C15 A Scheme

"Cousin, how's your cultivation been these past few days? You don't look so good," Shi Luo said, his brow furrowed in concern.

Despite knowing exactly what was going on, he had to feign ignorance and, more challenging still, show a caring face to someone he despised. It was a real test of his acting skills, and Shi Luo couldn't help but grumble inwardly.

"Cousin, the reason I came today was to ask if you've been feeling as disoriented and dizzy as I have when cultivating the Creation of Profound Qi. Lately, I've been feeling unwell, and during cultivation, my meridians ache terribly, almost like they're about to burst."

Shi Wei's usually vague expression took on a rare seriousness as he looked at Shi Luo, filled with expectation. Truthfully, he had his doubts about the authenticity of the cultivation technique Shi Luo had given him, but upon close examination, he found it to be flawless and incredibly powerful. Despite the excruciating pain during cultivation, the temptation was too great to resist, and he found himself wavering every time he considered quitting. With the cultivation of the Profound Qi Cleansing Technique, he had seen a significant advancement in his cultivation and strength.

He was convinced that if he persevered for another half month, he would surely break through to the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining and become the Shi family's most brilliant Prodigy. However, the side effects of the technique had become an inescapable nightmare. Without a solution and too apprehensive to confide in his father, he had no choice but to seek Shi Luo's help.

"Oh... is that so? I've never experienced anything like that," Shi Luo responded gravely, propping up his head with his arm, his face etched with contemplation.

"What? How could you not experience this? Are you saying the technique you gave me is a fake?" Shi Wei's eyes narrowed, anger flaring as a threatening aura enveloped him. He glared at Shi Luo, as if trying to peer into his very soul.

"Cousin, why would you say that? If I had given you a fake technique, I'd be doing everything in my power to cover it up," Shi Luo's face shifted instantly, his dignity seemingly under attack. He rebuked with a low, forceful shout, his voice laced with emotion.

His heart clenched suddenly as he regarded his younger cousin with a cold, inward chuckle. [Thinking you can outsmart me? You're still green. If I admitted to sharing your symptoms, you'd jump to the conclusion that there's a flaw in our martial art. In a panic, you might just lash out and kill me with a punch.] But by denying any issues, even with his lingering doubts, he no longer questioned the legitimacy of the martial art. The issue had to lie in the method of cultivation.

His current outrage was nothing more than a ploy to trap me into revealing my cultivation secrets. [Tut, tut, are all scions of noble families this cunning?]

"If you don't trust me, then simply don't cultivate. It's not like I've held a knife to your throat to make you practice," Shi Luo feigned anger, turning to leave. Shi Wei's previously taut expression softened as he watched Shi Luo's retreating figure. The cultivation technique was genuine, and his fears about it vanished in an instant, leaving him feeling much lighter. He quickly stepped forward, eager to keep Shi Luo from leaving.

"Cousin, I was just overzealous. Let's discuss our cultivation methods; perhaps there's something amiss with mine."

Shi Wei's face was painted with an obsequious smile, his demeanor oozing sycophancy. Shi Luo huffed, giving Shi Wei a frosty look.

"Your eyes are hollow, your limbs feeble; clear signs of depleted Divine Void Essence. Either you've overindulged in pleasures or suffered a severe internal injury. Have you been wounded in a fight recently?" Shi Luo inquired.

"These past few days have been uneventful. I've been diligently practicing according to our cultivation technique, occasionally sparring with my elder brother. Nothing more."

In that moment, Shi Wei's thirst for the proper cultivation method led him to place his full trust in Shi Luo. With no shadow of doubt, he openly shared his recent activities. Despite the murderous intent towards Shi Luo that lurked deep within him.

"Oh... I see. It probably isn't anything serious. Perhaps the uniqueness of the cultivation technique is simply too much for your body to adapt to right now. But tell me, have you encountered anything unusual these past few days? There might be some clues in those experiences."

Shi Luo's demeanor was earnest, yet there was a subtle shift in his tone towards the end. He didn't spell it out, but his implications were clear: you're in good health, and whatever the issue may be, it's not my concern. You'll have to ponder over your own affairs. It appeared as though he genuinely had Shi Wei's best interests at heart.

But inwardly, he held nothing but contempt. The cultivation technique I've altered is so subtle that even your father might not notice anything amiss, much less you. Now, all I need to do is plant a seed of doubt in your mind, and you'll unwittingly seek out a fall guy.

"Strange... What's so strange?" Shi Wei's brow furrowed, seemingly delving into his recollections. For a brief moment, his face flickered with shock, but he swiftly masked it. His expression, a complex tapestry of surprise, gave way to a chill that crept into the air, catching Shi Luo off guard. 'Damn, the kid's hooked already.'