Chapter 104: After 30 Years, I Glimpsed The Doorway To Immortality (2)
The purple-robed man gave a bitter smile. How could he not know?
"A person's mental bandwidth is limited, as is their lifespan. Diverting energy towards other matters only complicates things," the white-robed middle-aged man murmured. "The more one cares about family, disciples, and love, the slimmer the chance of achieving immortality."
"The essence of a person is even more finite. When one’s human body reaches its limit, one must consolidate their foundation and nourish their essence, not squander it recklessly. Only then can longevity be attained. Take Grandmaster Yu for example. Though unparalleled in combat, countless battles have depleted her essence, leaving her with a lifespan at least twenty years shorter than mine!"
"Human strength is finite, yet the world is boundless!"
"I reside on this cliff, observing the world. The more I comprehend, the more I realize how much the mortal world incites chaos within the heart. Heaven and earth stretches far and wide, while the path to immortality remains shrouded in obscurity."
"After decades of quiet contemplation, I've finally gotten a glimpse through the doorway to immortality, but alas, my time is running short," said the middle-aged man.
"It doesn't matter to me whether Wu Yuan is well on his way to becoming a Grandmaster. Even if he has the potential to transcend mortality, it does not kindle my interest."
"Attaining immortality is my lifelong quest," the man in white robes whispered.
The purple-robed obese man solemnly said, "Father, while there is truth to your words, the path to immortality is elusive. Since ancient times, how many have achieved it?"
"The concept of immortal cultivation has existed since ancient times. Yet, since the reign of the Martial King, who has ever seen a true immortal?"
"We are born of the mortal realm, rooted in the mundane. Is the path of detaching from worldly desires truly the right path to immortality?" the man in purple robes asked.
"Imperator Jin ruled with unmatched power, yet he never sought detachment, and still, he became the foremost expert and forged the greatest empire."
"Indeed, these are convincing arguments, my son," the man in white robes chuckled, "My foolish child, let it be, to each their own. Though I do not accept disciples, I do have some advice."
"Please share your wisdom, Father," the eyes of the purple-robed man gleamed.
"Nurturing a Grandmaster expert is an arduous endeavor," the middle-aged man in white robes said quietly, "Let Sect Elder Mo instruct Wu Yuan."
"His martial skills are not inferior to mine; it's just that his comprehension of the world is not at the Grandmaster level. If Wu Yuan can reach a point where there is nothing more Sect Elder Mo can teach, he can only rely on himself for the rest of his cultivation journey."
"Understood," the elderly man in purple robes replied.
"Secondly, devise a proper training plan. Do not hold back on any precious resources," the man in white robes continued lightly, “However, refrain from openly announcing it or showing excessive concern for him. In simpler terms, provide substance, not reputation!"
The elderly man in purple robes pondered thoughtfully.
"Reputation burdens the soul. A young lad can easily lose himself amidst continuous praise," the man in white robes softly stated, "Most geniuses are prideful and restless."
"Moreover, treasures should not be handed over freely. Set obstacles in his path and goals for him to strive for."
"Yes, Father, I understand," replied the purple-robed man.
"Lastly, from what I've observed in his file, Wu Yuan treasures his family and clan greatly," the middle-aged man commented. "This is his weakness. Bring his closest kin to the Cloudhill Province and ensure their safety."
"Allocate some precious items to improve his mother's well-being and prolong her life, as well as to support his sister's healthy development. Consider allowing her to join the sect in the future."
"Also, slowly begin relocating his clan to the Cloudhill Province. Gradually absorb the talented individuals from their clan into our sect."
"This will bind him to us. Our proactive actions will progressively reinforce his sense of belonging to our sect!"
"Simultaneously, it will also alleviate his lingering concerns. After all, news about Wu Yuan’s achievements cannot be concealed forever. Great Jin, the Wingborne Sect, or some other major power may stir up trouble without us knowing." The white-robed man continued, "They will not stand idly by as the Cloudstride Sect produces a Grandmaster."
