Chapter 94: Water Nourishes All Things Without Contention

As his song concluded, the flute music in the plum grove ceased abruptly. The myriad notes vanished into thin air in an instant, leaving only the Bi-Fang bird, which continued to dance gracefully while shedding flames from its body—a sight of such breathtaking beauty it seemed beyond the realm of mortals.

"Not bad, not bad at all."

Facing the rising morning sun, Fan Sheng stepped out from the grove. The sunlight refracted obliquely across his jade-like, gentle face, his innate kingly aura manifesting effortlessly; for a fleeting moment, there was an illusion that one hardly dared to meet his gaze.

"Good morning, Senior."

"Good morning."

Fan Sheng flashed a serene smile and remarked with genuine admiration, "Bai Mu, that little poem you recited just now fits the scene of falling blossoms perfectly. I never imagined that a man as handsome and remarkable as you would possess such profound literary attainments. At such a young age, that is truly impressive."

"You are too kind, Senior."

Bai Mu offered a ritualistic bow, responding modestly, "I spent my early years living in the mountains with my master. In my spare time, I would flip through the scrolls in his library, and over time, I gained a superficial familiarity with many poems. That is all."

Having said this, he cast an inquisitive glance at the Bi-Fang bird, still dancing gracefully by the edge of the plum grove, and asked with surprise, "Senior, are you using the Myriad-Control Divine Flute to command the Bi-Fang, causing it to dance incessantly?"

"Not at all."

Fan Sheng glanced at the fire-spewing Bi-Fang from the corner of his eye and explained in a calm tone, "When the two of you clashed with the Bi-Fang previously, its vital essence was inadvertently severely damaged. Although I saved it with medicinal pills, it remains somewhat weak."

"I sent it to Jiexiu Mountain to capture a cotton snake the other day, intending to use the snake's gallbladder to refine a pill that would fully restore its vitality."

"As for this entranced dancing you see, the Bi-Fang is actually utilizing the spiritual power contained within the Myriad-Control Divine Flute to heal itself. That is why it cannot stop."

"In about three to five days, its body should be completely healed. When I dispatch it to accompany you to the Southern Wilderness, your chances of obtaining the Ten-Thousand-Year Li-Fire Red Lotus will increase significantly."

"I see..."

Bai Mu nodded with some hesitation, then murmured, "To think that Ling Yan and I nearly killed it that day, yet now it repays our enmity with kindness and saves us from danger. I truly feel ashamed."

"Let us not dwell on the past. For now, let us focus on practicing the 'Highest Good is Like Water' technique."

"Once you reach the introductory level of this art, I shall pass on four sword techniques of my own creation, which will eradicate the hidden threat of the Azure Dragon Sword Qi dwelling within your Void Cauldron."

With those words, Fan Sheng turned with elegant composure and began walking slowly toward the foot of the mountain north of Hanyuan Valley. Bai Mu naturally followed closely behind.

From behind, Fan Sheng’s tall and majestic figure was bathed in the morning glow, casting a long, elongated shadow against the ground. As the sunlight shone from behind him, his poised, hands-behind-the-back gait gave the impression of a god descending to the mortal world.

How could there be a person in this world so detached and transcendent? Perhaps even the bearing of the War God Fan Xian would struggle to surpass his.

As the two moved further away, the plum grove returned to tranquility. Aside from the Bi-Fang bird still dancing in its fiery trance, only Ling Yan—her face cold as ice—remained unconscious in the Ice-Flame Pool. She neither awoke nor perished, motionless as an ice sculpture, devoid of any vitality.

Hanyuan Valley, Flying Waterfall Pool.

This was a small, naturally formed waterfall. Because the mountain slope to the north of Hanyuan Valley was not overly steep, the waterfall could not be described as a rushing torrent or a fierce surge. However, the water cascading thinly between the rock walls resembled a jade belt amidst the mountains; set against the morning sun, while lacking the grandeur of the Dongwang Mountain waterfall, it possessed a delicate, refined beauty—a serene scene of spring moonlight, each with its own unique charm.

Below lay a water pool about ten meters square. Though not large, its banks were jagged and strewn with rugged rocks. The clear mountain stream striking the basalt stones created crisp, melodic sounds, like a morning pastoral tune that was a delight to the senses.

Occasionally, a diligent mountain bird would emerge early to forage. As its small silhouette traced a beautiful arc in the morning light, it seemed to silently herald another beautiful and peaceful day.

"Very well, Bai Mu, you shall practice here under the waterfall today!" Fan Sheng commanded casually, simultaneously drawing the white jade flute tucked at his waist, seemingly prepared to play.

"Wait, Senior!"

Seeing this, Bai Mu hurriedly asked in surprise, "You haven't told me the incantations or the methods yet. How am I supposed to practice?"

"No need to rush."

Fan Sheng smiled loftily, standing straight on the left side of the pool. Waving the jade flute in his hand, he spoke clearly, "Sit down by the pool, cast aside all thoughts and worldly concerns in your mind, and reach a state of inner stillness, unburdened by emotions. Once you do, I shall transmit the introductory techniques to you through my spiritual sense."

"However..."

Fan Sheng’s tone shifted, the previous ease replaced by a look of gravity. He warned, "A master may guide you to the door, but the practice depends on the individual. I can do my utmost to transmit the techniques and the path, but how much you comprehend depends on whether you achieve sudden enlightenment or gradual realization!"

"Understood."

Bai Mu flashed a confident smile at Fan Sheng, then sat cross-legged before the babbling waterfall, clearing his mind and slowly closing his eyes to meditate.

Once he entered a state of deep contemplation, Fan Sheng immediately placed the jade flute to his lips. As his fingers danced, notes flowed from the flute like a running stream.

This was a new piece, entirely different from the previous two.

From the moment the first note reached his ears, Bai Mu’s previously cluttered mind was instantly drawn into a realm of high mountains and flowing water. As more notes emerged, his inner world grew peaceful and serene, and his mind began to spontaneously sketch a beautiful, majestic landscape.

Halfway through the piece, guided by the music, Bai Mu entered a void-like state of total detachment—no heaven, no earth, no self.

In this realm, there was no deceit, no scheming, no life-or-death struggle, and no lingering thought of Ling Yan’s critical condition. Even the flute music began to fade into a distant, ethereal blur, until it finally disappeared entirely.

As the last note faded into silence, Fan Sheng lowered his Myriad-Control Divine Flute with satisfaction. With a slight parting of his lips, he began to infuse the mental cultivation method of the "Highest Good is Like Water" technique directly into Bai Mu's consciousness.