Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

”We merged into one the first time we came into contact.” Little Ninth’s reply seemed to miss the point, but Song Changsheng understood what it meant.

”Wait, when you say the first time we came into contact...” Song Changsheng suddenly recalled that the Daoist Scripture was the culprit behind his transmigration. ’If that’s the case, could it be possible for me to return to that world?’

At this thought, Song Changsheng suddenly grew excited.

”Master, Blue Star is just one of many Small Worlds in the vast Star Sea. The Spiritual Qi there is scarce, and its Laws are incomplete. Your future does not lie there.” Sensing the turmoil in his heart, Little Ninth couldn’t help but remind him.

Song Changsheng fell silent at these words. After a long while, he finally spoke. ”I know all that, but I just want one answer. Can I... can I still go back to that world?”

Even though he no longer had any attachments in that world, he still wanted to go back one more time—to see the Daoist Temple where he grew up, to pay his respects at the old Daoist’s grave, and to tell him that he had been living well all these years.

”Once you have the ability to shatter the void, you can try searching for it within the Star Sea. But there are far too many Small Worlds in the Star Sea; even I cannot be certain we would find it.”

”So that’s a no, then?” Song Changsheng gave a bitter laugh. He knew he was being fanciful, but he couldn’t help but ask.

A long silence was his only reply.

Pushing aside his gloomy mood, Song Changsheng asked softly, ”Little Ninth, why must I break through to a new realm before I can comprehend new techniques from the Daoist Scripture? Is there a reason for that?”

This was something Song Changsheng had never understood. He often tried to comprehend the Daoist Scripture, but with little success. Only after breaking through to a new realm would his comprehension yield significant results.

Having a treasure trove he couldn’t use was a feeling more agonizing to Song Changsheng than death itself.

”Master, you must understand that biting off more than you can chew is unwise. There are countless Cultivation Techniques and Divine Techniques, but only those that suit you are the best. Your Cultivation Realm is still low. Without my assistance, your consciousness could easily get lost within them.” Little Ninth first explained and advised Song Changsheng, then continued, ”But now, you can browse freely. I will assist you from the side.”

As it spoke, dense lines of tiny characters suddenly materialized on the surface of the once-blank Jade Scroll.

”This is...”

”This is a partial table of contents. Simply tell me what you wish to learn,” Little Ninth said respectfully.

Staring at the names, Song Changsheng’s gaze grew fervent. He eagerly began to look through them, finding everything from Cultivation Heart Methods to Techniques and Divine Techniques. There were even legacies related to the Hundred Skills of Cultivation. The sheer number and variety of options made his head spin.

For a moment, he had no idea where to even begin.

Gradually, a single thought echoed in Song Changsheng’s mind: ’I want them. I want them all!’

”Master, you are getting lost.”

Suddenly, Little Ninth’s gentle voice sounded in his mind. Song Changsheng snapped back to his senses, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Only now did he truly understand what Little Ninth had meant. Faced with so many supreme Cultivation Techniques and Divine Techniques, a person’s willpower was indeed fragile. If Little Ninth hadn’t spoken up at that critical moment, his consciousness would have been lost.

Taking a deep breath, Song Changsheng said in a low voice, ”Little Ninth, can you filter these for me?”

”Of course.”

Soon, the Jade Scroll changed again. Most of the dense characters vanished, leaving only a few names behind.

At that moment, Little Ninth’s voice sounded in his mind again. ”Master, these are a few selections I’ve carefully chosen for you based on your current cultivation progress. Please take a look.”

Song Changsheng couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. He had only asked on a whim, not expecting it to actually be possible.

He focused his gaze and saw the first entry: *Ninefold Cloud Palace*.

Before he could ask, Little Ninth proactively explained, ”*Ninefold Cloud Palace* is a Defense Technique. After cultivating it, you can use your Divine Sense Power to establish a Celestial Palace in your Sea of Consciousness. There are nine layers in total, nested one within the other, which will make your Sea of Consciousness as impenetrable as a fortress.”

Song Changsheng had a flash of insight. So it was a technique to defend his Sea of Consciousness.

The higher one’s Cultivation Realm, the more important the application of Divine Soul Power becomes. For example, Purple Mansion Cultivators are already capable of using Possession on other Cultivators.

