The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 11

Chapter 2: Master and Disciple

For fifteen days, Li Xun didn’t rest at all. He simply repeated two things: resistance and reconstruction!

Finally, after fending off the Blood Nightmare’s heart-devouring attack for the fifteenth time, his energy was exhausted and he collapsed, unable to rise again.

He slept for who knows how long, but when he awoke, as expected, the “Golden Core True Qi Locking Structure” he had painstakingly built had completely collapsed again, destroying dozens of days of effort.

At this point, Li Xun felt a desire to die.

He slammed his fist into the ground, then stood up angrily. His injuries had healed, and his spirits were quite good, perhaps due to his long sleep.

He had wanted to study further, but when he calculated the time, his heart skipped a beat: “Master said I should report to him once a month on my progress. What time is it now?”

Thinking of this, he didn’t dare to delay. He hurried out of the cave and climbed the cliff, only to see that the sky outside was dark, and it was already late at night.

It must have snowed recently, as the ground was covered with more than two inches of snow, reflecting the starlight.

He glanced around and saw that the lights upstairs were off. He didn’t dare to run to disturb Lin Ge at this time, so he had to wait until tomorrow. He

tiptoed around the small building and followed the mountain path down the peak. After walking a few miles, he was suddenly startled again.

Thinking carefully about the situation when he came here, the front of the residences of the second uncle, the third uncle and others were all swept clean, and the lights in the houses were bright. Occasionally, there were voices, which looked quite warm.

Only the front of his own master’s door was covered with snow, with messy footprints, and the upstairs was pitch black, without a trace of light. He didn’t think much of it at first, but now he felt very uncomfortable when he compared it.

He didn’t have any feelings for Lin Ge, and Lin Ge didn’t care much about him as a disciple.

The two of them had occasional opportunities to contact each other on weekdays. Although he deliberately flattered him, the effect was not good. Over time, he came to know that the other party wasn’t up to this, and his feelings gradually faded. After greeting him, he would often retreat to his cave dwelling to cultivate diligently, avoiding morning duties like serving tea and water whenever possible. Lin Ge didn’t mind. Normally,

Li Xun didn’t feel much of a problem, but now that he had someone to compare himself to, in the dead of night, he felt a pang of discontent.

Thinking of Lin Ge sitting alone by the window in the lonely building, and looking out at the snow-covered ground outside, Li Xun felt a surge of pity.

Why had his master, Li Xun, been reduced to such a miserable fate? How could he, Li Xun, ever face the world?

A thought struck him, and he stopped walking down the mountain and turned back.

Arriving in front of the building, Li Xun exhaled, marking his area, then channeled his true energy, expelling power from his palms, pushing a large patch of snow away, revealing clean ground.

The snow slid across the ground, making a crunching sound that was quite clear in the still night. Li Xun was startled by the sound and stopped immediately.

If this were discovered, it would be truly humiliating!

He took a few steps, rubbing his chin, and suddenly an idea struck him. Tiptoeing, his fingers piercing the snow, he circled the small building over ten times, drawing countless lines on the ground. This was his specialty. In

these ten or so circles, he had carved a “snow-repelling array” on the surrounding snow—a term he had come up with, but in reality, it was simply a practical application of “wind patterns.”

The principle was to thin out the thick snow layer by layer, then let the wind blow away the powdery top layer, layer by layer, until the snow was completely dispersed.

The process was silent, aided by the mountain breeze, and without any spiritual energy, the patterns were exquisitely carved, perfectly and naturally appropriate. The arrangement was simple, yet extremely ingenious.

After preparing all this, Li Xun grinned and was extremely proud of himself as he watched the layers of flying snow powder.

He had just laughed twice when he suddenly saw a figure in gorgeous clothes and wide robes standing at the door of the house that was empty just now. A pair of eyes were shining and looking at him.

He was stunned and stood there with his mouth wide open.

“Come in!” Lin Ge walked in first without even looking at him.

Li Xun touched his head awkwardly and followed him in. At this time, the small building that had been dark for a long time was also brightly lit.

