Under One Person: Starting with the Dual Cultivation of Body and Soul.

Progress of Chapter 191

“Chang’an is right. A mountain is not valued for its height, but for the immortals dwelling there; water is not valued for its depth, but for the dragons residing within. The tourists’ affairs are not our concern right now; the most urgent task is to get everything in order,” Lu Jin said.

The car was parked on a leveled open space at the foot of the mountain. The four people got out of the car and had only taken a few steps when they bumped into a group of people wearing white hard hats.

The leader was none other than Mr. Li, who had come to the construction site to inspect the progress.

Upon seeing Lu Jin, Boss Li rushed forward, bowed, and shook hands with great humility.

"Mr. Lu! Why did you come in person? This construction site is very dusty. You should have let me know before you came so I could have sent a car to pick you up."

"Mr. Li, you're too kind. I'm just taking my apprentice back to our ancestral home for a visit, and also to stretch our muscles and get some exercise," Lu Jin replied with a smile.

Boss Li's gaze naturally fell on Li Chang'an and Lu Lin, who were standing behind Lu Jin. He was stunned for a moment, and couldn't help but recall the scene of the immortals flying under the moon that night. Two white-haired immortals with white light all over their bodies walked across the cliff above them under the moon!

Ever since he learned about the relationship between the Sanyi Sect and Master Lu, he had been wondering if the two immortals he met that night were related to Master Lu.

After all, ever since that night, the former site of the San Yi Gate, abandoned for many years, immediately saw the Lu family redevelop it at any cost. What a coincidence!

He subtly inquired about it with Master Lu, but Master Lu just smiled and said nothing.

But now, seeing Lu Lin and Li Chang'an, the vague guess in his mind suddenly became clear.

Actually, if he only saw Lu Lin, he probably wouldn't have thought about it that way. After all, Lu Lin doesn't always maintain her reversal of aging. Although she is outstanding now, her temperament is still within the range of ordinary people.

But Li Chang'an has always maintained his reversed life force, which is almost exactly the same as the figure of the fairy flying under the moon that night. It's hard for him not to think in that direction!

"Mr. Lu, who are these two people...?" Mr. Li asked cautiously.

Lu Jin didn't hide anything from him: "These two are my apprentices, Li Chang'an and Lu Lin."

He didn't specifically mention that Lu Lin was his great-grandson; in his mind, Li Chang'an and Lu Lin were equally important in this respect.

"Mr. Li," Lu Lin greeted him politely.

Li Chang'an simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"So you are Mr. Lu's two esteemed disciples! My apologies for not recognizing you!" Mr. Li said with a smile.

Although he addressed him that way, he didn't quite believe it. He carefully looked Li Chang'an over and felt that Li Chang'an's demeanor was even more like that of a reclusive master than that of Old Master Lu himself.

He couldn't help but wonder if this was some kind of ageless, youthful-looking old immortal who claimed to be Master Lu's disciple just to cover his tracks. In reality, he might be Master Lu's elder or something.

After all, judging from appearance and temperament alone, this white-haired youth is much better than Master Lu!

Moreover, when repairing the Sanyi Gate, it was mostly Old Master Lu who came personally. On the contrary, this white-haired boy was rarely seen. If he was an apprentice, why didn't Old Master Lu assign him to do the work?

The most deadly thing is the unspoken assumption made in one's mind.

The more Mr. Li thought about it, the more he felt he had uncovered the truth.

But he was a smart man; he saw through it but didn't say anything.

“Mr. Lu, how about I accompany you all up the mountain to check on the progress of the project?” Mr. Li suggested enthusiastically.

"No need," Lu Jin politely declined. "We're just strolling around, Mr. Li, you can go about your business."

"Alright, alright, then I won't disturb your meditation any longer." Boss Li tactfully stepped aside, making way for them.

Li Chang'an had no idea that this Mr. Li was imagining a whole drama. He was surveying the construction site around him.

Although the walkway is still under construction, the surrounding supporting facilities are already taking shape. The stones used are solid and the details are well paid, showing that Mr. Li has indeed invested a lot.

After bidding farewell to Boss Li, Lu Jin led Li Chang'an, Lu Lin, and Lu Linglong upwards, and soon arrived at the stone archway of the Sanyi Gate.

Looking at the majestic mountain gate and the layered red-brick palaces built against the mountain behind it, Lu Linglong gasped in astonishment, her mouth agape.

"Grandpa, this mountain is so steep, and there's no road. How did you manage to transport so many large stones up the mountain back then, and how did you build so many magnificent buildings on the cliffs?!"

A hint of pride flashed in Lu Jin's eyes:

"The stones were all carried up the mountain by the elders of our sect. The main framework was also built by our own people. Only some of the fine carvings and carpentry work were done by hiring craftsmen from the foot of the mountain to come up and help us."

