Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

”Master, you’re awake.” Little Ninth’s voice echoed in his mind.

”Little Ninth, what happened?” Song Changsheng asked in a low voice, leaning on a nearby bookshelf as he struggled to stand up.

In response, Little Ninth immediately recounted what had transpired, adding at the end, ”That portion of your memory may have been erased.”

After hearing its account, Song Changsheng broke out in a cold sweat. He was lucky to have woken up at the critical moment; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

’Did someone from the Golden Crow Sect see through my origins?’ A strong sense of unease welled up in Song Changsheng’s heart. Although he didn’t know who had attacked him, the assailant was undoubtedly a Golden Core Master.

’No, that’s not right. If they had already seen through me, they wouldn’t have used such a method to test me. They must only be suspicious, and not necessarily about me being a Transmigrator.

After all, the identity of a Transmigrator is worthless to a Golden Core Master. There’s no need to go to such great lengths to test me.’

Soon, Song Changsheng sorted out his thoughts and felt a little more at ease.

”They failed this time, but they certainly won’t let it go so easily. Little Ninth, do you have any good solutions?”

”Master, I’ve found a technique for you called the Soul Locking Technique. After you cultivate it, you can apply a layer of protection to your memories that no one will be able to breach.”

As it spoke, a large segment of information flooded into Song Changsheng’s Sea of Consciousness.

After reviewing it, Song Changsheng felt much calmer.

He walked to the hidden compartment and picked up a brocade box that had opened on its own. Inside lay a ring engraved with profound Runes. The band was pure black, and it was set with a crimson Jade that resembled an eyeball.

”A Divine Illusion Stone... No wonder, no wonder.”

With a single glance, Song Changsheng recognized the origin of the Jade on the ring. The Divine Illusion Stone had the ability to store and amplify Divine Thought. The attacker had stored their Divine Thought in this ring to achieve an element of surprise.

If he wasn’t mistaken, some kind of special technique must have also been applied to the red cloth, which explained the surprise attack.

Toying with the Divine Illusion Ring in his hand, Song Changsheng’s expression turned grim. The method Little Ninth provided was, in the end, just a temporary fix. He had to solve the problem at its root.

”The Golden Crow Sect... The pressure is immense...” Song Changsheng shook his head with a bitter smile. The difference in strength was too vast, so great that he could only look up from below.

Even though he had nearly lost his life, he could only swallow his anger and endure it silently. He even had to pretend he knew nothing about it, as if it had never happened.

’Only by reaching the Golden Core Stage will I have any say in matters. Golden Crow Sect, if I ever get the chance, I will repay you for today!’ Song Changsheng silently etched this into his memory and put away the Divine Illusion Ring.

Although he had just fallen prey to the ring, he had to admit it was an extremely valuable gift, its worth no less than a Magical Treasure.

Wearing it would enhance his own Divine Thought.

When facing an enemy, it could even disrupt their Divine Soul.

”Master, you need to heal,” Little Ninth reminded him in a low voice from within his Sea of Consciousness.

Although Song Changsheng had expelled the force invading his Sea of Consciousness at the critical moment, he had paid a hefty price. His Divine Soul had been nearly torn apart.

If he didn’t treat it promptly, it would surely leave behind an irreversible hidden injury.

Enduring the excruciating pain radiating from his Divine Soul, Song Changsheng went to the Cold Pool on Vast Mist Peak.

The Extreme Cold Power contained within the Cold Pool was miraculously effective at healing injuries to the Divine Soul.

As he felt the bone-chilling cold envelop him, the blood throughout Song Changsheng’s body seemed to stop flowing.

His consciousness gradually faded, and Song Changsheng drifted into a deep sleep...

”Clan Leader, Clan Leader.”

An unknown amount of time passed before a slightly anxious voice woke Song Changsheng.

Song Changsheng’s eyes snapped open. A sweep of his Divine Sense revealed a figure pacing back and forth anxiously outside the Cold Pool.

’Is that Qingming? Has something happened to the clan?’ Song Changsheng made a quick calculation and realized he had been in the Cold Pool for less than a month. ’Nothing major should have happened in such a short amount of time.’