The light was provided by a rare pearl with a diameter of about seven centimeters, which showed the wealth of Lin Ge.

Placing the pearl on the wall, Lin Ge sat down and asked his apprentice who was standing solemnly with his hands down, “You have been practicing the first step of kung fu these days, right?”

There was a sense of carelessness in the question, but Li Xun did not dare to neglect it and bowed in response.

“What’s the result?”

Li Xun showed some embarrassment on his face: “My disciple is incompetent. It was ruined not long after I started it!”

“Rested?” Lin Ge raised his eyebrows. He didn’t know that this was Li Xun’s second time. He just took it for granted and said, “It was the first time to construct it. Due to its delicate and fragile nature, and the interference of various external forces, it is normal for it to be ruined. Just try a few more times and it will be fine.

“But I see that you are determined and not the kind of fool who is distracted. You probably do things very carefully. How could it be ruined like this? “

Li Xun had already thought of a reason. He coughed and said, “Disciple was indeed distracted, because Senior Sister Qi Bi…meaning…”

Seeing Lin Ge’s startled expression and a look of surprise, Li Xun knew that he had thought of something else. He waved his hands and continued in one breath, “It was Senior Sister Qi Bi who used the Pixia Sword Technique on Guanxia Peak that day. Disciple was reckless and used what he had learned to push forward a few steps. Although he did not achieve anything, he found it very interesting. When he came back to practice again, I don’t know why a flash of inspiration came to his mind, and the Qi collided, and it was ruined…”

He had no choice but to make up this lie. He couldn’t say anything to Lin Ge about blood. Things like nightmares and Yin Fire might be killed by his palm, so he had to use the “Pixia Sword Technique” to prevaricate, which was also half true and half false.

It is true that the Pixia Sword Technique gave him a headache, but it was never to the point of making him lose his mind. However, all kinds of classics recorded the saying that being too ambitious would hinder cultivation, so Li Xun’s answer was quite reasonable.

Sure enough, although Lin Ge was confused about some details, he believed it and asked him a few questions about his health. Naturally, Li Xun said “nothing”.

Lin Ge nodded: “The fact that you can find clues to deduce from the Pixia Sword Technique proves that you have a good eye. But having a good eye and reasonable deduction does not mean that you can practice. Your body will not be able to bear it. Put it aside and work hard to practice the basics. If you are really interested in this sword technique in the future, I can teach you!” “

This was the first time he called himself “Master”, and it was obvious that he regarded Li Xun as closer in his heart. Li Xun was already satisfied with this and hurriedly thanked him.

Lin Ge told him to stand up and asked, “Do you have any questions these days?” “

Master, please give me some advice!” Li Xun saw that Lin Ge was willing to teach, so he naturally didn’t want to let it go. He hurriedly asked out the many questions that had accumulated in his mind about the “Golden Elixir True Qi Locking Structure” one by one.

He was afraid that he didn’t explain it clearly, so in the end, he simply plucked up the courage to ask Lin Ge for paper and pen and started to draw.

This was the first time that Lin Ge saw Li Xun deduce a problem in this way. He was an expert in cultivation, and he saw the basis of Li Xun’s deduction at a glance. He couldn’t help but praise him, “It’s rare that you have studied these methods so thoroughly!”

Li Xun was secretly delighted, but his expression remained impassive.

He simply posed the questions one by one. At first, Lin Ge offered casual answers, but gradually, he needed to think for a moment before articulating them, a change not unlike Qingxu’s. Eventually, he became bewildered. “The changes in the Qi flow in your acupoints don’t seem to be of much use… perhaps just for reinforcement?”

Li Xun secretly praised his keen eye, but a look of embarrassment crossed his face. “Disciple, I’m afraid of further mishaps, so I’m considering making more preparations so I can achieve success right away!”

Lin Ge shook his head slightly. “That’s just theoretical. How’s your Jindan’s control over your true Qi?”

