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  Luoxi was asked to invite Feng Junzi and Bai Shaoliu to come to Luoyuan as guests, it was his father Luoshuihan's idea. Luoshuihan's life is not long, he has been arranging things after his death, the most worrying thing is of course his daughter Luoxi. The current Heluo Group is like a machine that has been running smoothly, if there are no problems, it will continue to run according to the already set program, the key is whether someone can guide Luoxi to control all this.

  He had wanted to invite Feng Junzi to be the chief consultant of the He Luo Group, asking Mr. Feng to help Luoxue take care of the family business, without having to get involved in too many operational matters, just helping Luoxue supervise the work of the group's high-level personnel would be enough. After drifting through the business world for many years, he still had a good understanding of people, and the senior managers of the He Luo Group were all very capable, but they were only working for money, and whether Luoxue could control them after his death was a big question mark. Feng Junzi's character and ability were well understood by Luoshuihan, who thought he would be the most suitable candidate to invite as a high-level consultant for Luoxue, but Feng Junzi did not agree.

  It doesn't matter if he doesn't agree, Luo Shuihan's most trusted subordinate, Luo Bing and Xiao Zhengrong are sworn brothers, and Feng Junzi is Xiao Zhengrong's brother-in-law. With this relationship, it's enough to make Luo Xuan befriend this person, who can help in critical moments. Luo Shuihan may not know that Feng Junzi is a world-renowned figure, but he is not greedy or deceitful, and is very familiar with the ways of capital manipulation, making him a rare and valuable strategist.

  Luoshui's greatest concern was naturally Luoxue's safety. In fact, for Luoxue, having no worries about food and clothing shouldn't be a problem, but whether she lived a happy and fulfilling life was another matter. The hardest part was that Luoxue already possessed immense wealth, and even if she wasn't interested, it wasn't easy to just let go of it. What he left for his daughter was not only wealth but also troubles. The world can be treacherous at times, and Luoxue was still underage; once he was gone, she would need protection.

  Luò Bīng is very capable and loyal, but he needs a lot of financial support to be effective. He's the kind of person who solves problems by doing things that are not convenient to do openly. Gù Yǐng is Luó Xī's private tutor and sometimes acts like an intimate friend. She's good to Luó Xī but also can't handle many things. Actually, Bái Shǎo Liú is the most suitable person to protect Luó Xī. Not only was he competent as a bodyguard, but even after being fired, he wasn't bought off by Huáng Yà Sū and still warned him not to harm Luó Xī. It's clear that this kid will definitely become an extraordinary talent in the future, it's just that I didn't have time to cultivate him myself.

  Luoshui Han and Xiao Bai still had some grievances, after all, it was he who had angrily driven the injured Xiao Bai out of Luoyuan Garden. To invite him back would require finding an opportunity, and having Luo Xue make an appearance would be best. This time, there was a good chance - Aphrodite lived in Luoyuan Garden, so they could borrow this chance to invite several guests for a small gathering. First, they had to invite the Marquis of Lingdun, who was currently in Wuyi City. This noble guest was usually impossible to invite, but this time he would definitely come. Luo Xue had many things she could learn, but experience was something that teachers couldn't teach - she must learn how to interact with these people, whether it was for future cooperation or opposition.

  Although Feng Junzi was just a scholar, he could hold his own among the nobles and dignitaries. This gathering would be a test of Bai Shaofeng's mettle. If Bai Shaofeng could handle himself with ease at Luo Yuan's private dinner party, then in the future, he could represent Luo Xue on many occasions. This was what Luo Shuihan thought, and when she asked for Luo Xue's opinion, she was overjoyed, eager to have Xiao Bai and Feng Junzi as guests, and immediately went to inform Aphrodite and Gu Ying.

  It's going to be lively! The three guests that Luo Xue is inviting are Ling Dun Marquis, Feng Junzi and Bai Shaoliu. The first two are exactly the people that Gu Ying suggested Aphrodite go see, while Xiao Bai is the person that Gu Ying most wants to meet. After hearing about the guests that Luo Xue was inviting, Aphrodite and Gu Ying exchanged a glance - this was too much of a coincidence! Seeing that they weren't speaking, Luo Xue asked in surprise: "What's wrong with you two? Aren't you happy?"

