Mu Yanxi was not the type to overthink things.
Since this cultivation method came from a legitimate source and there was no question of ownership, she wouldn’t refuse to practice it.
Besides, she could tell that both of these were top-tier divine arts.
“Master, which technique would you like to start practicing first?” the Terminal Ring asked.
“I’ll start with the Serpent Core Immortal Fish Method.” Mu Yanxi replied. After all, the Spirit Snake Shedding Skin was originally a demon clan technique. Compared to that, she felt more at ease with the Jade Pool method produced by the Heavenly Court.
“In that case, I recommend that Master use the ‘Taiqing Immortal Domain Experience’ function of the Heavenly Tome Library. That way, you’ll be able to quickly comprehend and understand the technique.” the Terminal Ring said.
“Really? Alright, I’ll give it a try.” Mu Yanxi nodded. She had heard before that the Taiqing Immortal Domain was an illusion realm built to simulate reality, but she’d never quite understood what that meant. Now was her chance to see for herself.
Mu Yanxi used her divine sense to select the Serpent Core Immortal Fish Method’s realm experience function. Immediately, another page popped up with options listed:
“Beginner’s First Attempt,” “Initial Glimpse,” “Entering the Hall,” “Proficient Mastery,” “Integration and Comprehension,” “Skillful Perfection,” “Return to Simplicity”—these seemed to correspond to the various stages of the cultivation method.
She had never practiced the Serpent Core Immortal Fish Method before, so she naturally started with the very first realm. Mu Yanxi clicked on “Initial Glimpse,” and the moment she selected it, her consciousness was drawn deep into her Immortal Brain.
When she came to, she found herself surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful Jade Pool, where murmuring streams carrying dense immortal energy flowed down from high mountains. The banks were lined with jade trees and rare blossoms. Just taking a breath made her feel as if she was floating away on clouds.
Within the Jade Pool, six or seven immortal maidens of peerless beauty were bathing in various poses. Some scooped water with bent backs, some reclined within the water, some wiped down their jade-like bodies. The only thing they had in common was that none of them wore any clothing.
“Stop! This isn’t right! Wait a minute!” Mu Yanxi shouted. The illusion collapsed in an instant. She was back in her bedroom, and the ethereal sensation vanished abruptly.
“What’s wrong, Master?” the Terminal Ring inquired.
“This—this illusion isn’t right! Why did I see several na—um, immortal maidens bathing, and none of them were wearing clothes!” Mu Yanxi stammered incoherently.
“To bathe, of course you have to take off your clothes. What’s wrong with that?” the Terminal Ring replied matter-of-factly.”
“No, wait! Isn’t this supposed to be the realm of the cultivation method? What kind of illusion is this supposed to be?” Mu Yanxi demanded. Was this perhaps a Heart Demon Tribulation illusion?
When she formed her Nascent Soul, she’d also undergone the Heart Demon Tribulation, and one of the temptations had been a seductive beauty conjured by her inner demons—a tribulation of lust.
But back then, Mu Yanxin’s will was firm, he avoided women, and the sect had even provided him with Elixirs to help overcome the Heart Demon Tribulation. He’d passed through it easily, leaving no strong impression.
“This is indeed a cultivation method experience. The Serpent Core Immortal Fish Method, as the name suggests, is a technique that was comprehended by immortal maidens bathing in the Jade Pool. Of course you need to see how they bathed while learning it,” the Terminal Ring replied with utmost seriousness.
“Huh? A cultivation method comprehended while bathing? Then when I practice this, does that mean I’ll have to train while taking a bath too?” Mu Yanxi was stunned. So the Serpent Core Immortal Fish Method really was, quite literally, the ‘immortal bathing method.’
“That’s right. Though it’s not necessarily about bathing—more accurately, it’s best to practice this technique while soaking in a spiritual spring, or under running water,” the Terminal Ring replied.
“Do I really have to watch this?” Mu Yanxi asked. The scene was just too stimulating for her.
“Master may also choose to skip the illusion and begin with the master’s explanation instead,” the Terminal Ring answered.
“Alright, then just find me an introductory lecture on the method.” Mu Yanxi sighed helplessly, feeling as though she’d been duped.