Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

But this didn’t mean the array was weak. On the contrary, it was one of the legendary Ten Great Innate Arrays. All existing arrays had evolved from these ten.

If he could fully comprehend its Original Array Patterns, Song Changsheng’s mastery of arrays would surely advance by leaps and bounds...

Seven days later, Song Changsheng withdrew his gaze, pinching the bridge of his nose as he slowly exhaled a turbid breath. Several days without sleep or rest had pushed him to his limits in every way. Fortunately, he had already fully comprehended all the array patterns. After taking some time to process this new knowledge, he could attempt to advance.

Meanwhile, Niu Dazhuang had already moved locations for the second time. He lacked Song Changsheng’s ability to see the whole picture and could only work on it piece by piece. He was now on the last mountain, but it would still take him some time.

Two days later, Niu Dazhuang finished his comprehension. Seeing Song Changsheng already meditating, the corner of his mouth twitched. He had originally thought he could finally get one up on him this time, but it seemed he was getting ahead of himself.

’What kind of bullshit luck does this kid have? A Pupil Technique and a Spiritual Fire... He gets all the good stuff. Compared to him, I feel like *I’m* the one from a mere Foundation Establishment Family,’ Niu Dazhuang couldn’t help but grumble inwardly.

”Fellow Daoist Niu, the Secret Realm is closing in a few days. Shouldn’t we hurry back?” Song Changsheng said as he stood up.

”Fuck, I almost forgot about that. Let’s go, let’s go!” Niu Dazhuang did a quick calculation on his fingers and realized there were only three days left. They were still a long way from the exit.

The two of them rushed back at top speed. Luckily, they weren’t delayed and made it to the exit to rejoin the main group without any serious trouble.

Seeing that neither of them was harmed, Yinn Shang relaxed and began organizing everyone’s departure.

”We’re missing quite a few people.”

Hearing this, Zhuang Yuechan’s eyes dimmed. ”Nearly twenty people died, and over ten were seriously injured. They were all sent out ahead of time.”

Song Changsheng was surprised. They hadn’t suffered such heavy losses even when facing the Beast Tide.

”This year was actually considered good. In the worst year, more than half of us were either killed or wounded,” Niu Dazhuang said with a sigh.

He had entered the Secret Realm the most times, and he usually led the team. This time, because Xia Qingxue and the others were here, Muu Guibai had been afraid he would cause trouble and temporarily made Yinn Shang the leader instead.

Over the years, countless disciples from Luoxia City had lost their lives in here, but it couldn’t be helped.

On one hand, it was for the cultivation resources within the Secret Realm, such as Demon Beast Materials and Spirit Medicines. On the other hand, it was to train the new generation’s practical combat skills against Demon Beasts.

Luoxia City directly faced the Hundred Thousand Mountains, and a Beast Tide could strike at any moment. In comparison, the Beast Tide in the Qiantian Secret Realm was merely a small ripple in the water.

”Where’s that kid from the Celestial Vein Sect? Is he awake yet? He actually dared to threaten me,” Niu Dazhuang said, looking around but not seeing any sign of Hou Tianming.

Yinn Shang gave Song Changsheng a knowing look. ”He was badly injured and has already been sent out. He should be long gone by now. Fellow Daoist Xia also left early.”

Niu Dazhuang said with some annoyance, ”He really got off easy then.”

”You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Zhuang Yuechan whispered from the back of the group.

”What was on purpose?” Song Changsheng asked, momentarily stunned.

”Hou Tianming, of course. Senior Brother told me the whole story. I’m guessing his injuries had something to do with you,” Zhuang Yuechan said, winking slyly.

Song Changsheng gave a wry smile and spread his hands. ”Was it that obvious?”

”Don’t worry, Hou Tianming can only swallow his anger and suffer in silence. After all, it’s not directly your fault; it’s mainly due to his own lack of strength. But I have to say, I underestimated you. I can’t believe you can hold your own against Senior Brother Niu.”

”I was barely holding on. If he had gone all out, I would have been the one to lose.” Song Changsheng was very clear-headed about it. In a true life-or-death battle, he would have been the one to die, though Niu Dazhuang wouldn’t have escaped unscathed.

”That’s still incredible. I remember when we first met, it was Senior Brother Niu who had to save us. Now, you can already clash with him head-on.” A look of reminiscence appeared in Zhuang Yuechan’s eyes. That had been her first time venturing out for experience, and she had ended up in a life-threatening situation.

