Jia Wei Xin couldn't help but smile, a genuine, amused smile. "It's a mobile phone," she explained. "A device from my world. It's small, fits in your hand. It uses invisible signals to send voices and images across vast distances, faster than any messenger bird. It holds libraries of information, connects people instantly. Anyone can own a mobile phone easily." She paused, considering, then added, "And it's constantly evolving. We have something even more advanced now, called 'AI' – artificial intelligence – where the machine or device can think and learn, almost like a person, capable of solving riddles like your first one, even!"
The master's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine awe and a touch of manic glee in their ancient depths. He was no longer just amused; he was utterly captivated, practically bouncing on the balls of his translucent feet. "Invisible signals! Infinite knowledge! Thinking machines! And all in the palm of one's hand, and anyone can own this powerful creation? What magnificent absurdity! A world of such ingenious contraptions, born not of qi, but of... what?"
"Technology," Jia Wei Xin supplied, still smiling. "A different path of understanding the world and bending its forces."
The master's expression shifted, becoming more contemplative, a hint of his ancient wisdom piercing through his lightheartedness. "Indeed. A fascinating dichotomy. In your world, it seems, ingenuity flows from understanding matter and compacting it into an object, as small as this 'mobile phone'."
He gestured expansively. "Here, the power of the mind has to attune to the very fabric of existence, and this world itself is heavy with spiritual energy, allowing beings to cultivate. One must cultivate diligently through different stages to fight enemies, send messages, and even fly. Yet your world can send a whisper across continents with such a creation."
Jia Wei Xin nodded, a strange realization settling in. "But no matter how advanced technology became, people still couldn't do the things cultivators here do. It's... odd."
"It's funny," she thought, "This world, with its qi and spirit beasts and flying swords... it feels so incredibly real now. Not like the dramas or wuxia novels I used to read."It's funny, she thought, a sudden warmth spreading through her, how real Liu Mo Fei and Zhang Tian feel now. Was I really not treating them seriously before, because they seemed like characters from some romantic cultivation novel I'd long stopped reading after graduation, when I had no time for such fantasy?
Here, she mused, the master's words about the mind and spiritual energy echoing in her thoughts, people are so attuned to their qi and their core selves. It makes them act... so genuinely. Sifu, for instance. He expresses his intention to marry me so openly, so directly. That would never happen in my world, not unless it was a very rare, old-fashioned occasion. People were so much more guarded, played so many games. It's almost refreshing.
A memory surfaced: Liu Mo Fei appearing like moonlight in the forest, saving her from Wan Sing. And all the times he'd seemed to plan and think for her, subtly guiding, quietly protecting. She remembered his solemn promises, his unwavering gaze. He really means it, she realized, the contrast with Wang An's lies stark in her mind. A peculiar, soft sensation, like the flutter of a butterfly's wings, stirred in her chest, a feeling she hadn't felt in years, a tiny crack in her carefully guarded heart.
The master's form began to glow, his voice becoming a soft, echoing hum which brings Jia Wei Xin back from her thought. "Precisely why you are here, and why this path is unique for you. You bring the unbound mind of one realm to the spiritual potential of another. And there are something for you to learn here in this world. " He extended a hand, his touch cool yet incredibly powerful as he gently pressed two fingers to her forehead.
"Therefore, a gift unique to your unique understanding. An art for one who steps between worlds, and who, it seems, carries knowledge beyond time – and knows the answers to my funniest visions of the future!"
A blinding jolt of pure energy coursed through Jia Wei Xin, hot and electrifying, like lightning coiling through her veins. Her mind reeled, then flooded with a torrent of knowledge—ancient sigils and complex movement patterns, intricate theories of space folding, principles of manipulating reality. It was overwhelming, a library of lost arts downloaded directly into her consciousness.
She gasped, clutching her head as the sheer volume threatened to overwhelm her. The world spun, then solidified, imbued with new, incredible possibilities.
Teleportation. The knowledge was undeniable, vast, encompassing a rare art lost to most of the cultivation world. It wasn't just theory; it was innate understanding, etched into her very soul.
"Try it," the master urged, his voice fading slightly as his form became more translucent. "A small leap, for now. Just three meters, perhaps. Focus your intent, young one, and project a clear vision of where you wish to land."
Jia Wei Xin concentrated, picturing a spot three meters to her left. The world blurred, a momentary disorienting pull, and then—whoosh!—she was there. It was clumsy, a little sickening, but undeniably real.
"Impressive!" the master chuckled, now almost entirely mist. "Three meters for a novice! You will improve with practice. This art requires an incredibly strong mind, capable of projecting a clear, unwavering vision of your destination. Your mind, young one, is formidable."
"Such arts are not given lightly," the master continued, his voice fading back into the echoes of the grove, though his gaze lingered on her with deep reverence and a lingering chuckle. "This gift, young one, is for you alone. Keep it secret. Cultivate it in silence. Not all are ready for such truths like the world you are frm, nor are they safe if revealed prematurely. Use it well. I am not sure if this skill can let you go back to your previous world. Maybe it will someday. I have to go. Looks like I need some time to contemplate about this 'mobile phone' and your world. And perhaps, tell me more about these 'AI' someday, hmm?"
He was gone, leaving only the profound silence, the newly acquired power humming within Jia Wei Xin, and the illusion shimmering away. Her companions came back into sharp focus, their bewildered expressions unchanged.
Jia Wei Xin immediately extended her hand, the violet fireleaf blossom still clasped within it, and passed it to Mei Lan. "Here. We have it."
Mei Lan took the herb, still looking dazed. "But... what was that final riddle? And what happened?"
Jia Wei Xin took a breath, her heart still thrumming with the potent energy of the gift. She glanced at her companions, their faces etched with curiosity, but also a deep, familiar trust. They knew she had always been a little different, capable of things they didn't fully grasp.
"I saw the old master," she explained, choosing her words carefully. "He gave me a final, peculiar test. Some of it... I cannot explain, not yet. There are certain truths that must remain secret between the master and me. A solemn promise."
Luo Han simply nodded, his gaze steady. Chen Yu watched her with a quiet understanding, his usual astute perception acknowledging the unspoken depth of her words. Yan Ping smiled, relief washing over her face now that the herb was secured.
Chang Dian, however, grinned, a knowing glint in his eye. He winked at Jia Wei Xin. "I always knew Jia Wei Xin was a special girl." He then mouthed silently, forming the words with exaggerated lips, "My girl."
Jia Wei Xin caught it, her cheeks flushing. She let out a small, choked cough, quickly turning away to hide her reaction.