Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Watching the two Qi Vortexes in the air tear at each other, Song Changsheng’s expression grew incredibly grim.

Interference is the greatest taboo when a Cultivator is attempting a breakthrough. At best, their qi and blood will reverse course, causing the breakthrough to fail. At worst, they will suffer a Qi deviation, become Fallen into Demon, and die bleeding from all seven orifices.

That’s why the Song Clan assigns a private Seclusion Chamber to every cultivator who needs to undergo closed-door cultivation, with cultivators from the Law Enforcement Hall standing as Guardians.

This allows them to be isolated from external disturbances and focus on their breakthrough in peace.

But this time, the disturbance came not from without, but from within.

Song Qingxi and Song Qingshi were actually attempting to pass the Foundation Establishment Three Passes on the very same day. With only seven people in seclusion, the odds of two of them attempting a breakthrough simultaneously were as slim as walking down the street and being accepted as a disciple by a Golden Core Master.

Despite such infinitesimal odds, it happened.

Song Changsheng flew toward the Seclusion Chambers, only to find upon arrival that several others had already beaten him to it.

“Clan Leader, the situation looks grim.” Song Luyun’s expression was grim as she stared at the two rapidly expanding Qi Vortexes in the sky.

“Qi Vortexes attract one another,” Song Changsheng said urgently. “They’re drawing closer in the sky. If this continues, then between Qingxi and Qingshi, either one will die and the other will be wounded, or they will both fail their breakthrough. Our most urgent priority is to sever the connection between the two Spiritual Energy Vortexes.”

“What do we need to do?”

At that moment, Song Luzhou, Song Changxue, Song Chang’an, and Song Qingxing all gathered around, their faces etched with worry.

Losing either of them would be a devastating blow to the Song Clan. It was a loss they could not tolerate under any circumstances.

Song Changsheng subconsciously glanced at Song Qingxing. Though his expression was as calm as ever, his grip on his scabbard was so tight his knuckles were turning white.

“Don’t worry, they’ll both be fine. I need your help,” Song Changsheng said in a low voice, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Song Qingxing bowed his head and cupped his hands. “Please give the order, Uncle.”

Song Changsheng nodded slightly, then turned to Song Luzhou. “Fifth Uncle, please activate the Isolation Grand Array. What we’re about to do will be very loud, and we can’t risk disturbing the other clan members in seclusion.”

“Understood.”

“Aunt Yun, please fetch Elder Yuann and my grandfather. We cannot succeed without them.”

“Right away.”

“Clan Brother Chang’an, Xing’er, you will join me in slowing the Spiritual Energy Vortexes’ rate of fusion.”

With that, Song Changsheng swept his leg out and dropped into a cross-legged position on the ground. His hands flew through a series of seals, and a surge of Mana shot out like an elegant ribbon toward the two massive Spiritual Energy Vortexes in the sky.

Song Qingxing and Song Chang’an immediately followed his example. Flanking him on the left and right, they each formed seals and directed their Spiritual Power toward the vortexes of Song Qingxi and Song Qingshi, respectively.

Through their combined effort, the fusion of the two Spiritual Energy Vortexes slowed considerably, though it produced a cacophony of grating noise. Fortunately, Song Changsheng had told Song Luzhou to activate the Isolation Array beforehand. Otherwise, the other cultivators in seclusion would have surely suffered deviations in their own practice.

However, their combined strength could only slow the vortexes’ fusion, not truly sever the energetic link between them.

Fortunately, Song Luyun was quick. They didn’t have to hold on for long before Song Xianming and Yuann Tianshu arrived together.

The two had already been briefed on the situation on their way over. Seeing the scene before them, they didn’t hesitate to sit down behind Song Changsheng, press their palms to his back, and channel their own Mana into his body.

BOOM—

With the support of two Purple Mansion Cultivators, the two interconnected Spiritual Power Vortexes finally stopped merging and began to separate once more.

Seeing this, the group changed their Seal Techniques in unison, holding the two Spiritual Energy Vortexes steady in their respective places so they no longer interfered with each other.

“We must hold on until one of them completes their breakthrough. Don’t let up,” Song Xianming said gravely.

“Understood.”

The group replied in grim unison…

Inside the Seclusion Chambers, both Song Qingxi and Song Qingshi had been significantly affected by the earlier disturbance. Fortunately, it had been dealt with swiftly, preventing any irreparable consequences.

Song Qingshi quickly composed himself and calmly faced the Foundation Establishment Three Passes. He had already overcome the Physical Body Barrier and the Spiritual Power Barrier. He only needed to surmount the final Divine Soul Barrier to successfully break through.

An intense, tearing sensation washed over him. Song Qingshi let out a roar, suppressed to its absolute limit, as wisps of black mist began to seep from his ears and nose. His eyes slowly turned crimson, and his consciousness began to sink.

His consciousness seemed to drift back to a torrential, rainy night over a decade ago. He was watching, helpless, as his father fell in battle.

Back then, he had been powerless to do anything. Even his memory of the event was hazy.

He only remembered that the rain that day was cool, then bitingly cold…

An endless chill enveloped him, and his body began to tremble slightly.

BOOM—

A clap of thunder exploded next to his ear. In the flash of lightning that followed, he saw a figure covered in blood standing before him.

“Fa… Father?”

Song Qingshi’s gaze was hazy, his voice trembling with disbelief.

BOOM—

Another flash of lightning, and Song Qingshi finally saw the person’s face clearly.

It was so familiar. Though streaked with blood, the features were still distinct.

Song Qingshi walked slowly toward the figure as droplets slid ceaselessly down his cheeks, making it impossible to tell if they were rain or tears.

“Father… I… I finally get to see you again.”