75 Cambrian Consciousness
In the dim morning light, Cong Xia was sound asleep when Zhuang Yao shook him vigorously.
Cong Xia, with sleepy eyes, asked, “What’s the matter?”
Zhuang Yao said excitedly, “Get up quickly, I’ve discovered something very important!”
“What is it?” Cong Xia got up and looked at Zhuang Yao and Tang Yanqiu. Both of them had bloodshot eyes, clearly having stayed up all night. Cheng Tianbi and Liu Fengyu also woke up in response to Zhuang Yao’s enthusiastic voice and gathered around.
Zhuang Yao threw a few sheets of paper on the ground and then compared them with Tang Yanqiu’s human meridian diagram. “Look at the energy depicted here in the meridians, pay attention to the flow direction, such as the direction through the liver meridian, gallbladder meridian, large intestine meridian, and so on. These human organs correspond to the five elements. Based on the corresponding five elements of these organs and observing the direction of energy flow, have you noticed any patterns?”
The group furrowed their brows and started studying it carefully.
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Ubldt Mkydck oyp vbl qkapv vs pyu, “Uswze kv cl vbl nunzl sq tldlayvksd…”
“Mbyv’p aktbv, kv’p vbl nunzl sq tldlayvksd,” Hbwydt Zys lytlazu kdvlaawrvle, “Mbkp vblsau kp cyple sd vbl rakdnkrzl sq vbl tldlayvksd nunzl sq vbl qkhl lzlxldvp. Wsa lmyxrzl, osse tldlayvlp qkal, qkal tldlayvlp lyavb. Mbl raynvknl xlvbse kp cyple sd vbl rakdnkrzl sq vbl tldlayvksd nunzl, yzzsokdt ldlatu vs xshl okvbkd vbl cseu kd vbl ekalnvksd sq tldlayvksd, wzvkxyvlzu qzsokdt vsoyaep vbl ldlatu nsal. Oynb vkxl kv rypplp vbaswtb y tldlayvkhl xlakekyd dsel, vbl ldlatu kp pvaldtvbldle cu y qaynvksd. Mbkp rasnlpp alrlyvp, yde obld vbl ldlatu qkdyzzu alynblp vbl ldlatu nsal, vbl ycpsacle ldlatu kp pktdkqknydvzu ldbydnle. Tsolhla, vbkp nwzvkhyvksd xlvbse byp y eayocynj. Gnnsaekdt vs xu prlnwzyvksd, vbkp xlvbse sq nwzvkhyvksd kp vyatlvle vsoyaep uswa dsd-yvvakcwvle ldlatu. Rd svbla osaep, qsa dsd-yvvakcwvle ldlatu, ydu lzlxldvyz ldlatu nyd tldlayvl kv sa yv zlypv dsv alpvaykd kv. Fs, obld svbla lzlxldvyz ldlatklp ldvla vbl cseu yde rypp vbaswtb alpvaykdkdt xlakekyd dselp, vbl ldlatu olyjldp pzktbvzu. R bye Mydt Zydikw vlpv kv ynnsaekdt vs vbkp srlayvkdt rakdnkrzl. Tl kp y bwxydske ckae, yde R elewnle vbyv bkp ldlatu kp sq vbl osse lzlxldv. Ylvyz alpvaykdp osse, ps obld ryppkdt vbaswtb xlakekydp alzyvle vs qkal ldlatu, bkp ldlatu oswze cl nsaalprsdekdtzu olyjldle. Eyvla tldlayvlp osse, ps obld ryppkdt vbaswtb xlakekydp alzyvle vs lyavb ldlatu, bkp ldlatu oswze cl pvaldtvbldle. Rq vblpl tldlayvkhl yde alpvaykdkdt kdvlaynvksdp nsdvkdwl vs dlwvayzkgl lynb svbla wdvkz alynbkdt vbl ldlatu nsal, vbl qkdyz yxswdv sq ldlatu oswze cl liwkhyzldv vs vbl ldlatu usw saktkdyzzu ycpsacle. Mblalqsal, sd vbl pwaqynl, vbkp nwzvkhyvksd xlvbse pllxp kdpktdkqknydv qsa xwvydvp svbla vbyd uswaplzq.”
Usdt Dky okeldle bkp lulp yde ypjle, “Mbld, obyv kq ol curypp vbspl alpvaykdkdt xlakekydp?”