  Aphrodite: "No! Is this a formal dinner party? Do we need to send out invitations?"

  Luo Xue said: "It can't be considered formal or informal, since Sister Ana has said so, let's first contact them to confirm if they have time, and then send someone to deliver the invitation in person."

  "When?"

  "This weekend, there are still five days."

  Gu Ying: "It's better to formally send out invitations, I'll take care of sending Xiao Bai's invitation."

  Luo Xue: "Sister Gu wants to go find Xiao Bai? Can I come along too?"

  Gu Ying: "I have some private matters with Xiao Bai, you just wait at home, I will definitely bring him over."

  Aphrodite said: "Miss Luo, since you want to send an invitation, give me Mr. Feng's invitation and I'll go deliver it."

  "Really? Anna is going to send out invitations, that would make our Luo family too impolite. How could we let such an honorable guest do such a thing?"

  Aphrodite smiled: "I'll help you deliver the invitation, it will make you look good and Mr. Feng will also save face, right?"

  Gu Ying said from the side: "Teacher Weina is looking for Mr. Feng with something, let Xiao Xun send the invitation card instead."

  Luo Xue: "Alright then, I'll write it myself and post it right away!"

  Luò walked away, and Aphthea looked at her back and said: "Is it you who taught her the stealth technique? She learned it quite well, I just discovered it so close."

  "Because we didn't pay attention... I'm trying my best to teach her, and you also know her situation, she must learn to protect herself. It's just that it can't be like how you taught me, so tightly wound and bitter, although she learns well but doesn't make progress quickly, hoping Teacher Weina has time to give her some guidance."

  Luo Xue was preparing to invite guests when Xiao Bai's illness had also recovered, and after recovering, he found that his magical powers had increased significantly. He went to the horse farm and asked Baimao, only to realize that he was over-exerting himself in operating his inner breath underwater, which led to his energy being depleted and invaded by cold yin. However, for him, this was also a way of ascetic practice, allowing him to repeatedly temper his inner breath circulation to the extreme in the icy river, as long as he paid attention not to injure himself like last time.

  There are two types of cultivation: one is to rely on high wisdom and break through the boundary to grasp more mysterious changes, with many techniques that are difficult to understand or even deploy if the boundary is not reached; the other is to temper the spirit, bones, and tendons, while also grinding a person's heart and will, exerting the maximum effect of limited ability, persisting in self-recognition and breakthroughs. Qing Chen's entry into the Tao from martial arts belongs to the second type of achievement, and her talent is also first-rate.

  Because of the two different approaches to cultivation, the most accomplished disciples in each sect are not necessarily those with the best innate abilities when they first started. White Hair is like a treasure trove of cultivation, always able to guide Xiao Bai on the path that seems difficult but is actually the most suitable for him in various situations. And in White Hair's eyes, Xiao Bai is like a golden mountain, always able to uncover surprises because his talent is too good and his heart is truly rare, unhesitatingly and fearlessly facing all kinds of hardships in cultivation as if they were nothing out of the ordinary! The "knowing the norm" state is something that needs to be repeatedly cultivated through each stage of practice, but Xiao Bai doesn't need any special guidance.

  "What is internal energy?"

  Bai Mao: "Actually, you've already grasped it, but nobody told you why. Tell me, could you previously stay underwater for that long?"

  "Of course not, all of this happened unconsciously."

  Bai Mao: "The state of unawareness is actually the best, but that's why you got sick. There are gains and losses... What is meant by 'inner breath' is the communication between the inner and outer senses, the unity of heaven and man. It is the foundation of the 'Yi Xing' technique. I previously taught you to start with the observation method, but did not transmit the breathing method. Now you need to go back and lay a solid foundation. I will transmit another 'observation of breath' heart mantra to you. From today on, at noon, practice 'outer environment inner collection' with that wolf man; at midnight, practice 'inner breath outer sensation' at the bottom of the Yingliu River. If your Taoist skills are successful, then 'collecting desire and observing the mind' will be considered graduation."

  Bai Shaofeng: "Leaving? You're no longer going to teach me?"

