As I strolled through the sect's compound, enjoying the ripple of fresh energy from my recent breakthrough into the Heavenly Edge Stage, a surge of spiritual pressure rippled in the distance. Though faint compared to my own cultivation level, I could still sense it. I smiled wryly, recognizing the familiar energy—it was Elder Wei.
Despite his relatively lower cultivation compared to mine, Elder Wei had a way of making an entrance, never passing up a chance to flaunt his aura and pretend that he stood leagues above the rest of us.
If I were to guess, it was one of his many attempts to bolster his "legendary" reputation as the sect's master of the Dao of the Heart. His particular brand of "cultivation" involved a near-obsessive dedication to unlocking the affections of the female elders in the sect.
Unfortunately for him, his attempts had met nothing but failure for years.
And yet, despite his laughable reputation, some disciples still sought him out, hoping that his experience in love and matters of the heart might help them in their own quests. As I rounded a corner, I spotted Elder Wei in a secluded courtyard, his arms stretched wide as spiritual qi swirled dramatically around him.
His aura was impressive, sure—but only in the way that a mild breeze could be impressive to someone standing on a mountain ledge.
Long strands of energy danced around him, causing his robes to billow theatrically even though the air was still. It was clear that Elder Wei was using his spiritual power to create an illusion of greatness.
The real power in this courtyard was me, though I didn't bother flaunting it.
As I drew closer, I spotted two familiar figures kneeling before Elder Wei, both wearing expressions of awe and reverence that bordered on worship. Long Zhen and Bai Lifen, of course. They were regulars in this little courtyard, always seeking Elder Wei's advice on how to win the hearts of women who couldn't care less about them.
Long Zhen, son of the Duke, was many things: talented, ambitious, and completely oblivious to the fact that the three women he adored wanted nothing to do with him. Bai Lifen the merchant's son with too much confidence and too few successes in matters of love.
Together, they made a rather pathetic pair, clinging to Elder Wei's every word as if it held the secret to unlocking the universe.
As I approached, Elder Wei's eyes flicked toward me, recognition flashing across his face. His smile faltered just a bit as he sensed my power—greater than his own—but he quickly regained his composure, raising his hand dramatically as his spiritual aura flared once more.
"Ah, Yue Phaelo!" Elder Wei exclaimed, his voice dripping with what I assumed was meant to be respect, but sounded more like forced enthusiasm. "I see you have come to witness the wisdom of the Dao of the Heart."
I almost laughed. Wisdom? Right.
"I was just passing through, Elder Wei," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "But I couldn't help but notice the… aura."
Elder Wei's smile widened, clearly taking my words as a compliment.
"Of course! One as advanced as you can surely appreciate the intricacies of the heart's Dao. It is a path few are able to walk, but those who master it find that the hearts of those they desire will open to them effortlessly."
Behind him, Long Zhen and Bai Lifen nodded eagerly, their expressions filled with admiration for the so-called master. I, on the other hand, could barely suppress my amusement. If these two fools thought Elder Wei could actually help them win over the women they liked, they were in for a rude awakening.
I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. "And how exactly does one… 'master' the Dao of the Heart, Elder Wei?"
Elder Wei puffed out his chest, his spiritual qi flaring once again in a way that felt more like a gust of wind than the surge of a true powerhouse.
"Ah, young one," he said, addressing Long Zhen and Bai Lifen as much as me. "The Dao of the Heart is a delicate and complex path. It requires not just cultivation of the spirit, but of the emotions. You must harmonize your desires with the desires of the one you seek. Only then can you open the gates of their heart."
I glanced at Long Zhen, who was nodding vigorously. His eyes practically glowed with determination, as if he'd just unlocked the secret to all his problems.
Poor Long Zhen.
I shifted my weight, studying Elder Wei more closely. The man had built his entire persona around the idea of mastering this ridiculous Dao of the Heart, and yet his own romantic pursuits had failed miserably for years. Still, he had achieved one thing—he had gotten disciples to believe in him, which was impressive in its own way.
I decided to humor him. "And have you... harmonized your desires with any hearts as of late, Elder?"
There was a slight twitch in Elder Wei's eye, a flicker of discomfort that he quickly masked. His spiritual qi surged again, and a few nearby leaves fluttered into the air as if in response to his power.
He waved his hand dismissively. "I have transcended such base pursuits, young Yue. My focus now is on guiding others on this path. It is a selfless journey."
Selfless, my foot.
The real reason he'd "transcended" was probably because none of the female elders gave him the time of day.
Before I could respond, Elder Wei turned back to Long Zhen and Bai Lifen, raising his hands in a grand gesture. "Come, young disciples! Let us meditate on the Dao of the Heart. Only by meditating in the presence of one who has walked the path before can you hope to find enlightenment."
Both disciples looked ready to leap out of their skin with excitement. I almost pitied them.
As Elder Wei began to lead them through a series of overly dramatic movements, his spiritual aura swirling dramatically with every gesture, I quietly took my leave, shaking my head as I walked away.
Elder Wei might have his power, but his Dao of the Heart was just another absurdity in a world filled with it.
At least I wasn't the one sitting at his feet, waiting for some miraculous breakthrough that would never come. Long Zhen and Bai Lifen were going to be at this for a long time—poor fools.