"Young man, are you feeling hungry?" Chen Immortal inquired of Jian Yumei.
Jian Yumei suddenly realized it was already noon and that he indeed felt hunger gnawing at him.
"Come, let's dine together," Chen Immortal said, gesturing towards the Eight Immortals table.
"Please, young man, what culinary delight would you prefer?" Chen Immortal inquired of Jian Yumei.
"Anything will suffice. I shall partake of whatever you choose, venerable immortal," Jian Yumei replied.
"As a youth, you deserve to indulge in something delicious! How about some dumplings?" Chen Immortal suggested.
Before Jian Yumei could respond, he beheld a large platter of steaming dumplings on the table, accompanied by two vinegar dishes.
"How marvelous!" Jian Yumei exclaimed.
"Eat while they're hot! These are the finest dumplings from the best dumpling house in Xi'an. Last time I indulged, I found them irresistible. They insist I visit at any time, but since I cannot, I only indulge when guests arrive. Come, young man, let us feast together!" Chen Immortal urged.
"Very well, venerable immortal. Your wish is my command," Jian Yumei replied, picking up his chopsticks to partake.
"And you must join me," Jian Yumei invited.
"Certainly, let's dine together!" Chen Immortal agreed, smiling kindly at Jian Yumei.
As Jian Yumei devoured his meal swiftly, Chen Immortal savored his food slowly, and soon the large plate of dumplings was nearly empty.
"Would you like more?" Chen Immortal asked Jian Yumei.
"No, thank you. I've eaten my fill. Are you satisfied, venerable immortal?" Jian Yumei inquired.
"I am content. In truth, I ate to accompany you. I can abstain from food altogether," Chen Immortal remarked.
"Abstain from food altogether?" Jian Yumei was astonished.
"Yes, indeed. I can abstain and subsist on qi alone. By entering such a state, one can go extended periods without eating, yet maintain vigor and vitality," Chen Immortal explained, smiling.
Though Jian Yumei had previously understood the principle of subsisting on qi, he had never attempted it himself. Hearing Chen Immortal speak of it today filled him with wonder.
"In truth, the method of subsisting on qi is quite simple. Merely set your intention to abstain for a certain duration, and your body will automatically adjust to that state. Then, you can subsist on qi. In addition to regular cultivation, you can ingest cosmic qi when idle, achieving remarkable results. You may find that during periods of abstinence, you feel even better than when eating!" Chen Immortal elucidated.
"Very well, I shall give it a try when time permits!" Jian Yumei remarked.
After their meal, they engaged in idle conversation for a while.
Jian Yumei, curious, asked, "Venerable immortal, are you truly over two hundred years old?"
"That is indeed true. I never imagined I would live to such a ripe age. It is all a matter of destiny. But now, it is time for me to depart," Chen Immortal revealed.
"Where are you going, venerable immortal?" Jian Yumei inquired curiously.
"I go where I must. Perhaps we shall meet again in five hundred years!" Chen Immortal chuckled.
Jian Yumei didn't fully understand, but he endeavored to comprehend.
"Do you often visit the village when you reside in the mountains?" Jian Yumei asked.
At this question, Chen Immortal's eyes sparkled, and he laughed heartily, saying, "Indeed! Whenever I have leisure, I visit. When I yearn for conversation, I visit. Often, I sit in meditation alone for extended periods. I lose track of time. Sometimes, I start simmering a pot of yams, and before I know it, I'm in deep meditation. When I awaken, seasons have passed, from winter to summer. Haha!" Chen Immortal chuckled heartily.
Jian Yumei also laughed, pondering whether he would experience such days in the future.
"If I could live to the age of Chen Immortal, then I should indeed live such days," Jian Yumei mused.
"I feel certain I will never attain your extraordinary longevity, venerable immortal. You are a marvel!" Jian Yumei remarked.
