Although the progress was only a pitiful little dot, Xie An knew clearly in his heart: this was already a ridiculously huge improvement.
He had even prepared himself for ten and a half days of non-stop effort just to get started.
Unexpectedly, there was an unexpected delight.
An increase of one ten-thousandth in the Longevity Fate, amazing!
After a moment of excitement, Xie An returned to calmness.
"Although there has been some success, I still need to avoid arrogance and impetuosity, and take steady steps, one at a time."
"Let's do it again."
After clearing away distracting thoughts, Xie An once again circulated the heat throughout his body, little by little, according to the Spring Beginning seasonal breathing technique.
Dispersing, traveling throughout the body, then drawing it back in.
Repeating this over and over.
Although there was no obvious improvement after each circulation, Xie An was not impatient for quick results. As long as he was doing the right thing, he had enough patience.
If there was a chance to regain the appearance of a seventeen or eighteen-year-old, who wouldn't want it? Who would want to be an old man?
That year, I was eighteen…
Will never compare to – Yours Truly, currently eighteen.
Moreover, the eunuch clearly said that just by practicing to the nineteenth solar term, one could compete with contemporary martial arts grandmasters.
What a heaven-defying technique this was!
Martial Arts Grandmaster!
The pinnacle of martial arts, a Grandmaster.
Those were existences standing at the very peak of martial arts.
Absolutely something Xie An couldn't even imagine now.
Originally, Xie An needed to practice martial arts, breaking through the five basic levels step by step, and still faced great unknowns and uncertainties.
Moreover, Xie An didn't have any outstanding talent in martial arts, and in all likelihood, he wouldn't have the chance to reach the Grandmaster level in his lifetime.
But the Bright Jade Skill + Longevity Fate gave Xie An another option.
Just by cultivating the Bright Jade Skill to the nineteenth level, which was the fourth season, he could compete with martial arts grandmasters.
There was nothing more suitable for Xie An than this.
However, Xie An also realized that this process would definitely be very difficult, requiring suffering and a long period of time. Old Master Tang could be considered a first-class genius in terms of health cultivation, but after a hundred years of practice, he had only obtained one-fourth of the way.
Which was about six solar terms completed.
And if he wanted to cultivate to nineteen solar terms, even with the blessing of the Longevity Fate, it would probably take decades. Moreover, there was still the problem of the four elemental fates, and he didn't know if the Longevity Fate could handle it.
All of this was unknown.
But at least there was hope.
When people have something to strive for, they become very energetic.
Just like Xie An at this moment.
He couldn't wait to spend all of his time cultivating the Bright Jade Skill.
The third quarter of Hai hour.
Tang Qingfeng came to call Xie An for the New Year's Eve dinner.
Xie An had no choice but to interrupt his Bright Jade Skill practice. To ensure that the ancient book wasn't lost, he placed it in a place close to his body, only then did he feel safe.
As an outsider, Xie An felt a little embarrassed, but since the person had already come, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go. Moreover, Xie An had sworn before the Tang family ancestral tablet that he would protect the descendants of Tang Family Fort, whether he succeeded in cultivation or not.
It was also good to get to know the family members of Tang Family Fort.
In addition, Xie An felt that Old Master Tang letting him come to have the New Year's Eve dinner was also for this reason, probably to announce his inheritance of the secret art in front of the Tang family members, and maybe… even become sworn brothers with him?
Judging from the situation of Long Xia, Yi Qiutang, and Chen Donghai… it was very likely.
If he could become sworn brothers with the Blue Sky of Qingwu County…
Hiss!
Entering the main hall of Tang Family Fort with Yu He, Xie An was truly shocked by the lively scene.
In the huge living room, six large tables were set up.
Two tables for servants and maids, two tables for apprentices and guards. Another table was given to the women and children of the family, and the round table on the upper right was the main table. And Xie An was arranged at the main table.
Those at the main table were all big shots: Old Master Tang, Long Xia, Yi Qiutang, Chen Donghai, Xie An. Plus Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun.
Such honor made Xie An feel somewhat overwhelmed.
During the dinner, everyone raised their glasses, exchanged toasts, and enjoyed themselves, without any sense of unfamiliarity. Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun, as the managers, also took the initiative to hold wine glasses to the tables of servants and apprentices, and toasted everyone.
