Chapter 2: Letting Myself Soar

Although Wang Liang did not understand why Master Lü would say such things, he had no time to dwell on it. Master Lü began expounding on the content of the "Tai Xuan Classic," sharing both its teachings and his own insights—how to use the Tai Xuan Classic to enter the Dao, the path of transformation after initiation, and much more.

Unbeknownst to Wang Liang, the system kept notifying him:

"Someone is explaining the 'Tai Xuan Classic' to you. Your comprehension of the 'Tai Xuan Classic' has improved, and you have gained exclusive insights..."
"Someone is explaining the 'Dao De Jing' to you..."

As Master Lü continued his explanations, Wang Liang found himself increasingly captivated. They stayed in the inn, talking endlessly. When hunger struck, Wang Liang would prepare a serving of yellow rice; when thirst came, they would drink from Master Lü's own supply of wine.

Thus, they went on for seven days and seven nights.

When the sun rose on the eighth day, Master Lü finally stood up. He gazed toward the eastern horizon, then glanced at Wang Liang, who was still eager to listen.

"No more," Master Lü said. "If I speak further, I will touch upon my own Pure Yang Path. Let not my Dao affect your heart. You've encountered a rare opportunity—seize it yourself. Remember to think and observe deeply. Do not meet your end in that place."

Hearing the phrase "that place," Wang Liang's heart trembled.

"You know as well?" he asked.

"I didn't know at first. But once I got the pillow back, I understood. I wondered how Tai... that person could give me a pillow as your path to inheritance. Turns out, it was all arranged. Cultivate well.

"By the way, as a righteous Daoist immortal, why mix with those uncanny folk? Dissolve it at once."

With those words, Master Lü patted Wang Liang on the shoulder. Wang Liang felt a surge of warmth flood into his body. Then, he saw a beam of golden light descend from the heavens, landing upon the mansion he had just acquired.

At that moment, the haunted house seemed to be jolted awake. All the magical arrays within were activated; the materials began to transform—the floors became polished marble, the walls turned to fine white jade, the roof tiles to colored glaze. Even the flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard appeared as if washed clean.

The estate's grounds expanded as well. What was once a mere acre now stretched outward, with nearly a hundred more acres of open land beyond the red walls.

But more important than all this was the aura the mansion now projected—an air of uprightness and propriety. Anyone who laid eyes on the estate would think, "The family here must be truly well-bred."

At the same time, Wang Liang sensed that his mansion could now be brought forth from the game world into the real world. This revelation made his eyes shine with excitement.

Having settled these matters, Master Lü raised his eyebrows at Wang Liang. "Well, the rest is up to you. I'm off."

Without bothering with his luggage, Master Lü simply took the pillow and left, humming with delight.

In the distance, Wang Liang could still hear Master Lü muttering to himself, "What name should I choose for myself..."

Watching Master Lü fade away, Wang Liang found himself at a loss, standing there recalling everything about this body. He realized he had no real attachments.

His only lingering regret was that, despite years devoted to diligent study and mastering the Six Arts, he had spent his days farming here instead of achieving merit and fame, commanding armies, becoming a minister, dining at the great banquets, selecting music, and bringing prosperity to his clan.

But now, all of that was unimportant. He had set foot on another path—the path of immortal cultivation.

With the world so vast, where could he not go?

At this thought, Wang Liang no longer wished to return to the fields. He turned to the blue steed tethered outside the inn, stepped forward, and caressed its mane.

"How much of these seven days did you hear?"

The blue steed, possessed of great intelligence, licked Wang Liang's face, its actions revealing it had gained much over these seven days.

Wang Liang laughed heartily as the horse nuzzled him. He untied the reins, vaulted onto its back, and pointed in a direction.

"Come, from this day forth, there is no more Lu Sheng. I am Wang Liang—Wang Liang, cultivator of immortality."

The blue steed galloped forth as Wang Liang directed. At first, it ran upon the ground, but as its speed increased, Wang Liang felt the steed gradually lift from the earth, running upon the very air.

In that moment, Wang Liang experienced the same exhilaration he had once witnessed—the maiden astride her rouge horse in battle. On impulse, he flipped his hand, and the Blade of Life and Death appeared.

He did not question how his weapon from the game world could materialize in reality. Riding the blue steed, he swung the blade, slicing through the air.

With that, a nearby hilltop was cleaved apart. The blue steed carried him through the gap in the mountain wall, vanishing into the sky.

Wang Liang was unaware that, seven days prior, when he had shouted "I want to cultivate immortality," a great storm had swept through Chang'an. In the Cui family manor in Qinghe, a young lady of eighteen awoke abruptly from a dream.

She had long, ink-black hair, an oval face, and almond-shaped brows. Having just risen from sleep, she wore no makeup save for a red blossom painted at her brow.

She sat up, breathless, clutching her chest as if pondering something.

Her movements quickly drew her maid's attention.

The maid approached with a candle, her voice anxious: "Miss, what's wrong? Please don't frighten me."

"It's nothing. Just a nightmare. I feel as though I've lost something."

"What? Miss, what did you dream? My grandmother always said those with great spirit sometimes foresee things in their dreams. Please, nothing must happen to you."

The young lady, not initially alarmed, grew uneasy at the maid's words.

"You're right. I feel unsettled. Su'er, you... no, this can't be handled by my uncle. Su'er, your uncle's family is stationed in the Western Market, yes?"

"Yes!" the maid Su'er affirmed with a nod.

"Tomorrow, go find your uncle at the Western Market. Have him inquire about any young scholars from Handan here for the exams. Ask if there is one named Lu Sheng."

She hesitated, then added, "If there is, guide him to my third uncle. Say you heard—by chance—of a renowned scholar, and ask my uncle to examine his character."

As Su'er was about to agree, the young lady hesitated again. "Be sure to tell your uncle: do nothing unnecessary, reveal nothing of my identity, and do not..."