NOVPUBPang Tong had managed to understand his talent through the explanations provided by Zixu. Although he could gain enhancements from his opponent, as long as one is human, there are physiological limits. This meant that his ability couldn’t really stack infinitely.
"So to what extent can it reach?" Pang Tong now thought well of the Daoist, who answered all his questions, even though his thinking might be somewhat abnormal. But then again, how could a Daoist be the same as a normal person? n𝚘𝚟pub.𝚌o𝚖
"Let’s put it this way, your intelligence and way of thinking are already close to the human limit," Zixu stroked his beard, and then as if something occurred to him, he pulled out a book from his chest. Seeing Pang Tong’s bizarre gaze, Zixu explained, "This is a book I ’borrowed’ from Qingzhou Library Pavilion. It’s said to be by Chen Zichuan discussing Numerology, and it includes a quantification."
Perhaps unsettled by Pang Tong’s stare, Zixu handed the book to him. When he had stolen the book, he nearly got caught by Zuo Ci.
It is said that although Zixu’s belief in respecting heaven and following the Dao wasn’t the same as Zuo Ci’s, he was even more different from those like Yu Ji who wanted to take advantage of the mortal world’s imperial power. He simply wanted to explore whether the future could be twisted by his will!
That was also why Zixu was searching for characters capable of creating different futures. In fact, he had noticed that Li Youu’s future had become more complex than before. He was satisfied with this, as Li Youu had escaped his deadly fate. Such small changes in destiny pleased him.
To turn those who were fated to die around showed that fate was not rigid. The future held value in creation only if it was chaotic. If everything was predetermined, Zixu felt it better to just eat and wait for death.
Because of this, Zixu wasn’t concerned with death; he cared about his achievements. In the Library Pavilion, he found a book with a term called "science," and Zixu believed that what he was doing was very much in line with science!
The Taoist Zixu had now changed his slogan from "What end does fate have" to "Dedicate oneself to science." Anyway, in his view, Pang Tong was a valuable research subject. As for whether he would die or not, as long as the research came through, it was worth it—even if life itself was boring. Science was indeed a delightful hobby...
"So you’re saying that I’m already at the limit, does that not render my talent useless?" Pang Tong took the book and said with a frown.
"Listen to me and you’ll understand. To quantify it, ninety-nine is the human limit, and you’re probably at ninety-seven. The divide between humans and gods is one hundred, and your qualities allow you to withstand perhaps a little over a hundred. As for how much exactly, that’s unclear. Generally speaking, the higher your own level, the more you can withstand. However, exceeding by twenty percent is probably the limit," Zixu boasted about his newly learned Numerology knowledge.
"Oh, I see," Pang Tong nodded in understanding.
"However, enduring an additional twenty percent would be too much of a strain for you. And just so you know, at your level, an increase of ten percent in strength is enough to give you the upper hand in a one-on-two fight, or even maintain an advantage in a short-term one-on-three situation," Zixu cautioned, not wanting Pang Tong to really push his limits, as the burden would be too heavy. In his eyes, a genius like Pang Tong would rarely face a situation of one against three.
That being said, Zixu had no idea that in this era, the rare sages of old were nearly becoming commonplace. Forget one-on-three, there could even be situations of one-against-five if one wasn’t careful! Uh, it seems that Pang Tong’s luck is indeed not that great...
Now that he thought about it, Chen Gong also had it tough. According to Zixu, the physiological limit is twenty percent. With Chen Gong’s intelligence about ninety-two or three, to fight one-against-five and still perform dynamically, he must have been pushing his physiological limit, barely holding on against the bombardment of a group with just over one hundred in intelligence, emptying all his reserves in the process.
But speaking of which, Cao Cao’s men were truly formidable. If it had been someone else, they probably would’ve been single-handedly overturned by Chen Gong. At that time, Cao Cao was the only one who had a group of strategists of that level. If the situation had been in Yuan Shao’s hands, it’s likely that even Yuan Shao wouldn’t have been able to withstand it. Indeed, sometimes choosing the wrong opponent is the real tragedy.
"Thank you, kind sir, may I know your name? If given the chance, I, Pang Tong, will come to express my gratitude," Pang Tong felt a warmth towards Zixu, as having just left his hometown, he encountered such a good person who alleviated his worries.
"Ha ha ha, no need, no need, we shall meet again if destiny allows it. Do what you must, Pang Shiyuan, I have high hopes for you." Zixu laughed heartily, patting Pang Tong’s shoulder, before he transformed into purple petals that slowly dissipated, leaving behind these words, "Pang Shiyuan, do what you wish to do!"
Pang Tong stared blankly at Zixu turning into petals, thinking he’d really encountered a true immortal, and recalling Zixu’s temperament, he called out, "Sir, come back, I want to learn that move!"
Elsewhere, just as Zixu regained his form, he heard the distant call and almost stumbled, thinking what an eager lad!
Removing the purple Taoist robe he wore—it stood out too much—he still wanted to wander in search of those capable of changing the Mandate of Heaven and continue his research. Nanhua believed in the power, Zhang Jiao in himself, Zuo Ci in the ways of the Dao, Yu Ji in fortune, and Nanhua once believed in fate, which is why he got along with Yu Ji. Lately, Nanhua thought he should start believing in science ...
At the residence of Cao Song in Xuzhou Langya County, he looked at the letter his eldest son had sent, his face filled with emotion, and then at his second son, feeling a surge of joy.
Back in the day, Cao Song favored his handsome second son Cao De and didn’t like his older, shorter, and less attractive son Cao Cao. But now, Cao Cao had defeated Yuan Shu and established himself as a hero of the Central Plains, possessing a territory of one state with more than a hundred thousand soldiers in armor and weapons—regardless of past preferences, his son had become a mighty lord.
Looking again at his beloved second son, he had become a great Confucian scholar. Although not skilled in military strategy, he was good-looking, excelled at education, and had taught many of the Xiahou and Cao family’s children, as well as Cao Cao’s brothers. If nothing else, their brotherly respect and harmony were beyond question.
It was said that while Cao De was alive, he educated the children of both the Cao and Xiahou families. His death was a significant loss for Cao Cao!
The disorder in the Cao family later on was, to a considerable extent, linked to Cao De’s absence. Though he was only a scholar, the generation he fostered—including Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Cao Xiu—may not have derived their abilities from him, but their emotional bonds were genuine.
It could be said that Cao De’s education truly united these not-so-closely related individuals in a brotherly bond, rallying around Cao Cao. Looking at the infighting within the Cao family later on, one could see how important he was to the family—his death was indeed a pity.
Having one son that could bring prosperity to the family, and another that could unite the family with one heart, Cao Song was truly content. Thus, he planned to use his own coffin savings to help expand his son’s strength.
Money held no meaning if just kept in hand. Since the brothers were united, Cao Song was confident that neither the Cao nor the Xiahou families would decline. Therefore, he was naturally willing to support his son with all his might! (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
