Upon learning from Wang Sheng that it would take at least two to three years to achieve any results, Chi Wen pursed her lips, looking somewhat disappointed.0

"Isn't there any shortcut?" she asked anxiously.1

Wang Sheng did his best to fill his role as her senior brother.  "Most shortcuts are unorthodox methods. Cultivation emphasizes first cultivating virtue, then the mind. Only after that do we cultivate the Dao and its techniques," 0

"If you wish to walk the path of cultivation, you must first understand its purpose. Cultivating the Dao is about pursuing the essence of the Dao itself, not simply learning powerful techniques.0

"Sword techniques, talismanic arts, and incantations are merely means to protect one's path. Your Dao should be your foundation; do not mistake the means for the end or lose sight of what truly matters."0

After a brief pause, Wang Sheng smiled. "Your father taught me all that. At seventeen, I became his disciple, and he gave me a similar lecture as soon as I arrived."0

Chi Wen smiled back and nodded, but the look in her eyes made it clear that she had not changed her mind.0

Wang Sheng switched to a different subject. "You didn’t know what the mistress actually did for work?"0

"All I knew was that she...0