Chapter 978: Retreating as a Means of Advancing

Chen Changsheng still could not figure it out.

With Scattering Beans to Form Soldiers, how exactly was he supposed to make these "soldiers" practice cultivation on their own?

"Must I really bring them to life?"

Chen Changsheng frowned slightly, finding the idea bizarre.

If these beans came to life, everything would change. Swallowing a bean to convert it into his own Magical Power was one thing, but if the bean possessed spiritual awareness, wouldn't consuming it be no different from a demonic art?

Chen Changsheng let out a long sigh. "A long and arduous road..."

Seeing Mister lost in thought, Ning Bufan asked, "Is Mister Chen pondering over Divine Abilities and Daoist arts?"

"You could say that."

"Is that so..." Ning Bufan thought for a moment before saying, "Mister might as well ask someone else. There are many cultivators on Tianji Mountain who might be able to help. Isn't there also Priest Chen?"

Chen Changsheng paused. Hearing this, he actually remembered someone.

"That does remind This Chen."

Standing up, Chen Changsheng said, "This Chen is going to step out for a bit. Feel free to wander around on your own for now."

Ning Bufan nodded. He watched Mister ride the clouds and mist away, touching down on a nearby peak a short time later.

"Isn't that Priest Xiao's place?" Ning Bufan muttered.

Chen Changsheng believed Xiao Dongxu might be able to help him with this matter.

When it came to strange and bizarre Divine Abilities and Daoist arts, Xiao Dongxu knew the most. This wasn't an insult, but simply the truth; he loved researching the unconventional methods and Divine Abilities that others ignored.

When Chen Changsheng found him, Xiao Dongxu was sitting cross-legged in a tree, facing the purple qi from the east to refine his Magical Power.

Sensing someone approach, Xiao Dongxu opened his eyes. Seeing Mister Chen, he hurriedly jumped down from the tree.

"This humble Daoist greets Mister Chen."

Chen Changsheng said, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, there is no need for such formality. This Chen has come today to ask for a favor."

Xiao Dongxu blanked for a moment before replying, "Mister is too polite."

The two sat down at the table beneath the tree.

Chen Changsheng then slowly explained the concept behind the Scattering Beans to Form Soldiers technique.

Xiao Dongxu stared blankly at first, but his eyes soon lit up. "Mister wants the soldiers formed by Scattering Beans to Form Soldiers to practice cultivation on their own?!"

Springing up in excitement, Xiao Dongxu cried, "Brilliant! How brilliant! Why didn't I ever think of such a method?"

"If such a technique existed, it would greatly accelerate one's cultivation."

But after thinking about it carefully, a grave expression settled over Xiao Dongxu's face.

He realized this wouldn't just be ordinarily difficult.

"Let me think, let me think..."

Xiao Dongxu immediately fell into a strange, trance-like state.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao?"

Chen Changsheng called out a few times, but Xiao Dongxu remained completely unresponsive.

Slightly taken aback, Chen Changsheng quickly understood and stopped interrupting. He figured that no matter how much he called out, he wouldn't be able to wake him.

He simply sat at the table and waited for Xiao Dongxu to wake up.

Who would have thought this wait would stretch from the hazy dawn all the way to sunset?

The golden hue of dusk fell over the area.

While Xiao Dongxu was lost in thought, Chen Changsheng grasped a handful of Red Beans, pondering the problem over and over.

Unfortunately, after thinking for the entire day, Chen Changsheng came up entirely empty.

It was only when the last trace of the setting sun faded away.

Xiao Dongxu's body jerked, and he finally snapped back to reality.

Startled, Chen Changsheng looked over at him.

Clarity returned to Xiao Dongxu's eyes. Looking at Mister Chen, he said, "Mister, I've thought of a method. While it can achieve what you described, it ultimately operates at a bit of a loss."

Chen Changsheng asked, "What do you mean?"

