Chapter 9: Unexpected Joy

There was nothing more to say, and everyone began to share their stories. Eventually, the conversation turned to the use of firearms. Zhao Wuji absorbed the information being shared like a sponge, remembering it all for later. Whether he would be able to use it or not would be determined in due course. Knowing more was always beneficial, much like having an additional skill increases one's chances of survival in a primitive forest.

Some memories came back, and Zhao Wuji smiled as he got up, saying: "You still call yourselves brothers, yet you don't even shout out when there's food. That's really ungrateful"

After a while, Zhao Wuji felt completely at ease, as if every cell in his body was singing, filled with indescribable joy. He knew he had fully recovered, and his internal energy cultivation had made significant progress, being just one crucial step away from the third breakthrough. It was only a matter of time before he would break through to the third level. Overjoyed, he slowly opened his eyes and saw four familiar faces, who were currently eating with a downcast expression.

From everyone's words, Zhao Wuji noted many things, especially regarding money. In Qingniu Village, there was no trade, and everyone lived a collective communist lifestyle, managed by an elder system. The people within the village coexisted harmoniously, and any disputes were resolved through proper channels.

Arriving at the foot of the mountain, a road lay before us, devoid of vehicles and people, with the village still quite distant. What should we do next? Everyone turned to the commander-in-chief, Zhang Peng.

Of course, in order to give Zhao Wuji a precautionary warning, so as not to let him imagine life outside too beautifully, everyone spoke about many gray aspects, such as darkness, corruption, and unspoken rules. The world is diverse, and life is multifaceted; it is such a society that is truly exciting. After listening, Zhao Wuji did not show any signs of retreat; instead, it further ignited his restless heart, yearning to witness the splendor of the city and the vibrant nightlife.

Everyone was pleasantly surprised upon hearing this, and thinking of the tasks at hand, they felt much more energized as they walked. Along the way, they chatted as they walked, and of course, much of the conversation was about the outside world that the four shared with Zhao Wuji, starting from the geography of the country, discussing several cities, the characteristics of each city, and the personalities of people from different regions; from the economy and industry to daily life, people hustle for money and strive for their careers, and then they talked about education and work, among other topics.

After listening to Binzi's unique analysis, everyone fell into contemplation for a moment and did not say anything further, clearly having acknowledged Binzi's viewpoint

Everyone laughed heartily, their laughter was so sincere, so genuine, and so comforting

I think it's better to let it go. Brother Wuji is a person who values freedom; otherwise, he wouldn't be thinking about venturing outside. What I mean is, if he manages to return alive, he should avoid mentioning everything that happened here as much as possible to prevent causing him trouble. Brother Peng, you have many connections; arrange for him to stay at school for a while. I estimate he will want to travel abroad, as it will allow him to learn some foreign languages and become familiar with urban life, providing a buffer that will be beneficial for him.

Gradually, Zhao Wuji felt himself becoming one with his surroundings, the true energy within his body slowly calming down, like a gentle little child flowing through the meridians, repairing the damaged meridians and body.

The order for a temporary rest was issued; some went to fetch water, some went hunting, and some set up umbrellas, of course to provide shade for Zhao Wuji. After a while, those who went hunting returned, as did those who fetched water, and the fire was also lit.

Ah! Zhao Wuji, who had just eaten his fill, suddenly shouted and dashed like an arrow released from its bow towards a nearby mountain stream. In just a few moments, he stripped off all his clothes and began to wash himself. The earlier practice had inadvertently expelled all the toxic, stagnant, and ill energies from Zhao Wuji's body, leaving a layer of dark, muddy residue on his skin.

Zhao Wuji indeed felt hungry, so he decided to eat first. Seeing Zhao Wuji enjoying his meal, everyone else began to chuckle foolishly as well

Zhao Wuji, who steadfastly clung to clarity, gritted his teeth and refused to lose consciousness. Seeing that this surge of true energy was uncontrollable, he thought of a terrifying consequence and could not help but be greatly alarmed. His heart was filled with bitterness, as he never expected that before leaving this vast mountain, he would have to return to it forever.

No one could discern anything unusual, and all eyes turned to Zhang Peng. If there were issues, they would seek the leader. Zhang Peng also could not see anything amiss, shaking his head, his face filled with anxiety and guilt

No one noticed that the pale face of Zhao Wuji on Gangzi's back had regained some color. Two howls had already exhausted all of Zhao Wuji's internal strength and energy, leaving him feeling as if he had been hollowed out. Although he was aware that everyone was moving forward, he simply lacked the strength to make everyone stop and rest for a while

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment and said: "After all, he is a demolition expert, best at analyzing people's psychology. I think we should follow what Binzi suggested for now, and we can discuss the specifics later when we have the opportunity to ask. Additionally, I notice that Brother Wuji doesn't seem to like talking about his own matters, nor does he enjoy inquiring about others' affairs. This may be due to his personality. Putting ourselves in his shoes, it is best not to pry into Brother Wuji's extraordinary abilities. Firstly, it is a matter of personal privacy; after all, who doesn't have a few secrets? Secondly, it is a matter of character, to avoid any awkward situations."

On the ancient and continuous mountainside, a few individuals were anxiously making their way forward; it was Zhang Peng and his companions. Everyone's expression was quite grim, occasionally glancing at Zhao Wuji, who was on Gangzi's back.

After a while, Zhao Wuji returned. Everyone tidied up the traces, chatted for a few moments, and then continued on their journey. Zhao Wuji looked around at the terrain, analyzed and compared it for a while, then pointed in a direction and said: "If we go this way, it will take about half a day's journey to exit the mountains. Further ahead is the Zitan Mountain you mentioned."