With a shake of his body, he shattered the Ice Crystals encasing him. Shrouded in an aura of Extreme Cold, Song Changsheng flew out and landed before Song Qingming.

”What happened?” Song Changsheng asked, his brow furrowed.

The lingering cold aura on Song Changsheng made Song Qingming shiver involuntarily. He quickly said, ”Clan Leader, please, go quickly! The Grand Elder... he’s not going to make it.”

Hearing this, Song Changsheng was deeply shaken. Although Song Luzhou was currently the clan’s true Grand Elder, everyone was still in the habit of using the title for Song Xianyun.

Thus, upon hearing Song Qingming’s report, Song Changsheng suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. If Song Qingming hadn’t been quick-witted enough to support him, he might have collapsed on the spot.

With no time for further questions, Song Changsheng flicked his sleeve, enveloped Song Qingming, and shot off as a streak of light toward Song Xianyun’s residence.

When he arrived, the clan’s Elders and Clan Elders were already gathered outside Song Xianyun’s small courtyard. The scene was deathly quiet, broken only by the occasional sound of stifled sobs and sniffles.

”Clan Leader, you’ve finally arrived,” a Clan Elder said, rushing forward as Song Changsheng landed. ”The Grand Elder has been asking to see you.”

”Has it really come to the end?” Song Changsheng asked, his voice hoarse.

Although he had long been mentally prepared, now that the day was here, Song Changsheng still found it difficult to accept.

”His life is fading, and there’s nothing more that can be done. You should hurry inside to see him. The Supreme Elder and the Minor Affairs Elder are already in there,” the Clan Elder said with a desolate expression.

Song Changsheng hurried to Song Xianyun’s room. The moment he stepped inside, he saw that Song Xianyun, who had previously been gaunt and listless, was now sitting up in bed, chatting and laughing cheerfully with Song Xianming, Song Luzhou, and the others at his side.

His complexion had regained its rosy hue, and his voice was resonant and powerful.

At first, Song Changsheng was overjoyed at the sight, but he soon realized this wasn’t a recovery. It was... a final burst of life!

Forcibly suppressing the grief in his heart, Song Changsheng lightened his steps, approached Song Xianyun’s bedside, and clasped his hands. ”Twenty-first Grand-uncle,” he said softly, ”your grandson is here.”

Perhaps even he himself didn’t realize that his voice was unconsciously trembling.

Seeing Song Changsheng, a hint of joy appeared on Song Xianyun’s face. He patted Song Xianming’s hand and said, ”Big Brother, all of you step outside for a moment. I’d like to speak with Sheng’Er alone.”

Song Xianming’s body gave an imperceptible shudder, but he quickly composed himself and nodded. ”Alright.”

”Twenty-first Uncle...” Song Luzhou’s voice was strained.

”Luzhou, remember what I told you. In the future, you must do more to help Sheng’Er bear his burdens.” Song Xianyun patted his shoulder gently, his eyes filled with encouragement.

”I will never forget your teachings, Twenty-first Uncle.” Song Luzhou lowered his head, tears already welling in his eyes.

Witnessing this scene, Song Changsheng felt a lump form in his throat.

Song Xianming pulled Song Luzhou out of the room, leaving Song Changsheng alone with him.

”Twenty-first Grand-uncle, you...”

”Say no more. I am well aware of my own condition,” Song Xianyun said with a gentle smile, showing not a trace of fear of death. ”Help me up. Let’s go for a little walk.”

Song Changsheng stepped forward and carefully helped Song Xianyun to his feet, accompanying him for a few steps inside the room.

After only a short distance, Song Xianyun was already exhausted. He couldn’t help but sigh, ”I’m old now. A few steps and I’m already done for.”

The corners of Song Changsheng’s eyes stung. The Song Xianyun before him was no different from a mortal in their twilight years, with one foot in the grave. He could barely sense any life force left in him at all.

”Let me help you sit over there,” Song Changsheng said softly.

”Alright.”

After helping Song Xianyun into a wicker chair, he placed his fingers on the old man’s wrist to check his Meridians. As a sliver of his Mana cycled through them, Song Changsheng’s heart sank deeper and deeper...

...

PS: I just got off the bullet train and checked into my hotel, so I’m only now getting a chance to open my computer. Sorry for the late update.