Shengui Changsheng: Start from Zhenwuwei and add some points to cultivate immortality

"Watch out!" Nangong Yue screamed, instinctively grabbing the gunwale. Fu Shaoping swiftly drew his longsword, its blade flashing like lightning, aiming straight for the water python's eyes. The water python nimbly twisted its massive body, dodging the fatal blow, while its tail swept across, causing the wooden boat to rock violently, almost capsizing.

The experienced boatman swiftly grabbed an oar and precisely struck the water python's sensitive spot. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Fu Shaoping leaped onto the bow, raised his longsword high, gathered all his inner energy, and unleashed a sword aura that pierced the air, striking the water python's vital spot! The water python let out a deafening roar and crashed heavily into the water, creating a splash that was ten feet high.

"Excellent swordsmanship!" A deep, resonant voice echoed from the island. An elderly man with white hair stood on the shore, holding an ancient wooden staff, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

Fu Shaoping bowed respectfully, saying, "This junior has been presumptuous; please forgive me, senior."

The old man stroked his beard and chuckled, "It's alright, it's alright. To repel the water python with a single sword strike, your swordsmanship is already quite impressive." He turned and walked towards the interior of the island. "Follow me. You are not the first to come looking for me, nor will you be the last."

##The Divine Healer Teaches His Skills
The thatched hut of the legendary healer was simple yet tidy, surrounded by various medicinal herbs, and the air was filled with a faint medicinal fragrance. The old man called himself "Yunmengzi" and had been living in seclusion on the island for more than forty years.

"The flow of your internal energy is sluggish, a result of long-term martial arts practice without proper technique," Yun Mengzi said, her brow furrowing slightly as she felt Fu Shaoping's pulse. "I'll teach you a set of 'Yunmeng Heart Method' that can help harmonize your internal energy."

In the days that followed, Fu Shaoping spent his mornings learning cultivation techniques from Yun Mengzi, and his afternoons gathering herbs and studying medical principles with Nangong Yue. Nangong Yue was exceptionally intelligent and quickly learned to identify most of the herbs on the island and mastered several simple prescriptions.

One month later, at dusk, Fu Shaoping was practicing his newly learned internal energy cultivation technique in the open space outside his thatched hut when he suddenly felt his internal energy surging like a river, flowing freely like never before. He stopped in surprise and discovered that his sword energy was more condensed and powerful than before.

"Congratulations, you have grasped the essence of the mental cultivation method." Yun Mengzi appeared behind him unnoticed. "However, true cultivation lies not in the techniques, but in the state of mind."

On the day he left the Yunmeng Marsh, Yunmengzi gave Fu Shaoping a small porcelain bottle: "This contains the 'Yunmeng Pill,' which can save your life in a critical moment. Remember, a true healer must first learn to save himself."

Springtime Scenery of Jiangnan
Sailing down the river, Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue finally arrived in Jiangnan in late March. At this time, Jiangnan was in the season of "the sunrise over the river is redder than fire, and the spring river is greener than blue." Pink and white peach blossoms, golden rapeseed flowers, and snow-white pear blossoms bloomed in competition, adorning the earth like a poem or a painting.

They stayed at an inn outside Suzhou city. The inn was built by the water, and from the windows, one could see a small bridge over a flowing stream, with willows swaying gently in the breeze. Standing by the window, Nangong Yue gazed at the distant peach blossom grove and couldn't help but recite: "In the human world, April's fragrance has faded, but in the mountain temple, peach blossoms are just beginning to bloom. I long for spring's return, but find it nowhere; little did I know it had turned and entered this place."

Fu Shaoping smiled and shook his head: "Yue'er, you're mistaken. This is Bai Juyi's poem 'Peach Blossoms at Dalin Temple,' and it's only March now." He walked to Nangong Yue's side and admired the picturesque scenery with her.

That evening, they strolled along the cobblestone streets of Suzhou's ancient city, where the lights were dim and the air was filled with the sounds of people. A storyteller was recounting tales of the martial world in front of a teahouse, drawing cheers from the crowd. Fu Shaoping listened intently, unconsciously tightening his grip on the long sword at his waist.

"Is this young master a martial artist?" The storyteller suddenly stopped speaking, his gaze sharply scrutinizing Fu Shaoping. "I sense an extraordinary aura about you. Are you from Qixia Academy?"

Fu Shaoping bowed respectfully: "Senior has excellent judgment; I am indeed a disciple of Qixia Academy."

A flicker of surprise crossed the storyteller's eyes, then he chuckled, "No wonder, no wonder! In my youth, I also traveled to Qixia Mountain and met several elders of your esteemed academy. It is truly an honor to meet the disciples of the academy today."

