Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

”Young Master—”

The moment he saw Song Changsheng, Chi Huo Old Ghost’s eyes filled with tears. He rushed forward, fell to his knees with a THUD, and prostrated himself, his head hitting the ground.

”This subordinate of yours is not bad. He’s tight-lipped. He even asked for death before you arrived. A true man,” Soulless said with a hint of admiration as he watched the tear-streaked Chi Huo Old Ghost.

He had originally thought their relationship was merely one of control, but now it seemed things weren’t so simple.

Song Changsheng understood that Soulless was clearing Chi Huo Old Ghost’s name, indicating that he had not betrayed him.

To be honest, he had never expected Chi Huo Old Ghost to remain tight-lipped from the start.

After all, he had forced the man to hand over his Divine Soul Seal, seizing control of his freedom and even his life. It would be a wonder if Chi Huo Old Ghost didn’t resent him, let alone feel any loyalty.

Thus, Song Changsheng had naturally assumed Chi Huo Old Ghost had betrayed him.

Although he could understand it was a natural survival instinct, the sting of betrayal was still unpleasant. Even though he had risked danger to come and rescue him now, there would have always been a knot of resentment in his heart afterward.

But after hearing what Soulless said, he realized he had been quick to judge and had wronged Chi Huo Old Ghost.

In an instant, his heart filled with guilt. Seeing Chi Huo Old Ghost’s disheveled hair, he felt even more apologetic. He reached out, helped him up, and patted the dust from his clothes. ”You’ve suffered during this time.”

”This old slave is just a worthless life, yet the Young Master came to save me, risking danger all by himself. This old slave... this old slave... I can never repay you. From now on, this life belongs to the Young Master. I am willing to go through fire and water for you, and I would not hesitate even in the face of ten thousand deaths!” Chi Huo Old Ghost dropped to one knee, his voice hoarse and his gaze incomparably firm.

To be fair, when Chi Huo Old Ghost first gave his Divine Soul Seal to Song Changsheng, he had done it merely to save his own life. In his heart, he actually harbored resentment toward him.

The feeling of having your life and death controlled by another was truly awful.

But after spending some time together, he discovered that things weren’t so bad after all.

Although he was a servant, Song Changsheng had never humiliated him. He didn’t even hold the past sneak attack against him; on the contrary, he had even helped heal his wounds.

Later, when he was sent to find someone with a token, Song Changsheng had given him a high degree of trust and autonomy.

If Chi Huo Old Ghost had wanted to, he could have used that as an excuse to roam free and enjoy himself outside.

To be honest, not even Guu Chengxiong, the leader of the Gourmet Demon Hunting Team, had ever given him this much trust when he served under them.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have arranged for a clone to watch over him.

Of course, one could also argue that Song Changsheng was simply fearless because he controlled his life and death, unafraid of any betrayal.

But Song Changsheng’s actions had indeed reduced Chi Huo Old Ghost’s resentment to its lowest point, even giving rise to a sliver of loyalty. That was why, after being captured, he had never revealed any information about Song Changsheng.

He had even refused when Soulless told him to contact Song Changsheng. It was only later that Blood Princess took the Communication Flying Sword from him, allowing Soulless to get in touch with Song Changsheng.

During this time, Chi Huo Old Ghost had often wondered if Song Changsheng was worthy of his loyalty. His answer was... yes.

Although Blood Princess’s words had made him waver, the moment he saw Song Changsheng with his own eyes, that answer in his heart became incredibly firm and unshakeable.

Just as he himself had said, he, Chi Huo, was just a notorious Loose Cultivator who robbed travelers in the north, a worthless life. If he died in some corner one day, no one would care.

Forget caring; they’d be lucky if people didn’t applaud his death.

But Song Changsheng was the Clan Leader of a Purple Mansion Family, the number one person below the Purple Mansion realm in the Daqi Cultivation World, with a limitless future ahead of him.

He could have easily ignored whether he lived or died. After all, he was just an expendable puppet.

Even Chi Huo Old Ghost himself thought so.

But Song Changsheng didn’t. Instead, he had ventured into danger alone to face two Purple Mansion Cultivators by himself.

In that instant, Chi Huo Old Ghost felt valued like never before. And in that same instant, he chose to pledge his absolute loyalty to Song Changsheng. This was the master he acknowledged, for this life and no other!

”You work for me. How could I abandon you? Get up.” Song Changsheng patted Chi Huo’s shoulder and helped him to his feet. Then, he cupped his fist toward Soulless and said, ”Since the matter here is settled, I shall take my leave.”

”My methods this time were less than honorable. Please accept my apologies.” After speaking, Soulless actually cupped his fist and bowed to the two of them.

Song Changsheng was taken aback. Looking at Soulless’s sincere expression, a trace of goodwill couldn’t help but rise in his heart. ’With his level of power, he really didn’t need to go this far.’

”Senior, you are too kind.” Song Changsheng accepted the bow, then returned one of his own.

Watching the two of them bow back and forth, Blood Princess grew impatient. With her hands on her hips, she said fiercely, ”If you’re going to leave, then just leave! Is this endless bowing ever going to stop? And take this guy with you when you go.”

As she spoke, she pushed Shen Yin, who was standing to the side, in front of Song Changsheng.

Song Changsheng stared at the white-browed young man, his mind going a little blank. ’I don’t even know this person. Why is he being foisted on me?’

He couldn’t help but turn his gaze toward Soulless.

Soulless shook his head with a wry smile. ”My younger sister is impolite, please forgive her. This is the person you were looking for. We brought him along this time, so it’s only natural to hand him over to you.”

At that moment, Chi Huo glanced fearfully at Blood Princess before lowering his voice and saying, ”Young Master, this is Shen Yin.”

Hearing this, Song Changsheng’s eyes lit up. ’After waiting for so long, I’ve finally met the man himself.’