Lu Linglong was stunned. She had originally thought that he would use some kind of extreme technique such as "Five Ghosts Moving" or "Eight Gates Moving", but she did not expect that he would rely on pure strength!

She looked up and re-examined the magnificent palaces, silently thinking: "Truly, great effort can create miracles."

Then, the four of them stepped over the threshold and entered the gate.

The last time Lu Jin brought Li Chang'an and Lu Lin here, this place was still dilapidated.

But now, the place has been completely transformed. The main structure is still the same, but all the damaged parts have been carefully repaired. The color of the repaired stone has been artificially aged so well that it is impossible to tell which parts are old and which are new unless you look closely.

Lu Jin walked at the front, pointing out and explaining the buildings as she went:

"The floor tiles in this courtyard were originally broken, and I had them restored piece by piece according to old photos."

"Three pillars in the main hall were replaced. The wood used was specially sourced from the same type of tree, and the age and grain of the wood matched perfectly."

"All usable old roof tiles were kept, and new tiles were added where necessary. The positions of the old and new tiles were also arranged according to the old layout."

Lu Linglong skipped and hopped into a side hall, which was empty except for a few pillars supporting the roof beams.

"Grandpa, why is it so empty inside? There's nothing there at all?" Lu Linglong asked.

“There’s nothing much to see. To avoid damage during construction, I had someone store the old items in the house in a warehouse down the mountain before the repairs started. They’ll be moved back once everything is finished,” Lu Jin said.

Afterwards, Lu Jin led Lu Linglong to wander around inside the Sanyi Gate.

He pointed to the training ground, the canteen, and the scripture pavilion, telling Lu Linglong about the history of these buildings and the interesting stories of his childhood cultivation and growth there.

He pointed to an old pine tree outside the wall and said that it was planted by his master, Zuo Ruotong. It was almost dug up during road construction a while ago, but he was able to save it because he arrived in time.

The last time Lu Jin came here, when these topics were brought up, he felt heavy-hearted and even couldn't help but shed tears.

But this time, the heaviness had dissipated considerably.

Although he still missed his deceased master and fellow disciples, the sect now had new hope, and he had something to look forward to.

Chapter 192 Lu Lin's Breakthrough

After taking a quick look around, Lu Jin led the three of them to the cemetery on the back mountain to pay their respects.

Lu Jin knelt before Zuo Ruotong's grave, his forehead touching the ground, and remained there for a long time. Lu Lin and Lu Linglong knelt behind him and kowtowed as well.

Then, Lu Jin took out incense and candles from his personal pouch and lit them in front of each grave.

When offering incense, the usually lively Lu Linglong was unusually serious. Her gaze swept over the names on the tombstones one by one: Zuo Ruotong, Sichong, Wu Chengzhen, Shuiyun, Changqing...

Some of these names she had seen in the Trinity Ancestral Hall at home, while others were new to her, but she kowtowed respectfully at each grave.

After the worship ceremony, Lu Jin led them back to the mountain gate to assign them accommodations.

Lu Jin still lives in his old house, and Lu Linglong lives next door to him.

Li Chang'an and Lu Lin's residence was the room that Shuiyun and Changqing used to live in.

All the rooms have been renovated; the walls have been repainted white, the wooden windows have been repapered, and the rooms are spotless when you push open the door, except that there are no bedding or other daily necessities laid out.

However, Lu Jin has it in his Devouring Pouch, and he can use it as soon as he takes it out.

Before long, the group had skillfully arranged their respective rooms.

As darkness fell, the noise from the construction team gradually subsided.

Lu Jin looked at Lu Lin: "Everyone should get a good rest today. Especially you, make sure you're well-rested, as we'll be starting preparations for the breakthrough tomorrow."

"Yes, sir." Lu Lin nodded emphatically.

Nothing happened that night. The next morning, the construction team went up the mountain on time, and the roar of machinery echoed across the mountaintop.

At this moment, Lu Jin had already led Li Chang'an and the other two to a hidden cave deep in the back mountain.

The entrance to the cave is small, only allowing one person to pass through at a time. The cave walls are covered with vines, and you would never know there is a cave here unless you go inside.

Lu Jin pointed to the cave entrance and said, "This is the cave where Grandfather used to cultivate. Lin'er, you will break through the barrier here."

The four of them bent down and entered the cave. Although the entrance to the cave was small, the inside was surprisingly spacious.

Moreover, even though the cave had not been used for decades, the air was still dry and fresh, without any damp or rotten smell.

At the very back there was a large, flat bluestone, its surface polished to a shine, on which rested a straw cushion.

This is where Lu Jin used to meditate.

Lu Jin walked over, picked up the old futon, examined it for a moment. Come to think of it, this futon was woven by his martial uncle. He really couldn't bear to throw it away, so he put it into his food pouch.

Then he took out three new prayer mats and placed them on the stone.

