Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Song Xianyun’s body had deteriorated to an extreme degree. His Divine Soul was weak, his life force depleted. The Mana Song Changsheng was channeling into him couldn’t even linger in his Meridians.

Reaching out and pressing the back of Song Changsheng’s hand, Song Xianyun said softly, ”There are limits to what a person can do, and one cannot defy the will of Heaven. My time has come. Don’t waste any more effort. Just stay with me on this final journey.”

”Twenty-first Grandpa...” Song Changsheng felt a sting in his nose. In contrast to Song Xianyun’s calm acceptance, all he felt was a desolate sorrow.

”Don’t act like a sentimental child. COUGH COUGH COUGH. Over the years, how many people have given their lives for the family? Sixth Uncle, Seventh Uncle, Second Brother, Third Sister, Luyao, Luhuai, Changrong, Changjun...”

”I’ve scraped by for over two hundred years. I’m already far, far luckier than they were...” As familiar faces flashed through his mind, Song Xianyun’s eyes began to well with tears.

”If they were still alive, they would surely want you to take care of yourself and see more of this world on their behalf,” Song Changsheng said softly, tightly gripping Song Xianyun’s withered hand.

”I wish I could. But alas, Heaven has not granted me more years. What can be done?”

”Help me over there.” Song Xianyun sighed faintly and pointed to a nearby bookshelf.

Though Song Changsheng didn’t understand why, he still carefully helped him over.

Looking at the densely packed Jade Scrolls stacked on the shelf, a nostalgic look appeared on Song Xianyun’s face. His stick-thin fingers brushed over them one by one.

He spoke softly to Song Changsheng, ”These on the left record the detailed information of the family’s Cultivators.

These in the middle are some of the experiences and cultivation insights I’ve compiled over the years.

These on the far right record the children who need special attention, and a list of scriptures borrowed from the Scripture Pavilion. When the time comes, remember to have them returned...”

Song Xianyun pointed to the various complex books and Jade Scrolls one by one, describing them to Song Changsheng as if listing his own precious treasures.

Finally, he picked up a Beast Hide Book from the corner. His withered palm gently brushed over every character as he said to Song Changsheng, ”These are some of the lessons I’ve learned from managing the family for the past twenty years. I hope they can be of some help to you.”

Song Changsheng took it and slowly flipped through the pages. Every single word was infused with Song Xianyun’s heart and soul, and the deep love he held for the family was evident between the lines.

”Twenty-first Grandpa, please rest assured. I will not fail to live up to your expectations.” Song Changsheng’s eyes were red. He knew that Song Xianyun was entrusting him with his final affairs.

”You have never disappointed me. The family owes its current prosperity to you; your contributions have been immense.

I must also thank you for allowing me to avenge our deep-seated hatred while I was still alive, and for letting me see the family’s former glory restored. With the family in your hands, I am at ease. When I pass on, I will be able to face our ancestors.” Song Xianyun stared into Song Changsheng’s eyes, his voice faint but his gaze filled with relief and satisfaction.

After saying this, the ruddy glow that had returned to Song Xianyun’s cheeks quickly faded to an ashen gray. The light in his eyes dimmed and scattered, and the last flicker of his life force began to rapidly ebb away.

Song Changsheng suddenly panicked. He gently shook Song Xianyun’s hand and cried out in alarm, ”Twenty-first Grandpa, hold on! You haven’t had the wine at my wedding with Yuechan yet! You haven’t seen Qingyang and Qianqian’s unborn child! There are so many things you still have to do. How can you bear to leave just like this?!”

GASP... GASP...

Song Xianyun’s breathing became exceptionally rapid, his gaunt chest heaving violently. He struggled to open his mouth, wanting to say something, but no sound came out. With great effort, he managed to lift a finger and point to a nearby drawer.

But Song Changsheng was in no mood to worry about any drawer. He gripped Song Xianyun’s hand tightly, frantically pouring Mana into him, forcibly keeping him from drawing his last breath.

Just then, the closed door was suddenly pushed open. A pale-faced Song Qingyang stumbled in, clutching something in his arms.

He came before Song Xianyun and fell to his knees with a THUD. He carefully unwrapped the ”bundle” in his arms, revealing a small, wrinkled, pink face.

He held the crying infant, whose eyes were squeezed shut, up to Song Xianyun’s face and said in a trembling voice, ”Great-grandfather, Qianqian gave birth. It’s a boy.”

Song Xianyun, who had been on the verge of death, somehow summoned a burst of strength. He laboriously raised his hand and stroked the baby’s delicate cheek.

Miraculously, the moment the two of them touched—great-grandfather and great-grandson—the loudly crying infant suddenly quieted down and broke into an innocent smile.

A smile appeared on Song Xianyun’s face as well, and his lips moved slightly.

Song Changsheng quickly leaned in close. Even with his powerful hearing, he could only faintly make out the two syllables ”You-lin.”

He immediately understood Song Xianyun’s meaning and said urgently, ”Song Youlin? Are you saying the child’s name is Song Youlin?”

Song Xianyun gave an almost imperceptible nod. Then, with a smile still on his lips, he slowly closed his eyes as the last wisp of life vanished from his body.

”Twenty-first Grandpa!”

”Great-grandfather!”

Song Changsheng and Song Qingyang let out a cry of anguish in unison.

Song Xianming and Song Luzhou, who had been waiting outside, heard the cries and rushed in. The moment they entered, they saw the now-lifeless Song Xianyun collapsed in Song Changsheng’s arms.

Song Luzhou’s eyes turned red. He dropped to his knees in a daze and cried out, ”We respectfully see you off, Twenty-first Uncle!”