He lowered his voice and said, "The martial world has been rather turbulent lately. It's said that a mysterious group is searching for an ancient book, and they have a close connection to Qixia Academy. You must be careful when you travel."

## Mysteries of Ancient Books
The storyteller's warning alerted Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue. They secretly inquired within Suzhou and learned that the mysterious group were members of the Golden Toad Merchant Guild. Even more worrying was the fact that the ancient book they were searching for seemed to be related to the Qixia Academy's prized possession, the *Tiangong Milu* (Secret Records of Heavenly Crafts).

"The 'Secret Records of Heavenly Crafts' contains the wisdom accumulated by generations of sages at Qixia Academy. If it falls into the hands of evil people, the consequences will be unimaginable," Nangong Yue said with deep concern.

Fu Shaoping pondered for a moment: "We must find the whereabouts of the ancient book before the Golden Toad Chamber of Commerce. As far as I know, a retired old handyman at the academy might know some inside information."

After some twists and turns, they finally found the old handyman in a small village on the outskirts of the city. The old man was frail and old, but his eyes still shone when he mentioned the "Secret Records of Heavenly Crafts."

"That book was eventually entrusted to a senior student surnamed Lin for safekeeping. He later left the academy and went traveling around." The old man coughed a few times. "I heard he eventually went...to Sichuan."

Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue exchanged a glance, having already made their decision. They bowed deeply to the old man in gratitude and embarked on their journey to Sichuan the next day.

The Shu Road is Difficult

The journey from Jiangnan to Sichuan was long and arduous. They traversed towering mountains and crossed turbulent rivers. While crossing a canyon known as "Ghost's Sorrow," a sudden flash flood nearly swept them away.

"Grab my hand!" Fu Shaoping shouted, pulling Nangong Yue, who had been swept away by the rushing current, back to safety. The two embraced tightly, struggling to find a foothold in the floodwaters. Nangong Yue's hairpin fell out in the chaos, her long black hair cascading down her pale face.

"Shaoping, I'm scared," Nangong Yue said in a trembling voice, her eyes filled with fear.

Fu Shaoping held her tightly, shielding her from the splashing water with his body: "Don't be afraid, I'm here. We'll definitely get out of here." His voice was steady and strong, giving Nangong Yue immense comfort.

After a harrowing struggle, they finally climbed to a safe high ground. Nangong Yue was soaked to the bone and shivering. Fu Shaoping took off his outer robe and draped it over her, then took out some dry rations and flint from his bundle and started a small fire.

"Have some hot soup." Fu Shaoping carefully fed Nangong Yue a soup made from herbs. "This is a recipe I learned in the Yunmeng Marsh; it can ward off the cold and keep you warm."

Nangong Yue held the ceramic bowl, feeling the warmth from her palms, her eyes glistening with tears: "Shaoping, it's so good to have you by my side."

##Sichuan Adventure

Spring arrives exceptionally late in Sichuan. When Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue arrived at the small village at the foot of Mount Emei, the snow on the mountain had not yet completely melted. The village was surrounded by mountains and shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland.

Based on the old servant's description, they found the hermitage of the elder surnamed Lin—a bamboo hut built on a cliff. The hut was surrounded by various exotic flowers and herbs, and a faint medicinal fragrance filled the air. "Is anyone there?" Fu Shaoping called respectfully from in front of the hut.

The curtain was lifted, and an elderly man with white hair and beard peeked out. His gaze was sharp as he sized up Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue: "Are you disciples of Qixia Academy?"

Fu Shaoping bowed respectfully: "This is Fu Shaoping, and this is my junior sister, Nangong Yue. We have come to pay our respects to Senior Lin on behalf of our master."

A hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes, then he smiled and said, "Come in, it's cold outside." He turned around, lifted the curtain, and gestured for the two to enter the house.

The bamboo house was simply but neatly furnished, with bookshelves against the wall filled with various books and scrolls. The old man gestured for the two to sit down, then personally brewed tea for them: "You've come to see me about the *Heavenly Craftsmanship Records*, haven't you?"

Fu Shaoping was startled, not expecting the old man to be so direct: "Senior, do you know about this?"

The old man stroked his beard and chuckled, "That book was indeed in my possession for a time. Later, I discovered someone was secretly following me, so I hid it in a special place." He gave the two men a meaningful look, "Would you like to come with me to retrieve it?"

##秘境探宝
The old man led them to a cave outside the village. The cave entrance was covered by vines and weeds, and it was difficult to spot without careful observation.

"This is where the books are hidden," the old man said, pointing to the cave entrance. "But there are many traps inside, so be careful."

