Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Zhuang Yuechan fell into a deep sleep in Song Changsheng’s arms, the faint tracks of tears still visible at the corners of her eyes.

Gently, he laid her down and pulled the blanket over her.

Even though he knew nothing could wake her now, Song Changsheng was still instinctively gentle.

He leaned over and lightly kissed her smooth forehead, whispering in her ear, “Don’t ever forget me. I’ll be waiting for you on Vast Mist Peak.”

With that, Song Changsheng took the Jade Bottle containing the Geng Metal Qi and walked out.

Muu Guibai and Niu Dazhuang were waiting just outside the door.

“Did you explain things to Chan’Er?”

“I’ve taken care of it.”

“Mm. Now, it’s all up to Chan’Er’s own fortune.” Muu Guibai sighed softly. Even with his Golden Core Cultivation, he still felt a sense of powerlessness in many matters.

“Junior Sister is so intelligent, she’ll surely be fine. First Martial Uncle, there’s no need to worry,” Niu Dazhuang said softly.

“Dazhuang, go find Shishi. Tell her to come look after Chan’Er when she’s free.”

“This disciple obeys.”

After Niu Dazhuang left, Muu Guibai glanced at the Jade Bottle in Song Changsheng’s hand, recognizing its contents in a single look.

“Come, walk with me.”

Song Changsheng followed closely behind Muu Guibai to a stone pavilion at the cliff’s edge. Neither of them spoke a word the entire way.

“Chan’Er obtained this Geng Metal Qi for you, didn’t she?” Muu Guibai’s voice was flat, betraying no hint of his feelings.

Hearing this, Song Changsheng’s voice was heavy as he said, “This disciple is at fault.”

“This was Chan’Er’s own choice. How could you be at fault? I am telling you this simply to remind you: do not fail her devotion to you.”

With that, Muu Guibai turned away and said softly, “I once made a promise to both you and Chan’Er that as long as you broke through to the Purple Mansion realm, you could come and formally propose marriage. At the time, I estimated it would take ten years. In ten years, Chan’Er would have been starting her own preparations for the Purple Mansion realm. By then, while there would still be a gap in your Cultivation, it wouldn’t have been too large. But alas, things never go according to plan. Not only did you break through far faster than I imagined, but this tragedy also befell Chan’Er. You heard the words of the Elder Medicine King. For the next several decades, perhaps even for the rest of her life, Chan’Er will remain in a coma. You are both my disciples, and you are both dear to me. I do not wish to hold you back because of this. If you have had a change of heart, you may say so plainly. I will not hold it against you.”

At these words, Song Changsheng was shaken. He lifted the hem of his robes and dropped to both knees. “Master,” he said with utmost sincerity, “this disciple’s feelings for Yuechan will never change. If she is in a coma for ten years, I will wait ten years. If she is in a coma for a hundred years, I will wait a hundred years. Whenever she awakens is when this disciple will come to you, Master, and ask for her hand in marriage. That is my promise to Yuechan!”

“What if she awakens and her personality has completely changed? You know that is not an impossibility,” Muu Guibai said gravely.

“No matter what she is like when she awakens, Yuechan will still be Yuechan. This disciple will continue to cherish and protect her, just as I always have. If we are not fated to be together in the end, I can only blame my own shallow destiny and no one else.”

Seeing Song Changsheng’s resolute expression, Muu Guibai sighed. “Since your mind is made up, I won’t try to persuade you further. This has been hard on you. You’ve been away from home for a long time; it’s time you went back.”

“This disciple takes his leave.” Song Changsheng bowed with his hands clasped and slowly withdrew.

After he had gone, Shen Qingxiu came to Muu Guibai’s side and chided him gently. “That boy is so full of love and devotion. He would risk his life for Yuechan. If you let a son-in-law like him go, do you really think you could find a better one?”

“That is precisely why I am reluctant to hold him back. Is the Elder Medicine King settled in?”

“Yes, all the arrangements have been made.”

“Mm, good. Pass on the instructions to have nourishing medicinal broths prepared on a regular schedule. Chan’Er hasn’t completely achieved a state of Fasting, so she can’t go without sustenance.”

“I understand.”

…

After taking leave of Muu Guibai, Song Changsheng did not return directly to the Song Clan. He first went to pay his respects to his Third Senior Brother, Xing Zhao, before descending the mountain and making for the Moon Viewing Pavilion.

Only upon his arrival did he learn that Song Qingluo had entered seclusion a month prior, preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm.

Song Changsheng was at a loss for words. Breaking through to Foundation Establishment was fraught with risk; this could very well be a final farewell, just as it had been with his Third Senior Brother, Xing Zhao.

With a heavy heart, he took the Space Transmission Array back to his clan. Then, taking the Jade Bottle of Geng Metal Qi with him, he immediately entered a secret chamber to begin his own seclusion. Before doing so, he only sent a voice transmission to Xia Yunxue and Song Xianming to let them know he was safe, but he didn’t meet with anyone.

Only cultivation could soothe the sorrow in his heart…

Time flew, and two months passed in the blink of an eye. The long-dormant Yang Province erupted with excitement at the arrival of a colossal ship.

At the foot of Celestial Yang Peak, Chi Huo Old Ghost stood hand-in-hand with his new bride, Bai Ruotong. They were accompanied by a host of Clan Leaders from various Foundation Establishment Families—including Chu Nanfeng, Shangguan Yinn, and Bai Ruohong—and had been waiting since early in the morning.

These were figures who, on any other day, could make all of Yang Province tremble with a mere stomp of their foot. Yet now, they stood respectfully under the scorching sun, not daring to utter the slightest complaint.

As noon approached, Bai Ruohong moved to Chi Huo Old Ghost’s side and whispered, “They’re still not here, even at this hour. Could there have been an accident?”

Chi Huo Old Ghost shot him a glance and said softly, “You’re worrying too much, Big Brother. In these parts, very few would dare make a move against the Song Clan. They were likely just delayed along the way. All we can do is wait patiently.”

“Th- …yes.” Bai Ruohong didn’t dare say more. He bowed and retreated.