Chapter Sixty-Six: The Path of Cultivation in Reality

The old Taoist clearly noticed Liu Ping as well, looking him over with some surprise. Then he narrowed his eyes, gazing toward the top of Liu Ping's head, and seemed taken aback, his expression shifting to one of interest.

"I am Liu Ping, courtesy name Fengchang. Greetings, Master Daoist," Liu Ping said, bowing respectfully.

The Taoist nodded and smiled. "I am Xuan Can. What brings you, sir, to my temple?"

Liu Ping answered honestly, "I have come for the sake of my dearest friend. I beg you, Master, to save him!"

Xuan Can replied, "I am not a physician; how can I save anyone? You are desperate, trying anything—well, I am no doctor."

"He is not afflicted by disease," Liu Ping said, "but by a malignant spirit!"

Xuan Can immediately furrowed his brow. "What does that have to do with me? Wherever it came from, let it return. Begone."

As he turned to leave, Liu Ping was stunned, not expecting such a brisk and resolute refusal. Angered, he hurried after Xuan Can, pleading, "Master, I implore you for your mercy!"

Without even turning his head, Xuan Can asked, "I live in seclusion, untouched by worldly affairs. People die from hunger, from plague, from accident, from vengeance, or from malevolent spirits. Such is fate; it is the way of things. You would have me interfere and alter their destiny? Hmph. I do not know how you learned of me, but to speak plainly, what merit or virtue do you possess to move me?"

Hearing this, Liu Ping was momentarily speechless. It was true; his face darkened, and he sighed. "Since you say so, Master, I must take my leave."

"Go then, I will not see you off," Xuan Can replied coldly. Those who dwell outside the world are indifferent to human bonds, and especially so to those unrelated. Mercy? His path was not one of compassion. To slay demons and exorcise evil is a road of killing and quick satisfaction; if met with setbacks, one’s end is often tragic and unmarked. Only living freely and detached from the world is the way to longevity.

Baizhi, nestled in his arms, stirred restlessly, seemingly displeased with the Taoist's coldness. Liu Ping comforted her, preparing to leave when suddenly, a thought struck him, and he stopped in his tracks.

Turning back, Liu Ping called, "Master, please wait!"

Xuan Can, annoyed, asked, "What now?"

Liu Ping said hesitantly, "Master Xuan Can, do you know my teacher? My teacher is Xuan Zhenzi."

As he said this, Liu Ping felt strange, as if he were boasting like a child whose father is a powerful official; not relying on his father, but on his master.

Xuan Can was clearly surprised, taken aback to hear the name Xuan Zhenzi from Liu Ping’s lips, and even more so that he claimed him as his teacher. With some astonishment, he asked, "What did you say? Your teacher is Xuan Zhenzi?"

---

Xuan Can’s attitude softened noticeably, and Liu Ping felt a surge of joy—this reliance on his master truly worked! "Yes, exactly!"

He recalled that the Taoist before him was called Xuan Can, and his teacher, Xuan Zhenzi, also bore the character 'Xuan.' Perhaps they belonged to the same generation? Though the thought seemed fanciful, he did not hesitate to ask. Opportunities must be sought and seized; without even a little daring, how could they ever present themselves? Boldly he asked, and unexpectedly, there did seem to be some connection.

Xuan Can was clearly skeptical. "Xuan Zhenzi is my senior brother, yet I have never heard that he took you as a disciple."

"I became his disciple last autumn," Liu Ping explained. "As for proof, I have it here."

He produced a jade pendant and handed it over.

Examining the pendant, Xuan Can’s pupils contracted. After a careful inspection, he nodded and returned it.

He then scrutinized Liu Ping and sighed, "Indeed, this is my senior brother’s jade pendant. In terms of status, you should call me uncle. Your talent is exceptional; no wonder my brother took you as his pupil. How has he been lately?"

Liu Ping replied awkwardly, "After accepting me, he gave guidance, presented this jade pendant, and then set off to travel. But he was well at that time."

