After just one listen to the cultivation technique, Zhang Chen knew that the path of the Five Villages Temple was not suitable for him.
Once you step into the path of the Earth Immortal, you must rest with the Earth Vein, making it hard to achieve great freedom and leisure.
"The most crucial point is that once you practice this path, you will become entangled with the fortune of the dynasty, and with just a minor mistake, you could fall into a great calamity." A look of caution appeared in Zhang Chen's eyes.
"However, this Earthly Immortal Technique is countless times better than the Incense Divine Dao of the Material World..." A thoughtful glint appeared in Zhang Chen's eyes.
Time slowly passed, and another three months went by. During these months, Zhang Chen spent most of his time in the Library Pavilion, trying to find inspiration in resolving the Yin Yang Qi and the Five-Colored Divine Light, but no matter how much he observed, he never gained any insight.
One day, Xu Erniu came to the Scripture Pavilion, looking at Zhang Chen with excitement: "Zhang Chen, you're reading here again. Have you understood the cultivation technique?"
Zhang Chen shook his head: "The cultivation technique is not so easy to grasp."
Looking at Xu Erniu's happy face, Zhang Chen said, "You look so happy, is there good news?"
Xu Erniu said proudly, "The Ancestral Master taught me a Secret Technique, which is said to be able to Turn Stone into Gold, raise the dead, and has unlimited power once mastered."
"Oh?" Zhang Chen was taken aback when he heard this, but didn't pursue the topic, as such Secret Techniques are not to be inquired about lightly.
At this moment, Xu Erniu proudly said, "This Secret Technique is remarkable. As long as I keep consuming various Spirit Medicines, my cultivation can progress rapidly in a short time."
Hearing Xu Erniu's words, Zhang Chen was surprised and said, "Is there really such a technique?"
Xu Erniu said proudly, "Once I succeed in cultivation, I'll look after you."
The two chatted for a while, and then Xu Erniu turned and left, leaving Zhang Chen to continue reading in the Scripture Pavilion.
Another three months passed, and Xu Erniu came again. Now Xu Erniu looked fair and tender, and wearing a Daoist Robe, seemed to exude a unique presence, his charisma starting to stand out.
"Zhang Chen, have you mastered the basics yet?" Xu Erniu asked upon entering the Scripture Pavilion.
Zhang Chen shook his head in response: "Not yet."
Xu Erniu frowned, "Why haven't you gotten started yet? It shouldn't be this way."
Xu Erniu glanced at Zhang Chen and then said, "It must be that your understanding of the Breathing Technique isn't deep, so you haven't entered the basics yet. Let me think of a way for you."
The next morning, after the sermon ended, all disciples saluted the Ancestral Master and were about to disperse when the Ancestral Master of Longevity said, "Zhang Chen, stay."
Zhang Chen respectfully followed the Ancestral Master of Longevity to the backyard, where he saw the Master sitting cross-legged on a mat. Xu Erniu was winking at Zhang Chen and heard the Master say, "Zhang Chen."
Zhang Chen quickly responded, "Disciple is here."
"You have been in the mountains for over six months now. Xu Fu says your cultivation has not yet progressed, so he asked me to teach you a Secret Technique." The Ancestral Master's eyes were on Zhang Chen. "Come forward."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen respectfully stepped forward. The Master said, "Your failure to progress for half a year shows your aptitude is quite dull. Today I will teach you a simple Technique to help you harmonize the Circulation, to first develop Qi Sensing."
The Master began reciting the Breathing Technique, and Zhang Chen remembered it well. After the Master finished, he said, "Even an ordinary person, given this Breathing Technique, with diligent practice for a year, could cultivate Qi Mechanism. Once you have Qi Mechanism, then practice the Secret Technique of our sect."
Zhang Chen respectfully replied, "Disciple will obey."
The Master waved him away, and Zhang Chen returned to his room, pondering the Technique for a while. It was merely a basic Breathing Technique, but unfortunately, he had Yin Yang Qi within him, preventing Qi Mechanism from settling.
Another half a year passed, Xu Erniu came a few more times, but Zhang Chen still hadn't developed Qi Sensing, and even Xu Erniu was becoming disheartened.
"Zhang Chen, why is your aptitude so dull?!" Xu Erniu anxiously looked at the Qi-less Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen shook his head: "My situation is unique, perhaps the opportunity hasn't arrived yet. By the way, have you seen your father?"
Xu Erniu shook his head with disappointment: "The Ancestral Master says we still have to wait."
Then silence filled the Scripture Pavilion. After a long while, Xu Erniu patted Zhang Chen's shoulder: "Zhang Chen, don't worry. Even if you don't have the aptitude for cultivation, I will teach you to become an immortal. I have already begun studying medicine and alchemy with the Ancestral Master. One day, I will make you a great immortal, and together we will achieve Immortality."
Xu Erniu walked away, full of vigor and determination.
Watching Xu Erniu's departing figure, Zhang Chen thoughtfully tapped a book on his palm, then lowered his head to continue reading.
Not long after Xu Erniu left, a familiar little Fatty came to the Scripture Pavilion, smiling broadly at Zhang Chen: "Zhang Chen, have you mastered the basics yet?"
Zhang Chen glanced at Zou Wenlong, not wanting to deal with this unreliable person at all.
"As long as you align with me and do chores for me in the future, once I've achieved immortality, I will help you cross over, how about that?" Zou Wenlong said to Zhang Chen.
Zou Wenlong's calculations were almost hitting Zhang Chen in the face; Zhang Chen couldn't be bothered to respond, so he continued reading. Seeing this, Zou Wenlong frowned: "Yes or no, just give me a word. Your low aptitude is now known throughout the entire Daoist Temple. Relying on yourself to become an immortal is impossible. Now I'm giving you a chance, and you should seize it tightly."
"Well then, thank you, thank you for the opportunity," Zhang Chen said irritably.
Upon hearing this, Zou Wenlong displayed a smile, thinking Zhang Chen had agreed, and said to him, "Then the medicine field in the back, I leave its management to you; from now on, you'll tend to it daily for me."