Chapter 53: Seeking a Master

The content shared by the elderly man was profoundly mystical, akin to ancient scriptures, filled with numerous terms related to immortal cultivation. For instance, the concept of ‘Dao’ had over a hundred interpretations from his lips, each leading listeners towards distinct paths of cultivation. Failing to grasp the crucial points could result in straying onto misguided paths, ultimately losing one’s chance at the immortal way.

This principle echoed the saying that “the Great Dao shares its origin, blossoming into myriad paths.”

Similar seeds yielding vastly different fruits—a perfect analogy for this phenomenon.

It was entirely different from Chen Luo’s initial fantasy of immortal cultivation, resembling an entirely new system of knowledge. Simply listening once would not suffice to begin refining Qi, as he lacked understanding of what ‘Qi’ truly meant, let alone if his interpretation aligned with the authentic concept.

Seated in the back row, Chen Luo absorbed the elder’s teachings while all his external minds sprang into action, generating a flurry of innovative insights within his thoughts.

‘Dao is the beginning of inaction.’

‘It embodies nature itself!’

‘The most revered essence between heaven and earth, ascending to supreme heights, naturally cultivating grandeur.’

‘Life itself is ‘Dao’; thus, cultivators ought to guide all living beings.’

Silently observing these diverse understandings from each external mind, Chen Luo’s comprehension deepened further.

“Let us conclude for today.”

Finally, the elderly man delivering the lecture concluded his talk.

He slowly rose to his feet, scanning everyone present, and a hint of disappointment involuntarily showed in his eyes.

“Hmm?”

As he noticed Chen Luo, the elder’s eyes immediately brightened.

Compared to the other students, the aura emanating from Chen Luo was significantly stronger. Moreover, within him, there was a concealed spiritual glow containing White Immortal Cave’s immortal script. Realizing this, the elder paused just as he was about to leave.

“Are there any parts of today’s discourse that you did not understand?” The elder resumed his seat while speaking.

The students, who were already preparing to depart, were taken aback but quickly displayed expressions of surprise. Tian Yonglu, seated next to Chen Luo, became particularly excited. He had observed the scholar’s lingering gaze in their direction, convinced it must have been directed at him!

“The scholar must have seen me, prompting him to exceptionally stay. I truly am heaven’s chosen one… My father wasn’t lying.”

Following the elder’s invitation for questions, more than a dozen young individuals promptly began asking theirs.

Seeing this opportunity, Chen Luo swiftly stood up as well.

He couldn’t be certain if the elder’s glance was meant for him, but with such a chance presented, how could he let it slip by?

“Teacher, I have a question.”

“Go ahead and ask,” replied the elder with a smile, stroking his beard. He was curious to see how long this young lad could maintain his composure.

Despite holding the ‘Immortal Script’ from their White Immortal Cave, Chen Luo chose not to flaunt it but followed the conventional route instead. This alone earned him the elder’s respect.

Unaware of Chen Luo’s background, the elder assumed he had grand ambitions. The elder had encountered such individuals before; one among them successfully passed the White Immortal Cave’s assessment, embarked on the immortal path, and now numerous tales about him circulated within the Yue Kingdom.

“I would like to ask, Teacher, how can one truly learn the immortal path?”

“The true immortal path?” The elder looked at Chen Luo, seeking clarification. “Do you believe what I’ve taught today is not part of the immortal path?”

“No, it is not.”

“Then tell me, what do you consider as the true immortal path?”

“One who achieves immortality, that is the true immortal path,” Chen Luo promptly responded.

“Immortality? Do you understand what immortality truly means!” The elder’s gaze suddenly intensified, reflecting landscapes shifting within his eyes. An invisible force instantly enveloped the area, affecting all the scholars present, as if plunging them into a dreamlike state where each experienced different visions.

Just as Chen Luo was about to respond, he felt a sudden dizziness, and the scene before him transformed. It seemed as if he had instantly returned from the bamboo forest to Chen Village.

Outside, he heard his father’s sighs—the very night when it was decided to send him to Qingya County.

‘Did I time travel again? No, that can’t be.’

Chen Luo’s head spun, and everything around him blurred, as if veiled by a thin white mist. No matter how hard he tried, he could not see clearly. Even his memories became hazy, only recalling the impoverished life that left him mentally and physically exhausted.

“Once you’re in the city, always listen to your Third Uncle. Father isn’t capable of providing for you. Being a grave digger may seem lowly, but at least it will keep you fed.”

Chen Laoda’s voice echoed faintly in his ears, distant and wavering.

‘This is the work of an immortal.’

‘What you see with your eyes may be illusionary; what you hear with your ears might be deceptive!’ The thoughts simultaneously resonated from both the Nineteenth Prince and the royal scholar.

These clear thoughts conveyed contrasting images, jolting Chen Luo out of the illusory realm. Opening his eyes, he found himself still within the bamboo forest. Except for him, all the other students lay sprawled on the ground, seemingly asleep.

“Wonderful, truly wonderful.”

Seeing Chen Luo regain consciousness, the old man burst out laughing with delight.

Without paying heed to the other students still immersed in the illusory realm, he rose and walked towards the edge of the bamboo forest.

“Follow me.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Luo promptly trailed behind.

As they reached the boundary of the bamboo grove, Chen Luo felt the scenery suddenly change before his eyes, finding himself unexpectedly transported to a different location upon stepping forward.

They arrived at a modest courtyard nestled amidst the mountains.

A hint of astonishment flickered in Chen Luo’s eyes, as he struggled to comprehend how they had instantly traversed such distance and shifted between spaces. His foundational knowledge from the Scripture Pavilion provided no explanation for this phenomenon. Observing the surroundings, the tranquil mountain valley seemed infused with an indistinct aura. Upon closer examination, he realized it closely resembled the essence of the blue spirit mine within him.

‘This mountain valley contains spiritual energy!’ The thought flashed through Chen Luo’s mind, reflecting his keen perception of spiritual energy.

“Please, have a seat.” With a wave of the old man’s sleeve, a stone bench gently moved next to Chen Luo.

As Chen Luo sat down, he took in the environment around him. Apart from themselves, the valley also housed two cranes and a small monkey. These creatures displayed remarkable intelligence, their eyes revealing curiosity when they noticed Chen Luo.

The old man took a seat across from Chen Luo and repeated his earlier question with a more serious tone.

“Are you truly sincere about learning the genuine immortal path?”

Hearing this, Chen Luo knew his opportunity had arrived. Without hesitation, he knelt down and earnestly pleaded, “I humbly request the teacher to guide me.”

“My name is Changqing, considered half a cultivator. Are you willing to take me as your master?”

“Disciple greets the teacher,” Chen Luo promptly bowed, showing utmost respect as a disciple.

“Excellent.” The old man smiled, deeply satisfied by Chen Luo’s quick understanding.

“Since you wish to become my apprentice, I shall now initiate you into the path.”

With a wave of his hand, the Nineteenth Prince’s jade pendant and the hidden jade booklet flew out from Chen Luo’s chest.

“This item has served its purpose; it holds little value now.”

The old man gently touched the Nineteenth Prince’s jade pendant.

Instantaneously, the once vibrant and colorful pendant lost its luster, turning into pale white powder that drifted onto the ground. However, Chen Luo was immediately captivated by the writing inside.

It was a seal script character.

The character shimmered brightly in the old man’s hand, but upon closer inspection, one could see an ‘X’ at its center, indicating rejection.