Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Song Changsheng’s gaze sharpened. Although that Pavilion Master had said the choice was his, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there might be an unexpected twist to the matter.

”The Ancient Immortal Demon Battlefield... if I really go, the odds of survival will be slim,” Song Changsheng muttered under his breath.

”Clan Leader?” Song Qingluo cast a questioning glance his way.

Song Changsheng was jolted back to the present. He shook his head and said, ”It’s nothing. I was just thinking about something else. How is the formation of your Dao Foundation coming along?”

”I’ve only just begun. It will probably take several more years,” Song Qingluo said, looking a little embarrassed.

Thanks to the resources accumulated by Song Xiantu before his death, his cultivation had progressed rapidly over the years, and he had now reached Qi Refining Great Perfection. However, forming a Dao Foundation was a slow and meticulous process. With his level of talent, even forming an Attributeless Dao Foundation would take several years.

”You’re still young. It’s already impressive to have reached your current level of cultivation. Don’t just focus on speed; cultivation requires a steady and stable approach,” Song Changsheng advised, before taking a Jade Bottle from his sleeve and placing it in front of him.

”What’s this?” Song Qingluo asked, puzzled.

”The clan recently acquired a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills. After distribution, there were some left over. Following a resolution by the Clan Elder Council, it was decided that this one would be given to you.”

”Huh?” Song Qingluo was startled and quickly waved his hands in refusal. ”I haven’t made any significant contributions. How could I possibly be worthy of a Foundation Establishment Pill? Please, Clan Leader, retract the order.”

”As I said, this was a unanimous decision by the Elder Council. You are the clan’s eyes and ears in Bian Province. If your cultivation is too low, you’ll never command respect.”

After taking control of the clan, Song Changsheng had vigorously developed its intelligence network. He had already established a preliminary intelligence web in Ling Province, and the next step was to expand outward. Bian Province was the first stop in that expansion.

Although the resources invested so far were limited, that investment would only grow over time. At the very least, they needed a Foundation Establishment Cultivator stationed there to command respect.

Rather than parachuting someone in later, it was better to give Song Qingluo a leg up now.

”I understand,” Song Qingluo said with a solemn nod. ”I will not let the clan down.”

”Good. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you run into any difficulties, just say the word. The Foreign Affairs Elder Council will give you its full support.” Song Changsheng stood up and patted his shoulder, his eyes full of encouragement.

After giving the Foundation Establishment Pill to Song Qingluo, Song Changsheng headed to Celestial Sound Mountain to pay his respects to the Great City Lord.

”Disciple pays his respects to Master,” Song Changsheng said, bowing respectfully.

”Your cultivation has improved again. Good.” Muu Guibai nodded with a smile and gestured for Song Changsheng to sit before him.

Compared to a few years ago, the Great City Lord’s aura had become even more restrained, but his eyes were as brilliant as stars, making it difficult to look at them directly.

”Are you feeling any pressure about representing Luoxia City in the upcoming battle?”

”It would be a lie to say I feel no pressure. But the chance to cross swords with the prodigies of the Major Sects is a rare opportunity I wouldn’t miss. My only fear is that my training is insufficient and I will fail to live up to your expectations, Master.”

”Haha, don’t sell yourself short. With your current cultivation, you already rank among the top in all of Daqi. You’re no worse than the Direct Disciples of the Golden Core Major Sects.”

”There are still six months until the competition. As your master, I will help you advance even further. By then, the number of cultivators who can pose a threat to you won’t be more than a handful.” Muu Guibai gave a faint smile, his face radiating extreme confidence.

Song Changsheng had heard Li Ru mention this before, but he really couldn’t imagine what method Muu Guibai would use to help him advance further.

After all, there was no such thing as a ”Half-Step Purple Mansion” realm in this world.

Since Muu Guibai didn’t elaborate, Song Changsheng didn’t feel it was right to ask directly. He changed the subject, ”I was wondering, which of my senior brothers will be participating in the battle this time?”

”Four have been chosen. You know Yinn Shang, Dazhuang, and Li Ru. The fourth is your Sixth Senior Sister, Shen Shishi. I’ll introduce you two later.”

”Sixth Senior Sister?”

Song Changsheng was a bit surprised to hear this. He had originally thought that his Third Senior Brother, Xing Zhao, would be among the four participants.

Perhaps sensing his confusion, Muu Guibai said with a smile, ”Xing Zhao went down the mountain to gain experience and came across a fortuitous opportunity. He went into seclusion to attempt his breakthrough to the Purple Mansion Realm as soon as he returned. Otherwise, he would have been the one going this time.”

Song Changsheng was momentarily speechless. He hadn’t expected Xing Zhao to have gotten so far ahead of all his fellow disciples. ’I wonder what his chances of success are,’ he thought. ’But given Luoxia City’s resources, he shouldn’t be lacking for any supplementary aids.’

”Master, what are my instructions?”

”There’s no rush. You’ve been traveling for several days. For today, just get some proper rest. The World Association will arrange everything else for you.”

”As you command. Then this disciple will take his leave.”

After leaving the main hall, Song Changsheng made a beeline for Zhuang Yuechan’s courtyard.

Having not seen her for a long time, Song Changsheng felt a sense of urgency. But when he arrived, he discovered that besides Zhuang Yuechan, there was another, unfamiliar aura in the courtyard.

The person was also a woman, sitting opposite Zhuang Yuechan. She wore a fiery red, waist-cinching long dress that outlined a devilish figure. Though he could only see her back, it was enough to set the imagination racing.

”Yuechan.”

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhuang Yuechan’s delicate frame trembled slightly. She looked up and saw Song Changsheng’s brilliant smile at the gate.

”Changsheng.”

Zhuang Yuechan shot to her feet, her beautiful eyes filled with joyous surprise.

If longing were a drop of water, then Zhuang Yuechan’s longing for Song Changsheng was a vast ocean.

If not for the guest’s presence, she would have surely thrown herself into his arms right then and there.

Just then, the woman in the red dress, who had her back to Song Changsheng, turned her head, revealing an angelic face. Seeing the two of them, she couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle. ”My, my, look at the way you’re staring at each other. It’s practically leaving a trail.”

Song Changsheng was thick-skinned, so he wasn’t particularly bothered by the comment. Zhuang Yuechan, however, immediately turned beet-red. Flustered and embarrassed, she stomped her foot and cried, ”Senior Sister!”