A cultivator’s mental state is of the utmost importance.

Such an abrupt shift in one’s worldview was, by all accounts, abnormal. After all, a cultivator’s core values were set firm as they grew. It would take a monumental event to change them.

’Something must be wrong with me.’

Lü Zhong’s expression was grim and uncertain as he hastily left the printing workshop.

Back in the Sect, he made a beeline for the Scripture Pavilion. This was where the Heling Sect housed its collection of scriptures. Even though Inner Sect Disciples could only access the first floor, the collection there still numbered nearly ten thousand scrolls.

After poring over the texts late into the night and flipping through nearly a thousand Ancient Scrolls, Lü Zhong finally identified the likely source of his altered mental state.

It was likely an aftereffect from practicing the Nourishing Spirit Skill.

’Of course. How could I have absorbed so much Yin Qi and come away unscathed?’ In the clear, cold light, Lü Zhong’s face was grim. A glint flickered in his eyes as he pondered his next move.

According to the scriptures, the negative emotions contained within the Yin Qi had affected his Divine Soul. Theoretically, this could have been avoided by absorbing only pure Yin Qi. But Lü Zhong had been just a Loose Cultivator back then; who was there to guide him?

As a result, after practicing the Soul Nourishing Technique, his Divine Soul became infested with wicked thoughts.

He continued to search through the scriptures, not stopping until dawn.

But his efforts were not in vain.

’Practicing a Clear Heart Technique should purge the wicked thoughts that have seeped into my Divine Soul. Next, I should pay a visit to the Inheritance Hall...’ Lü Zhong’s heart finally settled a little. Facing the rising sun, he walked toward the Inheritance Hall.

When he arrived at the Inheritance Hall, a number of disciples were already waiting. Most were there to browse and exchange Merit for Cultivation Techniques.

He got in line and waited for about an hour before the Dharma Transmission Steward finally appeared.

As a Steward, she naturally had a Foundation Establishment Cultivation.

"Greetings, Master Hong!" Disciple after disciple greeted the Dharma Transmission Steward.

Lü Zhong was no exception, offering a respectful bow as well.

At the same time, he sized her up. She was a Female Cultivator with a considerable number of wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. While not particularly beautiful, she had an air as cold as frost and snow, giving off the impression that she was not easy to deal with.

Seeing this, Lü Zhong inwardly cursed his luck.

’I must have the worst luck today,’ he thought. ’To run into the rival of my master-in-name-only.’

This Master Hong’s full name was Hong Biyun, and she had a significant feud with Lü Zhong’s master, Shuini. Rumor had it they had even come to blows on several occasions, but Hong Biyun had been the one to lose each time.

Lü Zhong cursed his bad luck. With the state he was in, he couldn’t afford to waste any time. He had no choice but to remain in line.

Hong Biyun walked to the center of the Inheritance Hall and sat down on an exquisite chair.

"One at a time. Only after registering with me can you enter the hall to look for a Cultivation Technique."

"Yes, Master!" the disciples replied. No one dared to question her.

When it was Lü Zhong’s turn, Master Hong looked him up and down.

Her gaze held not a trace of kindness.

Fortunately, she ultimately cared about her reputation and didn’t take the opportunity to make things difficult for her rival’s disciple.

Without any further trouble, Lü Zhong successfully entered the Inheritance Hall.

To be honest, this was his first time here.

The different sections of the Inheritance Hall were interconnected by Arrays. Various types of Cultivation Techniques were stored in separate zones. Unlike the Scripture Pavilion, this place held very few general texts or miscellaneous books; it contained only a wide range of Cultivation Techniques and Secret Skills.

Following the directory, Lü Zhong found the location of the Clear Heart Skills.

There weren’t many, only two by the looks of it.

They were the "Calm Heart Spell" and the "Ice Heart Mantra."

The Calm Heart Spell was similar to a Magic Skill, requiring hand seals and Chanting to take effect. According to the first few pages of its description, it could indeed eliminate wicked thoughts from one’s mind and keep one’s Divine Thought clear, preventing such a situation from happening again.

The Ice Heart Mantra, on the other hand, was like a Cultivation Technique. Once mastered, it could operate automatically, though its effects were slightly weaker than the spell’s.

After some thought, Lü Zhong decided to choose the Ice Heart Mantra.

The Calm Heart Spell required manual Casting. While its initial effects might be stronger than the Ice Heart Mantra’s, it didn’t run continuously. Over time, its overall effectiveness would be inferior, making it suitable only as a temporary fix.

After selecting the technique, Lü Zhong returned to Master Hong, paid one hundred Merit, and acquired the Ice Heart Mantra.

He rushed back to his residence in the Inner Sect disciples’ area and immediately went into seclusion to study it.

...

「An entire month passed in the blink of an eye.」

In the Quiet Chamber, Lü Zhong slowly opened his eyes, his expression grim.

The Ice Heart Mantra was working, but it could only suppress the wicked thoughts. It stopped his mental state from being subtly corrupted, but it was incapable of resolving the underlying issue.

’I doubt the Calm Heart Spell would have been much better,’ he mused.

Lü Zhong ceased his meditation and rose, letting the Ice Heart Mantra continue to circulate on its own within him.

With it active, his mind was clear and lucid, temporarily free from the corrosion of his wicked thoughts.

This, at least, bought him time to find a permanent solution.

’But how do I eliminate the problem for good?’ Lü Zhong had no idea where to start. After mulling it over, he realized his only option was to ask his master-in-name-only. Perhaps with her superior perspective, Shuini could offer a viable solution.

But realizing he wouldn’t be able to see Shuini anytime soon, he had no choice but to set the matter aside for the time being.

When he next visited Wangxian Town, Li Hejun had grown even more stunningly beautiful, her looks surpassing even those of many Female Cultivators.

"My lord..." Li Hejun’s expression was sorrowful. As the owner of her body, she was acutely aware of the changes happening to her. This was merely the final, brilliant bloom of a flower on the verge of withering.

In just three to five years, she would likely wither into an old woman and turn to dust.

"Don’t worry," Lü Zhong reassured her. "I won’t just stand by and let it happen."

Li Hejun still had to manage the printing workshop. Whether he found a cure for her or had to train a new subordinate, both would take time. He couldn’t let her fall into despair.