  "Of course not, you don't understand the meaning of 'coming out' for a cultivator. One must pass through the 'Devil's Tribulation' to come out and let their disciples roam the world. For example, a Dan Dao disciple must be after the 'Ling Dan' realm. Because at this time, the disciple's cultivation no longer needs the master's constant supervision. Letting you run wild outside before was also an unavoidable thing, I couldn't protect you either."

  Bai Shaoliu: "I'm very self-aware, no need for you to take care of me! ... When can I leave your tutelage?"

  Bai Mao glared at him: "This has nothing to do with you being self-conscious or not! I've been teaching you 'Photography Heart Observation' until now, although the various Dharma gates are different, they all have three stages of entry, guarding, and breaking. When the time comes, you'll naturally understand. Cultivation can't be rushed, if you can become a master before Luo Shui's cold death, that would be good enough! I'm considering a major plan!"

  "What's this big plan? Why is it related to Mr. Luo's death?"

  Bai Mao: "Of the five dependencies - law, masters, companions, land and wealth - you still lack land and wealth. Currently relying solely on the Black Dragon Society will make it difficult for you to quickly establish your own power. The financial resources of the He Luo Group are the best dependency. You should return to Luo Xuan's side and find a way to control the situation after Luo Shuihan's death, as you have this condition."

  Bai Shaoliu: "Many people are plotting against Luo's family, you also want to plot against Luo's family? I don't want to harm Luo Xue!"

  Bai Mao: "I didn't ask you to harm her, you can go help her. Many people want to take advantage of her, so just help her deal with them. It's beneficial for both others and yourself. As long as she trusts you, you can use the He Luo Group to do many things."

  "It's rare for you to say something that benefits both others and yourself."

  Bai Mao: "Is that so? Maybe it's because I have a good impression of that little girl."

  "Of course it should be fine, or else I'd be seeing ghosts! You're being raised by others here, even if I get fired, Miss Luo will still support you... What's that big plan of yours, can you tell me about it in detail?"

  Bai Mao: "I haven't thought of anything specific yet, it's necessary for you to finish your apprenticeship first. It's pointless to talk about it now, let me think some more."

  After the Spring Festival, Xiao Bai killed Hong and Quan, Laxi, and during this time of recuperation from illness, many "big things" happened in Zhiguon. A top-down craze was advocated by the authorities and spread to the people. No one can clearly say what the theme of this craze is, but it's all about aligning with international standards and re-establishing various standards for all industries. Let me give you two examples from the side...

  All the patrol officers were renamed police, the patrol office was renamed public security bureau, and the national patrol office was renamed Ministry of Public Security. Specifically in Wuyue, the chief patrol officer became the director of the public security bureau.

  Nationwide qianzhuang changed their names to banks overnight, and the Wan Guo Mo Tong Qian Zhuang where Bai Shaofeng used to work was renamed Wan Guo Mo Tong Bank. The change wasn't just in name; Wan Guo Mo Tong Bank opened up to foreign investment, absorbed new shareholder capital for restructuring, and planned to list on both domestic and international markets. What this bank lacked wasn't capital or market share, but rather experience with operational management systems and governance. They hoped to introduce and learn from these through this method.

  Zhuang Ruyuan used to receive a monthly allowance of 1,200 yuan from the Bank of China for her illness, but it has been cancelled. She received a one-time compensation of over 60,000 yuan and completely cut ties with the bank. From now on, she will have to pay for her own pension and medical insurance through a new employer or by herself at the social security center. This is the result of an era coming to an end.

  Bai Shaofeng, who was unemployed at home, had not yet rushed to find a job. He temporarily didn't lack money to spend and had been very busy lately, busy cultivating!

  At noon, he practiced "outer environment inner capture" on a small mountain in the suburbs of Yingliu River Valley. In the state of meditation, he felt the spiritual mechanism of heaven and earth, and his consciousness merged with it. He felt very good when practicing alone, but when Wu Tong had time to practice together, Xiao Bai was a bit struggling because Wu Tong couldn't enter the state by himself, so Xiao Bai used his heart communication technique to bring Wu Tong into the "outer environment inner capture" state together.

