spending most of her time behind closed doors, cultivating diligently.

Xu Ruyu arrived at the courtyard gate and gently knocked on the bamboo door.

A moment later, the bamboo door slid open silently.

Leng Ningshuang wore a plain white dress, with no makeup, her icy blue hair tied up simply. Her stunning face seemed frozen with an unmelting layer of frost, her eyes were calm and waveless, and she exuded a cold aura that warned strangers to keep their distance.

She stood inside the gate, showing no intention of inviting Xu Ruyu in.

"Sect Master."

She spoke indifferently, her voice as cold and clear as a spring.

"Senior Sister Leng, sorry to disturb you." Xu Ruyu smiled. "I have some matters regarding cultivation that I would like to discuss with you."

"Please speak, Sect Master."

Leng Ningshuang's tone remained flat.

Xu Ruyu organized his thoughts and tried to use a plain yet enticing tone: "It is like this. I have recently organized my findings and, combining them with the Sect's Legacy, created a new basic Cultivation Technique called the Qi Induction and Micro-Movement Art.

This method aims to optimize the efficiency of traditional Qi induction. Especially in environments where Spiritual Qi is relatively thin or unstable, it can increase cultivation speed and enhance the vitality of True Qi. I would like to ask you, Senior Sister..."

"Sect Master." Leng Ningshuang interrupted him, her eyes not even flickering. "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Master.

However, my Mystic Ice Heavenly Maiden Art has already reached the Golden Core Peak. I need to focus my heart and calm my Qi, stabilize my Realm, and seek an early Breakthrough to revitalize the Sect and return to our former home.

Switching to another technique might hinder my Dao, wasting precious time.

If there is nothing else, I must continue my cultivation."

After speaking, she didn't even look at Xu Ruyu again, gave a slight nod, and then the bamboo door slowly closed, blocking Xu Ruyu outside.

The smile on Xu Ruyu's face froze, his outstretched hand hanging in mid-air.

He had anticipated resistance, but he hadn't expected Leng Ningshuang to refuse so decisively and coldly, not even giving him a chance to explain further.

What permeated her words was an almost paranoid obsession, pinning all hope on restoring strength as quickly as possible to fight back, as well as an instinctive rejection of anything "novel."

"Sigh..."

Xu Ruyu sighed and turned to leave.

It seemed that there was no hope with Leng Ningshuang for now.

He adjusted his mood and arrived near a relatively open Martial Arts Arena in the valley.

Zhao Yan was shirtless, revealing his lean, powerful muscles, practicing punches in the sun, sweating profusely.

His fist technique was fierce and violent; every punch he threw carried scorching fire-type Spiritual Qi, causing the air to crackle—his progress was indeed significant.

"Senior Brother Zhao, practicing punches?"

Xu Ruyu approached.

Zhao Yan stopped his punches upon hearing the voice. Seeing it was Xu Ruyu, a smile immediately spread across his face, though it lacked some of the casualness of the past and held more of the restraint and reverence one has before a Sect Master: "Sect Master! Why have you come? Is there something you need?"

Xu Ruyu waved his hand: "No need for formalities. Just call me Ruyu like before.

I have a new Cultivation Technique I've been working on, and I'd like to ask you to try it out to see if it helps with refining True Qi and increasing explosive power..."

Xu Ruyu gave a simplified introduction to the concepts and benefits of the Qi Induction and Micro-Movement Art.

After listening, Zhao Yan scratched his head and chuckled: "Sect Master... er, Ruyu, I, Old Zhao, admire your abilities.

However... switching Cultivation Techniques is no small matter.

I have practiced this Blazing Sun Fist Sutra for over a decade; the Fist Intent has long been fused into my bones and blood, and my fist heart is clear.

If I switch to something else now, I'm afraid I'll lose this 'fire energy,' and the power of my fist technique will be greatly diminished.

Besides... we have just settled down, and I need to seize the time to improve my cultivation and protect my fellow Disciples. I really don't have time to try new things... How about you ask someone else to try it?"

Although he spoke politely, his refusal was very obvious. Clearly, he didn't believe this so-called "optimized basic Cultivation Technique" could compare to the fist path he had honed through thousands of trials.

Xu Ruyu's heart sank again.

Zhao Yan appeared rough and bold, but in reality, he was exceptionally persistent about the path he had chosen.

He nodded, said nothing more, and turned to walk toward a secluded waterfall pool in the valley.

Ning Caihe was indeed there, standing with his sword in his arms on a protruding rock, facing the waterfall cascading down. He had his eyes closed and was concentrating, as if listening to the resonance between sword and water.

Even when Xu Ruyu walked up close, he did not open his eyes.