Chapter 121: The True Meaning of Vitality

It was only when Luo Tian reached his residence that he realized Li Yang and Yuan Zhou had not only stayed behind but had also brought someone else with them.

"Luo Tian? I am Tang Xuan."

Tang Xuan spoke indifferently. His arrogance was not displayed openly; rather, it was deeply ingrained in his bones and soul. In his eyes, the arrogant idiots of the Shen family were destined to achieve very little.

"Junior Brother Tang, you have come seeking guidance, have you not?"

Having acutely captured the hidden sense of superiority in Tang Xuan’s tone, Luo Tian responded with great enthusiasm. Though he knew full well that Tang Xuan was also at the ninth turn of the Condensation Realm and would likely be displeased by the address, Luo Tian consciously placed himself in the position of a senior brother. Anyone who came to seek guidance had to obediently address him as such. While Tang Xuan might not be willing to say it now, Luo Tian was confident he could break his pride. As long as he solved the problem—even just a part of it—the other party would eventually lower their head, arrogant or otherwise, for the sake of their future progress.

Tang Xuan’s expression stiffened for a moment before returning to normal. He offered a faint smile. "As long as you can teach, what is the harm in seeking guidance?"

"Junior Brother Tang, please come in!"

Luo Tian smiled at Tang Xuan. This was an outstanding descendant of the Tang family; as long as he gained something here, he didn't have to worry about other elite disciples not coming. When others progressed faster and grew stronger, which elite would be willing to lag behind?

Seeing Luo Tian call him "Junior Brother" repeatedly, even Tang Xuan, who considered himself quite composed, could not suppress his youthful temperament. His face darkened, and without a word, he strode into the courtyard behind Luo Tian. *If you, Luo Tian, cannot offer any real insight, don't blame me for being discourteous!*

Li Yang had no intention of entering. Seeing Luo Tian and Tang Xuan sit down on the stone stools, Yuan Zhou asked curiously, "Junior Brother Li, are we not going in?"

"Is there any need, Senior Brother Yuan?" Li Yang, despite his straightforward nature, had a clear understanding of himself. "We haven't reached that level, and our body-refining techniques aren't up to par. Hearing it wouldn't be beneficial and might even hinder our current cultivation."

Yuan Zhou looked somewhat dejected. "Body-refining techniques... I was hesitant about whether to continue them, but worried about the impact on my Yuan Qi cultivation, I had to stop. Now, it would take a lot of time to catch up."

"The four major families of the Divine Sun Sect are truly bastards!" Li Yang suddenly clenched his fists. "If I ever become the Sect Master, I will ensure every disciple has the opportunity to build a solid foundation for their cultivation!"

"Keep your voice down!" Yuan Zhou felt a secret disdain. *This Li Yang is truly daydreaming; he doesn't fear biting his tongue with such talk.* If it weren't for his good relationship with Senior Brother Luo, he would have scolded him already. "Senior Brother Tang is still inside. If he hears you, it won't end well."

Li Yang pursed his lips and remained silent.

"So, this is the residence of that fellow Luo Tian?"

A very tall outer disciple strode over, looked at Li Yang and Yuan Zhou, and asked.

"Yes, this is it!" Yuan Zhou said with a face full of smiles. "Senior Brother Chen has come as well?"

Li Yang recognized the newcomer: Chen Jingzhi, a highly outstanding outer disciple of the Chen family. Although slightly inferior to Tang Xuan, he was still very influential.

"I heard that fellow Luo Tian beat up Shen Lingfei and seems to have an extraordinary understanding of True Intent?" Chen Jingzhi grinned. "I’m just here to see what this guy looks like." As he spoke, he turned to knock on the door.

"Senior Brother Chen, look, Senior Brother Tang is still inside," Yuan Zhou hurriedly stopped him. Having decided to follow Luo Tian, he needed to prove his value, and he chose to start by maintaining order. *This Li Yang is a blockhead; what use is he?*

"Tang Xuan?" Chen Jingzhi was visibly surprised. *That guy is here too?* Perhaps this Luo Tian really did have talent. Waiting a while longer wouldn't hurt.

"Junior Brother Tang, what True Intent do you wish to ask about?" Luo Tian went straight to the point. If Tang Xuan really wanted to ask about Yuan Qi, he could rely on the guidance of his family elders and massive resources; there was no need to waste time with him.

"The True Intent of Vitality." Tang Xuan had decided to temporarily overlook the issue of the title. If Luo Tian spouted nonsense later, he would just have to wait and see.

Luo Tian smiled. If it were any other discipline, there might be communication barriers, but for the Wood-element True Intent of Vitality, he had nothing to fear.

"Junior Brother Tang, are you looking to comprehend the True Intent of Vitality, or have you already mastered the basics and wish to delve deeper?" Luo Tian had already tried using his Divine Eyes to observe Tang Xuan. As expected, he could only see pure Yuan Qi; the ethereal nature of True Intent was impossible to grasp through sight alone.

"Naturally, the latter." Tang Xuan replied indifferently. True Intent was difficult to comprehend. To start from scratch with a new True Intent was too arduous, often requiring luck and a flash of inspiration. Moreover, he didn't know the extent of Luo Tian's capabilities, so he chose a simpler topic to test the waters. If there were results, he could engage further.

"Junior Brother Tang, let us be clear: the comprehension of True Intent differs from Yuan Qi cultivation. Aptitude is paramount. I can only attempt to explain and guide you; I cannot guarantee the final result," Luo Tian said directly. "Cultivation is, after all, a personal journey."

Tang Xuan nodded expressionlessly. "Naturally." Luo Tian was a sensible person who didn't make wild, empty promises. Ironically, this made Tang Xuan feel a bit more confident.

"I am glad you understand, Junior Brother Tang." Luo Tian smiled and reached out a hand. "Please use a bit of your Yuan Qi and press your palm against mine. I want to feel the current state of your True Intent."

*Guidance can be done this way?* Tang Xuan silently extended his palm to meet Luo Tian’s and channeled a sliver of Yuan Qi toward the center of his palm.

While this method carried a degree of risk, they were within the sect, so Luo Tian was not worried. Besides, if Tang Xuan truly intended to harm him, he would pay the price for his impulsiveness.

Once their palms met, Luo Tian felt a faint surge of Wood-element Yuan Qi. It was not powerful, but it was enough for him to perceive it clearly. Tang Xuan had evidently been diligent; while he only possessed one True Intent, he had already taken a small step forward. At the very least, when Luo Tian’s Fire-element Yuan Qi sought to dissipate the Wood-element, it took slightly more effort than expected.

At that moment, however, Tang Xuan’s expression changed. He could only faintly sense the changes occurring to his Wood-element Yuan Qi once it entered Luo Tian’s body, but even that small glimpse was enough to shock him. Luo Tian’s Fire-element Yuan Qi remained contained, yet the amount of energy it consumed to annihilate his Wood-element was significantly lower than his own.

*Why is that?* Tang Xuan stared at the calm-faced Luo Tian. The True Intent of Destruction was indeed powerful, but the Wood-element True Intent of Vitality was by no means inferior in level. It made no sense for Luo Tian’s Fire-element Yuan Qi to be ten times more efficient.

*How on earth does this guy cultivate?*