Immortal Travel of Longevity

The cat offered no explanation, leaving Chen Changsheng baffled.

He did not pay it much mind. Lihua was always baffling like this anyway.

After an early breakfast, Chen Changsheng was resting in the courtyard when the second steward brought over some fine tea and sat down to chat with him.

The second steward possessed a wealth of life experience. The current stewards of Tang Manor had all started out as shopkeepers, traveling far and wide in their youth and prime. No matter what region was mentioned, he could always share a word or two about it.

They chatted about the wider world before the conversation drifted closer to home.

Specifically, Qiuyue Fang.

The steward brought up the tale of the Flood Dragon overturning the river, speaking of it mostly as a rumor.

"I heard Steward Cao mention earlier that your old home was in Qiuyue Fang, Mister?" the second steward asked.

Chen Changsheng thought for a moment and nodded. "That is right. I lived there for a long time in my early years."

The steward nodded, then asked, "Then do you think the story of the Flood Dragon overturning the river is true, Mister?"

Chen Changsheng looked at him and smiled. "You seem quite interested in tales of gods, ghosts, and demons."

The steward chuckled and let out a soft sigh. "Just a casual question. Rumors naturally make a person curious about their truth."

"That makes sense," Chen Changsheng said. "But whether they are true or false does not really matter. Certain matters and the rest of the world should just be like two separate pools of water, not interfering with one another."

The steward thought this over. "You are absolutely right, Mister. Like two separate worlds."

The steward let out a breath and said, "But speaking of which, these are really just fantasies. As humans, we will always harbor such unrealistic fantasies. That is why we want to know, why we ask. You compared this all to two pools of water, Mister, but surely there are examples of mortals becoming cultivators? Just like... a fish in one pool leaping into the other."

Chen Changsheng paused at that. Setting down his tea, he said, "Second steward, the way This Chen sees it, tormenting yourself over this at your age is unlikely to yield any results."

The second steward opened his mouth but momentarily did not know how to reply.

Chen Changsheng had put it rather bluntly.

But some things simply had to be said clearly.

Chen Changsheng looked at the second steward. "This is no fish leaping over the dragon gate. Past that so-called dragon gate might lie a bottomless abyss. A fish lives in water, but if it falls down a waterfall, it will still be smashed to death."

The steward parted his lips. "Perhaps some survive..."

Chen Changsheng paused, offering no further persuasion.

The steward hesitated. After a long moment of deliberation, he suddenly stood and knelt before Chen Changsheng.

"I beg you to point out a path for me, Mister!"

Chen Changsheng looked at the kneeling steward. After a brief silence, he said, "You have misunderstood. Seeking the path to immortality is not about begging others; it is about seeking it within oneself. This Chen cannot help you."

The steward remained silent for a long while before bowing again. "I beg you, Mister."

"I cannot help you."

The steward's heart sank. From his posture, it looked as though he was preparing for a third bow.

But after a long pause, the steward stood up instead. "I have disturbed you, Mister," he said with a touch of regret.

Perhaps withholding that third bow was the last shred of dignity his old bones had left for himself.

After the steward left.

Yunxiang stepped out from the side room.

Chen Changsheng glanced back and blinked in mild surprise. "Miss Yun..."

Yunxiang sat down. "That steward doesn't quite know his boundaries," she said.

Chen Changsheng smiled. "When people grow old, there are always things they are unwilling to let go of. It is only human nature. But then again, This Chen is not exactly the most accommodating person either. With no ties or relations, why should I help him?"

Yunxiang nodded, fully agreeing with his words.

That afternoon, the second steward left Yun Manor.

His departure was by no means bleak. He left wearing fine clothes and carrying a thick parcel, preserving his dignity.

In the span of just two days, the steward of the old courtyard at Tang Manor had been replaced yet again.

Now, yet another steward had stepped up to take the position.

This one was an honest man, handpicked by Yunxiang. He spoke little and knew his boundaries, dedicating himself entirely to his work. In a trading firm, there were countless people just like him.

That night, Chen Changsheng took a trip to the ancestral hall of Tang Manor.

He stood at the entrance but did not go inside.

"Tang Shijing," Chen Changsheng called out softly.

Inside the ancestral hall, Tang Shijing heard his voice and came to the door.

Opening the door to find Chen Changsheng standing there, he greeted him affectionately: "Uncle."

Chen Changsheng smiled helplessly. "Can you ever act serious?"

Tang Shijing just grinned, unbothered.

He then asked, "What brings you to the ancestral hall to see your nephew so late, Uncle?"

Chen Changsheng looked at him and asked, "What do you think?"

"Is Aunt finally willing to let me out?" Tang Shijing asked.

Chen Changsheng shook his head. "After the things you said, do not even dream of getting out for at least ten days to half a month."

"Then why are you here?" Tang Shijing asked.

Chen Changsheng asked another question. "Do you really not understand?"

Tang Shijing paused. He looked up, and after a brief silence, he burst out laughing. "As expected of someone among the Immortals, Uncle. Nothing escapes your eyes."

Chen Changsheng said, "If you want to seek immortality, you can just come and ask me. Why send the second steward to do it?"

Tang Shijing looked at him and blinked. "Are you angry, Uncle?"

"This Chen is not quite that petty."

Chen Changsheng said, "But I still have to tell you, that steward already left Tang Manor this afternoon."

Tang Shijing stared blankly at those words. "Left? What do you mean?"

"It means he is no longer a steward here."

"..."

Tang Shijing opened his mouth, unable to process the news right away.

He glanced at Chen Changsheng. His playful grin vanished, replaced by a solemn expression. "Was this Aunt's decision?" he asked.

Chen Changsheng nodded. "Miss Yun happened to overhear."

Tang Shijing's expression shifted, and he fell silent.

"What are your thoughts?" Chen Changsheng asked.

Tang Shijing shook his head. After a long while, he cupped his hands and said, "Could you put in a good word for him with Aunt, Mister? It has not been easy for Steward Qin. At his age..."

"He will die, is that what you mean?"

Tang Shijing looked up, startled for a moment, and then nodded.

Over the years, all the shopkeepers of Tang Manor had been deeply involved in the affairs of the trading firm and had offended quite a few people. Without the protection of Tang Manor, his survival truly was uncertain.

Chen Changsheng looked at him and shook his head. "But it seems you do not actually pity him for possibly dying."

Tang Shijing shook his head and smiled. "What do you mean by that, Mister...?"

Chen Changsheng said, "Whether you truly want to seek immortality, or you have some other goal in mind, these are not matters someone of your age should be considering. Do you understand...?"

Tang Shijing froze, staring at the man as if he had just seen a ghost.

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