“Oh! How did you ever think of acquiring Bell Labs?” Claire, as the investment president, was naturally quite knowledgeable about investment matters.
“Just think about it,” Mu Lin replied. “The driving force behind human inventions is actually to make life more comfortable for ourselves. You know I’m a cultivator, and I’ve always been deeply interested in telephones and televisions because these technologies resemble the abilities attained at certain stages of cultivation. That’s why I became so fascinated with them.
“You should know that according to ancient records, these technologies were once exclusively mastered by elite humans—cultivators. Now they are widely available to the general public, so I want to study the connection between ancient cultivation techniques and modern science. After achieving a certain level of cultivation, I have yet to meet another cultivator!” Mu Lin spoke with a distant look, and the loneliness on his face made Claire and Fanny feel heartbroken.
“Mu Lin, you still have us, right?” Claire, filled with sympathy, hugged Mu Lin tightly and whispered gently in his ear. She understood the loneliness of the seventeen-year-old boy, who possessed extraordinary abilities but lacked a stage to display them and had no peers with whom to communicate. His inner solitude and pain were easy to imagine.
After a brief pause, Mu Lin realized he had shown too much emotion and gently pulled away from Claire’s embrace. He smiled apologetically at everyone, calmed himself, and continued the conversation.
“My three-year journey across the country was actually an attempt to find other cultivators or practitioners for deeper communication. I visited all the so-called sacred mountains and blessed lands of Daoism and Buddhism. Although I found the caves and dwellings of these cultivators, they had long been abandoned or their occupants had perished.
“In those famous mountains and rivers, spiritual herbs and treasures were not scarce, but I could not find any cultivators. Hoping for the slightest possibility, I thought perhaps they had moved overseas due to dissatisfaction with the domestic environment. But even after searching thoroughly throughout the U country, I still found no trace of them.
“Since I can’t find them for now, I hope to use modern science to explore the true meaning of cultivation techniques. That’s why I’m interested in acquiring Bell Labs.”
Seeing everyone’s expressions shift to understanding, Mu Lin smiled slightly and continued, “Actually, you’ve already stepped into the threshold of cultivation. With the help of spiritual herbs and dual cultivation techniques, Claire, Fanny, and others, although you started at a slightly older age, have already changed your physical constitutions. After some time of practice, you will officially begin your cultivation journey.”
Seeing the inquiring looks from Hong Jiani and Meizi, Mu Lin addressed them, “You’re still young, and after the marrow cleansing from the herbs, your future cultivation progress will surpass Fanny and the others. As for Jiani, your body has a special constitution. Once you refine the pure yin within you, your potential achievements might be the greatest among you all.”
“When that time comes and you possess abilities far beyond ordinary people, and your lifespan is much longer, you’ll understand my feelings. Just don’t cry on me then!” Mu Lin, having adjusted his mood, teased them lightly.
Everyone was momentarily speechless, ignoring him, creating an awkward atmosphere.
“That won’t happen! We still have you, our big brother. As long as we have you, everything will be okay!” Meizi’s innocent and playful tone delighted Mu Lin and brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
“Mu Lin, can our families also cultivate like us?” Fanny carefully asked this question.
“I’m sorry, Fanny. I think your families cannot practice cultivation techniques!” Mu Lin replied decisively.
“The reasons are simple. First, cultivation is the essence of Chinese culture. I cannot betray my people by leaking these precious techniques for personal reasons. Second, your physical constitution differs somewhat from that of the Chinese people—it contains more impurities, possibly due to dietary habits. Spiritual herbs alone cannot completely cleanse these impurities. Can I really use dual cultivation techniques on all of them? As for you, since you’re with me, I naturally wouldn’t let you leave me early, so I’ve devoted great effort to purifying your bodies.”
“No wonder Mom and Fanny have been getting more and more beautiful. It’s all thanks to my big brother!” Daisey’s teasing words made Claire and Fanny blush.
Mu Lin continued with the previous topic, feeling it necessary to clarify this issue today: “Look at your people’s history over the past century—how they invaded and plundered China. How much suffering have the Chinese people endured? Please understand, I will not allow this technique to spread through my hands.”
“What if we secretly pass it on ourselves?” Bits questioned stubbornly.
“Hehe! Then that would mean you willingly choose to leave me. Once you truly intend to pass cultivation techniques to outsiders, the cultivation knowledge I implanted in your minds will be completely erased. Your skills will vanish, and you will also lose all memories of being with me. We would truly become strangers! I’m also grateful that all of you have deeply remembered my words when I first taught you cultivation techniques.” Mu Lin spoke resolutely.
The women fell silent, beginning to contemplate the meaning behind Mu Lin’s words.
“No, Mu Lin! I don’t want to leave you! I just can’t bear the feeling of watching my family members leave me one by one over time!” Fanny burst into tears.
Claire quickly embraced Fanny, whispering comforting words. The atmosphere in the room became heavy, and Mu Lin hardened his heart, bearing this emotional weight. He knew this was a situation he had to face after choosing to accept Claire, Fanny, and the others.
“Big brother, then what will you do in the future?” Meifang was the first to break the heavy silence, shifting everyone’s attention back to Mu Lin.
“In this world, I don’t plan to use my supernatural abilities to control it, so you can rest assured—you won’t become my accomplices. As for what I asked Claire to do, it’s only to give you some self-defense abilities in this world. I just want to use the world’s most advanced science and technology to solve some mysteries in my heart.
“First, I want to expand the emerging mobile phone industry. It’s a new field that will surely have long-term development. I plan to use this technology to accumulate wealth. Then, using our medical techniques, I’ll transition into the traditional energy sector, which we must strive to control. It’s also an industry that generates significant profits. Later, I plan to focus on aviation and aerospace industries, which are capital-intensive fields. Now you understand why I said I need more money!
In ancient times, cultivators who achieved success would soar through the skies wielding swords and treasures. I have not yet reached that stage, so I wish to use modern aerospace technology to explore the connection between ancient cultivation techniques and modern science, in hopes of discovering something new.
Actually, there was another thought Mu Lin hadn’t voiced yet.
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