Chapter 4

"Yin Qi itself has no intelligence; it is the residual energy of some living beings that凝聚 in cold and dark places after they die. However, if left unchecked, it could potentially form a low-level evil spirit. As for the symptoms you mentioned, such as turning blue all over, becoming extremely strong, and not remembering what happened, these are all just manifestations of the Yin Qi periodically surging to the brain. This is also because your body was originally too weak. If you had encountered a physically robust man, the Yin Qi would have been suppressed as soon as it entered his body, and he would have been no different from an ordinary person. As for the force I infused into your body, it is a small amount of Yang Gong power I have cultivated for many years, which is most effective in restraining Yin Qi." Daoist Luo explained.

"Indeed, I owe you a great deal of gratitude for your assistance this time." Although Shen Luo didn't fully understand, he still respectfully thanked Daoist Luo.

"Since you have the token and have given a generous gift, it is only right for me to lend a hand. Unfortunately, after this bout with Yin Qi, your remaining time is probably not much." Daoist Luo nodded and then added.

Shen Luo's expression darkened upon hearing this, but he quickly remembered something and bowed to Daoist Luo, asking:

"Daoist, as a true enlightened master, you must have methods to extend one's lifespan. Without mentioning anything else, the Yang Gang force you used earlier, I felt, should be very beneficial to the body."

"Yes, yes! I beg you, Daoist, to save my son. As long as it can extend my son's life, any conditions can be discussed. The Shen family, without mentioning anything else, still has some wealth." Shen Yuan Ge also suddenly realized and repeatedly clasped his hands to the Daoist, saying.

"Hehe, to completely cure it, I don't have such great abilities. But to improve Shen Gongzi's constitution and extend his life, our Chunqiu Temple does have some methods." Daoist Luo chuckled and replied with a half-smile.

"Daoist, please show me the way!" Shen Luo was delighted upon hearing this and bowed again.

Shen Yuan Ge also looked at the Daoist with hopeful eyes.

"First, our temple has a secret medicine called 'Red Snow Powder' that can cleanse the marrow. If taken for a long time, it should gradually improve your constitution. However, the ingredients for this medicine are rare, and it is very difficult to prepare, so it is not something an ordinary family can afford. Secondly, as Shen Gongzi mentioned, the Small Yang Gong power is indeed beneficial to the body. If you can cultivate it to perfection, I dare not say anything else, but living for another twenty to thirty years is definitely not a problem. Which one would you like, Shen Gongzi?" The red-faced Daoist looked at Shen Luo and slowly asked.

"Of course, I want both. I hope Daoist will fulfill my request!" Shen Luo replied without hesitation.

Shen Yuan Ge nodded repeatedly beside him.

"Haha... The 'Red Snow Powder' is fine. As long as your family can afford it, selling some is no problem. However, the Small Yang Gong is a secret technique of our temple and cannot be easily passed on to outsiders. Master Shen, you should let your son buy some Red Snow Powder, which can also extend his life." Daoist Luo laughed heartily.

Shen Yuan Ge's face turned somewhat grim, and he made a series of promises, but Daoist Luo still shook his head repeatedly.

After listening for a while, Shen Luo suddenly said:

"Since your temple's secret techniques are not passed on to outsiders, if I become a disciple of your temple, I should be able to learn the Small Yang Gong openly, right?"

Shen Yuan Ge's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, and he hesitated to speak.

"Shen Gongzi, are you joking? Are you willing to give up your current glory and wealth to become an ordinary disciple of our temple?" Daoist Luo's laughter abruptly stopped, and his gaze swept over Shen Luo's face, becoming solemn for the first time.

"If I lose my life, what use is all the glory and wealth? I only want to ask Daoist Luo if you are willing to accept me as a disciple. The ceremony of becoming a disciple will certainly not disappoint you." Shen Luo smiled and said to the Daoist.

"Do you want to directly become my disciple?" Daoist Luo seemed even more surprised.

"Yes, I don't know the other masters in the Chunqiu Temple, and I have no confidence that they will accept me. It is most appropriate for me to become your disciple now. I have also seen your abilities, and I am sure I have not chosen the wrong master. Daoist, you should also have the qualifications to take on disciples, right?" Shen Luo said seriously.

After listening, Daoist Luo remained silent but seemed somewhat moved.

Shen Yuan Ge's expression changed, but he did not say anything to stop it.

"Shen Gongzi, I need to explain a few things. If you can agree to them, I might consider taking you as a disciple. The Chunqiu Temple, although not a major sect, is not a place where just anyone can enter." Daoist Luo observed Shen Luo for a while before finally making up his mind and speaking.

"Daoist, please speak." Shen Luo said decisively.

"First, given your physical condition, I don't need to say much; you know that you do not meet the entry requirements of our temple. Therefore, if you enter our temple, you can only be a nominal disciple and will not receive the secret teachings and benefits of a true disciple. However, I can ask my senior master to make an exception and teach you the Small Yang Gong."

"Agreed, thank you, Master!" Shen Luo was overjoyed and even changed his address.

"Don't be in a hurry to call me that. There's more. Listen carefully. As the price for my making an exception to bring you into the temple, I need the Shen family to donate 200 taels of gold to me, and then 1,000 taels of silver annually to stay in the temple. If you fail to pay the required amount in any year, you must leave the Chunqiu Temple. Additionally, I will help you apply for the 'Red Snow Powder,' which will cost about 100 taels of silver per dose."

Even though Shen Luo had some expectations, he was still shocked by the Daoist's high demands. After weighing the options, he was about to say something when Shen Yuan Ge spoke, and his words made the Daoist's face light up with joy.

"The money is not a concern, Daoist. The Shen family will pay for ten years in advance. I only hope that Daoist can ensure that my son will not be too disadvantaged in the temple."

"Father, why go to such lengths! Such a large sum..." Shen Luo was startled.

"The current family business is half yours. As long as it can extend your life, these material possessions are nothing." Shen Yuan Ge waved his hands repeatedly.

Shen Luo fell silent.

"Good, good, good! Since the Shen family is willing to pay such a price, I will take Shen Gongzi as a nominal disciple." Daoist Luo clapped his hands and said three 'good's in a row.

"Shen Luo, pay respects to your master."

Shen Luo led Daoist Luo to the main seat, bowed three times, and then presented him with a cup of tea.

"Disciple, from now on, you are my disciple. You have an elder brother, and I will introduce you to him when you arrive at the temple. You know the location of the Chunqiu Temple. Just bring the token and arrive within a month to hold the formal entry ceremony. Remember, only come alone with simple clothing. Additionally, since I have drunk your tea of respect, I cannot leave you with nothing. I have a dose of 'Red Snow Powder' here, which you can take to see the effects."

After finishing the tea, Daoist Luo took out a light green small box from his body, explained the usage, and then gracefully left the hall, departing from the Shen family.

Shen Luo saw him off to the gate.