"Have you really mastered this ancient technique?" Qin Cheng rushed over, staring at the clear handprint on the thick tree trunk, filled with astonishment.
The ancient techniques scattered among old documents ranged from physical arts to meditation, energy absorption methods, and inner cultivation practices, with records being quite fragmented. Nowadays, these were referred to as "Scattering Art," though many also called them "Old Techniques."
Over the years, although Qin Cheng had been exposed to these, deep down, he had always harbored doubts—was it really possible to master them?
Wang Xuan's performance struck him profoundly; his flesh-and-blood hand could leave a clear imprint on such a sturdy tree trunk. Could it be that there was truly a way with the Old Techniques?
"By the standards of the old era, what I've done isn't anything special," Wang Xuan replied, shaking his head. In the silvery moonlight, he appeared as if cloaked in a faint mist.
Qin Cheng sighed, "Don't compare this to the past. I never believed in it at all. In fact, many of those records have long been debunked."
Qin Cheng was also practicing the Old Techniques and knew firsthand how difficult they were; even the meditation techniques could drive a person to madness.
In today's world, where Deep Space was thriving with technology, how many would still believe in these ancient practices? His faith wavered even before he began.
Yet, in this very context, when Wang Xuan, Qin Cheng, and others entered university, someone approached them, asking if they were willing to participate in research related to the Old Techniques.
Wang Xuan had previously encountered Scattering Art and was immediately intrigued, agreeing on the spot. As for Qin Cheng, he had no belief in such things; however, he was surprised when he learned that the research was linked to certain wealthy families, who were reportedly investing significant funds. He decided to join with a "let's give it a try" attitude.
Initially, they balanced their regular studies with participating in this so-called "Old Techniques research" during their free time. They soon realized that this research mainly involved practicing on their own.
Special food began to be prepared for them, all aimed at better facilitating the mastery of certain Scattering Arts.
As time passed, they grew increasingly aware that this "research" was not simple; the two elderly professors teaching them Scattering Art had been transferred from the New Star.
Before long, some people could not persist and chose to withdraw, as practicing the Old Techniques was arduous and quite tedious. Most importantly, in this day and age, people were skeptical about the ancient practices.
However, although many withdrew, even more joined. Supported by wealthy families, this research received considerable funding, which increased efforts to select more suitable participants.
This wasn't limited to their city; throughout the Old Earth, there were ongoing projects, primarily targeting university students. To motivate participation, there were generous monetary incentives.
Many initially signed up, but after large-scale selections and over half a year of eliminations, only about fifty remained.
Most of these individuals transferred to the same university as Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng, continuing their original studies while forming an "Old Techniques Experimental Class."
Not everyone joined out of interest like Wang Xuan. Those who transferred had been promised high-paying and respectable jobs upon graduation.
At this point, everyone realized that this "research" was extraordinary; otherwise, why would such effort be expended?
The "curriculum" of the Experimental Class for Old Techniques had significant backing, including rare volumes from museums, precious collections from wealthy families, and scriptures from certain religions.
For example, a particular inner cultivation method was famous in the old era but eventually became lost. Years ago, it was discovered in a tomb, brought back to light, and has since been included as one of the study materials for the experimental class.
Moreover, the food for all students in the Old Techniques Experimental Class was meticulously prepared by designated individuals.
As they learned more, many were astonished to find that some of the ingredients were extraordinarily precious and rare, difficult to acquire in the Old Earth, having been transported from Deep Space.
The old professor teaching them the energy absorption technique once remarked that these ingredients were terrifyingly expensive even in the New Star, let alone transported from Deep Space. Some ingredients couldn't even be bought with money.
Among them were ingredients sourced from the deep seas of the New Star, known for their anti-aging properties; others provided great nourishment for blood and energy, while some ensured robust vitality.
For those practicing various Scattering Arts, dietary supplements were crucial.
The old professor once said that certain ingredients were favored by some elderly figures from the New Star with impressive backgrounds, as they could delay aging.
This shows just how significant the "Old Techniques Research" was.
Particularly surprising was that soon after, more than twenty new students from the New Star joined the Experimental Class.
Typically, students from the Old Earth longed to study at the New Star, hoping to stay, but this time, it was the opposite.
With the arrival of these young men and women, whispers of certain truths began to circulate among the students of the Old Techniques Experimental Class.
"Some organizations, some research institutions, some wealthy families are pursuing immortality!"
This statement caused quite a stir within the Experimental Class, leaving many shocked.
In the eyes of modern people, this pursuit seemed laughable and ethereal.
However, throughout history, it seemed that everyone who reached a certain height had been fervently seeking it.
As early as the Pre-Qin era, legends of immortals and magicians had captivated future generations, even kings could not escape the allure.
However, from Qin Shi Huang to Han Wu, and to later figures, they all failed to obtain the elixir of life; no one could succeed.
In this current era, the so-called myths had long been debunked; how could they possibly exist?
Yet, messages from the technologically dazzling New Star conveyed such rumors.
"To be precise, some elders among the wealthy families, those in power, wish to obtain a longer lifespan."
Although some provided clarifications, it still triggered a wave of astonishment in the Experimental Class.
History often repeats itself; throughout the ages, certain aging figures seemed to resent their decline, yearning for youth and a vibrant body.
Back then, Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng whispered about those prominent figures.
"Old men, feeling increasingly frail, naturally crave youth. Otherwise, how could they appreciate beautiful women? With billions in assets, yet unable to squander it again, if I were them, I'd want to live another five hundred years!"
"Old women are definitely fiercer than old men. Time has passed, their former beauty now covered in wrinkles; for powerful women with immense resources and influence, aging is their greatest foe! If there's even a glimmer of hope, old women will be even more frenzied than old men, finding all possible ways to regain their youth!"
Upon hearing their whispers, several young men and women from the New Star rolled their eyes in unison, as it seemed to touch on their respective elders.