"Do not touch, do not touch." Zhao Wuji was being tickled by everyone, feeling a strong urge to laugh, as he dodged left and right

The morning sunlight bathes the earth, and the air is particularly fresh. The continuous primitive forest, under the gentle breeze, stirs up a wave of green ocean. The early birds chirp joyfully, occasionally glancing around with vigilance.

Gradually, Zhao Wuji felt that the true energy within his body was like a furnace, refining his body and expanding his meridians endlessly. Zhao Wuji attempted to control the true energy within him, but what he received in return was immense pain, as if his heart were being torn apart, and his body felt as though it were about to split open

Zhao Wuji suddenly realized that this should be the opportunity for great destruction and great establishment, and he could not help but feel overjoyed. Skillfully mobilizing his internal energy, his body quickly recovered completely, and his internal power significantly increased, with faint signs of a breakthrough. Truly, it is a blessing in disguise

The constant running caused a jolt that made Zhao Wuji feel uncomfortable in his chest. After much difficulty, he finally woke up from his coma, only to faint again. It was unclear how much time had passed, but he felt a familiar stream of true energy flowing within him, which brought him great joy. He quickly began to silently practice his technique, allowing this small amount of true energy to flow according to the secret method's trajectory.

After a while, everyone noticed that Zhao Wuji had still not woken up, and each person was busy with their own tasks, feeling dejected. What was particularly distressing was that the water had boiled, the food was cooked, yet the person had not yet awakened

A passage of text flows through my mind, and it is precisely the last section of the "Classic of Nature". "The essence of the ultimate way is subtle and obscure; the extremity of the ultimate way is dim and silent. Without sight and sound, embrace the divine in tranquility. The form will naturally align, it must be still and pure; without the effort of adornment, without the disturbance of essence, only then can one attain longevity. With no sight to see, no sound to hear, and no knowledge in the heart, in this way, the spirit and form unite, and one can achieve longevity."

Unknowingly, everyone had walked out of the primordial mountains and, from a distance, saw the plains and traces of human habitation, as if they had crossed into another world, all revealing smiles.

As Gangzi was walking steadily, he suddenly felt a warmth emanating from behind him. At first, he did not think much of it, but later realized something was amiss. He quickly stopped and informed everyone of the situation. They implied that Zhao Wuji had a fever, so they laid Zhao Wuji down on the ground and checked, but he did not have a fever.

The low spirits of the team did not affect the speed of their march. Zhao Wuji urged everyone to leave quickly and move forward. Everyone resolutely and thoroughly adhered to this principle, eating some fruit or whatever when hungry. As night fell, it was of no consequence; everyone carried night vision goggles with them. After a night of continuous travel, no one knew where they had arrived. Yet, no one had any intention of stopping. Zhao Wuji's last words were to tell everyone to go, so they did. Perhaps there was some other intention behind this; stopping would be disrespectful to Zhao Wuji.

Brother, with you around, I, Gangzi, have to admit defeat. Gangzi smiled as he handed over a large helmet of food

After a while, someone said, "What a terrible smell, where is that odor coming from?"

Everyone burned all the insignia and symbols representing their identity, and buried the ashes. Zhao Wuji did not understand why everyone did this, but he did not ask. They were all veterans, and there must be a reason for such actions.

"Wuji Brothers?" The crowd was overjoyed, quickly gathering around, their speed astonishing. They examined Zhao Wuji from top to bottom, some touching here, others touching there, all with smiles on their faces

Zhang Peng raised the telescope and looked for a while, then said: "We are already in a neighboring country, the language is different, everyone should be cautious. Additionally, destroy anything that could reveal our identities, as I do not wish to cause a diplomatic incident"

Watching the cheerful Zhao Wuji wash, everyone laughed happily. Fengzi said, "Peng Ge, why not let Brother Wuji join us? With his skills, he is fully qualified."

After an unknown period of time, Zhao Wuji felt an increasing amount of true energy within him, which brought him great joy. Gritting his teeth and enduring the painful jolts, he steadfastly maintained his consciousness, silently practicing his cultivation method. Gradually, he regained control over his body, while the vitality and spiritual energy of the surrounding nature surged wildly into him, transforming into true energy.

At this moment, no one was aware that Zhao Wuji had already fallen into a very critical situation. Fortunately, Gangzi noticed the situation in time, laid Zhao Wuji down, and positioned him flat. This way, the true energy within his body would not run amok, preventing any disruption in his breath that could lead to a deviation in his practice.

Zhao Wuji's mighty roar, powerful and unparalleled, has left a deep impression in everyone's minds. Everyone knows that Zhao Wuji has once again saved their lives. They feel gratitude and reverence, yet all continue to regard Zhao Wuji as their brother, a lifelong good brother, rather than a lofty deity.

"Binzi, what do you think?" Zhang Peng asked Binzi beside him

After several struggles with no effect, what he received in return was endless pain. Zhao Wuji has come to terms with it; dust returns to dust, and earth returns to earth. Perhaps this is fate. The open-minded Zhao Wuji simply let go of his spirit, following the natural course, allowing the vital energy to flow freely. In his mind, he silently recited the "Classic of Nature," accepting life and death as a matter for heaven to decide

"Indeed, to be honest, that howling last night was so damn manly, it was quite powerful," said Zhangzi.

In Zhao Wuji's view, urban life can be compared to a primeval forest, where opportunities and dangers coexist, and the weak are preyed upon by the strong. When Zhao Wuji expressed this insight, he was met with scorn, being labeled as perverse for his keen understanding. Isn't urban life just a hunting ground? The only difference from a primeval forest is that what is hunted here is fame and fortune, nothing more.

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