Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

As for why Song Lutong said he absolutely wouldn’t waste anything this time, the story began when Song Changsheng purchased cultivation resources from the Wanlong Commerce Association in Yuan Province.

After returning from Yuan Province, Song Changsheng had stocked the resources in the Clan Treasure Vault for the clan’s Cultivators to acquire. Song Lutong had exchanged for a Purple Spirit Pill, which was meant to help him break through to the next realm, but his attempt had ended in failure.

He had only himself to blame for being too impatient. He had taken the Pill rashly before his cultivation had even reached a bottleneck, so its effects were completely wasted.

Although the clan said nothing about it afterward, the incident weighed heavily on Song Lutong’s mind.

Every resource the clan possessed was incredibly precious, and not a single bit could be squandered.

Song Changsheng patted his shoulder and gave him an encouraging look without saying much more. Though they were uncle and nephew, their relationship was more like that of brothers.

He knew that Song Lutong was only so anxious to break through because he wanted to bolster the clan’s high-level combat strength as soon as possible.

After leaving the meeting hall, Song Changsheng returned to his courtyard. There, he found Song Qingxi packing clothes and personal items. Judging by the style, they had to be Song Qingxing’s; he only ever wore black, which made his clothing very easy to identify.

Meanwhile, Song Qingxing was on the other side of the room, carefully wiping his Traceless Sword with a piece of white silk. His movements were gentle, his expression focused.

The room was quiet, filled only with the soft rustling of Song Qingxi’s packing.

COUGH, COUGH.

Song Changsheng coughed lightly, drawing their attention. "You’re leaving already?"

"Yes." Song Qingxing nodded, his reply concise.

"Xi’Er isn’t going?"

Song Changsheng asked, looking at Song Qingxi, whose expression was a little downcast.

Song Qingxing glanced over at her, then shook his head firmly. He knew exactly what kind of place he was headed to. It was a journey from which he had little chance of returning alive. If Song Qingxi went with him, it was likely not even her bones would remain.

"Very well. It’s best you decide for yourself," Song Changsheng said. "As your uncle, I can’t let your breakthrough to Foundation Establishment pass without a gift. Take these items to protect yourself."

As he spoke, Song Changsheng took out several items.

One was a jet-black Willow Leaf Flying Knife that emanated a chilling Evil Qi, one that seemed to steal the very soul.

"This is the Godslaying Flying Knife, a Spiritual Artifact refined by the Yungui Ancestor. I originally had three of them, but I’ve used two over the years. After my own refinement, this last one can now grievously wound a Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Take it to protect yourself."

Staring at the flying knife in the box, Song Changsheng felt a wave of emotion. The knife had been passed down for several generations, and now, he was personally handing it to a Cultivator of the "Qing" generation.

He then picked up a Jade Scroll. "Engraved in this is the Little Divine Technique, Celestial Spirit Shield. It was the signature Divine Technique of the Blood Robe Asura, Bai Zhengchun. You have ferocity in spades, but your defense is lacking. This technique will shore up that weakness."

’Although it was exceedingly difficult for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator to master a Little Divine Technique, Song Qingxing’s comprehension was exceptional. He had a chance.’

The next box contained several perfectly round beads: four purple and one crimson.

"The purple ones are Lei Zhenzi. The clan seized them from the followers of the Thunder King Hall and only began mass-producing them this year. Every single one possesses enough power to threaten a Foundation Establishment Cultivator."

"The crimson one was a gift from Senior Shen Qingxiu of Luoxia City. It’s the last one we have. Its power is equivalent to a full-force strike from an Early-stage Purple Mansion Cultivator. Take it to protect yourself."

Finally, Song Changsheng took out a bronze round plate the size of a washbasin. "This is an Array Plate I refined myself. You just need to set up the Array Banners according to the pattern, and it will generate a Tier Two Low-Grade Breath-Concealing Array. Anyone below the Purple Mansion realm will find it almost impossible to detect you."

Although most of the items were single-use consumables, the sheer quantity was impressive. Song Changsheng himself had never received such treatment back in his day.

Seeing the pile of items before him, a flicker of emotion crossed Song Qingxing’s eyes. The first time he had descended the mountain, Song Changsheng had similarly prepared a host of protective treasures for him. That moment then was just like this moment now.

With a wave of his sleeve, he stored them all away and said softly, "Thank you, Uncle."

Looking at the expressionless young man before him, Song Changsheng was suddenly lost in a daze. ’The little boy from back then is a man now.’

He laid a hand on his shoulder and opened his mouth to speak, but the thousand words in his heart ultimately condensed into a single sentence: "No matter what, come back alive. We’ll all be waiting for you."

With that, Song Changsheng left the room, leaving the two of them alone.

While Song Changsheng had been giving his instructions to Song Qingxing, Song Qingxi had already finished packing. She personally fastened the Storage Bag to Song Qingxing’s waist, then reached out a delicate hand to gently smooth the wrinkles on his robes. "Be careful out there," she whispered.

Intelligent as she was, she had long sensed that this trip down the mountain was for more than just simple training. His journey was bound to be fraught with peril.

That was why she wasn’t being as stubborn as she usually was, insisting on going with him. She was afraid she would only hold him back.

Song Qingxing reached out and took her delicate hand in his. It was slightly cool to the touch. "Don’t worry," he said with conviction.

Those two simple words, however, filled Song Qingxi with boundless confidence.

A faint blush rose on Song Qingxi’s lovely face. She removed a Jade Pendant from her waist, a nostalgic look in her eyes. "This is the Protective Talisman Father had Uncle refine for me all those years ago," she said. "It’s lost its power now, but I’ve carried it with me ever since. Having it feels like Father and Uncle are here protecting me."

She leaned in and fastened the Jade Pendant to his robes. "Now you carry it," she said, "and it will be as if I’m right there with you."