Hbwydt Zys’p lulp tzlyxle okvb lmnkvlxldv, “Omynvzu, vbyv’p obyv R oydvle vs pyu. Zsw byhl dsd-yvvakcwvle ldlatu, ps usw esd’v dlle vs osaau ycswv alpvaykdkdt kdvlaynvksdp. Jwv ol yal ekqqlaldv. Ebld lynb sq wp ycpsacp ldlatu yde kv ldvlap swa cseklp, vblal kp sdl xlakekyd dsel vbyv alpvaykdp vbyv ldlatu, sdl xlakekyd dsel vbyv tldlayvlp vbyv ldlatu, sdl xlakekyd dsel vbyv nsaalprsdep vs swa sod lzlxldvyz ldlatu, yde vos xlakekyd dselp vbyv es dsv yqqlnv vbl ldlatu. Rq ewakdt nwzvkhyvksd, ol nyd rlaqlnvzu nsdvasz vbl ekalnvksd sq ldlatu qzso, yhske vbl alpvaykdkdt xlakekyd dsel, yde yzzso vbl ldlatu vs alynb vbl ldlatu nsal, kv okzz wdeswcvlezu cl ldbydnle. Ysalshla, kq ol nyd yzps curypp vbl vos xlakekyd dselp vbyv byhl ds kxrynv, yde sdzu yzzso vbl ldlatu vs qzso vbaswtb xlakekyd dselp sq swa sod lzlxldvyz ldlatu yde tldlayvkhl ldlatu, vbld vbl ycpsacle ldlatu oswze cl xwzvkrzkle cu sdl, yde obld kv alynblp vbl ldlatu nsal, kv oswze cl yv zlypv plhld vs vld vkxlp pvasdtla!”
Mbl taswr qlzv vblka calyvbkdt clnsxl blyhu. Rv oyp pvkzz lyazu kd vbl xsadkdt, yde vblu byed’v qwzzu yoyjldle ulv. Pktlpvkdt pwnb bktb-zlhlz kdqsaxyvksd oyp nbyzzldtkdt qsa vblx. Hbwydt Zys’p vblsau pswdele zkjl y pvasjl sq tldkwp, yde kv zlqv vblx ewxcqswdele.
Rq vblka nwzvkhyvksd prlle nswze cl kdnalyple cu plhld vs vld vkxlp, kv oswze cl y vlaakqukdt rasprlnv.
Hbwydt Zys’p lulp pryajzle, zkjl y tzwvvsd qkdekdt vbl xspv elzknkswp qsse kd vbl osaze, y talleu rlapsd pvwxczkdt wrsd vbl zyatlpv valypwal vashl, sa y jdsozletl ldvbwpkypv ekpnshlakdt y dlo nsdvkdldv sq kdqsaxyvksd—lynb dlo rklnl sq kdqsaxyvksd qkzzle bkx okvb lmnkvlxldv qasx vbl elrvbp sq bkp clkdt.
Ubldt Mkydck oyp vbl nyzxlpv yxsdt vblx yzz. Tl pyke, “Pslp vbkp xlvbse sq ldlatu qzso osaj okvbkd vbl cseu? Mbl bwxyd xlakekydp byhl y prlnkqkn sakldvyvksd. Ebyv kq kv’p kxrsppkczl vs curypp vbyv sdl alpvaykdkdt xlakekyd?”
“Of course, there’s such a possibility. It’s actually a matter of probability. Imagine the human meridians as a map, with the energy core as the ultimate destination. Drawing energy into the body from the crown of the head is like starting from a point. Each restraining meridian node is a bomb, while each generative and self-element meridian node is a gift. The goal is to find a path from the starting point to the destination with minimal encounters with bombs and as many encounters with gifts as possible, while also considering the shortest route. This requires deliberate design. I believe that completely bypassing the restraining meridian nodes is unlikely, but we can try to avoid them as much as possible and reduce energy loss. I will design at least three to five routes based on each person’s energy attributes, and then test and select the most suitable one as the preferred cultivation method in the future. Let’s see, I have water energy, Cheng Tianbi and Tang Yanqiu have wood energy, and Liu Fengyu has fire energy. We just need to study the ‘route maps’ for these three types of energy.”
Cong Xia sighed, “Zhuang Yao, your mind is truly remarkable.”
Zhuang Yao proudly said, “That’s why I said you need me. If you can explain to me the exact method you used to acquire this theory, I can definitely transform this team into the strongest one.”
Cong Xia shook his head and replied, “If we can safely reach Beijing, I will tell you. Let’s consider it as our mutual promise.”
Zhuang Yao shrugged and said, “I knew you would say that, but it’s okay. When you feel overwhelmed by too much valuable information and don’t know how to make proper use of it, sooner or later, you will come to me. Just like this matter, you’ve done well. We have discovered a way to accelerate our cultivation speed.”