Song Changsheng also felt a wave of emotion. His progress over the years truly had been incredibly fast. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something. ”By the way, do you still remember those Jade Tokens from the cave residence?”

”Of course. There were three in total—one for you, one for me, and one for Fellow Daoist Zhu. I’ve kept it with me all these years, but I still don’t know what it’s for.”

Song Changsheng chose his words carefully before speaking. ”I received the inheritance of the cave’s master back then. He revealed that these Jade Tokens are related to a great secret, possibly connected to the Blood Demon. You should keep an eye on it.”

”The Blood Demon? Okay, I understand.” Zhuang Yuechan’s expression turned grave as she nodded. The Blood Demon was a great scourge to the Human Race. If this was related to it, she couldn’t ignore it. She would have to investigate thoroughly.

After leaving the Secret Realm, Song Qingluo immediately came up to him and handed him a secret letter.

He opened it to find a message written inside: ”Grand Elder heavily injured. Return at once!!”

Song Changsheng’s expression changed. The message had been sent more than ten days ago, not long after he had entered the Secret Realm. Based on the timeline, this must be related to the ambush on Yu Chengbo and the others.

”Fellow Daoist Song, what’s wrong?” Zhuang Yuechan asked, noticing that his expression was off.

Song Changsheng solemnly cupped his fist to Zhuang Yuechan. ”Fellow Daoist Zhuang, I had planned to bid farewell to the City Lords in person, but there has been a sudden turn of events in my family. I must depart immediately. Please convey my respects to the City Lords for me.

Also, please say goodbye to Fellow Daoist Xu for me. Tell him if he’s ever in Ling Province, I’ll treat him to a drink.”

”In such a hurry?” Zhuang Yuechan was startled. She had hoped to have him stay for a few more days.

”I’m leaving now. Fellow Daoist Zhuang, please take care!” Song Changsheng placed a white jade jar in Zhuang Yuechan’s hands, then hastily led Song Qingluo down the mountain.

Zhuang Yuechan was slightly lost in thought as she watched the two of them depart.

”What are you staring at so intently?” Niu Dazhuang asked casually, appearing beside her at some point.

Zhuang Yuechan snapped out of her daze. ”Fellow Daoist Song’s family had an emergency, so he’s already left the mountain,” she said, her voice a little subdued.

”What happened? Did the Lieyang Sect attack them?” Niu Dazhuang seemed surprised. He hadn’t gotten his fill of fighting in the Secret Realm and was hoping for a rematch.

But his attention was quickly drawn to the jar in Zhuang Yuechan’s hand. ”What’s this? Did he give it to you? Let me see what kind of treasure it is,” he asked curiously.

Without another word, he snatched it and opened the lid. A rich, fragrant aroma of wine immediately wafted into Niu Dazhuang’s nostrils. His expression changed as he poured a mouthful into his mouth and exclaimed in surprise, ”It’s really Monkey Wine! That kid had something this good?”

He was about to pour more into his mouth when he felt a murderous aura from beside him. He shivered, quickly capped the jar, and said in a fawning tone, ”I was just... testing it for poison for you. Yeah, testing for poison. It’s good stuff.”

Zhuang Yuechan rolled her eyes at him and promptly turned her back on him...

”Qingluo, give a message to the Clan Elders and my master for me. Tell them I won’t be returning to the Moon Viewing Pavilion,” Song Changsheng instructed Song Qingluo after they descended Celestial Sound Mountain.

”Yes, rest assured. You can leave it to me,” Song Qingluo said, patting his chest with confidence.

”Good. I know I can trust you with this. This is Monkey Wine. Drink a small cup before your cultivation every day; it will be good for you. Remember not to be greedy, and cultivate well.” Song Changsheng also gave him a white jade jar, which contained twenty jin of the wine.

Song Qingluo took the white jade jar, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. He immediately said, ”Don’t worry, Young Clan Leader! I will cultivate diligently and serve the family, just like you!”

”Good. I’m leaving now. Take care.”

After giving his instructions, Song Changsheng immediately rushed towards the nearest city gate.

Although he was alone, Song Changsheng felt not a shred of fear. If the Lieyang Sect still hadn’t given up their malicious designs, he would make them remember his name once again!

Without a Flying Ship, Song Changsheng used the Gale Talismans he had purchased last time to speed his journey. It took him nearly half a month to return to the Moon Viewing Mountain Range.

The journey was unexpectedly peaceful. No one from either the Earth Fire Sect or the Lieyang Sect came looking for trouble.

The moment he returned to the clan, he rushed to Song Xianyun’s residence at top speed...