Chen Immortal regarded Jian Yumei, saying, "Your lifespan will not be meager. In this life, your longevity will far surpass that of your past. In your previous incarnation, you were steeped in violence and dominance, but after experiencing numerous cycles of reincarnation, you have dispelled those negative energies. Moreover, in this life, you will perform many virtuous deeds, leading to fulfillment and happiness. Of course, you will face many challenges and trials, but you will overcome them all, ultimately achieving success and contentment!"
Chen Immortal's casual words suddenly struck Jian Yumei like lightning, illuminating his heart.
Was I truly that person from my past life, the lord of the desert?
Jian Yumei knew that since Chen Immortal had spoken thus on their first meeting, it must be true.
Chen Immortal looked at Jian Yumei. "Your aspirations in this life are commendable and will bring great blessings. However, as you wander the world in the future, you will encounter many dangers, and there's little I can do to aid you. Come, let me offer you some assistance!" Chen Immortal said.
"Thank you, venerable immortal!" Jian Yumei expressed his gratitude.
At that moment, Chen Immortal approached and sat gently behind Jian Yumei, assuming a cross-legged position. Jian Yumei followed suit, also assuming a meditative posture, facing the heavens.
Slowly, Jian Yumei felt a warm flow in his back, permeating his entire being with tranquility.
It was a profound inner power, capable of greatly enhancing his martial arts skills.
Jian Yumei sensed the continuous flow of this inner power, entering a deeply comfortable state.
This continued for a long time, and when the warmth dissipated, Jian Yumei felt a robust internal energy throughout his body, as if he had gained some understanding.
When he absorbed the five hundred years of fox spirit's power, he felt lightness throughout his body. However, that was primarily yin energy, which had some adverse effects on him as a man. But Chen Immortal's true qi was yang energy, perfectly balancing the yin energy within him. Jian Yumei felt an infinite roundness within.
This sensation was different from when he obtained the fox spirit's pearl. At that time, it felt like a sudden leap, a significant change in his entire body. Now, he felt more grounded. The balance of yin and yang within his body enhanced his physical and spiritual energies.
Feeling this comfort, Jian Yumei was at ease.
At that moment, Jian Yumei felt Chen Immortal's hand leave his back. Turning around, he saw Chen Immortal's hands resting on his knees, but his head was tilted.
"Venerable immortal, venerable immortal!" Jian Yumei called out.
But Chen Immortal didn't respond. Jian Yumei felt a surge of nervousness and hurried to check for Chen Immortal's breath.
Chen Immortal no longer had any breath.
"Venerable immortal, venerable immortal?" Jian Yumei called out, realizing that Chen Immortal had departed.
Tears welled up in Jian Yumei's eyes. He knew that Chen Immortal's passing and the transfer of his inner power were closely related.
At that moment, Jian Yumei noticed a letter beside Chen Immortal.
Jian Yumei picked up the letter, which was addressed to "Jian Yumei."
Opening it, he read: "My dear, since your master asked me to assist you, you are now my disciple. I will impart all my power of over two hundred years to you. Henceforth, your power will greatly increase. Your journey here was foreseen by both me and your master. Originally, we wanted you to pass through there to exterminate demons and evil spirits, benefiting the people. Now that you have accomplished that, you have gained some extraordinary powers.
However, the power of the fox spirit's pearl leans towards yin. Therefore, I must infuse you with all my power, which is yang energy. Through the harmonization of both, your power will reach a state of harmony. Whether in martial arts or cultivation, you will reach great heights! In the future, when you aid the people, it will be of significant help.
Furthermore, I have ascended to the heavens. We shall meet again in five hundred years. But if you encounter a moment of crisis, just invoke my name, and I will assist you in another way.
Your master will tell you about my experiences. In short, live your life with integrity, leaving as you came, with nothing. May you achieve this!
Regarding my affairs after death, you may cremate my body and bury the ashes. Do not fret too much; I came empty-handed and will leave empty-handed. Everything is as fate decrees.
Master Chen Immortal's message."
Jian Yumei looked at the letter, tears streaming down his face.