My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Chapter 96 You Cultivate the Innate Realm, I Cultivate Immortality

A gentle breeze blows, and the pines rustle in the wind.

After visiting the medicinal herb field, Chu Lengyu led everyone back to the Pine Forest Cottage and invited the guests to take their seats.

Back inside, Master Lu's mind had returned to peace, but doubts still lingered. If he were to truly cooperate with Chu Lengyu, unraveling the mysteries surrounding her would be his top priority.

So, he stroked his long beard, his eyes revealing a hint of solemnity, and slowly said, "Miss Chu, there is something on my mind that I cannot let go of. I wonder if you could enlighten me?"

Chu Lengyu smiled and said, "Please speak freely, alchemist."

"Very well!" Master Lu nodded. "I have observed that your demeanor and speech are quite extraordinary. Therefore, I would like to ask, where do you come from? And who is your teacher?"

In his view, Chu Lengyu made no attempt to conceal herself from him today, and with her fog array, strange fire, and spiritual spring, she possessed considerable resources. It was likely that the power behind her was inextricably linked to Fog Mountain.

Upon hearing this, Chu Lengyu's gaze sharpened slightly.

In that instant, she thought of her real hometown.

However, she quickly regained her composure and said leisurely, "You should have heard of my background, alchemist. All that has happened in the past is just smoke and mirrors, so let's not dwell on it now. I guess you want to ask why I made such a high-profile appearance and why I am here researching spiritual herbs?"

Master Lu followed up, saying, "On the day of the snow appreciation banquet, your skills were indeed extremely superb; even I couldn't see through your mysteries."

Chu Lengyu pondered how much she could reveal to him, but then quickly relented, as hesitation was not in her nature.

She said bluntly, "Since Master Lu also possesses a trace of cultivation and remained unfazed upon hearing about spiritual herbs, he must have some understanding of cultivation."

“Of course.” Master Lu was delighted to see that she had spoken so frankly.

But Chu Lengyu didn't continue talking about her own affairs. Instead, she asked, "Could Master Lu please introduce me to a little more?"

Upon hearing this question, Master Lu was slightly taken aback, thinking that she was deliberately trying to test him, and naturally he did not want to be looked down upon by her.

But there are other people around... He glanced at Lü Yun and Lin Li, realizing that Chu Lengyu didn't treat them as outsiders.

After pondering for a moment, Master Lu Dan said, "As for the matter of cultivation, I'll just say a few words, and you can listen attentively."

"I'm all ears," Chu Lengyu said earnestly.

Although the system said there was no need to care about these local practitioners, she thought there might be something she could use against them.

It never hurts to do your research beforehand.

"There are only two realms of cultivation in the world: the acquired and the innate. Each realm is further divided into nine levels," Master Lu said slowly.

His words made Chu Lengyu's eyes flicker slightly. It turned out that there was a unified division of realms here, with only two realms, which was simple and clear.

"From the moment a person is conceived, their body contains a breath of innate energy. However, as we age, this innate energy gradually dissipates into nothingness. What we cultivators pursue is to use acquired skills to return to the innate state. Therefore, we must strengthen our muscles and bones, temper our physique, cultivate our spirit and preserve our true nature, and return to nature."

After speaking, Master Lu noticed Chu Lengyu's expression; she seemed to be listening very attentively.

He couldn't help but feel uneasy, wondering if he had said something right.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat and continued—

"Therefore, anyone can enter the Acquired Realm of cultivation. In this realm, there is almost no difference between cultivators and martial artists. If you want to enter the Innate Realm, it is best to cultivate in seclusion from childhood, preserve your innate energy, and use it as a guide. After entering the Innate Realm, you can receive the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and master all kinds of wonders."

"Of course, there are also geniuses in the world who are born with innate energy and can directly enter the innate realm without the need for arduous cultivation. Such people are truly gifted and enviable."

At this point, Master Lu's tone couldn't help but carry a hint of emotion and envy.

"I see." Chu Lengyu chimed in at the opportune moment, seemingly lost in thought.

In this world, cultivators are divided into only two major realms: the Acquired Realm for body refinement and the Innate Realm for Qi cultivation. This line of thinking is not problematic.

However, everyone's constitution is different. Without talent, one will never be able to contain the spiritual essence of heaven and earth (spiritual energy), which means one cannot enter the innate realm (Qi refining stage).

This "innate energy" seemed to refer to something else, which she couldn't be sure of for the time being.

After saying so much, Master Lu felt his mouth was a little dry, so he picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.

As soon as the tea touched his throat, a refreshing and invigorating sensation spread through him, as if washing away his worries and fatigue. He couldn't help but sigh softly, "Good tea."

Green Bamboo smiled gently. This tea was brewed with water from the spiritual spring, so it was naturally delicious. She was delighted to receive such praise from Master Lu.

After he put down his teacup, Chu Lengyu said, "Master Lu, I must be frank with you. I am not the cultivator you know, but a cultivator of immortality. What I pursue is to transcend the mortal world and ascend to the immortal realm, which is probably far removed from the innate path you follow."

Upon hearing this, Master Lu's hand trembled, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.