Wang Lanqing's attention wasn't on this matter. "You mean, Xiao Changge has a power within her that's completely different from ours. What does that mean? I don't quite understand."
"...Let me think about how to explain it to you," Sui You pondered for a moment. "Each of us has spiritual meridians, a dantian, and spiritual roots. Not only humans have these, but other living beings do too. With these three, one can cultivate immortality."
"Besides possessing the three qualities required for cultivation that we have, Xiao Changge also has a power that I can't figure out at all. This power doesn't belong to our world. It might belong to Xiao Changge's own world."
Wang Lanqing seemed to understand, yet also not.
Before this, she had always treated Xiao Changge as a fellow villager who had transmigrated from the same world as herself.
But now, she was somewhat uncertain.
Because this fellow villager, Xiao Changge, was clearly not an ordinary person.
"Forget it, no need to overthink. Whether it's strange energy or some uncommon ability, it's all an opportunity." Sui You looked at Xiao Changge. "This child has a resilient mind. Once she becomes interested and wants to learn something, she won't give up easily. I admire that. After we leave this secret realm, perhaps I can consider taking her as a disciple."
Wang Lanqing was dumbfounded. "Lord Sui You, are you going to personally teach her the phoenix clan's cultivation techniques? But phoenix clan techniques can only be passed down to their own kin, right? If you take her as a disciple, and don't teach her the phoenix clan's techniques, what will you teach her?"
"Who says phoenix clan techniques can only be passed down internally and not externally?" Sui You's tone was slow. "The reason phoenix clan techniques are only passed down to family members and not publicized is because many people don't have the conditions to learn them."
"Our phoenix clan's cultivation techniques are very arduous. It's slightly easier if one possesses the phoenix clan's bloodline, but without it, one can only endure it oneself. Putting aside other factors, just this point alone would make it impossible for anyone to persevere."
Sui You looked at the still doubtful Wang Lanqing. "If I were to teach you a martial art, requiring you to wake up early and return late, while your other cultivation techniques are already showing results, but only the phoenix clan's techniques are the most difficult and yield no results when you practice them, how long could you persist?"
"This... at most a year, I suppose," Wang Lanqing said, not entirely sure.
Because she didn't know how exhausting this kind of early-to-bed, late-to-rise hardship was.
If it was completely unbearable, she probably wouldn't last a month.
But…
"Lord Sui You, I think you're being too certain," Wang Lanqing glanced at Xiao Changge. "You say this child has a resilient mind, but how old is she now? And you haven't spent much time with her, so how can you be so sure?"
"You can tell from the eyes," Sui You's tone was light. "A child's eyes don't lie. This Xiao Changge hasn't moved from her spot since she sat down here, and when she was drawing with water on the table, her arm maintained the same posture the entire time."
"Resilient gaze, ability to sit still, and intense focus. If this child is guided well, she'll definitely be steady." Sui You's opinion of Changge grew increasingly favorable.
"...Just by looking at her eyes and some details, you can determine a person's character?" Wang Lanqing felt that if Sui You's skill were applied in her own world, she could be a fortune teller.
Sui You was about to explain when footsteps suddenly sounded from outside the tavern.
Sui You looked up, a towel draped over his shoulder, and was about to greet them with a smile, "Welcome, esteemed guests," when he looked up and saw Qi Yu and the others arriving.
Qi Yu raised his eyebrows in surprise, looking at Sui You. "Oh, I never expected to run into you all here."
Wang Lanqing and Chi Shangming gave awkward smiles.
Xiao Changge excitedly ran over and hugged Qi Yu's leg.
Qi Yu walked in, sat down, and casually ordered a few dishes before curiously asking Sui You, "Weren't you guys going treasure hunting? I saw you accept the notice and head straight for the docks. How did you end up here?"
"..." Sui You let out a sigh. Just as he was about to reveal that he couldn't use his spiritual power, he saw Qi Yu suddenly slap his forehead and then slowly explain about the secret realm's ability to control spiritual power.
"I was using my spiritual power freely before and didn't notice this because I forgot my identity." Qi Yu looked at Sui You with a headache. "Because I discovered it too late and you had already left, I didn't have time to tell you. I was planning to come to this tavern on the way and tell you via sound transmission, but I didn't expect to run into you tonight. So, I'll tell you this news first, and then I'll tell Senior Brother and the others later."
Sui You was speechless. For a moment, he didn't know whether to first complain that Qi Yu had forgotten his identity as the Heavenly Dao, or to complain that no one had thought to use their spiritual power for so long after arriving in the secret realm.
At that moment, another waiter from a nearby table walked over, carrying a tray of food, clearly there to deliver it.
Sui You stood up. "Alright, then you guys continue eating and having fun. I have to get to work. Since we can't open our storage pouches, we're preparing to be tavern waiters here. The money has already been paid. We'll set off tonight."
Qi Yu nodded. "Okay, if that's the case, then you should proceed according to the original plan. Keep the talismans I gave you safe. If you encounter any emergencies, just crush them and leave."
Sui You chuckled wryly. "I know, I know. You've told me this countless times. Don't worry, we all know what we're doing. You just enjoy yourself in this secret realm."
Qi Yu was nodding at the first part of Sui You's sentence, but he froze when he heard the last part.
Sui You gently placed a hand on her head. "I know you've been working too hard. Being in the 13th Heaven at such a young age must be very boring."
"So, this is a rare opportunity. Relax and have fun in the new secret realm."
After all, with Qi Yu's current status, no secret realm in the world could harm her.
Qi Yu looked at Sui You with tears of gratitude. "Wuwuwu, Sui You, why are you so good to me! I wish I had a brother like you."
Si Qing, standing nearby, said sourly, "Sister, now that I think about it, it's a good thing you're a girl."
Qi Yu looked bewildered. "What does it have to do with me being a boy or a girl?"