He had already made arrangements. When Lu Lin broke through the barrier, he and Li Chang'an would sit on the left and right respectively to protect her.

He gestured for Lu Lin to sit in the middle.

Lu Lin walked over and sat down cross-legged.

Lu Jin looked at Li Chang'an: "Chang'an, I'll stay here with Lin'er. You take Linglong out for a walk."

Although Lu Lin was only preparing and had not yet officially started the challenge.

However, the preparation stage is equally important. Confirming the Qi circulation route, focusing the mind, and adjusting the state of mind are all crucial steps that cannot be taken incorrectly.

To prevent any problems from arising with Lu Lin, Lu Jin planned to personally keep an eye on her.

Li Chang'an waved his hand: "Grandpa. I've only been to the Sanyi Sect twice. In terms of familiarity, I'm far inferior to you. If you want to take Linglong out for a stroll, you should go. I'll stay here and take care of my cousin. I can still manage at this stage. It won't be too late to call you in when he's really about to break through."

“This…” Lu Jin hesitated. Li Chang’an always broke through the barrier on his own, and he was worried that Lu Lin would also learn from him.

Lu Lin said, "Grandpa, don't worry, I know what I'm doing and I would never risk breaking through the barrier on my own."

Li Chang'an rubbed his nose. These words seemed to be directed at him, but he had never actually broken through a barrier. He had just gotten through it by practicing. Could that be considered breaking through a barrier? Definitely not!

Lu Jin was quite at ease with Lu Lin, and nodded, saying, "Okay, then I'll take Linglong out for a stroll first. Let me know when it's time to break through the barrier."

After saying that, he turned and left with Lu Linglong.

When they reached the cave entrance, Lu Linglong suddenly turned around, puffed out her cheeks, clenched her fists, and gestured at Lu Lin: "Go for it, big cousin!"

Lu Lin paused for a moment, then followed Lu Linglong's example, clenching her fist and pulling it downwards: "Go for it!"

Lu Linglong and Lu Jin left the cave, leaving only Li Chang'an and Lu Lin inside.

"Senior brother, this is troublesome!" Lu Lin said.

"Don't be so formal. Just start making adjustments and preparations. I'll be watching you from the side. Go ahead and do it boldly. I'll remind you if anything goes wrong."

Li Chang'an found a flat spot by the cave wall and sat down cross-legged, keeping a few steps away from Lu Lin so as not to disturb her breathing exercises while still being able to detect any abnormalities immediately.

Lu Lin nodded, closed her eyes, focused her mind, and repeatedly rehearsed the Qi circulation route in her mind.

Lu Jin had already explained to him in detail every key point and every error-prone spot in the Qi circulation ritual of the Reverse Life Double Stage, and he had also simulated it countless times in his mind.

Now all he needs to do is review before the exam to ensure he's perfectly prepared when he finally takes it.

After spending half a day adjusting himself, he opened his eyes and looked at Li Chang'an: "Senior brother, I feel confident now."

Li Chang'an nodded, walked out of the cave, took out his phone, dialed Lu Jin's number, and informed him of the matter.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Lu Jin strode into the cave and sat down next to Lu Lin. The two of them stood on either side of Lu Lin, protecting her in the middle.

Lu Linglong dared not follow them in. She could only stand at the entrance of the cave, tiptoeing and peering inside, afraid of making any noise that might disturb the people inside.

“Let’s begin,” Lu Jin said.

Lu Lin took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and the Reverse Qi slowly rotated within his body. He did not rush to break through the barrier, but instead circulated the Qi a few times along its original path within his body, completely immersing his mind in the flow of Qi.

Fifteen minutes later, he began to explore the new path of reverse rebirth.

This process was not smooth sailing; every unfamiliar hurdle was a challenge.

Lu Jin and Li Chang'an fixed their gazes on Lu Lin. If Lu Lin's breakthrough went astray, they would intervene to stop his Qi, preventing him from going astray and causing irreversible and fatal consequences.

During the breakthrough, beads of sweat appeared on Lu Lin's forehead as he focused intently on controlling his Qi to push through the barrier again and again.

Time passed second by second. Lu Linglong stood at the cave entrance, surveying the scene inside, not daring to move an inch.

Lu Lin's breakthrough lasted for nearly an hour. During that hour, he broke through six key points, stumbling and struggling each time, but he persevered each time.

The new circulation route of Qi within his body was beginning to take shape, and a smile appeared on Lu Jin's face, but he did not let his guard down, because the cycle of Qi had not yet been completed.

The final step in breaking through the barrier is to connect the flow of Qi within the body, forming a continuous cycle of life. This is one of the reasons why the Reverse Rebirth Triple Stage has such a long lifespan.

This step is the most difficult and the most dangerous.

Because of years of practice, the pathways for the flow of Qi within the body have become almost fixed. It's natural to feel some discomfort when trying to change to a new one, especially at the end.