Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Song Changsheng made it very clear that he wasn’t sure what the future held for this Heart Method. If any problems arose, it could affect Ding Qii’s cultivation path.

And that was just one concern. If there were any major flaws, it was entirely possible for him to suffer a qi deviation or something similar halfway through his cultivation.

Hearing this, Ding Qii didn’t hesitate for long. He dropped to his knees with a THUD and declared loudly, ”Reporting to the Clan Leader, I am willing!”

”You’re not going to reconsider?” Song Changsheng raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected Ding Qii to agree so readily.

”I’ve thought it through,” Ding Qii said with a grin.

’It wasn’t that he was unaware of the risks; he wasn’t stupid, after all.’

’Even though Song Changsheng was a once-in-a-century genius for the Song Clan, he was still only a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. With his level of experience and knowledge, improving a predecessor’s Heart Method might not be a complete pipe dream, but it would be far from easy.’

’Cultivating this Heart Method would undoubtedly come with great risks. An ordinary person would probably have backed out by now, but he was different.’

’Song Changsheng had saved his life. So what if he had to give it back? He understood the importance of repaying a debt of gratitude.’

This was the first thought that came to mind. But beyond that, he had other calculations.

’Risk and opportunity often went hand in hand.’

’He was an outsider. In a clan like the Song Clan, trying to get ahead was incredibly difficult. One only had to look at the Song Clan’s Elder Council to see that. Xia Yunxue was the only one among the Foreign Clan Elders.’

’And she was the former Clan Leader’s daughter-in-law, a late Elder’s widow, and the current Clan Leader’s mother. On top of that, she had made immense contributions to the clan herself. Replicating her success was practically impossible.’

’But today’s events presented him with an opportunity.’

’By using this Heart Method as a pretext, he could build a connection with Song Changsheng. Not only would he gain access to more cultivation resources, but he could also be in frequent contact with him under the guise of helping to improve the method.’

’How many people would kill for such a chance?’

’Moreover, cultivating a Heart Method improved by Song Changsheng himself was a form of tutelage. They might not be master and disciple in name, but they would be in practice!’

’In the future, if Song Changsheng showed him even a sliver of favor because of this, his own future would be boundless.’

Song Changsheng looked deeply at the kneeling Ding Qii. His own eyes remained as tranquil as ever.

”You’re a clever man. Take it and cultivate diligently. I’ll allow you to report your progress to me once a month. I will have a word with the Foreign Affairs Elder. Starting today, your share of resources will be doubled. Do not disappoint me.”

He handed the Jade Scroll to Ding Qii and waved a hand, dismissing him.

After Ding Qii left, Song Changsheng chuckled softly and called out to the doorway, ”Grand-uncle, you’ve been standing outside for so long. Why don’t you come in?”

”Hahaha, I knew I couldn’t hide from you.” A hearty laugh rang out as a white-haired old man walked in. It was the same instructor who had taught Ding Qii and the others. He was the youngest Cultivator of the Song Clan’s ”Xian” generation, but he was already over eighty years old.

Song Changsheng couldn’t help but smile. ”Instead of teaching your class, Grand-uncle, you’re outside eavesdropping on us juniors. That’s hardly befitting of an elder.”

Song Xianli sat down beside Song Changsheng with a grin. ”I must disagree, Clan Leader. I was just worried about that brat, Ding Qii. Besides,” he added self-deprecatingly, ”with my meager Cultivation, how could I possibly have been eavesdropping on the likes of you?”

”Alright, alright, any more praise and I won’t know where to hide my face. Do you normally keep an eye on Ding Qii, Grand-uncle?”

”I may be old, but my eyes still work just fine. How could I not notice how distracted he always is? I just chose to turn a blind eye.”

”His innate talent is quite good, and his comprehension is high. He’s quick on the uptake, and his mind is meticulous. You could say he was born to be a spy.”

”However, he’s so young yet so calculating. It gives me pause,” Song Xianli said with a sigh.

”Really? I found him to be a rather sincere young man.”

”Hmph. That’s only because he knows he has to be honest in front of you,” Song Xianli snorted.

”You worry too much, Grand-uncle. Whether he’s calculating or ambitious, as long as he doesn’t betray the clan’s interests, none of it matters.”

”The clan needs people like him to develop. As long as he can make sufficient contributions, what’s the harm in giving him what he desires?”

Song Changsheng had never been against ambitious people. In fact, sometimes they were the most useful.

”As long as you have a plan.” Song Xianli didn’t press the matter. He then asked hesitantly, ”That Heart Method you gave him... did you really improve it yourself?”

”That’s right. This is an experiment.”

”So you really have no idea what will happen? Don’t go ruining a promising young man,” Song Xianli said, his voice laced with worry.

”You really don’t pull any punches, do you, Grand-uncle?” Song Changsheng shook his head with a wry smile. ’Am I really that rash? This isn’t the first draft, after all.’

Just then, Song Luyun hurried back. The moment she entered, she apologized to Song Changsheng, ”I just made a trip to the Moon Viewing Marketplace. Please excuse me, Clan Leader.”

”Aunt, you work hard for the clan. What is there to excuse? I just came by to take a look,” Song Changsheng said with a smile, gesturing for Song Luyun to take a seat.

Seeing this, Song Xianli tactfully excused himself. Although his status was high, some conversations were not for him to hear.

”Aunt, you’ve just been appointed as the Foreign Affairs Elder. Are you facing any difficulties with your work?”

After all, Song Luyun’s seniority was still shallow, making it difficult for her to command respect. Song Changsheng had to be extra attentive.

”Not particularly. It’s just that the Wind Language Hall is extremely short-staffed. We haven’t even established a basic framework yet. I was wondering if we might be able to relax some of the restrictions on the two cities, Naturalization and Mingshun.”