Xiao Dongxu sighed and explained, "Trying to give the beans spiritual awareness directly is definitely a dead end! If you do that, the Magical Power can't be converted into your own. Since that's the case, why not have a being with an existing spirit temporarily merge into the bean? They can accumulate the Magical Power within it, and when it is time to consume it, they can leave. If you do it this way..."

"There are only two difficulties here. The first is giving the bean the same function as a human physical body, which requires the Divine Ability of Scattering Beans to Form Soldiers to reach great completion. The second is finding a being with a spirit. In this humble Daoist's opinion, you could seek the aid of ghosts or spirits. Those would be the most suitable!"

Xiao Dongxu's excitement faded. "But if you do that, it becomes a thankless task. I doubt anyone would be willing to do it, and you might even end up losing out."

He smacked his lips. "It doesn't count as a useful Divine Ability."

In a flash of insight, everything clicked into place for Chen Changsheng.

He sat frozen in place.

How had he not thought of this himself?

Indeed, having someone else help was clearly troublesome and carried the risk of loss.

But he was Chen Changsheng. Why would he need anyone else's help?

His own divine sense could be divided! If he merged a sliver of it into the bean, wouldn't that eliminate the need for outside help?

Now, all he lacked was the great completion stage of Scattering Beans to Summon Soldiers!

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, you truly are a rare genius."

Scratching his head, Xiao Dongxu said, "Mister praises me too highly. To put it bluntly, this humble Daoist has always delved into unorthodox, side-door paths, so, you know..."

Chen Changsheng smiled. "Thank you for your help this time, Fellow Daoist Xiao. I wonder if there is anything you currently lack? Perhaps This Chen can be of assistance."

Xiao Dongxu waved his hands repeatedly. "I wouldn't dare ask for a thing, I wouldn't dare."

A senior asking him for help was already giving him immense face; how could he possibly ask for a reward?

Chen Changsheng replied, "There is no need to be nervous, Fellow Daoist Xiao. This Chen has never cared for those formalities. If you lack anything, such as magical treasures or Divine Abilities, as long as This Chen can help, please do not hesitate to ask."

Looking a little embarrassed, Xiao Dongxu said, "The truth is, this humble Daoist didn't really help Mister with much, so I'd feel bad."

Chen Changsheng laughed. "What are you talking about, Fellow Daoist Xiao? Your words just now cleared things up for me. This Chen now has a clue on how to proceed. It was a massive help."

"Did it truly help Mister that much?"

"Exactly."

A smile blossomed on Xiao Dongxu's face as he murmured, "That's good, that's good."

He thought for a moment before adding, "However, this humble Daoist genuinely doesn't know what to ask for. I'm not really lacking anything. We should just forget it, Mister."

Chen Changsheng pressed, "Is there truly nothing you want?"

Xiao Dongxu shook his head; he really couldn't think of anything.

Seeing this, Chen Changsheng did not force the issue. Instead, he said, "Very well. If you ever need This Chen's help in the future, I hope Fellow Daoist Xiao won't hesitate to ask."

"No—" Overwhelmed by the favor, Xiao Dongxu instinctively wanted to refuse, but upon seeing Mister's expression, he quickly changed his tune. "Definitely, definitely."

Chen Changsheng smiled, finally setting his mind at ease.

He stood up and said, "It is getting late. Since the confusion in This Chen's heart has been resolved, I will bother you no longer."

"I will see Mister off."

"There is no need."

Xiao Dongxu watched Chen Changsheng leave.

He remained in a daze for a long time, unable to pull himself back to reality.

That was, until a voice startled him awake.

"You brat, what were you chatting with Mister Chen about?"

Xiao Dongxu looked back to see Priest Chen standing behind him. He hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting. "Greetings, Priest."

Chen Daoqiu immediately repeated his question.

Xiao Dongxu slowly recounted the day's events.

After listening, Chen Daoqiu blanked for a moment, then couldn't help but shoot Xiao Dongxu another look. "You brat, your use of retreating as a means of advancing is truly brilliant."

Xiao Dongxu blinked in confusion. "What?"

Chen Daoqiu rapped him on the forehead and pointed out, "That was a favor from Mister Chen!"