Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Three Times the Lifespan

Chapter 11 Mutual Aid Meeting

When they saw Yang Changsheng, they nodded slightly. The atmosphere at the table was warm, yet inexplicably tinged with sadness.

As the organizer of the farewell banquet, Li Qingshan spoke wittily, recalling how Old Zhao had taught them how to identify water quality, feed animals, and repair nets.

Wang Ergou offered a sincere toast, saying the most simple and genuine words of gratitude.

Liu Xiaoying obediently served food to Old Zhao, occasionally letting out a silvery laugh that made the atmosphere cheerful.

Su Wanqing didn't say much, but a faint smile graced her delicate oval face. When offering a toast, she spoke earnestly, expressing her heartfelt respect.

Yang Changsheng was also not very talkative. Having lived two lives and experienced a lot, he simply listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a few words, his gaze calmly observing everything before him.

Old Zhao was filled with emotion. He talked about the hundreds of years of changes in Biyue Lake, his early experiences and adventures, and how he once dreamed of building a foundation when he was young, but in the end he could only watch his vital energy decline day by day...

He encouraged the five of them, saying in a deep voice, "The path to immortality is long and arduous. The five of you have different spiritual roots, comprehension, and circumstances, but no matter what lies ahead, remember these three points."

"First, be diligent. Heaven rewards diligence. All efforts will be rewarded. Second, be cautious. The path to immortality is fraught with danger. You must take each step carefully. Third... leave a way out for others. This old man has nothing to leave you but this little bit of experience."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt something and gained some insights from their reflections. They silently toasted Old Zhao.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the sorrow of parting grew stronger.

As the banquet was about to end, Su Wanqing, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke, her voice clear and calm: "Fellow Daoists, it is a pleasure to gather here today in gratitude for Elder Zhao's kindness. It is also a matter of fate. The path to immortality is long, and we all come from humble backgrounds with limited resources. How about... forming a mutual assistance association?"

Upon hearing this, the room fell silent, and everyone's eyes turned to the girl in the white dress.

A glint flashed in Li Qingshan's eyes, and he was the first to smile and say, "Senior Sister Wanqing's words are excellent! The five of us entered the sect at the same time and have received the teachings of Elder Zhao. We should help and support each other. I wonder what insightful opinions Senior Sister has?"

Liu Xiaoying also showed interest, glancing at Yang Changsheng: "Yes, yes, it's always good for everyone to help each other out."

Wang Ergou blinked blankly, scratched the back of his head, and chuckled in a simple voice, "I...I'll listen to everyone."

He didn't quite understand these things, but he felt that it must be a good thing for everyone to be together.

Yang Changsheng's heart stirred, and he looked up at Su Wanqing with a calm gaze, waiting for her to continue.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Su Wanqing calmly said, "I dare not presume to offer such a brilliant suggestion. I merely propose that the five of us choose a quiet place for a small gathering during the fishing moratorium at the end of each year."

"Firstly, we can exchange what we have, such as cultivation experiences, breeding techniques, and market news; secondly, if anyone encounters difficulties, we can help each other to the best of our ability; and thirdly..."

She paused, then said meaningfully, "If anyone has expertise in alchemy, talismans, artifact crafting, array formations, or other arts and crafts, and needs certain specific spiritual materials, it would be convenient for internal coordination or joint efforts to find them. What do you all think?"

Her gaze swept over the crowd, and when she spoke of "alchemy," her tone became almost imperceptibly more forceful.

Yang Changsheng understood that Su Wanqing, with her exceptional talent and clear goals, was already paving the way for her future studies in alchemy.

She needs connections and information channels, and these people may even become her clients in the future.

"Wonderful! Senior Sister Wanqing's thoughtfulness is truly remarkable!"

Li Qingshan glanced at the beautiful woman beside him, then fixed his gaze on the three of them, clapping his hands in approval. "This idea suits me perfectly! Changsheng, Xiaoying, Ergou, what do you think?"

"I agree." Liu Xiaoying nodded, smiling sweetly, looking very charming.

Although her family has some talisman masters, their resources are limited. Having more connections is always a good thing, and it also allows her to see that person more often.

"I...I'm fine!" Wang Daniu nodded vigorously.

All eyes were on Yang Changsheng, who met their gazes and hesitated for a moment.

Mutual aid societies, these small groups... have both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage lies in the sharing of some information and meager resources, especially for geniuses like Su Wanqing who have rapidly risen to the level of intermediate fisherman. They have good spiritual roots and their potential is worth paying attention to.

The downside is that with so many people talking, you have to be extra careful about the secrets you hold.

But to refuse now would not only make one seem out of place, but would also cause one to miss out on a potential, relatively controllable source of information and network of connections.

"Chang Sheng naturally agrees with this proposal!"

Yang Changsheng made a quick decision, nodded, and a faint smile appeared on his face. He said, "It is my blessing to have the help of all my fellow Daoists and to walk the path together with you."

"good!"

Li Qingshan seemed very pleased, stood up, and said with a smile, "Then it's settled! The specific arrangements can be discussed at the year-end gathering. Come, let's drink this cup to the full for our little gathering of immortals!"

The five men raised their glasses and clinked them together, and the atmosphere became lively again, though their thoughts were all different.

Yang Changsheng finished the slightly bland spirit wine in his cup, and looked out through the window of the private room at the dark blue night sky and the starry sky. His heart was calm.

The banquet eventually ended, and everyone respectfully bid farewell to Zhao Dehai, who was somewhat drunk and unsteady on his feet.

There were carriages waiting outside, so we could leave the market safely without any worries.

Moreover, although he is old, Old Zhao is a genuine mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator with considerable cultivation.

Li Qingshan enthusiastically offered to pay the bill, and after a few polite words, everyone let him have it.

After saying their goodbyes, Yang Changsheng poled his small boat, which glided across the lake reflecting the stars and moon, and headed towards his own five acres of water.

The night breeze was cool, carrying the fresh air from the lake, which dispelled the slight effects of the alcohol.

Back on the ship, Yang Changsheng did not immediately begin practicing the Body Tempering Technique. Instead, he sat cross-legged at the bow, gazing at the vast and boundless starry sky, lost in thought.

Mutual aid association... Su Wanqing's suggestion was like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples in his heart.

This is both a small opportunity and a test. He needs to be more careful in building his information network, both to utilize this relationship to obtain the necessary information and potential conveniences.

And it is also necessary to ensure that the most important trump card, the golden ancient tree imprint in the sea of ​​consciousness, the immortal body, remains forever hidden under layers of mist, unknown to anyone.

The tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind. In the past, even on a small production line, there was infighting and mutual exclusion over a mere team leader position.

Moreover, he possesses a great secret in this world, yet lacks status and background.

The world of cultivation is ever-changing, teeming with powerful beings. A single misstep can lead to utter ruin.

The path to immortality is long, and the pursuit of eternal life is the ultimate goal. All social interactions and endeavors are ultimately for that one purpose.

Only by acting prudently, taking one step at a time, planning carefully before acting, and climbing steadily and calmly on this vast path of immortality, can he go further and appreciate the breathtaking scenery!

The moonlight fell, and the lake shimmered, reflecting the starry sky and the boy's deep and serene eyes.

The night is still long, and his path to immortality is even longer...