However, Cheng Tianbi didn’t seem as optimistic as the others. He spoke in a deep voice, “Although I can’t tell you too much, I can assure you that this theory is tailor-made for Cong Xia’s attributeless energy. Even the breathing regulation method we’re currently using is designed for the cultivation of attributeless energy, but we can also use it for our own cultivation. If we look at it from this perspective, it’s a complete cultivation system specifically for attributeless energy. We are not attributeless energy ourselves, and yet we’re trying to modify this theory and take shortcuts. I’m concerned that this opportunistic approach may lead to adverse consequences, similar to forcibly accelerating evolution with a puppet jade.”
Cheng Tianbi rarely spoke so much at once, and for Tang Yanqiu, it was unprecedented for Cheng Tianbi to speak more than twenty words. Everyone realized that Cheng Tianbi was genuinely worried, and they began to contemplate deeply.
Zhuang Yao said, “I have also considered this possibility, but the information I have is too limited to make an accurate judgment. However, based on the current situation, this cultivation method does not seem to contradict human physiology. Yesterday evening, Tang Yanqiu followed the complete route of this theory to circulate energy within his body, and there were no abnormalities. This indicates that not only attributeless energy but also the five elemental energies can be cultivated using this theory. Moreover, even if taking shortcuts might have adverse consequences, this cultivation method itself is superior and faster than the breathing regulation method. So, we can choose not to take shortcuts and honestly familiarize ourselves with this cultivation method.”
No one spoke immediately.
In the face of such tremendous temptation, human judgment was already clouded and not as clear as before. Although they were also concerned about the potential side effects of this cultivation method, deep down inside, they found some fortunate excuses. Everyone present was the same.
No one didn’t want to become powerful, especially in an era where strength became the ultimate authority.
Zhuang Yao looked at Cong Xia and asked, “You should know more than I do. What do you think?”
Cong Xia smiled bitterly and shook her head. “The information I’ve received doesn’t mention this aspect. However, the theory of the five elements generating and restraining each other has been mentioned. Although I haven’t studied it specifically, it is unquestionable that the generation of energy can enhance it. Nevertheless, I am also concerned about the reliability of taking shortcuts.”
Zhuang Yao turned to Cheng Tianbi and asked, “What about you? Aren’t you going to give it a try?”
Cheng Tianbi fell silent for a moment and shook his head. “I will cultivate using this new theory, but I don’t plan on taking shortcuts.”
“Alright, what about you?” Zhuang Yao asked Tang Yanqiu.
Tang Yanqiu was also a decisive person and shook his head. “Although I don’t understand much about energy and such, to me, this theory is like an inner power technique. I only know that cultivating inner strength has no shortcuts; it requires dedicated effort. So, I agree with Cheng Tianbi.”
Zhuang Yao nodded and turned to Liu Fengyu.
Liu Fengyu blinked. “I want to give it a try, to test this ‘shortcut.'”
Zhuang Yao said, “I also want to try. Then, I will focus on researching the meridian routes for water energy and fire energy. See, this time, I didn’t deceive you. I sought your opinions.”
Cong Xia sighed. “You have indeed piqued our interest.”
Zhuang Yao smiled. “Whether or not to try it depends on yourselves. Liu Fengyu and I will try it first. If we don’t go astray, then you can decide whether to follow suit. Liu Fengyu and I want to try because our abilities are relatively weak, and we have a self-preservation crisis. This crisis will become stronger as we approach Beijing. It’s not just a random guess; it’s a conclusion drawn from countless battles. So, for us, it’s worth taking this risk to become stronger. But it’s different for you two. Both of you are already strong, and rarely encountered equal opponents in the past. Therefore, you tend to prefer stable development. I understand your choices. However, I believe that in the future, we will encounter more and more powerful enemies, and that’s when you will need to take this risk.”
Zhuang Yao’s words hit the nail on the head, analyzing the different choices in different situations thoroughly. Cheng Tianbi and Tang Yanqiu lowered their heads in silence, while Liu Fengyu shrugged his shoulders. “That’s right. Who knows when we might be killed by a powerful mutant creature? It’s better to seize the time to make ourselves stronger. Compared to that imminent threat, this risk is nothing.”
Cong Xia could understand each person’s choice, and at the same time, he was somewhat relieved that he didn’t have to make such a decision himself. If it were him, he would probably choose to take the risk like Zhuang Yao and Liu Fengyu because taking the shortcut in cultivation had at least a 50% chance of having no side effects. But if you were weak, the probability of death was over 90%. For those who were relatively weak, there was actually no choice.
Zhuang Yao collected the map from the ground and patted it. “Cong Xia, let’s cook.”
Cong Xia snapped out of his thoughts, took the food supplies off the road bully, and started preparing breakfast. After they hit the road again, they only ate two meals a day, breakfast and dinner, and breakfast had to be eaten until they were very full because they had to sustain themselves for the whole day.
