Chapter 7: The Longevity Cultivation Technique of Eternal Spring

The relocation of the palace was a matter both intricate and arduous, involving a complex web of personnel transfers and endless details. Fortunately, these tedious affairs required no attention from Zheng Yi, who, with Xiao Ruxue by his side, had already moved in advance to Xingqing Hall within Xingqing Palace. All remaining matters of the relocation were entrusted to Wang Zhonghai.

It is worth mentioning that Wang Zhonghai had stood steadfastly by Zheng Yi throughout the day of the coup, never leaving his side even after the ordeal had ended, a testament to his unwavering loyalty. Despite his age, he remained vigorous and tireless. Under his command and careful arrangements, the move to Xingqing Palace proceeded in perfect order. From that moment on, he was appointed the chief eunuch of Xingqing Palace.

As for Zheng Yi, he spent several carefree days with Xiao Ruxue, exploring the mountains and lakes within Xingqing Palace, enjoying the pleasures of leisure. Their footsteps graced every corner, from the grand halls to the secluded gardens. The shores of Xingqing Lake, the jujube groves, the winding bridges—all echoed with Xiao Ruxue’s gentle songs and lilting laughter.

Yet Zheng Yi’s favorite place was the central marvel of Xingqing Palace: the Tower of Blossoms in Harmony. This three-storied structure, rising nearly thirty meters high, was a vision of splendor, housing countless antiques and treasures. Its roof, adorned with glazed tiles of bright red and golden yellow, radiated extravagance. Atop the tower stood a pavilion that seemed to touch the very aurora; from there, one could take in the entirety of Xingqing Palace at a glance—and even much of the distant Taiji Palace. Standing atop the Tower of Blossoms, one could truly feel the thrill of surveying all beneath the heavens.

Of course, these days were not spent in leisure alone. Zheng Yi also continued to draw the “Mortal Aura” from Xiao Ruxue. According to his constitution and pace, he could extract this essence no more than three times per day. When he had accumulated fifteen strands, however, Xiao Ruxue, blushing, refused him for the first time—her monthly cycle had arrived, and she could no longer attend to him.

Outwardly, Zheng Yi expressed regret, but inwardly he could only sigh with relief. Curse this old age—his strength was not what it once was.

Through his experiments, Zheng Yi had discovered that to extract the Mortal Aura from a woman, both parties had to reach climax together during intercourse; only through the union of yin and yang could he obtain a strand. Otherwise, it was mere pleasure, nothing more. Thus, for a man of his age, even gathering three strands a day was no small feat.

Within his mind, the “Compendium of Mortal Beauties” glowed softly in pink, and once again Zheng Yi focused his spirit upon it.

[Mortal Aura: 15 strands]

Beside the entry for “Lifespan,” the plus sign appeared once more. In other words, should he wish it, he could add another fifteen years to his life! Yet he refrained, turning his gaze to the remaining statistics. He still had ten years to live, and was surrounded by the Divine Martial Army, the Palace Guards, and even many death-defying loyalists. Safety was assured.

To increase his lifespan now would be wasteful. Instead, he wondered: could the Mortal Aura affect other attributes?

[Fateful Artifact: Compendium of Mortal Beauties]
[Master: Zheng Yi]
[Lifespan: 60/70 (+)]
[Spiritual Root: None]
[Mortal Aura: 15]
[Martial Level: Blood Tempering]
[Techniques: Purple Haze Art (Mastered), Hundred Battles Blade Technique (Mastered), Evergreen Life Nurturing Art (Minor Mastery)]

Each of the three techniques now displayed a plus sign beside them.

“Purple Haze Art and Hundred Battles Blade Technique are already at mastery; advancing further in a short time is impossible. Why not try the Evergreen Life Nurturing Art?” Zheng Yi pondered for several seconds before deciding. Nurturing life was of utmost importance to him now.

With a thought, he activated the plus sign beside Evergreen Life Nurturing Art. Instantly, crimson mist rolled forth, and the Compendium of Mortal Beauties unfurled, revealing a blank scroll upon which lines of text began to appear:

[You have invested one strand of Mortal Aura into the Evergreen Life Nurturing Art.]
[This art nourishes the body, replenishes blood and flesh, strengthens the physique, and prolongs life.]
[You devote five hours each day to cultivation, and your proficiency rapidly increases.]
[After one year, you achieve mastery in the Evergreen Life Nurturing Art.]
[Lifespan +10.]

“It’s already mastered!” Zheng Yi exclaimed in astonishment, as a peculiar sensation surged within his body. He could feel tangible changes: his strength renewed, his mind invigorated, and even the skin on his hands, once sallow, now glowed with a healthy flush.

Focusing on the Evergreen Life Nurturing Art, a new statistic appeared:

[Evergreen Life Nurturing Art (Mastery): 221/10000]

Indeed, it had reached mastery! Most strikingly, this level had granted him an additional ten years of life, raising his maximum to eighty years. “Interesting—so a single strand of Mortal Aura equates to a year’s time?” Zheng Yi speculated.

A strand added directly to lifespan granted a year of life. Applied to the cultivation art, it bestowed the effect of a year’s diligent practice, propelling it to mastery.

Zheng Yi understood well that true martial cultivation was never instant; even decades of effort might not bring one to such heights. Yet with the Compendium of Mortal Beauties, he could traverse countless years of practice and gain proficiency in mere moments, steadily elevating his power to its peak.

He would always remain at his zenith, never declining.

Without hesitation, Zheng Yi directed his focus to the Evergreen Life Nurturing Art once more.

“Mortal Aura, bestow it upon me!”

[You have invested fourteen strands of Mortal Aura into the Evergreen Life Nurturing Art.]
[First year: With patience, you reach mastery.]
[Second year: You continue cultivating diligently...]
[Third year...]
[Fifth year: You achieve perfection in the art!]
[...]
[Tenth year: You attain a level of supernatural proficiency!]
[Lifespan +50.]

At this highest level, the art granted another fifty years of life! His lifespan now soared to one hundred and thirty years. Even without using Mortal Aura directly on lifespan, he could now live well past a century! As long as he avoided recklessness and peril, he could look forward to one hundred and thirty years of tranquil life—a truly exhilarating prospect.

[Eleventh year: You persist in cultivation, but feel no further breakthroughs are possible, though you continue to persevere.]
[Twelfth year: You persist, but the art does not advance, though you continue.]

“Uh...” Zheng Yi felt a touch of awkwardness reading these lines from the Compendium. It seemed that Evergreen Life Nurturing Art was an ordinary cultivation method, with supernatural proficiency as its ultimate limit. Ten years sufficed to reach its peak. Unaware of this before, he had poured fourteen—no, fifteen—strands of Mortal Aura into it, resulting in a surplus of years. He could not halt the process, only watch as the Compendium continued its record.

[Thirteenth year: You persist, but no progress is made, though you do not give up.]
[Fourteenth year: You persist, and one morning you sense a strange breath passing through you, fleeting and elusive. No matter how you search, you cannot grasp it.]

“Hm?”