Inside the villa, the first floor served as a grand hall, while the second and third floors were designated as the workspace and residence of Ye Feng, who occupied the latter. The third floor was simply arranged, featuring two spacious bedrooms equipped with all the necessary amenities.
On the second floor, alongside a studio for work and a library to house various ancient texts, there was a tranquil meditation room. The remaining six bedrooms, while not as lavish as Ye Feng's on the third floor, still offered a level of comfort and luxury beyond what most could imagine.
The tasteful decor throughout the villa infused the space with a natural, refreshing ambiance, immediately putting visitors at ease. Potted plants thrived in every corner, exuding vitality and charm.
After parking his sports car in the garage, Ye Feng strolled into the villa, glancing at the clock—almost midnight. Rather than heading straight to bed, he made his way to the library.
Since he had begun practicing the Eye of the God, achieving a level of mastery, Ye Feng found himself increasingly inclined to believe in the legends and myths passed down through the ages. The ancient tales of cultivation seemed more than mere fantasy; they were, in his mind, validated by the very spiritual realm he now inhabited. The extraordinary experiences he had faced—events that would be rare in an ordinary life—served as a testament to the existence of beings beyond the ordinary, of which he was now one.
With this realization, Ye Feng consciously sought out ancient texts from around the world, particularly those pertaining to cultivation. Every time he came across a relevant volume, he seized it. His frequent visits to antique markets had proven fruitful, yielding a treasure trove of remarkable finds.
Among them were basic spellbooks, various dubious cultivation methods, and even manuals detailing the myriad demons and creatures of the world. His library boasted a considerable collection of Taoist classics, with each book meticulously arranged, as he often found himself perusing them. Remarkably, this knowledge had significantly accelerated his own cultivation; after three years, his mastery of the Eye of the God had reached the pinnacle of its second phase, with the third phase tantalizingly close.
No other cultivation method could rival such speed—even the dark arts paled in comparison. Although the origins of the Eye of the God were unclear, it was undeniably rooted in authentic Taoist practices, wholly distinct from the dark path.
At this moment, Ye Feng held a weathered tome titled Zhou Yi in his hands, with several similar texts like I Ching, Ma Yi Divination, and Xiangs scattered on the desk. These books, some in pristine condition and others bearing the scars of age, were remnants of a bygone era.
Since embarking on his path as an exorcist, Ye Feng had delved into all related texts and doctrines, exploring an eclectic array of knowledge. He had mastered various talismans, basic spells, and even practiced fortune-telling and geomancy. His broad approach to learning stemmed from his cultivation of the Eye of the God.
The techniques described in the Eye of the God were all-encompassing, offering insights into divination—specifically, the Three Lives Eye, which enabled him to glimpse the past and future of individuals, though the depth of such visions depended on his cultivation level.
Understanding the comprehensive nature of the Eye of the God necessitated that Ye Feng explore a multitude of disciplines, consuming an extensive array of literature. He knew well that relying solely on the mystical abilities of the Eye could lead to imbalanced development—a facade of power lacking the solid foundation to sustain it. As the saying goes, a skyscraper requires a sturdy base; without a solid foundation, all aspirations are but dreams.
Recognizing this truth, Ye Feng tirelessly studied ancient texts passed down by wise sages, continually enriching his knowledge. For instance, while his mastery of the Three Lives Eye granted him the ability to perceive lives across time, lacking a rich understanding would render such insights ineffective.
As the hours crept towards midnight, Ye Feng felt an instinctive shift within him. He gently set aside the ancient text and exited the library, stepping into the adjacent room.
This room was a stark contrast to the library—small and empty save for a large calligraphic character for 'Dao' adorning the wall and an exquisitely crafted meditation cushion beneath it. In the center stood an ornate incense burner, slightly larger than a fist.
These items were treasures Ye Feng had unearthed over the years in antique markets. The calligraphy, though the artist's identity remained unknown, exuded an indescribable aura that suggested profound wisdom. He suspected it might have belonged to a renowned master.
The cushion, made from a rare plant known as Qingxin Grass, enhanced the meditation experience, allowing practitioners to absorb spiritual energy more efficiently. The incense burner housed a blend Ye Feng had concocted from an ancient text, capable of calming the mind—a precious asset in his practice.
Seated on the cushion, legs crossed, he began to circulate the Eye of the God, turning his focus inward. Before him, a black Taiji symbol materialized in his mind's eye.
This symbol did not remain static; it spun slowly in a clockwise motion, releasing waves of pure Taiji energy that coursed through his body, flowing through his meridians. With each complete rotation, this energy returned to the symbol, subtly growing in intensity. Simultaneously, cool moonlight essence streamed in from above, guided by the Eye of the God, transforming into Taiji power as it mingled with the symbol's rotations.
Were anyone present to observe, they would witness shimmering silver moonlight cascading over him, enveloping him in a luminous glow, seeping through every pore—a breathtaking sight.
Time passed, and as Ye Feng exhaled deeply, the silver light enveloping him dissipated. He opened his eyes, two gleaming orbs flashing with newfound clarity, the black Taiji symbols briefly visible within.
"Ah... no wonder the ancient cultivators sought solitude in the mountains or hidden realms. In this bustling metropolis, where can one find spiritual energy?" Ye Feng rose from the cushion, shaking his head with a sigh.
In ancient times, the air was less polluted; even in crowded cities, spiritual energy could coalesce, albeit with difficulty. But now? In urban areas, finding spiritual energy felt impossible, replaced instead by smog. One had to venture deep into the wilderness to discover a suitable place for cultivation.
Fortunately, the Eye of the God was inherently designed to harness the unique qualities of his yin-yang constitution, allowing him to draw on the energies of the moon and sun for his practice. This was undeniably advantageous.
Thus, even in the heart of the city, Ye Feng could continue his cultivation, absorbing the essence of day and night. Regrettably, the most effective times for such practices remained confined to the midnight hours.
With a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, he turned, abandoning further contemplation, and returned to his bedroom, drifting into a peaceful sleep.
Not long after dawn broke, Ye Feng found himself in his makeshift office. A state-of-the-art computer sat on a long mahogany desk, cluttered with ancient tomes inscribed in archaic script, and a few plush chairs for visitors were scattered around.
On the wall hung a portrait of the Three Purities, the incense wafting gently in the air.
As Ye Feng would say, "Though we lack a formal sect, appearances still matter."
At that moment, Ye Feng's fingers danced across the keyboard with remarkable speed, a faint smile gracing his lips. He was busy crafting a job advertisement.
"I'm seeking an assistant for my company, offering a monthly salary of 30,000 to 70,000. Company car and housing included, with meals provided. Weekends off, of course. All of this reflects the sincerity of my offer. Whether you can secure this generous salary depends on your skills and qualifications.
Gender: Any, though those who don't identify as either should refrain from applying.
My requirements are simple; if you can answer the following question, you'll be deemed qualified.
First, if there are two worlds—inner and outer—where do you reside, and why?
After answering this, please outline your skills. I trust that anyone capable of answering the first question will understand what I'm getting at.
P.S.: This advertisement is always valid, and is absolutely genuine. Simply answer the questions above, and if you qualify, I will provide my contact details."
With a decisive keystroke, he sent the advertisement out across various forums, allowing a mischievous grin to escape his lips. "Heh, after all this time working alone, it's about time I found an assistant. I wonder if anyone will take this seriously. Ah, well, if someone shows up, great; if not, that's fine too." With a nonchalant chuckle, he logged onto QQ.