After finishing their meal, they resumed their journey.
After walking for most of the day, they came across a small stream. They happened to have run out of drinking water in the vehicle, so they got out to collect water. After purifying it with water purification tablets, they poured it into the water barrel.
Zhuang Yao wandered around the stream for a while. It was a clear stream with a visible bottom, and there wasn’t much danger. Occasionally, fish swam by.
Cong Xia curiously asked, “What are you doing?”
Zhuang Yao asked, “Can you catch fish?” After asking, he continued, “Never mind, you definitely can’t.” He walked over to Tang Yanqiu. “Can you catch a few fish for Abu? It hasn’t eaten since yesterday.”
“Oh, sure, I’ll give it a try.”
Tang Yanqiu snapped off two branches from the trees in the forest and sharpened their ends with a knife. He and Cheng Tianbi each took one and entered the stream, searching for traces of fish.
Abu squatted quietly by the side, its beautiful purple eyes following the flow of the river. With its huge size, it couldn’t catch fish in such shallow water, so it could only sit on the bank anxiously.
The riverbank was wet, and Cong Xia and Liu Fengyu sat on each side of Abu’s paws. Cong Xia sighed, “These small fish won’t be enough for it even if we catch them.”
Zhuang Yao looked at the river without turning his head. “Every bit counts. Hey, there’s one. Come quickly.”
Tang Yanqiu ran over stepping on stones and saw a plump grass carp. He swiftly threw the sharpened branch in his hand, piercing the fish in an instant.
Zhuang Yao excitedly picked up the branch, watching the flopping fish on it. “Great, this one weighs at least five or six catties.”
Abu couldn’t sit still and stood up, walking towards Zhuang Yao. Cong Xia and Liu Fengyu stumbled and fell to the ground because of it.
Liu Fengyu angrily exclaimed, “Stupid cat!”
Tang Yanqiu threw the fish on the ground. Abu lowered its head, sniffed lightly, licked its tongue, and the fat fish disappeared into its mouth without leaving a single bone.
Cheng Tianbi also managed to catch an even larger fish and threw it towards Abu from a distance. Abu turned its head, opened its mouth wide, and swallowed the fish whole.
Zhuang Yao cheered happily, “Get a few more!”
Cheng Tianbi replied, “That’s enough. We can’t delay for too long.”
Tang Yanqiu checked the time and said, “Let’s find two more, and then we’ll leave.”
Cheng Tianbi nodded and ran back into the stream to find more fish.
Cong Xia took a deep breath, stretched his arms and legs. The weather was so nice, it was a good time to relax.
Just as they were busy with their tasks, suddenly, a strange squeaking sound came from the forest. Before they could even turn around, they could already feel the energy fluctuations of a group.
Everyone was shocked and quickly turned around to see a group of large monkeys appearing in the forest, swiftly running towards them, leaping between the tree branches.
Cheng Tianbi and Tang Yanqiu dropped the branches and ran back. But they were a bit far from the shore at this moment, and it was difficult to walk in the water. Abu suddenly turned its head, let out an angry roar, and pounced on the group of monkeys.
Zhuang Yao and Cong Xia were terrified and could only push backward desperately. Liu Fengyu stood in front of them, fully on guard.
However, the group of monkeys wasn’t targeting them but the vehicle. Several large monkeys jumped onto the car roof and used their sharp claws to tear apart the food tied to it.
“Damn it, they’re stealing our food!”
Abu had already run to the front of the car. The monkeys rushed towards Abu, jumping onto its face. Abu swung its paw at them, and the monkeys retaliated by scratching with their claws.
Abu swatted them to the ground, but its front paws were left with several bloody scratches.
The largest monkey continued screeching, and the two monkeys that had fallen on the ground quickly got up and ran back.
By the time Tang Yanqiu picked up his bow and arrows, and Cheng Tianbi ran into his attack range, those monkeys had already grabbed their two big bags of food and ran into the forest.
Tang Yanqiu aimed and shot an arrow, but the group of monkeys was incredibly agile and too far away. The arrow only hit one monkey in the buttocks. The monkey howled, fell to the ground, but struggled to get up and ran desperately into the depths of the forest.
Tang Yanqiu sighed. Zhuang Yao grunted in frustration.
Cong Xia helplessly said, “Quickly check what we’ve lost.”
He and Cheng Tianbi climbed onto the car and discovered that two large bags of their packed meat and vegetables were missing, weighing over twenty kilograms. It was their food supply for over half a month, and the loss was significant.
Cheng Tianbi looked towards the forest, where the injured monkey had left behind a trail of blood not far away.
Cong Xia looked at everyone and said, “What should we do? Should we chase them or not?”
Author’s note: Goodnight~
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