Compared to the set of master-servant distinctions that the Li Ru family practiced, it was simply a world of difference.
Lu Changshui was naturally also present. He curiously looked at the middle-aged men sitting next to Old Master Tang, thinking that weren't those the farmer, fisherman, and blacksmith he had met on the road?
Why hadn't he seen them before?
But looking at their seniority and status, they were probably much higher than Tang Qingfeng.
Although he was puzzled, Lu Changshui didn't dare to ask more questions, only focusing on drinking wine.
After three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes.
Old Master Tang suddenly opened his mouth and said: "Everyone must be very curious about who the people next to me are. Let me introduce them to you. These are all my sworn brothers. We study health cultivation together. Since the three virtuous brothers are not from Qingwu County, and our previous gatherings were not at home, everyone doesn't know them…"
He solemnly introduced Long Xia, Yi Qiutang, and Chen Donghai.
Each time someone was introduced, the person being introduced would take the initiative to toast everyone to show friendliness, and the Tang family members would also stand up to return the toast.
The atmosphere was quite harmonious.
Finally, Old Master Tang led Xie An to stand up and said to everyone: "This is my newly acquainted little brother, Qingfeng and Qingyun both know him, named Xie An, age…"
Speaking to this point, Old Master Tang paused and looked at Xie An.
Xie An took over the conversation, "I am Xie An, fifty-two years old. Previously, I was a pawnbroker in Wuciao Town. Fortunately, I was taught health cultivation by Master Tang Qingfeng, and only then did I achieve some success. Later, I became the Blood Ridge Incense Master under the White Feather Hall of the Tiger Wolf Gate. I am grateful for Old Master Tang's appreciation and sincerely invited me to Tang Family Fort for the New Year. I am very sorry for the disturbance this time."
Xie An spoke politely, making people feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze, and many people nodded slightly.
Long Xia, Yi Qiutang, and Chen Donghai all nodded.
Old Master Tang nodded and continued: "Everyone here today is from my Tang Family Fort, so I will say a few words behind closed doors. My health is not good, and I am over a hundred years old, so I don't know how much time I have left. My biggest wish has always been to find someone in Qingwu County who can inherit the secret art of my Tang Family Fort, so that after my death, they can protect the descendants of my Tang Family Fort.
Previously, I had people recruit talents everywhere, also for this reason.
Finally, the heavens have not disappointed me. Today, I have found this person, who is this little brother Xie An next to me. I have already given all the secret arts of Tang Family Fort to Xie An. Today, I will take advantage of New Year's Eve, and with everyone's witness, become sworn brothers with Xie An.
Qingfeng, bring wine, bring the knife."
Perhaps Old Master Tang had already communicated with Tang Qingfeng, Tang Qingfeng didn't feel surprised, and immediately brought two porcelain bowls, as well as a dagger, and placed them in front of Old Master Tang.
The whole place immediately became solemn, everyone stopped eating and chatting, and turned their heads to look at the chief round table.
A four-year-old child wearing a cotton-padded jacket clamored to eat meat, and was also scolded by her mother, "What are you eating, your grandfather has something to say, listen carefully."
The little girl didn't dare to contradict the woman, and finally lowered her head, pouting her mouth with a face full of grievance and cried.
This little girl was Tang Qingfeng's daughter.
The woman who scolded the little girl was Tang Qingfeng's wife, Tang Linshi.
Tang was her husband's surname, and Li was her own surname.
Collectively called Tang Linshi.
According to the custom of the Great Qian Dynasty, the title of a married woman usually included two surnames, that is, the wife followed the husband's surname.
The title of a married woman is usually the husband's surname plus her own surname.
The main reason for this custom was to strengthen the cohesion within the family, especially in times of war, when family settlement became an important way to seek survival and development.
Seeing that the little girl's crying was getting louder and louder, it seemed particularly harsh in the silent living room, and many people turned to look.
Tang Linshi was greatly panicked, grabbed the little girl, laid her horizontally on her lap, and directly slapped her bottom, "You only know how to eat… Did mother give you less usually? Look at how spoiled you are."
The little girl not only didn't stop crying, but cried even louder.
Tang Qingfeng was also panicking, "I'll go get the whip."
