Chapter 8: Returning to Youth

Page 1

"A strange aura? What is that?" Zheng Yi was momentarily stunned, but the fleeting notification did not escape his attention.

He examined the Chronicle of Mortal Beauties closely, especially the results after fifteen years of continuous practice of the Longevity Vitality Technique.

For ten years, he had cultivated the Longevity Vitality Technique to the point of mastery, unable to advance any further.

Yet, for reasons unknown, even after fifteen years, the Chronicle of Mortal Beauties continued to execute the cultivation command.

In this very moment, a new change emerged!

A strange aura?

Zheng Yi murmured to himself, thinking for a while before withdrawing his consciousness from the Chronicle of Mortal Beauties.

Instantly, a warm energy surged from his limbs and bones, flowing throughout his body.

He felt as if he were soaking in a hot spring—warm and comfortable.

He could distinctly sense his strength gradually returning.

This aura nourished his meridians and acupoints; joints that once ached with age now felt less painful, becoming flexible and nimble.

Wounds from a lifetime of military campaigns, arrow injuries and hidden traumas, all healed completely under the gentle touch of this warm energy, leaving no trace.

His muscles regained vitality, no longer slack and weak as before. Every stretch sent a new surge of strength through him.

Where his face had once been pale due to poor circulation, it now grew rosy and radiant, with many wrinkles fading away.

He picked up the bronze mirror from the table, scrutinizing his reflection, and his eyes widened in shock.

He had grown younger!

In the past, years of warfare, neglect of martial arts, hidden injuries, and the burdens of ruling had aged Zheng Yi beyond his actual years.

Though only in his sixties, he looked like an old man in his seventies or eighties.

But now—

After perfecting the Longevity Vitality Technique, he was almost a different person!

Where his skin had been wrinkled, it was now smooth and rosy, with far fewer lines.

His once-clouded eyes were clear and bright.

His teeth, once yellowed, were now white as new.

Most astonishing of all, strands of black hair appeared among the white, like dark clouds over snow.

Rejuvenation!

Zheng Yi was ecstatic.

He had never expected that, through the combined effect of the mortal aura and the Longevity Vitality Technique, he could regain his youth.

For him, this was nothing short of a miracle.

Page 2

"So this is the true function of the mortal aura!" Zheng Yi exclaimed in delight, "It not only extends my life, but within mere minutes, elevates the techniques I have mastered to the level of true perfection!"

"This... it is simply marvelous!"

Just then, he caught a whiff of a foul stench, emanating from his own body.

Rolling up his sleeve, he saw his skin covered in black grime, sticky like grease, nearly making him faint.

"Attend me!"

He strode out of the room, and soon eunuchs came running to him.

"Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

"Take me to bathe!"

"At once!"

Two young eunuchs hurried forward and escorted Zheng Yi to the hot springs.

Immersed in the warm waters, a charming young palace maid, clad in sheer silk, diligently washed him.

Though Zheng Yi was under house arrest, he was still the father of the second prince, and would eventually become the retired emperor.

The little palace maid served him with utmost care, hoping one day to ascend to the imperial bed and become a phoenix among mortals.

There were too many beauties vying for the second prince's favor, leaving her little chance.

But if she could become the retired emperor's woman, she would never be bullied in the palace again.

Zheng Yi closed his eyes in contemplation, letting her delicate hands knead and massage him.

Undoubtedly, the investment of fifteen strands of mortal aura into the Longevity Vitality Technique had brought him immense joy.

His skin, once loose with age, had become firm and taut.

Though not yet equal to a young man, he was at least as healthy as a man in his forties.

"That strange aura... what exactly is it?"

With eyes closed, Zheng Yi pondered the question.

Fifteen years of cultivation had brought forth a mysterious aura from the otherwise unchanged Longevity Vitality Technique.

Zheng Yi knew well that ordinary martial artists, when practicing a particular technique, most would stop at the 'great achievement' stage, rarely reaching 'perfection.'

Let alone 'transcendence,' which was almost unheard of.

Usually, after reaching 'great achievement' or 'perfection,' one would switch to another technique.

But Zheng Yi, with fifteen strands of mortal aura invested, had pushed the Longevity Vitality Technique beyond 'transcendence' to another realm.

What was this realm?

Could that aura truly be the legendary spiritual energy?

Page 3

As the founding emperor of Yu Kingdom, Zheng Yi naturally knew what spiritual energy was.

In fact, during his conquest of the realm and the establishment of Yu Kingdom, he had even recruited two so-called cultivators as imperial consecrators.

Both were mid-stage Qi practitioners.

He had brought them in not only to strengthen his own forces, but also to counterbalance a sect called Changhe Sect from Yunzhou in Yu Kingdom.

Looking back, it seemed that Zheng Yuansen had effortlessly breached the palace defenses, and since the two cultivators did not intervene, it was likely the Changhe Sect had acted.

Otherwise, how could an ordinary martial artist overcome two mid-stage Qi cultivators?

According to their teachings, spiritual energy is the breath of heaven and earth, nourishing all things and embodying the spirit of the world.

But only those born with spiritual roots can sense, absorb, and transform spiritual energy into magical power.

Ordinary mortals, no matter how long they live, never sense or absorb spiritual energy.

So, could the mysterious aura he had absorbed after breaking through in the Longevity Vitality Technique be spiritual energy?

Zheng Yi pondered for a long time, convinced there could be no other answer.

"Spiritual roots, spiritual roots... Without them, is it truly impossible to cultivate immortality?"

"Your Majesty~ You look so young now~"

A clear, crisp voice suddenly sounded beside him. Zheng Yi opened his eyes to see a charming little face.

Eighteen or nineteen years old, tender and rosy-skinned, her eyes like water, boldly gazing at him.

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. You are the dragon among men; how could I deceive you?"

"Hahaha, well said. What is your name?"

The little maid’s heart tightened and she replied softly, "Your servant is called Autumn Cicada."

"Autumn Cicada? A fine name~"

Zheng Yi rose, causing the maid’s cheeks to flush even deeper.

"Since Lady Xiao is unwell today, you shall attend me."

Autumn Cicada bowed gracefully, her voice gentle, "As you wish~"

[Absorbing pure yin energy, condensing a strand of mortal aura.]

[Absorbing pure yin energy, increasing vital force.]