Fu Shaoping drew his longsword, and Nangong Yue gripped her dagger tightly. The three of them cautiously entered the cave. It was pitch black all around, with only the torch in the old man's hand providing a faint light.

Suddenly, the ground began to shake, and countless sharp stone spikes emerged from the walls! Fu Shaoping reacted swiftly, pulling Nangong Yue behind him and simultaneously slashing the incoming spikes with his sword. Nangong Yue quickly took out medicinal powder from her bundle and sprinkled it on the roots of the spikes to slow their growth.

"Left!" the old man shouted, and the three of them quickly changed direction. There was another sound of a mechanism being activated, this time a huge boulder fell from above. Fu Shaoping leaped into the air, his long sword piercing a crevice in the cave ceiling, using the momentum to swing to the side, while simultaneously reaching out to grab Nangong Yue, who was about to be hit.

After a thrilling adventure, they finally reached the deepest part of the cave. A stone door stood there silently, covered with ancient runes.

"These are the secret runes of Qixia Academy!" Nangong Yue exclaimed in surprise.

The old man nodded: "That's right, only those with the bloodline of the academy can open this door." He gestured for Fu Shaoping to place his hand on the stone door.

When Fu Shaoping's palm touched the cold stone door, a warm current suddenly spread from the point of contact throughout his body. The stone door slowly opened, revealing a small stone chamber. On the stone platform in the center lay a yellowed ancient book—"The Secret Records of Heavenly Crafts"!
## The Journey Home and Growth
The day they returned to Qixia Academy with "The Secret Records of Heavenly Craftsmanship" was a day of great joy for everyone. The headmaster personally came out to greet them, praising Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue's courage and wisdom.

"You not only recovered the academy's treasures, but also broadened your horizons and strengthened your will during your travels," the headmaster said with satisfaction. "This is precisely the original intention of Qixia Academy in educating its students."

Nangong Yue compiled the herbs she collected and the prescriptions she developed along the way into a book and presented it to the academy's medical pavilion. Fu Shaoping, on the other hand, shared the martial arts techniques taught by Yun Mengzi with his fellow disciples, promoting the development of martial arts at the academy.

A month later, on a night when Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue stood atop the academy mountain, gazing at the starry sky, the melodious sound of a flute drifted from afar—the classmates celebrating the rediscovery of their treasure.

"Our journey has come to an end," Nangong Yue said softly, her eyes gleaming with reluctance.

Fu Shaoping grasped her hand: "No, the real journey has only just begun. Countless beautiful sights await our discovery, and countless pieces of knowledge await our learning."

Nangong Yue leaned on Fu Shaoping's shoulder and chuckled softly, "Then let's make a promise: to spend our lives together, traveling the world."

Under the moonlight, their figures clung tightly together, as if they wanted to merge with heaven and earth. The lights of Qixia Academy flickered in the distance, witnessing the vows of the young couple and illuminating the long journey they were about to embark on together.

The mountain gate of Qixia Academy appeared particularly solemn and dignified in the morning light. Fu Shaoping and Nangong Yue stood side by side, with their classmates casting their blessings behind them. A gentle mountain breeze stirred their clothes, also stirring up the sorrow of parting.

"Shaoping, the road ahead is long, so please be careful in everything you do." Nangong Yue's eyes were full of reluctance as she tightly clutched the sachet she had prepared for Fu Shaoping, which contained calming herbs and her heartfelt affection.

Fu Shaoping looked at her tenderly and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, Yue'er, I will take good care of myself. This world is vast, and I want to explore more of the unknown. I also hope to learn something soon and return to be with you."

At this moment, A-Ning rushed over from the academy, carrying a bundle in her hands: "Brother Fu, Sister Nangong, this is some dry food and some commonly used medicines I prepared for you. Please take care of yourselves on the journey." Her voice was choked with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Fu Shaoping took the bundle and said gratefully, "A-Ning, thank you for taking care of me during this time. When I come back, I will definitely bring you some rare and interesting things from outside."

The three of them slowly descended the path behind the academy, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on them. Fu Shaoping occasionally looked back at the academy, the familiar building gradually receding into the distance until it disappeared at the edge of the forest.

"Where are we going?" Nangong Yue asked softly, her voice as clear and melodious as a mountain spring.

Fu Shaoping unfolded the map in his hand, his finger tracing a vast mountain range: "Let's go to the Cangmang Mountains in the north first. I've heard there are mysterious ancient sects there, and perhaps we can learn different martial arts and knowledge. After that, we'll head south to the warm and humid Lingnan region."

Nangong Yue's eyes sparkled with anticipation: "Great! I've wanted to see the icy and snowy scenery of the North and the enchanting water towns of the South for a long time."

(End of this chapter)