Chapter 44: Brahman and Atman

"But I feel, classmate Andre, that you still have some opinion of me."

Angela's expression was strange. She pointed at Li Mochen's face with her delicate hand: "Your expression right now is like you're saying to me, 'Say what you have to say and then get out,' isn't that right?"

Li Mochen felt a bit embarrassed. He thought, since you understand, why must you say it out loud? How awkward is that?

But on his face, there was not a trace of abnormality: "How could that be? I think you must have misread me, classmate Angela. How could I possibly have such a thought?"

Angela couldn't help but chuckle: "When you speak in that tone, classmate Andre, it feels completely insincere. And then you put on that 'get lost quickly' expression—it's really funny! And what does 'zai xia' mean? Is it ancient Eastern language? You're the first person I've met who's so amusing. But sorry, I probably can't leave right now. Our chairwoman asked me to teach you yoga—"

"Yoga?" Li Mochen raised an eyebrow.

"It's a meditation method passed down from ancient Indians, but for now we only need its physical part. The chairwoman thinks your excessive training has caused some stiffness in your joints and muscles, which isn't good for your future swordsmanship practice."

Angela explained with a smile: "Also, some knowledge about the stars. I've seen your registration form, classmate Andre. You're currently practicing the Eighty-Eight Constellation Meditation, a variant of the Illusory Star Meditation, right? Then I might be able to help you. Coincidentally, the cultivation technique I practice now is also related to the stars."

"But classmate Andre, you're quite bold. The basic constellations are Ursa Minor and the South Pole. Although these two constellations are less important than the zodiac in Western astrology, their power actually surpasses the golden constellations. In Eastern astrology, these two constellations are the supreme existences among the stars, true imperial stars. If I may ask, could you let me sense your current state? I don't know which stage you've reached—"

"I can learn yoga, and as for astrology, you can teach me the Western part, but there's no need for sensing."

After a slight hesitation, Li Mochen no longer put on an aloof attitude.

He didn't actually need to learn about the stars from a young girl, and he had his own ways to solve the problem of stiffness and lack of coordination. The Shenxiao Sect had plenty of secret body-forging methods, which should be no less effective than that so-called yoga.

However, there was a saying in the Eastern ancient country: 'When three walk together, there must be a teacher among them.' In the pursuit of knowledge, one should be open-minded and not ashamed to ask.

The girl before him came from a prominent family and likely possessed knowledge beyond books. Li Mochen felt it necessary to learn from her. As the saying goes, 'Stones from other hills may serve to polish jade.' In learning, he had always been diligent and persistent, and he took pride in that.

Li Mochen's only concern was that he might embarrass himself again in front of this young girl.

But now, with the Ice Blood Stone necklace in hand, he still had some confidence.

At that moment, Li Mochen discreetly glanced dozens of meters away, where two blonde girls were sparring, one of whom was Louise Lindon.

He thought, this woman indeed came from a good family—she had good judgment, able to see the original Li Mochen's problem. And her sense of responsibility was somewhat unexpected. He had thought this cold weapon fighting club had completely ignored him.

But at the same time, he encountered cold stares from another girl. One of the two girls over there was Lena Aldrich, who had knocked him unconscious on Monday. Now she was shooting him a knife-like, icy glare, full of warning, for reasons unknown.

"Then classmate Andre, please go to the second floor and find a private practice room. Wait for me there; I'll change clothes and come—"

Angela seemed very happy. Without waiting for Li Mochen's agreement, she ran off to the changing room, leaving him standing there bewildered, wondering what learning yoga had to do with changing clothes.

He could only shake his head, tidied up the fitness equipment a bit, and then walked alone to a practice room on the second floor with a sign reading B5. Not long after, the black-haired girl entered wearing a black bodysuit.

Li Mochen's face turned green, and he quickly averted his gaze. He thought, people in this world were truly shameless! Such clothing was hardly better than a bellyband. How could she flaunt it so openly in front of others? Shouldn't this only be worn in private? How outrageous!

At that moment, Li Mochen also felt some warmth in his nasal cavity. Perhaps due to the previous damage to capillaries, that area had become particularly fragile. Unfortunately, his magical power was now greatly diminished, his physical enhancement was insufficient, and he couldn't precisely control every part of his body.

Angela didn't notice his discomfort. After laying out two yoga mats, she began to explain: "Yoga has a long history. In English, it's 'Yoga'; in Hindi, it's '%￥#', originating from Brahmanism. It is a meditation method that guides practitioners to complete spiritual cultivation, achieving harmony and unity of body, mind, and spirit, up to the state of Brahman-Atman union. Here, we must explain the word 'Brahman.' Brahmanism believes that all things have a supreme essence, which is Brahman. In their view, the energy of the universe, the operation of heaven and earth, and human life all depend on 'Brahman.' So this Brahman-Atman union is roughly similar to the Eastern ancient concept of 'unity of heaven and man,' and the cultivation process is also similar to the Eastern Daoist practices of refining essence into qi, refining qi into spirit, and refining spirit into emptiness."

"As I said earlier, today we'll only practice its physical part. It includes some basic postures and breath guidance, which should quickly solve your problem. By the way, classmate Andre, may I ask, are you from the Wiltonshire family?"

"Why do you ask?"

Li Mochen struggled to divert his attention. He felt that Angela at this moment was even more tempting and delicious than if she were naked. He was already considering using the 'Heavenly Mind Divine Illumination' technique.

Angela explained: "When the British and French empires colonized India, they plundered many good things. A large part of them fell into your family's hands. There are rumors that the yoga of your Wiltonshire family is more orthodox and comprehensive than what the Indians currently practice."

Li Mochen thought, is that so? But then he shook his head: "I don't know. Wiltonshire is only related to me by blood. I would actually prefer you call me Li or Mo, rather than Andre."