"Simply nonsense!"
Old Master Tang scolded: "What's wrong with a four-year-old child clamoring to eat meat? Must you slap her bottom? What kind of parents are you?"
Tang Lin quickly put down the little girl and stood up to apologize to Old Master Tang, saying that she had not disciplined the child properly.
"What's the big deal about a child crying? Just give her some meat," Old Master Tang waved his hand.
The little girl was overjoyed to hear this agreement.
"Grandpa is the best."
Then, the little girl wiggled her bottom, leaned her upper body on the stool, climbed onto it little by little, and then, standing on tiptoe, she pulled a large plate of braised pork towards her like she was embracing the moon. Without using chopsticks, she directly picked up a piece with her small hand, stuffed it into her mouth, and chewed, revealing a very satisfied smile. Her eyes narrowed into slits.
Tang Lin and Tang Qingfeng wanted to stop her, but Old Master Tang's authority was absolute, and they didn't dare to stop their precious little darling.
Heh!
Old Master Tang said, "This is fine. It's New Year's, let's not worry about those rules. Let's continue."
Everyone then gave up, turning to look at Old Master Tang, listening to him娓娓道来 (wěi wěi dào lái - explain slowly and patiently).
"Seventy years ago, for the sake of Qingwu County, I slaughtered three thousand pirates. Although it benefited the area and earned me some honorary titles, our Tang Family Fortress was also resented by the pirates and the bandits of Great Yin Mountain. When I am alive, they naturally dare not do anything to our Tang family. But if I were to pass away and no one were to take care of the Tang family, I fear your fates would be very miserable.
For many years, I have been searching for someone with good fortune, and it is for this reason. I want the secret art to be passed down, but I also want this person to protect my Tang Family Fortress's family, which is also my selfish desire.
Little brother Xie An, I'll be frank with you.
But I won't make things too difficult for you, just do your best. If, in the future, it is really difficult to have both, you can prioritize your own safety. I will not blame you, and the descendants of the Tang family are not allowed to blame you, and even more so, they are not allowed to harbor resentment."
The newest novels are first published at 69书吧 (69shuba)!
Xie An agreed without hesitation, "I will definitely do my best to protect the Tang family."
These were Xie An's heartfelt words.
He and Old Master Tang were not related, yet Old Master Tang passed on the Bright Jade Skill to him and didn't hide his requests at all, which was quite frank and straightforward. Moreover, he even allowed him to choose self-preservation when faced with a dilemma.
This was already a great kindness.
Even if Old Master Tang hadn't said it, Xie An would have protected the Tang family.
Indeed, Old Master Tang must have known clearly that although Xie An was fifty-two years old, as long as he cultivated the Bright Jade Skill, living past a hundred years would not be a problem. His future prospects were great.
That's why he made the request for Xie An to protect the Tang family.
Old Master Tang continued, "Qingfeng, Qingyun, you should know the weight of our Tang Family Fortress's secret art. You should also know… although brother Xie An's martial arts achievements are not great now, he has already cultivated the Crimson Palace Qi, so mastering the secret art is inevitable. His future achievements may not be below mine. I have already discussed it with Xie An that if either of you two, or any other descendants of my Tang family, cultivate Qi, brother Xie An will impart all his knowledge without holding anything back. Therefore, you must not harbor any resentment."
Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun nodded in agreement.
They had been practicing the life-nurturing exercise for a long time and knew how difficult it was to cultivate Qi, let alone cultivate the Crimson Palace Qi. Naturally, they didn't have any resentment towards Xie An in their hearts.
Furthermore, they didn't think there was anything wrong with their father passing on the secret art to an outsider.
Whether it's martial arts or life-nurturing exercises, they all emphasize opportunity and talent, and cannot be forced. And one cannot talk about human relationships.
After all, when facing enemies coming to their door, family ties are of no help.
Old Master Tang was very satisfied with his two sons' attitudes, "Very good. Also, I am someone who pursues longevity and doesn't pay much attention to worldly seniority. Although Xie An's age is similar to yours, after the sworn brotherhood, you must respect him as you would respect me."
"Yes! * 2"
Old Master Tang didn't say much more, "Qingfeng, pour the wine."
With a clatter.