  This is a state of mutual infection, it depends on the determination of Xiaobai and the turmoil in Wu Tong's heart, who has the stronger power. There are three possible outcomes: one is that Xiaobai goes crazy with him, two is that he can't stand it and lets him go crazy by himself, or three is that he suppresses his turbulent emotions and gradually regains control over his restless mind.

  Xiao Bai's desired outcome was, of course, the third option, and it also had a huge advantage. That is, if Wu Tong succeeded, he could control the awakened violent power without losing his rationality, then Xiao Bai would have gone through the same ritual and cultivation, and he would also become a "clear-headed wolf man". Speed and reaction were originally Xiao Bai's superhuman talents, and if he could also enter a state where his strength, senses, and speed were greatly enhanced in a short period of time, it would be terrifying!

  This result sounds good, but it's too painful to achieve. With a single person's determination and two people's spiritual consciousness cultivating the heart method is unheard of, and Wu Tong's spiritual consciousness has many messy things that emerge after entering concentration, like one nightmare after another. The grievances of being talented but not meeting with opportunity and the repression of being unable to vent, all sorts of greedy thoughts of taking possession, and indignation, especially when facing the world and oneself, feeling anxious and uneasy. This feeling makes Xiao Bai feel very uncomfortable, yet he cannot help but accept it and then use a calm heart to disperse it among the mountains and rivers.

  That night at dinner, the atmosphere at the table was warm and cozy. In addition to him, there were three beauties sitting at the table - Huang Jing was also here with Zhuo Ru. For some reason, Xiao Bai felt inexplicably irritable, seeing these three women in front of him gave him an urge, he couldn't tell whether he wanted to devour them or do something else, but he couldn't do anything and felt very stifled.

  After finishing dinner and drinking tea, Xiao Bai sat on the sofa, raised his cup and drank the scalding hot tea in one gulp. Huang Jing thought he was thirsty and brought over a kettle saying: "Drinking so fast will burn you, let me add some water for you."

  Xiao Bai was slightly impatient: "Never mind."

  Huang Jing was still pouring water into his cup when Xiao Bai suddenly had an outburst, raising her voice and saying "No need!" At this moment, the teacup shattered with a loud "crack"! Huang Jing was startled and loosened her grip on the kettle, which fell to the ground just as the hot water was about to scald her feet. Just then, Xiao Bai swiftly reached out in front of him and caught the kettle in mid-air, his movements swift and precise, not a single drop of water spilling out. However, the shattered teacup and its contents had already splashed all over Xiao Bai's body.

  "Ah—are you okay?" Huang Jing was almost frightened to tears by his unusual movement, and in an instant, tears were already welling up in her eyes.

  "What are you crying about? You're so timid! It didn't even scald you!" Xiaobai said discontentedly.

  "What's wrong? Didn't anyone get scalded?... Xiaobai, quickly stand up and let me help you wipe it off!" Zhuang Ru rushed out of the kitchen, thinking that Huang Jing had knocked over Xiaobai's cup and scalded him. Just as she was about to use a towel to help Xiaobai wipe off the tea leaves on his front, Xiaobai stretched out his hand to block her, saying displeased: "How could I have been scalded? You're being too nosy!"

  Bai Shaofeng had never been so fierce to them before, but at this moment, yelling and scolding felt pretty good, and he found it quite refreshing. Qingchen, who was sitting opposite him, opened his mouth in shock and forgot to speak, only reacting now: "Young Master Bai! You're not yourself! What happened outside? Why are you bullying Huang sister? Who offended you?"

  Who offended me? Xiaobai was shocked at this moment and also reacted. What's wrong with myself? I'm fine, but I don't get along with Huang Jing and Zhuang Ru, they're very good to me... Oh my god, it turns out! Xiaobai realized that her emotions today were not right, and she also understood the reason, which was because of practicing with Wu Tong at noon.

  In that case, the two people's consciousness was mutually infectious. Although Xiaobai's determination suppressed Wu Tong's restlessness during their practice, he himself was not unaffected. When they returned home, the restless emotions Wu Tong had transmitted to him still lingered, causing him to become irritable and annoyed without realizing it. Thinking of this, his heart suddenly became alert - wanting to help Wu Tong was a good thing, but he couldn't let Wu Tong drag him in unintentionally! This cultivation was really not simple, it wasn't just about practicing and meditating at that moment.