Chapter 19: Can I Have Them All?

These events happening to Chen Changsheng felt like multiple mysteries wrapped around him.

The Old City God was also deep in thought.

Actually, when that grain of sand turned into a strand of hair, he saw it very clearly.

The fact that the hair didn’t float anywhere else but landed directly in Chen Changsheng’s hand was enough to explain everything.

The Old City God just felt that Mr. Chen was truly unfathomable.

He effortlessly destroyed that evil ghost. A single strand of his hair could oppose Heavenly Might.

Yet, such an existence often wandered in the mortal world. Was it truly about wandering in the Mortal World? Or was there some other purpose behind it?…

But the Old City God brushed these thoughts away. He felt he might be overthinking. From their past interactions, he could sense Mr. Chen was pure of heart, with nothing questionable about him.

It’s best not to dwell on it…

Chen Changsheng set down his teacup and said, “Watching you tangle with the evil ghost earlier, I found that Decree Art quite profound. So, I was hoping to ask for your insight on this Decree Art.”

“Sire has never studied it?”

“That’s the case. During my early years, I was somewhat obsessed with Sword Art and never truly mastered Divine Abilities and Magic.”

“I see now.”

The Old City God was quite generous towards Mr. Chen. With a flick of his wrist, he handed over the method text recording the Decree Art principles to Chen Changsheng.

Chen Changsheng skimmed through it briefly and said, “Would it be acceptable if I, Chen, made a copy of it now?”

“Make a copy!?” The Old City God was startled.

Chen Changsheng thought he was unwilling, so he added, “Not possible? Then I’ll just look it over now.”

“No, no,” the Old City God hurriedly clarified. “If the gentleman wishes to copy it, he is welcome to do so…”

As he spoke, he called over a teahouse waiter. After handing over a few pieces of silver shavings, the waiter went to fetch ink brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone.

Just like last time, Chen Changsheng sat down and began copying the contents.

The Old City God sipped his tea, watching Chen Changsheng copy the method little by little.

Even though he had seen it happen once before, he still felt astonished now.

This Mr. Chen truly was extraordinary.

The Old City God sighed inwardly, then wondered how mere I could be worthy of sitting across from such a powerful being, sharing tea.

After finishing the copy, Chen Changsheng returned the original text unchanged to the Old City God.

The Old City God put away the Decree Art method and said, “Sire’s cultivation is truly profound. This humble god admires you greatly.”

“Huh?”

Chen Changsheng was puzzled. Why bring up profound cultivation now?

He said, “The old City God flatters me. This Chen has only shallow cultivation, hardly worth mentioning.”

The Old City God smiled meaningfully and said, “Mr. Chen truly is modest.”

Chen Changsheng forced a couple of dry laughs. Inside, he thought…

What were they even talking about?

Chen Changsheng spoke again, “Besides this Decree Art, are there any other Arcane Spells?”

The Old City God said, “There are some. How many does Sire want?”Find the newest release on novelꜰire.net

“Could I borrow them all to make copies?”

The Old City God looked even more confused. “Of course that’s possible, but besides this Decree Art, the rest are all minor, basic tricks. Does Sire really want them?”

“Can I have them all?” Chen Changsheng asked tentatively.

“All of them?”

“Yes, all.”

Though he couldn’t understand what Chen Changsheng wanted with such things, the Old City God brought out everything he had.

To save Chen Changsheng the trouble of copying countless texts, he simply offered to give them all away. After all, it wasn’t much use holding onto them.

Chen Changsheng tried to decline initially but couldn’t win against the Old City God’s insistence.

The Old City God said, “All of them together might be a bit much. Mr. Chen, carrying it alone might be difficult. Sir, what do you… should I give them directly to you, or perhaps…”

Chen Changsheng thought for a moment, realizing carrying them would indeed be inconvenient. He said, “Might I suggest this? Would you please be troubled to have two Yin Attendants deliver them to Flowing Cloud Temple?”

“That could work.”

The two sat and chatted about unrelated matters – mostly pleasantries. He asked how Chen Changsheng had been all these years, and Chen Changsheng inquired if any interesting things had happened to the Old City God lately.

As they talked, nearly half an hour passed.

Chen Changsheng stood up to bid farewell. The Old City God rose as well to see him off.

Learning that the gentleman was heading to Flowing Cloud Temple, he accompanied him all the way out of Autumn Moon Market before turning back.

After walking out of Autumn Moon Market, Chen Changsheng looked back once.

He murmured to himself, “The Old City God is certainly a talkative fellow.”

Chen Changsheng chuckled softly. He turned around and started walking towards Flowing Cloud Temple.

Faint wisps of mist circled among the mountains, veiling the Taoist Temple on the slopes.

Chen Changsheng stood at the foot of the mountain. Truthfully, he’d intended to come for a look last time but was delayed due to issues with the Qi Refinement manual.

Six years had passed. He had no idea what had become of this place on the mountain.

Chen Changsheng was about to take a step up the stone steps.

He suddenly sensed something and turned around.

He saw a Young Taoist, dressed in a middle-length Taoist robe, carrying water. The heavy wooden pole rested across his thin shoulders.

Chang Shan stopped walking, looking at the figure who appeared before he had time to call out, blocking his path.

When he saw Chen Changsheng’s face, he couldn’t help but freeze momentarily, privately wondering how someone could possess such an ethereal, otherworldly aura.

“Young Daoist Priest?” Chen Changsheng said, gently bringing him out of his daze.

“Ah…”

Chang Shan snapped back to the moment. “Does this Recluse wish to ascend the mountain?”

Chen Changsheng nodded. “Indeed, I do.”

Chang Shan stooped to pick up the carrying pole, lifting the water buckets. “Recluse, please follow me. Though there are stone steps, the path is still rough. Please watch your footing.”

“Alright.”

Chen Changsheng simply followed behind Chang Shan as the young man began the ascent.

“Young Daoist Priest, how long have you been cultivating?”

“Little over five years.”

“Are you near the age of twenty?”

“Not yet. I’m now in my late teens. I just, just turned eighteen…” Chang Shan spoke between labored breaths. Carrying water up the mountain was strenuous work. He usually had to walk a bit, then rest.

Seeing his obvious struggle, Chen Changsheng stepped forward and lifted the carrying pole directly off Chang Shan’s shoulders.

“Recluse, you mustn’t!”

Chang Shan was startled and quickly tried to stop him.

He was just a beat too slow. The pole was already settling on the gentleman’s own shoulder.

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Chen Changsheng explained, “At the rate you’re going, it would take half a day to reach the top. Best if this Chen handles it. Young Daoist Priest, just keep me company with conversation.”

Chang Shan understood the gentleman meant no slight regarding his slow pace. “Recluse, though this poor Taoist appreciates your kindness, carrying water is also part of my Cultivation practice. Please, return it to me.”

Chen Changsheng paid him no mind. He adjusted the weight on his shoulder and started walking up.

“Recluse! Recluse!”

Chang Shan hurried after him, his face slightly flushed.

He kept protesting beside the gentleman, but the gentleman showed no sign of putting the burden down.

Anxiety mingled with a touch of frustration rose within him. He tried blocking the gentleman’s path.

But the gentleman’s strides were just that bit longer, effortlessly widening the distance. Chang Shan couldn’t get ahead to stop him.

“Recluse, please put it down quickly! If my Master finds out you carried water for me, this poor Taoist will surely be punished!”

“Recluse, Recluse…”

“Ah…”

Chang Shan sighed, a helpless look spreading across his young face.

This Recluse gentleman was really just far too… polite.