Tang Qingfeng stepped forward and filled the two large porcelain bowls with wine.
"Pass the knife!"
Tang Qingfeng handed over the dagger.
Tang Zhengyang took the dagger, cut his palm, and blood flowed out, dripping into the bowls. Then, he handed the knife to Xie An.
Xie An didn't hesitate in his heart.
He cut his palm, letting the blood fall into the two bowls. Immediately, Tang Qingyun handed over gauze to bandage the two of them.
Old Master Tang raised the bowl of wine, and Xie An followed suit. Then, the two looked at each other, their eyes filled with heat and passion.
Old Master Tang spoke first, "Today, I, Tang Zhengyang."
Although Xie An had never sworn brotherhood before, he was, after all, this old, so even if he hadn't eaten pork, he had seen pigs run, right?
He knew the general process.
Xie An continued, "I, Xie An."
Old Master Tang said, "Here, between heaven and earth, before the gods, we solemnly swear:
Although we have no blood connection, we are closer than brothers. From now on, we will share blessings and endure hardships together, never abandoning each other, until death do us part.
No matter how bumpy the road ahead may be, we will support each other and face it together. When the other needs it, we will lend a helping hand without asking for anything in return.
No matter how the world changes, how time flows, we will never betray, deceive, or harm each other, treating each other with sincerity and standing with integrity.
Today's oath, heaven and earth are witness, the gods are our judges. If we violate it, may we suffer the wrath of heaven and earth, and never be able to turn over."
After Old Master Tang finished speaking, he said solemnly to Xie An, "Xie An, repeat it."
The oath was a bit long…
Fortunately, Xie An concentrated and, with what he had learned in both lives, still managed to repeat it.
"Here, between heaven and earth, before the gods, we solemnly swear: Although we have no blood connection, we are closer than brothers. From now on, we will share blessings and endure hardships together, never abandoning each other, until death do us part…
Never betraying, deceiving, or harming each other, treating each other with sincerity and standing with integrity.
Today's oath, heaven and earth are witness, the gods are our judges. If we violate it, may we suffer the wrath of heaven and earth, and never be able to turn over."
"Drink this bowl of sworn brotherhood wine together! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
The two clinked glasses and drank the blood wine in one gulp.
Although the wine had a pungent bloody smell, Xie An still drank it in one gulp. Then, he turned to look at Old Master Tang, and Old Master Tang also looked at Xie An.
The two reached out their hands at the same time and grasped each other tightly.
"Fifth brother."
"Big brother."
After addressing each other, they both smiled.
"Hahaha, haha…"
"Hahaha…"
Xie An had never felt so relaxed, happy, and full of heroism as he did at this moment.
All along, Xie An had been living cautiously because of his poor background and slow progress in martial arts.
It wasn't that Xie An actively wanted to be cautious everywhere, but that the world was like this.
It wasn't that the person was wrong.
The wrong thing was this world.
Forcing Xie An to be careful, fearing that one wrong step would lead to an abyss.
But today, Xie An and the 'sky' of Qingwu County had become sworn brothers.
In two years, from a small shop assistant to the fifth brother of the 'sky' of Qingwu County.
Only Xie An could taste the ups and downs and hardships.
From now on, Xie An could stand tall and fearless.
But Xie An wasn't overjoyed.
Because with this brotherhood, Xie An also felt that he was shouldering the safety of the Tang Family Fortress. It felt like many people were relying on him.
This was a heavy responsibility.
Just then, a soft voice rang out.
"Are you my little grandpa?"
Xie An turned around and saw the little girl, holding a bowl of bright red braised pork, walking over swaying.
Xie An was stunned for a moment, "Little grandpa… if you say I am, then I am."
The little girl smiled, picked up a piece of braised pork with her greasy little hand, and held it up.
"Okay, Little Red Candy has another grandpa. Great-grandpa usually ignores me, little grandpa, I'll treat you to meat, will you take me out to play next time?"
Xie An squatted down, opened his mouth, bit the braised pork in Little Red Candy's little hand, chewed hard, and said, "Okay."
Pop!
Little Red Candy leaned over and kissed Xie An on the face with her greasy little mouth, then ran away with the braised pork, shouting happily, "Oh yeah, I have a little grandpa, and he promised to take me out to play!"