Xuan Can was surprised, then nodded. "No wonder he gave you the jade pendant; he meant for you to cultivate on your own. This really... What is your current level?"

"Just entered the realm of the human immortal, not yet completed the first transformation."

"You’ve already reached human immortal?" Xuan Can exclaimed. "Remarkable, to have passed the trial of yang fire so quickly and broken through—your gifts are truly extraordinary. To be lost among ordinary folk is such a waste—but since you are my senior brother’s disciple, it is not for me to comment. Earlier, you sought me out—what malignant spirit is it you seek to deal with?"

His attitude had improved immensely, making Liu Ping reflect on how even his irresponsible master proved useful. The cultivation world was indeed pragmatic; connections mattered greatly, leaving little room for chivalrous heroics—no righteous fury, no sword brandished in defiance to slay demons.

He quickly recounted Wang Hong’s situation. Xuan Can chuckled coldly, "Ah, that demon deserves to be destroyed..." He pondered for a moment, then produced a sword made of copper coins and handed it over. "Take this."

Liu Ping examined it carefully, sensing the pure spiritual energy and decisive power within—this was a formidable artifact!

Xuan Can explained, "This is my Heart-Slaying Copper Coin Sword. It can only be used once, but its power is considerable. If you strike with it, you will gravely injure the malign spirit, making it easy for you to subdue her. But you must hit your mark. Do you understand?"

"I understand. Thank you, Uncle, for this treasure," Liu Ping replied, still a little regretful that his reputation was insufficient to persuade Xuan Can to intervene directly. But this was more than enough, and he dared not complain, expressing his gratitude.

He hurried to the Wang family, met with the patriarch, and explained his plan: first, to extract Wang Hong, then to confront the malignant spirit.

---

Liu Ping saw Wang Hong growing ever weaker, and anger stirred within him—this fellow truly lacked resolve. But then he realized, how could a mere mortal resist the seduction of a demon at the level of a monster general? Strictly speaking, Wang Hong’s fate should have ended already; he ought to have been devoured by the demon wolf. Liu Ping, an anomaly beyond the will of Heaven, had intervened, altering Wang Hong’s destiny—disaster might follow.

He sighed, "Do you know that your beautiful wife is not human?"

Wang Hong was stunned. "Liu, are you joking again?"

Liu Ping said, "Look at yourself—only ten days, and you’re on the verge of death from exhaustion. Lust clouds your judgment; you stand at the threshold of death and yet show no remorse! Pitiful. If you continue, I will be ashamed to call you friend!"

Wang Hong grew angry. "Liu, if you keep speaking nonsense, do not blame me for severing our friendship!"

Liu Ping did not respond. Instead, he recited a purification incantation. Wang Hong’s expression changed subtly; he looked at Liu Ping in confusion, feeling an unprecedented fatigue, unable to hold on, and promptly fell asleep.

"What’s wrong with Hong’er?" Wang’s father hurried out from behind a screen, anxious.

Liu Ping replied, "It’s nothing; he’s merely fallen asleep. It’s best for him to rest. I am going to confront the malign spirit."

Wang’s father said, "Thank you, nephew."

This was a world where Taoist arts could manifest. Wang’s father, being a man of wealth, was well-informed and had long suspected the woman to be a malign spirit. He had angrily rebuked Wang Hong and tried to drive her out, but to no avail, and had been troubled ever since. Liu Ping had explained his plan, and though initially skeptical, upon witnessing the incantation, Wang’s father—keen-eyed—immediately recognized Liu Ping’s abilities and grew ever more respectful.

"Very well," Liu Ping replied coolly. He drew his Azure Sword and the Copper Coin Sword, heading straight for the demon’s quarters.

He opened the door, passed two screens, and glimpsed a shadow.

Sensing Liu Ping’s murderous intent, Luo Yi smiled seductively. "Young Master Liu, you have finally arrived."

She stepped out from behind the screen, her garments disheveled and scanty, her curves and secret places half-revealed. Her enchanting face smiled alluringly. "You kept me waiting so long. Hmm? That big sword you’re holding—how intimidating. What do you plan to do?"