Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 661 - 327 Master_2
After last night's events, the village had various opinions about Chenxiang, who was truly too bold, daring to take the children to such places. As a result, many parents warned their children to keep their distance from Chenxiang.
Because of this, Chenxiang became isolated, with many parents secretly pulling their children away upon seeing him, as if avoiding a plague god.
Chenxiang roamed around the village alone, feeling extremely bored; he looked up at the flowing water outside the village and, listlessly, began skimming stones across it.
Just then, a Taoist with a flowing beard, dressed in a Taoist robe, walked on the water towards him. Chenxiang looked on in surprise. Tales of immortals had always been just stories told by the elderly, yet today he was witnessing what seemed a miraculous scene.
Seeing the expression on Chenxiang's face, the Taoist's face barely revealed a smug smile. He continued to maintain his ethereal demeanor, slowly walking on the water until he stood in front of Chenxiang.
"What an exceptionally spirited young lad. What is your name?" the Taoist asked, looking surprised at Chenxiang's face.
"My name is Liu Chenxiang." Chenxiang, stunned by the Taoist's dramatic appearance, answered honestly.
"Good name. Are you interested in cultivating with me?"
"Cultivating? What is that?"
"Cultivation is not an object, but a technique that can grant you eternal life."
"Eternal life? That would mean becoming an immortal."
"Of course, my technique certainly leads to becoming an immortal," the Taoist said, quite pleased with himself.
"Do I have to give anything in return?" In contrast to the Taoist's expectations, Chenxiang didn't immediately agree but instead asked cautiously. This reaction surprised him.
"You must accept me as your master. The path of cultivation is about seizing the essence of heaven and earth, delving into the mysteries of the sun and moon; it cannot be lightly taught except from master to disciple," the Taoist explained leisurely, his eyes never leaving Chenxiang.
"Disciple greets the master," Chenxiang, without hesitation, prostrated himself in worship; after all, the allure of becoming an immortal was irresistible to such a child who could hardly refuse.
Smiling, the Taoist helped Chenxiang to his feet and said, "I am the Fire Pool Master, a cultivator from Mountain Hua. You accepting me as your master is a great fortune. I will wait for you here every day at the appointed hour to teach you the ways of cultivation."
After these words, the Taoist laughed heartily and disappeared in a gust of wind. Chenxiang, utterly dumbfounded, muttered to himself, "Incredible, are these the methods of an immortal?"
Deep into the night, all was silent; the village folk had long since been deep in sleep. Chenxiang rose quietly from his bed, looked outside; Liu Yanchang was fast asleep. He tiptoed out of the door, heading straight for the small river at the village entrance.
When he arrived at the riverside, a figure was already waiting there. Looking at Chenxiang, he smiled and said, "Come here, today I will teach you the basics of cultivation."
Upon hearing this, Chenxiang joyfully walked over to the Taoist. Whispered words reached his ears, and his consciousness seemed to enter a mysterious space where someone was revealing to him an extraordinarily intricate cultivation technique.
With a blessed intuition, Chenxiang subconsciously followed the figure's movements, feeling a warm current arise within his body, as if he were soaking in a hot spring, very comfortable; when he opened his eyes, he met the concerned gaze of the Taoist.
"How do you feel about your first cultivation experience?"
Chenxiang candidly shared his feelings as the Taoist slightly furrowed his brows and said, "Continue to operate your cultivation technique and try to feel it again."
Chenxiang, having no doubt, did as he was told. As the cultivation technique operated, the familiar sensation appeared again. However, after three cycles, he noticed something was amiss. A sudden chill emerged within his body, a coldness that seeped into his marrow, instilling a great fear in Chenxiang's heart, prompting him to abruptly stop cultivating.
Speaking to the Fire Pool Master, Chenxiang reported truthfully. To his surprise, the Fire Pool Master smiled and said, "This cultivation technique of mine is inherently of a cold attribute. Thus, feeling a chill during cultivation is normal. It was indeed very abnormal that you felt warmth before. Just go ahead without worry."
Chenxiang nodded, but doubts persisted in his heart. He continued to operate the cultivation technique, and the chill invaded again. However, knowing the reason, Chenxiang was no longer afraid. He continued with the cultivation technique, and indeed, there were no other changes, but what he didn't realize was that as the cultivation technique operated, it began weakening his body.
Visit ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience.
"Alright, that's enough for now. After you go back, just rest well. If someone comments that you look pale, do not panic. It's a normal result of the cultivation technique. You'll get through this period just fine," the Fire Pool Master reminded before leaving.
Upon returning home, Chenxiang felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue, more than he had ever experienced. As soon as he lay down in bed, he fell into a deep sleep.
Unknown to him, after he had fallen asleep, Yanchang gently rose from the bed, walked over to his son, and watching Chenxiang's sleeping face, he softly smoothed out his furrowed brows.
"San Niang, you must protect our child and ensure he grows up safely," Yanchang whispered softly.
Deep in sleep, Chenxiang was unaware that his secretive escape was under his father's silent watch, yet Yanchang knew his child was destined for an extraordinary life, and so he quietly observed and awaited developments.
Meanwhile, he fell into a strange dream. Within a dense white fog, Chenxiang walked alone, surrounded by a terrifying chill, identical to the one he felt during his training, which suddenly sparked a fear deep inside him.
"Is anyone there? Where is this?" The usually brave Chenxiang now appeared panic-stricken like a child of his age and called out in fear, yet received no response.
Just then, a light shone through the fog, so bright and warm that it instantly made Chenxiang feel very reassured.
Following this guiding light, Chenxiang walked through the thick mist and saw a Mysterious Figure standing above the waves. Seeing him, Chenxiang seemed to see the tumultuous sea and the rolling Yangtze River, causing him to gaze in awe.
Compared to the Fire Pool Master, the Mysterious Figure's aura was even more terrifying and boundless. Although Chenxiang did not know the difference in their realms, he could feel that this Mysterious Figure was much more powerful than his master.
"Who are you, and where is this?" Chenxiang asked curiously.
However, the Mysterious Figure did not respond to his words. Instead, he lightly pointed a finger, and a beam of light instantly appeared on Chenxiang's forehead, flooding his mind with knowledge.
The most shocking information was about his cultivation technique. He suddenly understood that his master had ill intentions. The chill was not caused by any cold attribute cultivation technique but was a warning from his body about a deficit in vital energy. If he continued to train as taught by the Fire Pool Master, he would not live long before his life force declined and he died.
He did not know what the Mysterious Figure's intentions were, nor why he wanted to endanger his life, but he was sure that he could no longer continue this cultivation technique, or else he would die.
At that moment, new information appeared in his mind, shockingly an amendment to the cultivation technique. Unlike the original harmful version, this modified technique could cultivate his character, enhance his life force, and strengthen his foundation, making it an excellent Cultivation Technique.
"Thank you. Can I take you as my master?" Chenxiang asked with a hopeful expression.
Unexpectedly, the figure in the sky did not respond but gradually vanished above the tumultuous sea. Soon, the vast ocean also turned into an illusion, and before Chenxiang could react, he felt himself falling rapidly, only to awaken and realize it was all just a vivid dream.
