Turning jade into water, consuming pine resin and poria, refining them into an elixir, supplemented by breathing techniques, embracing simplicity to return to truth and wander in the mysterious void.
From the perspective of today’s classifications, this should belong to the external alchemy branch of the Golden Elixir sect of Taoism.
Moreover, since it is a method directly passed down by an immortal, even if given casually, its cultivation techniques are profoundly intricate and mysterious.
Lu Zheng roughly reviewed the scripture, with the most crucial parts being the cultivation method and the alchemy method. The remaining incantations mostly focused on planting spiritual herbs, with few techniques for combat or defense against enemies.
However, these few techniques were exceptionally refined.
For example…
The *Fire Avoidance Technique*, though similar in name to the *Water Avoidance Technique*, is vastly different. The *Water Avoidance Technique* merely repels ordinary water, but the *Fire Avoidance Technique* in this scripture allows one to ignore all kinds of mortal and exotic flames, entering them without being burned or harmed in the slightest.
The *Wind and Rain Flying Immortal*, once performed, causes wind and rain to surge between heaven and earth. Not only do the wind and rain have the effect of warding off enemies, but one can also merge into the wind and rain, concealing oneself and flying freely as desired.
Of course, the range of this wind and rain expands with one’s cultivation level. When one’s cultivation reaches divine mastery, the rain can cover an entire realm, and one’s presence becomes omnipresent.
Lu Zheng particularly favored the second technique, as it gave him another escape skill.
Using the *Earth Travel Technique* in front of an enemy could easily lead to being dug out immediately, but with the *Wind and Rain Flying Immortal*, one could first blend into the wind and rain to escape a distance, then burrow underground to leave.
Perfect!
“Today is a joyous occasion, worthy of celebration!”
Taoist Wan Song was in high spirits, waving his hand across the stone platform. In addition to pine nuts, three or five kinds of spiritual fruits appeared on the table.
Beyond that, a fragrance of tea infused with spiritual energy wafted through the air, emanating from a pot of already brewed aromatic tea.
Lu Zheng favored the second technique, but Taoist Wan Song treasured the *Fire Avoidance Technique* above all.
After all, his true form was an ancient pine tree, and wood fears fire, so naturally, he feared it too.
But with this *Fire Avoidance Technique*, he could ignore most flames, greatly enhancing his survivability.
…
The three drank tea and ate fruit, their conversation naturally turning to Taoist Wan Song’s dream chess game.
“Old Pine, you still couldn’t recreate that dream chess game this time?” Song Kaichuan asked.
He had been obsessed with this chess game for centuries, even more eager than Lu Zheng.
“I couldn’t,” Taoist Wan Song shook his head, saying, “It’s all hazy, but…”
“But what?”
“But if I can advance a few more steps in my realm, I might pierce through this veil and see the chess game clearly.”
Song Kaichuan, “…”
“Old Pine, you’re truly modest, advancing a few more steps?” Song Kaichuan shook his head. “It’s questionable whether you’ll even take one step forward before your demise, let alone a few more steps.”
Taoist Wan Song stroked his beard. “How do you know I can’t return my primordial spirit to truth and ascend directly to the heavens to join Akamatsuko?”
“Cultivation has existed for countless years since ancient times. How many have ever ascended?” Song Kaichuan shook his head, unconvinced. “Aside from immortals descending their divine thoughts, the rest are all peerless geniuses, rare in eternity.”
Taoist Wan Song nodded, acknowledging Song Kaichuan’s point, but smiled. “Have you forgotten what my true form is?
Even if my aptitude can’t match those once-in-a-millennium prodigies, my true form is an ancient pine. I live long!
In the past, the path ahead was indeed difficult, shrouded in mist. But this time, not only did I receive Akamatsuko’s inheritance, I also gained the *Fire Avoidance Technique* to protect my path. Once I master it, even that vermilion bird in the south might not be able to harm me.”
Taoist Wan Song picked up a fruit, took a bite, and as juice dripped down his beard, he raised an eyebrow and smiled. “When I achieve perfection, if you’re still alive, I’ll take you up to have a look.”
Taoist Wan Song was in such high spirits that the usually reserved man was now joking.
Song Kaichuan pursed his lips. “Well, thank you very much! But I’ll live at most another thousand years. I doubt I’ll see you ascend. If I can see you unravel that dream chess game before I die, I’ll rest in peace.”
Taoist Wan Song burst into laughter.
…
After eating the spiritual fruits, Taoist Wan Song waved his hand again, and a wooden box appeared on the stone platform.
“The alchemy scripture mostly contains methods for refining elixirs, many involving various spiritual herbs. Here are some aged herbs, including a dozen or so century-old spiritual herbs.”
Taoist Wan Song said to Lu Zheng, “Young friend, take these to practice. Once you’re familiar, come back to Wan Song Mountain, and we’ll discuss further.”
Lu Zheng hesitated for a moment but decided to be honest. “Actually, I previously gathered some century-old herbs at the foot of the mountain, including ginseng, poria, and fleeceflower root, enough for me to practice the alchemy methods in the book. Taking too much might lead to waste.”
Taoist Wan Song waved his hand dismissively. “Those are just ordinary items. The ones in this wooden box, even if they’re common herbs, have been nourished by my spiritual energy and are far from ordinary.
Few people come to Wan Song Mountain, so while I lack many things, century-old herbs are not one of them. Young friend, don’t be polite, just take them.
Only true spiritual herbs are rare, and I haven’t given you too many, just some with a hint of spiritual energy, so there’s no worry of waste.”
Lu Zheng nodded and decisively took the wooden box. “Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Taoist Wan Song nodded. “That’s the spirit.”
After eating and drinking, Song Kaichuan looked at Taoist Wan Song. “Old Pine, you’ve just received Akamatsuko’s immortal inheritance and broken through your own limits. You should retreat to consolidate. I won’t disturb you further. I’ll take our young friend back to Dajing and return in three years.”
Taoist Wan Song nodded, then shook his head. “One year is enough.”
Song Kaichuan nodded. “Good!”
“No rush.”
As Song Kaichuan reached to grab Lu Zheng to leave, Taoist Wan Song interrupted. “Today is a joyous occasion. How can there be no chess? Let me play another game with our young friend.”
…
The chess game lasted another day, and Lu Zheng lost by one move again.
Taoist Wan Song’s form turned into green light, merging into the ancient pine tree. Song Kaichuan then took Lu Zheng, burrowing into the earth and heading north.
In less than a day, when Lu Zheng saw light again, he found himself back in his courtyard in Tonglin County.
“So fast!”
Song Kaichuan stroked his beard and smiled. “Young friend, cultivate diligently. When your skills advance, you’ll be just as fast.”
Lu Zheng: ?_?
“Senior, please come inside and rest for a moment.” Lu Zheng bowed and gestured invitingly, then called out loudly, “Uncle Li, brew a pot of tea!”
Song Kaichuan followed into the front hall. After Uncle Li served tea to both, as Lu Zheng was about to speak, Song Kaichuan pointed at Lu Zheng’s forehead again.
“This…” Lu Zheng felt he had gained immensely this time. “I’ve received so much, I feel somewhat unworthy!”
“Old Pine gave you his thanks, and I promised a generous gift. How could I go back on my word?” Song Kaichuan said, beginning to explain the “Mountain Opening Mantra” to Lu Zheng.
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