Li Xun, of course, didn’t dare claim to have tested it once and found no flaws. Scratching his head, he chuckled dryly, “Disciple isn’t quite sure yet…”

Lin Ge smiled, took a pen, made some corrections, and showed it to Li Xun. “How’s this?”

Though merely a few edits, they embodied centuries of experience, knowledge, and spiritual wisdom. His profound insight and skill were undeniably impressive.

This change not only significantly reduced the control required for the Golden Core, but also significantly enhanced its stability. Li Xun took one look and couldn’t look away.

If he followed this line of thought, why fear the Blood Nightmare and Yin Fire? Even if it was temporarily shattered, it could be quickly repaired. Although Lin Ge had only made one change, following this method, couldn’t he also improve other key areas?

Li Xun acted immediately, not bothering to flatter Lin Ge. He immediately buried his head in his desk, meticulously analyzing and experimenting. Unbeknownst to him, his appearance was already the most powerful and comfortable flattery in the world.

Seeing his expression, Lin Ge knew he had grasped his own ideas. While silently praising him, a thought struck him: “This young man is like me…”

Back when he was cultivating in the mountains, he had also grasped things quickly, yet possessed immense perseverance. His master, Taoist Qingming, always praised him for his spiritual intelligence and ability to apply what he had learned to other situations. Now, that praise fell on Li Xun.

A hundred years passed in the blink of an eye. He was no longer the “Heavenly Heart Sword” of his youth, and the young man before him was no longer the beloved prodigy.

“Is that why Master entrusted him to me?”

Lin Ge watched Li Xun’s infatuated expression, his heart awash with mixed emotions, and for a moment, he was practically mesmerized.

He remained lost in thought, while Li Xun awakened. Lin Ge’s few strokes had opened a portal he had never seen before, revealing a more magnificent world within.

In just a few moments, he felt a significant improvement in his thinking, vision, and understanding.

This was a remarkable achievement that could only be achieved between a master and disciple like them, whose mind-set was inherited from the same source. Qingxu might have possessed far more refined cultivation than Lin Ge, but their mind-set was fragmented, and they would never have such a seamless and natural flow.

Only then did Li Xun understand why everyone sought a good master.

Li Xun wasn’t one to be disloyal, so he naturally felt grateful to Lin Ge. Upon regaining consciousness, he immediately bowed to Lin Ge in thanks.

Lin Ge, however, seemed somewhat disinterested. He waved his hand, “If you have no more questions, you may go and rest.”

This was a clear sign of dismissal. Li Xun didn’t dare to say anything more, simply bowing once more and saying, “In that case, I’ll ask Master for guidance someday!”

As he headed for the door, he heard Lin Ge say from behind, “From now on, you don’t have to meet me once a month anymore. If you have any questions, you can always come and see me!”

The days of arduous cultivation passed quickly. When Li Xun emerged from the cave abode again, the mountains were still covered in snow, but the vegetation on the peaks was beginning to show a hint of green.

It was the season of the first rays of the sun.

Unlike his last exit, Li Xun emerged this time with great excitement!

After nearly three months, he had finally stabilized his “Golden Core True Qi Locking Construct,” rendering it impervious to even the combined might of Blood Nightmare and Yin Fire. After months of both mental and physical training, the stability of this system was enough to make Li Xun proud.

With his golden elixir as the center, Li Xun controlled the flow of his true energy, integrating every part of his body into the system, making it seamless and unified, leaving no weak spots in his body.

This state of mind had effectively reached the pinnacle of “The Moon Rises Over the Sea.” However, Lin Ge had warned him that while this state of mind had been reached, the heat of the fire might not be enough. The Lingxi Jue most importantly avoided reckless advances, as it would weaken the foundation.

For this reason, although Li Xun had reached the pinnacle of the “Qi Transformation” section, he couldn’t rush into the “Shen Transformation” section. Instead, he needed to master each stage of the practice, and then pursue the next level, which would naturally follow.