"Yes Father, I understand," the purple-robed man repeated, feeling as though he just gained a newfound clarity. His own father, despite living in seclusion for thirty years and being untouched by worldly matters, still saw through everything.
"I shall make arrangements for someone to depart for Li City tomorrow,” the purple-robed man said.
"Make arrangements?" The white-robed man shook his head. "For crucial matters, one should act personally and swiftly. Go now, and don't travel by ship, run! Move about more, and shed some weight. Each day you delay brings additional risk."
"Understood," the purple-robed man acknowledged.
...
Within the martial chamber of a private courtyard house in the Cloud Martial Hall.
Is this Cloudspring Blood? Wu Yuan opened the stopper of the jade vial, peering at the pale red liquid it contained. It looked like watered-down fresh blood, yet emitted a peculiarly enticing fragrance.
This was just delivered by two custodians of the Finance Hall. It was a gift from Protectorate Gao Yu, requiring no contribution points from Wu Yuan.
To be taken orally, not too much at once. Each vial contains ten doses? Wu Yuan read through the 'Cloud Martial Hall Guidelines', which provided instructions on the usage of various treasures.
He took a small sip. Once it entered his stomach, its powerful medicinal effect swiftly diffused. To avoid wasting its benefits, Wu Yuan began to cultivate and temper his body.
However, he had now completely replenished his body's deficiencies. Even though he cultivated painstakingly every day, he no longer made significant progress. The enhancement of his physical constitution was bound to be a gradual process from now on.
The effect of this entire vial is slightly stronger than a drop of Starlight Liquid. It should not be the original solution, but a diluted version. However, the side effects are indeed reduced.
Every medicine had side effects, and even natural treasures were not exempt from this.
Consuming too much Starlight Liquid would corrode the body, depleting its potential. Therefore, regular martial artists had to balance it out with other treasures to neutralize its corrosiveness.
As for the Cloudspring Blood? Its side effects were less severe, but if taken excessively, it would cause the body to ache, irritating the nerves and depriving one of restful sleep.
Compared to these, the Ancient Immortal Dew is indeed the best. It truly lived up to the name ‘Immortal Dew’, with zero side effects and astonishing effectiveness. The only drawback? It was expensive!
Others may worry about overdosing, but with the blood-red mist aiding me, I have nothing to fear. Wu Yuan smiled, setting aside the vial of Cloudspring Blood.
Whether it be the Ancient Immortal Dew, Cloudspring Blood, Starlight Liquid, or even the bone-forging pill or Qi Enhancement Pill, they were all the same in Wu Yuan's eyes. All served the purpose of strengthening the body.
I can redeem twelve bottles of Cloudspring Blood per year at most? Wu Yuan continued to peruse the 'Cloud Martial Hall Guidelines'. He was more than halfway through the thick book, and had put together a general plan for his future cultivation path.
The first two vials of Cloudspring Blood are a must, but after that? It depends on how many contribution points I can gather.
The first vial of Cloudspring Blood that a disciple obtained each year cost 3000 contribution points. The second, 5000 contribution points. From the third vial onward, the price would revert back to its 'original' 10,000 contribution points, and each disciple could obtain a maximum of twelve vials each year.
As for ordinary treasures such as the bone-forging pill?
If one contribution point is equivalent to one silver tael, it's nearly the same as the market price.
There was nothing worth noting on that front.
Contribution points also be exchanged for martial arts guidance?
For instance, apart from the regular guidance one would receive every ten days, one could request extra guidance at a rate of 300 contribution points per hour. One could also request for guidance from a sect elder, which required 1000 contribution points per session.
Even guidance from the Hierarchs was available, though came with a hefty price tag of 10,000 contribution points. However, the following words were written next to it: Proceed at your discretion!
Both Hierarchs are Grandmasters. I would very much like to exchange pointers with a Grandmaster. A gleam shone in Wu Yuan's eyes.
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