Chapter 77: I'm Going to Evolve - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 77: I'm Going to Evolve Not long after Chen An left the labyrinth of the mountain, a middle-aged man dressed in simple clothing wandered in. He had an otherworldly demeanor and walked quickly, but his brows were furrowed tightly, as if troubled by something. This man was Meng Mao, a mentor from the Array Cultivation Department at the United Cultivation University. His current irritation stemmed from his upcoming appointment as the department mentor. The legacy of Dragon and Tiger Mountain had endured for over a thousand years, now in its seventy-fourth generation. Meng Mao belonged to the seventy-third generation, famous amongst his peers as one of the "Seven Sons of Dragon and Tiger," each notable in their own unique way. Among the seven, some excelled in fighting, some in mediation, and others in wealth-gathering. Being the youngest and least cultivated among them, Meng Mao was inevitably pushed forward by his crafty senior brothers to take on the mentor role. Yet, all Meng Mao wanted was to cultivate in peace on the mountain, seeking longevity and enlightenment; being forced to leave the mountain to teach left his heart in turmoil. The most infuriating part was that he’d been coaxed into it by his senior brother. He recalled how his brother, with a sly grin before their master, had said, "In our generation, while Meng Shidi may not rank highest in cultivation, when it comes to mastery of arrays, none dare to claim first if he dares to claim second." The extravagant praise left Meng Mao floating with pride, quickly patting his chest and boasting, "Senior brother, you are too kind. I never imagined my low-key nature and hidden talents would be recognized by you. I am truly unworthy.” His words, brimming with humility, harbored a touch of smugness. However, his elation didn’t last. Their master soon appointed him, contentedly leaving, followed by his satisfied senior brothers, leaving Meng Mao dumbfounded and standing alone. The naive Meng Shidi had been deftly played. "Darn it." The refined man couldn’t help but curse when he recalled how his brother had tricked him. With an exasperated flick of his sleeves, he stepped into the array. But soon, Meng Mao stepped back out. He stared blankly at the familiar array he had once designed himself, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Something felt... off. The formation was still the same, but like a companion of many years suddenly rejuvenated with a new lease of life, offering an entirely new experience. Driven by this curiosity, Meng Mao stepped into the array once more. This time, he remained inside for three hours. Emerging again, his eyes brimmed with amazement and excitement. All his previous worries seemed to have vanished. "Marvelous, truly marvelous." Meng Mao muttered to himself, immersing once more in this now unfamiliar formation. The reason for "once," was due to slight yet profound changes that had taken place. Imperceptible alterations any less initiated might miss completely transformed the array. Meng Mao could now only perceive its beauty—a beauty of patterns characteristic of arrays. Lost in fascination, he remained absorbed until dawn broke, with students beginning to appear for morning runs. Noticing the peculiar behavior of the middle-aged man, curious gazes were cast his way. Left with no choice, Meng Mao left, mumbling softly. "Who could it be?" "Senior Brother? Master? Or... that one?" He shook his head violently. "Impossible, absolutely impossible..." Morning. Perhaps due to an early night, Chen An awoke early today. His three roommates were still fast asleep, likely having stayed up late for deep conversations. Chen An pushed open the door and left the B4 courtyard. Many students were milling about, most around his age but dressed in varied styles. Those in Taichi uniforms or traditional Chinese jackets looked natural enough, but the ones in jeans or skirts made for an odd hybrid of ancient and modern worlds. Chen An planned to have breakfast first. While he didn’t physically need food, he still indulged in life’s pleasures. After nine lifetimes, this one was for himself. Even simple acts like eating and sleeping brought him joy. He also dreamed of traveling across the lands with Chen Xi once he had enough alchemic materials. Simple desires and wishes to see the world. Joining the crowd, Chen An wandered without direction. He didn’t know where the cafeteria was, but assumed early risers were headed for breakfast. Sure enough, after several minutes, he found a building wafting warm steam, bearing a classic aesthetic. The structure was new, likely built recently, unlike the original architecture of Dragon and Tiger Mountain. The B4 courtyard’s layout was entirely new as well, meticulously planned by the authorities long before. Had the Qi refinement method not just emerged alongside the college entrance exams, cultivation training might have already begun. Inside the cafeteria, the setup was no different from any university. The main difference was food was free, and the offerings were special editions. Chen An approached the counter, casually ordering a bowl of porridge. Adorned with chopped chives, the white gruel, dotted with green, was quite appealing. As he sat with his bowl, a nearby exclamation caught his attention. A buzz-cut teenager’s eyes sparkled as he excitedly shared his enthusiasm about the porridge with his friend. "Is this really the legendary porridge made with spirit rice? Amazing! I feel all warm inside—is this evolution?!" His friend, obviously resigned, replied, "Big guy, we’re here for cultivation, not Digimon evolution. It's called Qi training, understand?" “Even regular porridge makes you warm inside, you know?” Chen An chuckled silently at their exchange. Indeed, perhaps since living for himself, even the mundane moments seemed full of wonder. (End of Chapter)