Li Xun knew that simply retreating would be futile at this point, so he abandoned any plans. He simply wandered the mountains daily, occasionally visiting the Myriad Immortals Terrace to seek inspiration, or cultivating a relationship with Shan Zhi, easing the tension of the past few months and offering a break from the work.

Of particular note during these days was the change in his relationship with Lin Ge.

Ever since that snow-sweeping night, Li Xun and Lin Ge had grown closer.

Li Xun began to understand that Lin Ge didn’t harbor any ill feelings towards him, but rather simply had an aloof disposition and didn’t want to expend excessive energy on him. Therefore, their relationship as master and disciple could never be anything like that of a father and son. However, even if Li Xun tried to curry favor, Lin Ge wouldn’t become annoyed.

Perhaps because Li Xun had been impulsive during that snow-sweeping night, he didn’t mind Lin Ge’s apathy; he wasn’t trying to create a “father-son” relationship.

Even his biological father would regularly test his studies and teach him the skills of navigating the palace, and their relationship was similar.

Li Xun found this more natural.

Therefore, he didn’t deliberately try to strengthen their relationship. Instead, he would visit the small building whenever he felt like asking Lin Ge questions and occasionally chatting. Sometimes, they would even spend entire afternoons just brewing a pot of fragrant tea, the two of them staring at each other in silence amidst the lingering aroma of tea.

It must be said that Li Xun and Lin Ge were very similar people.

Lin Ge was a man of refined taste, fond of fine antiques, and extremely focused on quality of life. Every item he owned had its provenance, and his behavior bordered on extravagance. Li Xun, on the other hand, came from a royal family, having lived a life of luxury since childhood, and frequently visited the palace. He was well-informed and

had a keen eye for all kinds of exquisite artifacts. Seeing Lin Ge’s habits, Li Xun deliberately tried to please him. Although he was usually quiet, he always offered insightful comments on key points, which Lin Ge greatly appreciated.

As time went by, their interactions, while still ordinary, gradually faded, and Lin Ge began to allow Li Xun free access to his small building, leading to the two becoming more like master and disciple.

Li Xun had nothing to do that day, and since it had snowed heavily the previous night, he got up early, ran to the top of the snowy peak, found a plum tree, plucked some snow from the petals, melted it in a pot, and used his inner energy to freeze it. Then, he quickly ran to Lin Ge’s small building, intending to use this “Juefeng Plum Snow” to brew some of Lin Ge’s treasured tea and ask some questions about his homework.

As he reached the building, he heard someone speaking from inside, their voice stern: “…This shouldn’t be the case. You are the sect’s eldest disciple, and these matters should be handled by you!”

“Over the past hundred years, you’ve done better than I have. Why should I trade it back?” Lin Ge simply responded.

“Well done? Even if you do well, you’ll still be laughed at! You know what other sects say? A second-generation disciple of the dignified Mingxin Sword Sect, yet you don’t know how to cultivate your health, spending your days playing with jade and brewing tea and drinking wine. You’re already a useless person… No matter how well I, Luo Nanchuan, do, it can’t hide your shame!”

Li Xun, who was outside the door, was shocked to hear the voice from inside. It turned out to be his second uncle, “Xuanming Sword” Luo Nanchuan. This second uncle, like Lin Ge, was a disciple of the Taoist Qingming, but his personality was very similar to Qingxu’s: both were serious, upright, and unsmiling, which made the third-generation disciples very afraid of him.

However, Luo Nanchuan’s words were of no use, and Lin Ge still looked listless: “Why has Junior Brother Luo’s cultivation regressed again? Let others say what they want to say, what does it have to do with you and me?”

Luo Nanchuan’s voice became deeper, but more severe: “It’s not our business, but it’s the sect’s business! Let’s put it this way, if you don’t want to go to Langya Water Mirror Heaven, I’ll go for you!

“Recently, hundreds of demons have gathered in the North Pole Yamo Heaven with great momentum. They want to establish a ‘Loose Cultivator Alliance’. Fellow Taoists in the ‘Never-Sleeping City’ have also sent letters by flying swords, inviting all the righteous sects to gather and discuss countermeasures. The master has agreed to send the second-generation disciples, so you go!”

