The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

"Fruity, this is the Soul-Calming, Heart-Warming Sutra. Before you can learn any of the advanced techniques your uncle monks use, you first need to learn how to calm your heart and soul," a monk said, handing a stone tablet with intricate writings to Fruity.

Fruity took the tablet and examined the writings. "The soul attunes with the stars, making the heart lighten and calm like the moon," he read aloud.

The monk's eyes widened in surprise. "You... you can read this?" he asked, astonished.

"It's not that difficult, Uncle. No need to look so shocked," Fruity replied casually, his tone light.

"You," the monk started to say something but then stopped, unable to find the words.

"What next, Uncle?" Fruity asked with a small smile.

"Go to the Soul-Calming Tree and sit under it. Note my words, sit under, not on top. Focus on the Soul-Calming, Heart-Warming Sutra and start reciting it. Once you master it, I will take you to the Awakening Temple to awaken your spiritual Qi," the monk instructed before leaving.

"Tsk, who said I don't have inner peace?" Fruity muttered as he headed toward the small peak. "I'm surrounded by the best uncles. What else do I need?"

He arrived at a small peak where the Soul-Calming Tree stood. The tree looks magnificent, with branches woven into a canopy that cast dappled shadows on the ground. Its leaves are shades multicolored and alluring. Small, vibrant fruits hung from the branches.

According to the monastery's teachings, those who could achieve a state of attunement while surrounded by such delicious fruits were said to have attained true inner peace. Fruity approached the tree, finding a spot beneath it to sit. He settled comfortably on the ground, preparing himself to focus on the sutra and find the calm he was being asked to achieve.

He set the stone tablet before him, watching as it floated gently in the air. Fruity focused his eyes on the tablet and began reciting the sutra. For a brief moment, he felt his mind calm and his heart warm, but just like that, the feeling quickly faded.

"Inner peace, inner peace, inner peace," he murmured, but his focus was easily distracted. "Dinner peace, dinner please."

The enticing fragrance of the fruits hanging from the branches began to overwhelm him.

"Maybe I should eat a few and then I might develop some resistance to it," Fruity said, eyeing the fruits with a mix of curiosity and temptation.

He reached out, plucking a small fruit from the tree and examining it. The vibrant color and sweet scent were irresistible. Fruity took a bite, savoring the taste while still trying to maintain his focus on the sutra. As he chewed, he wondered if indulging in the fruit might somehow help him achieve the inner peace he was seeking.

But who was he kidding? Fruity had already eaten thousands of these fruits over the years, yet he hadn't developed any resistance to their allure. If anything, his insatiable hunger only intensified whenever he saw them.

Far from him, the ancient monks and the Grandmaster Monk observed the scene.

"At this rate, he will never be able to master this technique anytime soon," the Grandmaster Monk said, shaking his bald head.

"Well, that's because he has already attained inner peace. In fact, he achieved it two years ago. He just doesn't realize it yet," one of the ancient monks replied.

"What? How is that possible?" the Grandmaster Monk asked, clearly surprised.

The ancient monk smiled gently. "Inner peace is not always about perfect control or serene focus. Sometimes, it's about understanding and acceptance. Fruity's constant struggle and his reaction to the fruits show that he's already in a state of balance. He just needs to recognize it for himself."

The Grandmaster Monk frowned thoughtfully. "So you're saying he's already where he needs to be, but he doesn't know it?"

"Yes," the ancient monk confirmed. "Sometimes, the journey to inner peace is about realizing that you've already arrived. Fruity's unique approach and his apparent distractions are actually signs that he's achieved what he's been seeking."

The Grandmaster Monk nodded slowly, considering the ancient monk's words. The realization brought a new perspective on Fruity's training, and he decided to let him continue in his own way, trusting that he would come to understand his inner peace in due time.

"Why does it feel like I'm in the state I should be in but don't know it?" Fruity wondered aloud, gazing at the Soul-Calming, Heart-Warming Sutra floating before him.

He sighed and continued to talk to himself, "Okay, Fruity, what will you do if somebody insults you?"

He paused, considering the question. After a moment, he answered, "I'll just brush it off and smile. It's not worth getting upset over."

He nodded to himself as if convinced by his own response.

"See, if I can stay calm and not let little things bother me, maybe that's a sign of inner peace already," he mused, a small smile forming on his lips.

Fruity paused again, contemplating his self-imposed question. "What happens if someone looks at the Ice Princess weirdly?" he asked himself.

He thought for a moment, then answered with a thoughtful tone, "I'd probably step in and defend her. It's not right to let anyone disrespect someone important to me."

"Tsk, who are you kidding, Fruity? You'd probably slap him senseless," Fruity said with a smile, amused by his own response.

He chuckled to himself, then added, "That too, but I'll make sure I maintain inner peace while doing it."

Fruity's smile widened as he pondered his own words. Balancing his actions with a sense of calm and understanding seemed like a practical approach to achieving inner peace.

As he continued to recite the sutra, he felt a growing sense of contentment, realizing that perhaps inner peace was not just about perfect serenity but also about integrating his true self into his actions and reactions.

"Mmmh, this fruit tastes like inner peace," Fruity said, savoring the flavor. Despite having already eaten hundreds of these fruits, he still felt an insatiable craving for more.

After a while, Fruity felt something stirring within his heart. He dropped the fruit he had been holding and resumed reciting the sutra with renewed focus. This time, something within him seemed to connect. He felt his soul aligning more deeply with his surroundings.

A sense of calm washed over him. There were no distractions, no doubts, and no uncertainties. He felt safe, serene, and harmonized with everything around him.

"So, this is what inner peace feels like," Fruity muttered to himself. He continued to concentrate on deepening this connection. However, despite his efforts, he sensed something blocking him. It was as if an invisible barrier prevented him from fully reaching that part of his soul.

"Congratulations, Fruity. You have attained inner peace," a voice suddenly spoke.

Fruity turned to see his Uncle Monk standing before him. His uncle had been the one to guide him to this place. "So, what's next, Uncle?" Fruity asked.

Uncle Monk smiled warmly. "Inner peace is just the beginning. Now, you must learn to maintain it amidst the chaos of the world."

Fruity nodded, eager to understand more. "How do I do that?"

"By practicing mindfulness and self-discipline," Uncle Monk explained. "Inner peace is like a fragile flame. It can be easily extinguished by stress and distractions if not properly nurtured."

Fruity listened carefully. "And how do I overcome these distractions?"

"Start by observing your thoughts without judgment," Uncle Monk advised. "Recognize them as passing clouds and let them drift away. Focus on your breath and the present moment."

Fruity closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to follow his uncle's guidance. He let the thoughts come and go, like clouds drifting across the sky.

"Remember," Uncle Monk continued, "inner peace comes from within. External circumstances can influence it, but true peace is a state of mind you cultivate and protect."

"When you are done, I will take you to Hammon City to awaken your Spiritual Qi" The uncle monk left after saying that. Fruity smiled and went about practicing while consuming fruit after fruit.

A week later, he managed to attain all there was to attain and left with his uncle monk to Hammon City to awaken and finally become a cultivator.

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