Chapter 31: Because I Am the Best Evidence
Chapter 31: Because I Am the Best Evidence
Boom!
Chen Zhixing's words exploded like thunder in the mind of the clan elder. He couldn't help but take a few steps back, taking deep breaths to calm himself.
"Nonsense!"
The clan elder steadied himself and questioned, "If what you say is true, how did the patriarch manage to reach the Immortal Realm using this method?"
This question made the Chen family disciples nod slightly. Indeed, if what Chen Zhixing said was correct, how did the patriarch achieve the Immortal Realm?
Chen Zhixing glanced at the clan elder and said calmly, "The world is vast, and people are different."
"The patriarch could reach the Immortal Realm using this method because he was born with the Five Elemental Body!"
"A person born with the Five Elemental Body can naturally harmonize the five elemental essences of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth!"
At this point, Chen Zhixing paused, then sneered, "Dare I ask, elder, are you born with the Five Elemental Body?"
"I..."
For a moment, the clan elder was at a loss for words, unable to respond. Indeed, as Chen Zhixing said, the founder of the Chen family did possess the Five Elemental Body!
"You... Anyone can say such things! Do you have any proof? I ask you again, do you think you're the only one who can see through this? Why do others in the Chen family still practice the Five Elemental Qi Gathering Technique?" the clan elder retorted angrily.
Hearing this, Chen Zhixing couldn't help but laugh. This behavior was akin to arguing with someone using logic, only for them to resort to nonsense when cornered.
Shaking his head, Chen Zhixing coldly replied, "Why? Because there are too many fools like you, who revere the past and reject the present!"
Before the elder could react, Chen Zhixing continued, "People like you blindly follow the ancients, not understanding that you must consider your circumstances. You believe that ancestral methods are sacred, that old traditions cannot be changed, and that everything the ancestors did was perfect and powerful. Even if an ancestor's practice was wrong, you would twist it to fit your beliefs.
"But the world moves forward, and every generation surpasses the last!
"Time progresses, and we stand on the shoulders of our predecessors, destined to see farther and achieve more!"
Chen Zhixing looked towards the distant mountains, speaking slowly, "Respecting our ancestors requires recognizing and honoring them. They were pioneers, and we should hold them in reverence, for without the patriarch, the Chen family wouldn't exist today.
"But this does not mean blindly following every word and deed of the patriarch, imposing their practices on ourselves.
"Extract the essence and discard the dross! This should be the attitude and practice of the Chen family."
After Chen Zhixing finished speaking, the entire mountaintop fell silent. All the Chen family disciples stared at Chen Zhixing in astonishment. Even Chen Zhaosheng lowered his head in thought.
"You..."
The clan elder, still fixated on being called a "fool," sneered, "You brat, anyone can say grand words. Where's your evidence? I ask again, do you have proof?"
Chen Zhixing turned his gaze back to the elder, paused, then chuckled.
Enough. Why bother arguing with him?
"Beyond redemption," Chen Zhixing muttered before turning to leave.
At that moment, a voice sighed, "No proof is needed."
"Because... I am the best evidence."
Suddenly, an ancient figure dressed in a plain robe, face covered in age spots, exuding an aura of decay, appeared on the mountaintop.
The Chen family disciples, upon seeing the old man, showed puzzled expressions. Who was he?
Only the clan elder, upon recognizing the emaciated elder, first froze, then his face lit up with joy. He was about to speak respectfully when...
"Shh."
The emaciated elder gently shook his head, then looked kindly at the departing Chen Zhixing and asked, "Young friend Zhixing, may I ask if there is a way to break through to the Immortal Realm?"
Chen Zhixing stopped, glanced at the unfamiliar elder, and shook his head, "As I said, the world is vast, and people are different."
"To break through to the Immortal Realm, in my opinion, mere imitation is insufficient. One must find their true self, discover their own path, and then diligently pursue it, seeking the opportunity."
Having said this, Chen Zhixing left without looking back.
The emaciated elder watched Chen Zhixing's departing figure, lost in thought.
"This brat is just spouting nonsense; I'll deal with him later," the clan elder said with a fawning smile.
Before he could finish...
"No need. Perhaps... he is right."
The emaciated elder sighed, then disappeared.
The clan elder stiffened at the words.
"Elder, who was that?"
"Yeah, we've never seen him in the Chen family."
"A new guest elder?"
The Chen family disciples crowded around, asking questions.
The clan elder snapped out of his daze, then glared at them, "Don't ask what you shouldn't! Continue your cultivation!"
Back at the Third Peak.
From a distance, Chen Zhixing could smell the aroma of food. LuoLuo placed a plate of braised lion's head on the table. Seeing Chen Zhixing return, she exclaimed, "Oh? Young master, why are you back so early today? Did the elder trouble you again?"
"He troubled me? It's good I didn't trouble him."
Chen Zhixing shook his head indifferently, then picked up chopsticks, taking a bite of the braised lion's head. After chewing, his eyes lit up, "LuoLuo , your cooking is getting better and better!"
LuoLuo shyly lowered her head, "As long as the young master enjoys it."
"I enjoy it very much," Chen Zhixing smiled. "I think my best decision back then was bringing you back from Lin'an City. This cooking... is excellent."
Eight years ago, the Chen family found LuoLuo , a little beggar nearly frozen to death, on the streets of Lin'an City. LuoLuo smiled and nodded, "That was also my most fortunate event."
Pausing, LuoLuo seemed to remember something and slapped her forehead, "Oh, I almost forgot... Young master, I found someone you've been looking for recently!"
"Oh?" Chen Zhixing put down his chopsticks, eyebrows raised, "Who? Where are they now?"
LuoLuo quickly replied, "This person is named Ye Chen. His behavior is quite odd; whenever he makes enemies, he says things like 'You've chosen the path of death,' 'You are nothing but clay chickens and pottery dogs,' 'I, Ye Chen, cannot be insulted; you will regret today's actions,' 'I need only speak a word, and the city will be awash with swords three feet high—believe it or not?'"
"He is currently in Lin'an City, but after offending the Black Dragon Gang, he was beaten nearly to death and imprisoned."