Lin Ge snorted softly: “Let the third brother go!”

“The third brother is in retreat!”

“Fourth sister?” “

You are traveling so far in the south, how can you come back? “

Lin Ge was not giving up yet, and brought up his fifth brother, sixth brother, seventh sister, and even the junior brothers and sisters among the second generation disciples who were not in the direct line of succession. They were all refuted one by one by Luo Nanchuan. Finally, when he was forced to no end, he snorted: “My disciple is practicing martial arts to break through the barriers recently, and I can’t get away!”

Li Xun was about to laugh, but heard Luo Nanchuan sneer from inside: “What a joke, senior brother! Practicing martial arts to break through the barriers? Li Xun! “

He shouted from inside, and scared Li Xun so much that his hands trembled, and he almost spilled the full pot of snow water on the ground. Only then did he realize that Luo Nanchuan had noticed that he was outside a long time ago, and this made Lin Ge lose face.

Li Xun’s mind raced, and he responded and walked into the house.

When he entered the house, he saw Luo Nanchuan’s sharp and clear eyes staring at his face.

Lin Ge was sitting in the main seat in the room, his face still cold and expressionless. Luo Nanchuan, who was sitting below him, was born with a cold face made of steel and iron, and he was awe-inspiring without anger.

Li Xun was no longer the child who was at a loss when he saw Qingxu that day. Under Luo Nanchuan’s gaze, his breathing and heartbeat were no different from usual, and his pace did not change. He walked steadily to Lin Ge, saluted first, put the pot of snow water in his hand on the table, and then said: “Disciple meets Master, Second Uncle. “

Then he smiled and said, “Disciple got up early today and went to the mountain to pick some plum blossom snow water to brew Master’s Tianwu Tea. It should be the best, and Second Uncle can also enjoy a treat.”

Lin Ge said, and from his tone, he was quite satisfied.

It’s a pity that Luo Nanchuan was not affected at all. He frowned slightly and said, “Let’s talk about drinking tea later. Li Xun, let me ask you, what level have you broken through recently?”

Li Xun said without hesitation, “Second Uncle, it’s…”

“Second Brother!” Lin Ge suddenly interrupted him. Li Xun stopped talking, but he didn’t know what Lin Ge meant by this. Luo Nanchuan was about to ask, and heard Lin Ge say, “I will take care of which level my apprentice is breaking through! You don’t have to say more! “

Luo Nanchuan’s cultivation is indeed amazing, and his expression did not change after hearing this. Li Xun understood that Lin Ge did not want to make things difficult for himself and deceive his elders,

so he took the matter over. However, Lin Ge’s words surprised the two of them: “However, seeing this disciple, I remembered that he needs to go out to gain experience for a period of time. In this case, I, as a master, can’t stay in the mountains…” With

such a sudden turn of events, not to mention Li Xun, even Luo Nanchuan was stunned.

Lin Ge only said: “The North Sea is bitterly cold and the journey is long. I don’t want to go there. Langya Water Mirror is better. I will go there this time. But you still have to help me with some minor details. I can’t bear that.”

Before the two of them reacted, he stood up and went upstairs. Before leaving, he said, “Xun’er, send your second uncle out for me! “

Li Xun responded quickly. Luo Nanchuan also stood up, watched Lin Ge go upstairs, shook his head slightly, but a rare smile appeared on his face.

“Your master loves you very much!” Luo Nanchuan said so after he went out.

Li Xun answered in a proper manner: “This is the blessing of the disciple!”

Luo Nanchuan looked at him and sighed: “You are very similar to your master, especially when he was young… I just hope that you don’t repeat his mistakes.”

Li Xun replied: “The teachings of my uncle must be remembered by the disciple!”

“That’s the best!” As he spoke, Luo Nanchuan returned to his usual face, and there was no emotion on his face. He glanced at Li Xun again, then turned and walked away.