"But Master, it's only been a short while since nightfall. There's still plenty of time, and I'm not tired at all. I can't possibly fall asleep," Mo Xiaofan retorted, his reasoning sound.
Ling Feng was no fool either. He could see from Mo Xiaofan's eagerness that the young man was practically buzzing with energy, making sleep an incredibly difficult feat.
"Fine, do as you please then."
Ling Feng had no reason to refute Mo Xiaofan's words. Since that was the case, it was better to let him channel that energy into cultivation and calm himself down.
"Thank you, Master!"
Mo Xiaofan was overjoyed and quickly scrambled to his feet.
"Wait."
"What is it, Master?"
Mo Xiaofan stopped and looked at Ling Feng in confusion.
"Remember, you must arrange your daily cultivation reasonably from now on. It's best to stick to a fixed time slot and not change it casually unless there are special circumstances."
"Huh? Why? Isn't becoming stronger just about cultivating diligently?"
Mo Xiaofan, upon hearing this, couldn't understand Ling Feng's reasoning and voiced his thoughts.
"Indeed, to become stronger, you must cultivate diligently. But! If your schedule is not regular, cultivation might even have adverse effects."
"Especially if you're stuck at a bottleneck, don't just bury your head in endless hard work. That will only be counterproductive. Venturing out might provide an opportunity for a breakthrough."
"Just remember one thing: 'The Way of Heaven operates naturally; it cannot be forced!'"
Ling Feng finished speaking and paid Mo Xiaofan no further attention. What he had just said were his own observations from years of reading novels.
Cultivation was akin to studying. When faced with a difficult problem, if one were to relentlessly rack their brain, it would likely only lead to a headache. At such times, it was best to relax, and perhaps a spark of inspiration would strike to solve the problem.
Ling Feng had deep personal experience with this. Every time he finished the questions he knew how to answer in an exam, and then struggled with the difficult ones, he couldn't solve them no matter what. Yet, the moment he stepped out of the examination hall, it was as if he had a sudden awakening, and a flood of ideas would surge into his mind.
But by then, it was too late, and all he could do was regret why he hadn't thought of it sooner.
"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Master."
Mo Xiaofan pondered for a moment, a glimmer of understanding flashing in his eyes, and said respectfully.
"The hour of Chen, when purple qi comes from the east, is the best time of day for cultivation. Find a high vantage point, preferably one bathed in sunlight. Cultivating there will yield twice the result with half the effort."
Although Ling Feng wasn't sure if Mo Xiaofan truly understood, he still revealed the optimal time for cultivation.
"Thank you for your clarification, Master. I understand. I'll go cultivate now."
Mo Xiaofan nodded and left his spot, beginning his breathing exercises and cultivation under a nearby tree.
"Brother Ling Feng, can I ask you something?" Tu Shan Rong Rong walked over and sat down beside Ling Feng, leaning close to his ear to whisper.
"Uh."
Ling Feng wasn't sure if it was an illusion, but in the flickering firelight, he seemed to see a slightly eerie smile on Tu Shan Rong Rong's lips, and he had a premonition of something unsettling.
"Ask away."
"Brother Ling Feng, do you like my sister?" Tu Shan Rong Rong said, word by word.
The moment she spoke, it was like a bolt from the blue for Ling Feng. He felt as if the air around him had frozen.
"This, why do you ask?" Ling Feng stammered, his gaze fixed on Tu Shan Rong Rong's smiling face, feeling increasingly uneasy.
"I think I already know the answer."
Tu Shan Rong Rong stood up with a smile and returned to Tu Shan Hong Hong's side, leaving a bewildered Ling Feng standing alone, utterly confused.
Tu Shan Hong Hong looked at Tu Shan Rong Rong, who had just sat down. Tu Shan Rong Rong's smile now held a hint of cunning and satisfaction, as if some scheme had succeeded.
Recalling that Tu Shan Rong Rong had whispered something to Ling Feng just moments ago, and Ling Feng's surprised reaction, she felt curious.
"Rong Rong, what were you talking about with Ling Feng just now?"
Tu Shan Rong Rong's face showed surprise at the question, as if she hadn't expected Tu Shan Hong Hong to ask about it.
Tu Shan Rong Rong pondered for a moment, then her expression suddenly shifted to one of astonishment, as if she had reached a conclusion.
"What's wrong?"
Tu Shan Hong Hong, having noticed the change in Tu Shan Rong Rong's expression, asked with concern.
"It's nothing. I just asked Brother Ling Feng a question. If Sister wants to know, I can tell you."
Tu Shan Hong Hong's innocent smile masked her true intentions. Tu Shan Hong Hong, knowing her well, was certain that Tu Shan Rong Rong was up to something.
If you think Tu Shan Rong Rong is harmless, you're in for trouble.
"No, I'll go check on those two horses."
Tu Shan Hong Hong stood up and walked towards the large tree where the two fine horses were tethered.
"Wait for me."
Seeing Tu Shan Hong Hong leave the campfire, Ling Feng quickly got up and followed. He had something he wanted to discuss with her in private.
"Mmm..."
Tu Shan Rong Rong did not follow them but remained seated by the campfire, watching their retreating figures. She murmured to herself, "Does Sister also have feelings for Brother Ling Feng?"
Tu Shan Rong Rong's voice was very soft, and given the distance between them, Ling Feng and Tu Shan Hong Hong couldn't hear her.
Ling Feng and Tu Shan Hong Hong walked side by side.
Ling Feng was the first to break the silence, initiating a topic.
"Uh, Tu Shan Hong Hong."
"Hm." Tu Shan Hong Hong stopped and looked at Ling Feng, her gaze and tone carrying a warning.
"Hong Hong." Seeing this, Ling Feng quickly changed his address.
Hearing this, Tu Shan Hong Hong continued to walk slowly, and Ling Feng sighed and followed.
Regarding their names, Tu Shan Hong Hong and the others had already mentioned on their way to Tu Shan today that they could be addressed by their first names.
This was why Ling Feng called Tu Shan Rong Rong "Rong Rong," but calling Tu Shan Hong Hong "Hong Hong" always felt a little awkward.
"My origins, could you please keep them a secret?"
Ling Feng asked. If his identity as a transmigrator were exposed, it might cause some trouble, though he believed most people would dismiss it as a joke.
"I promise."
"But before that, I've already told Rong Rong about your affairs, so you might have to tell Rong Rong yourself."
Tu Shan Hong Hong agreed without hesitation.
"Perhaps you could do me a favor and tell Rong Rong yourself? I'm afraid she'll trick me."
Ling Feng glanced towards Tu Shan Rong Rong. He knew Tu Shan Rong Rong's personality well and that one wrong step could lead to him being manipulated. It was better to ask Tu Shan Hong Hong to handle it.
As for whether Tu Shan Hong Hong would break her promise and leak the information after agreeing, there was no need to worry. Tu Shan Fox Demons were known for their integrity; they always kept their word.
Take Tu Shan Hong Hong for example. She had promised the deceased Mo Xiaofan that she would not speak, and from then on, she primarily communicated through ventriloquism, rarely speaking aloud.
"Alright." Tu Shan Hong Hong nodded in agreement, not refusing.