But this is merely the crudest application. Some Cultivators can even unleash Spiritual Soul Attacks, just like the Little Divine Technique Song Xianming comprehended, the *Soul-Slaying Golden Saber*, which directly attacks an opponent’s Divine Soul.

A Cultivator’s life is tied to their Divine Soul. If they lose their Physical Body, they can still perform Possession. Some Cultivators can even abandon their Physical Body and exist as a Soul Body. But if the Divine Soul is annihilated, not even the Daluo Immortals could save them.

Therefore, defending the Sea of Consciousness is of the utmost importance, and its significance only grows with one’s realm.

This had always been Song Changsheng’s weakness. If not for the strength of his Divine Soul Power, he would have already fallen victim to Possession long ago. Luck couldn’t favor him forever, so this *Ninefold Celestial Palace* was indeed a technique he desperately needed.

Song Changsheng then looked at the second entry. It was a Swordsmanship technique named *Seven Extremes*.

This was also something he currently needed. Ever since comprehending Sword Intent during his trip to the Celestial Sword Sect, Song Changsheng had been unable to find a suitable Swordsmanship technique.

Although he rarely used a sword, there was no harm in having another skill up his sleeve.

The final entry was an Escape Technique called *Stepping on Snow Without Trace*.

Song Changsheng had once found a Body Technique called *Fleeting Shadows*. It was exceptionally exquisite and remained one of his greatest assets even now.

However, *Fleeting Shadows* was better suited for maneuvering in small areas; it wasn’t particularly outstanding for life-saving escapes or pursuits. This Escape Technique would serve as a supplement to his speed.

Looking at the three techniques Little Ninth had selected, Song Changsheng nodded to himself. ’They really are perfect for me, and it even considered aspects I hadn’t thought of myself.’

’Now *that* is what I call professional.’

He finally understood why the first piece of information his ”cheap” master had left in the ball of light in his mind was the method to awaken Little Ninth. It was truly a great boon to his cultivation.

”By the way, Little Ninth, can I teach these Cultivation Techniques to others?” Song Changsheng asked suddenly.

This Daoist Scripture was a massive Scripture Pavilion. If it could be used by the clan, the Song Clan would never have to worry about this aspect in the future.

”I’m sorry, Master, but you cannot. The *Creation Wondrous Scripture* is not tolerated by the Celestial Dao. If too much of its content is leaked, it will attract the Celestial Dao’s attention.

”You are able to cultivate its techniques because the previous master placed a measure on the Daoist Scripture that conceals its aura.” Song Changsheng’s fantasy was once again mercilessly shattered by Little Ninth.

”What would happen if the Celestial Dao notices?” Song Changsheng asked, unwilling to give up.

”Beneath the Celestial Thunder, all will turn to ash.”

Little Ninth’s tone was as gentle as ever, but Song Changsheng couldn’t help but shiver.

”I can understand your feelings. Perhaps you could try another way.”

”Another way?” Song Changsheng was puzzled.

”That’s right. You could actually try to create your own Cultivation Techniques or improve upon existing ones.”

Hearing this, Song Changsheng couldn’t help but give a wry smile. ’Create my own Cultivation Techniques? How could it be that easy?’ Everyone who could do such a thing was a person of astonishing comprehension.

”Do not sell yourself short, Master. Your comprehension is one in a billion. All you lack is some accumulation and insight, and I can help you with that.”

Little Ninth’s words filled Song Changsheng with immense confidence. All the Cultivation Techniques in the world were created by people, including some by Foundation Establishment Cultivators. ’If others can do it, then so can I!’

”Then let’s give it a try!” Song Changsheng made up his mind.

”Master, I suggest you start by improving an existing Heart Method. Proceed step by step.”

”That’s what I was thinking too.” Song Changsheng smiled, quickly making a decision. The subject of his experiment would be a Tier One Heart Method called *Qi Refining Introduction*, a common-as-dirt technique in the Cultivation Realm.

Since it was relatively simple, improving it shouldn’t be too difficult.

”Very well. I have found a few Heart Methods you can use as a reference.”

The contents of the Jade Scroll immediately changed once more...

P.S. Sorry this is a bit late, I just got back from an IV drip. Fellow Daoists, please remember to take care of yourselves.