Chapter 002: Becoming an Immortal by Reversal

Fu walked slowly in a measured pace, gradually making his way back to the thatched cottage. This was not a deliberate display of mannerism, but rather a form of walking known as the square step, characteristic of scholars. If one did not walk in this manner, others would mock them for lacking the appearance of a learned person. However, even as he walked slowly, he himself felt quite awkward about it

Huangfu Ming did not conceal it and said directly: "I am ashamed, I understand a little bit!"

As he contemplated various matters, before he had even reached the entrance of the Dan residence, the young Master Huangfu arrived with a group of attendants and servants to greet him. Upon meeting, they hurriedly paid their respects to Fu Shuo. Fu Shuo's clothes had been worn for several years, faded and looking quite shabby. In contrast, the servants appeared to be much more well-dressed than Fu Shuo. In a previous world, Fu Shuo might have felt a sense of inferiority. However, in this world, he always maintained a certain sense of detachment, seemingly indifferent to the situation. This only made Master Huangfu more cautious, prompting him to treat Fu Shuo with even greater courtesy.

Returning to the thatched cottage, he pushed open the window and sat for a while. Not far from the window flowed a small river, its green waters shimmering with exceptional clarity, and the willows swayed gracefully. On a scorching summer day, it would surely be quite refreshing. He steadied his blood flow and slowly waited for his entire body to calm down before sitting in meditation again. This time, however, it was not the reverse abdominal breathing method of alchemy, but rather the method of observing the mind from the platform of tranquility, gradually engaging in some inner cultivation.

Early the next morning, Fu Shuo went to Putuo Temple. The temple was vast, with dozens of courtyards, though it now appeared somewhat dilapidated, clearly indicating a significant decline in the number of worshippers. In this world, where Daoist practices are prominent, demons and monsters abound. Naturally, the divine and the supernatural are revered by the people, leading to a flourishing of incense offerings.

Fu asked: "Does Young Master Huangfu understand the way of the Dao?"

He placed his phone securely close to himself, sat cross-legged, and began to practice his foundational skills. It is indeed strange that in his original world, Fu spent over ten years attempting to establish his foundation without success, yet in this world, within just a month or two, his skills have advanced by leaps and bounds. As soon as he sat down, he extinguished all thoughts and began to perform reverse abdominal breathing.

Fu Shuo was entering the house of a wealthy family for the first time, and he saw that everywhere was adorned with exquisite drapery, exuding an ancient charm. The gentle breeze added a sense of ethereality to the atmosphere. The study of Young Master Huangfu was not particularly large, but it was extremely refined, with shelves displaying ancient books and paintings. Fu Shuo did not understand much of this and did not dare to speak much. However, upon seeing a few books on Taoist practices, he could not help but feel both surprised and delighted, letting out a soft "Oh".

This place is indeed very quiet, located near the city wall, which is inherently quite remote with few passersby. He practiced his punches all the way and did not see a single person, which was just as well since no one would disturb him. Even if someone were to see him, no one would say he lacked decorum; it is quite common for scholars to practice exercises such as "Baduanjin" and "Wuqinxi" for fitness.

In this world, the court has also established Daoist officials, especially showing great respect towards the Daoist sect. Therefore, it is quite common for every household to possess several Daoist texts. However, the few books belonging to Young Master Huangfu are different, as they are adorned with various talismans.

He soul-transferred here, with nothing following him. Only this old Nokia phone came along, and inexplicably, its battery seems to never run out. This phone has no signal, so it cannot make calls or access the internet, but it still contains a few books, including works like "The Essence of Life" and "The True Understanding" which are related to alchemy.

From the posture of the White Crane Spreads Its Wings to the stance of the Crossed Palms in Parallel, Fu was moving slowly, yet wisps of white smoke began to rise from his head

I heard from my mother that this place, originally a prominent family, fell into decline after a lawsuit, and the entire family moved away to an unknown location, leaving this vast mansion abandoned. It seems that Young Master Huangfu must be a relative of that family, which is why he is able to reside in this house

***

Then switch to reverse abdominal breathing, where the abdomen expands like a drum during exhalation and contracts towards the back during inhalation. This practice requires significant physical strength; even after just a dozen breaths, one may become breathless. He gradually began to train, persisting as long as he could; if he could not continue, he would stop and sit idly, remaining calm and unhurried. Thus, a day passed.

He feels a sense of regret, having been in this world for a month or two, yet only existing through the remnants of memories in this body and the accounts passed down by others. It is said that there are demons and monsters, but Fu has never encountered any of them!

Fu replied with a sound, but then saw a fortune teller slowly walking over while holding a cloth banner. This involuntarily stirred his thoughts, and he reflected: "Reading and teaching are not a long-term solution; in this world, the principles of the Dao are manifest. I must seek opportunities to pursue immortality and the Dao!"

Following the natural order leads to the mundane, while going against it leads to the transcendent; it is merely a matter of inversion in between! Cultivating the path of alchemy is fundamentally about one word: reversal. Only by defying the heavens can one change their fate

In this world, even practicing the simplest form of Tai Chi brings significant benefits

Madam Fu came from a wealthy family, and her knowledge and experience were certainly not comparable to those of an ordinary village woman. After giving Fu a few words of advice, she put the items away in the house and said to Fu: "Your father is doing well in business today and won't be back until the evening. It is fine for you to go to someone else's house to teach, but do not neglect your own studies!"

This body is too fragile, truly a bookworm with no strength to even bind a chicken. Even though he has been deliberately exercising since his crossing, the time has been too short, and the body cannot withstand it.

He recounted the matter, noting that at that time, scholars engaging in business were looked down upon, whereas being a teacher and educating others was considered a highly respectable profession. Upon hearing this, Mother Fu immediately broke into a smile, saying, "This is excellent; my son should devote himself to teaching his students!"

He slowly strolled back to the thatched cottage where he studied, yet he had no desire to read. He tossed the book aside and took out a mobile phone from his pocket. This object was out of place in this world, and it was the only trace he had left from another world.

***

The residence is located not far to the west of Putuo Temple, encompassing a vast courtyard, with flourishing flowers and trees that occasionally extend beyond the courtyard walls, coming into view before Fu Shuo.

He practiced reverse abdominal breathing and gradually felt some bloating in his chest. However, he understood that this was actually due to insufficient lung capacity and the fact that his chest cavity had not opened up. In his world, during the age of decline, although practitioners could not achieve any significant accomplishments, the theories had already become widely known. Fu had immersed himself in alchemical studies for over ten years; although he had not even completed the most basic foundation-building of a hundred days, he was already well aware of all the steps involved.

He shook his head, stood up decisively, walked to the door, set up a stand, and began practicing "Tai Chi". What he needed most now was aerobic exercise to gradually increase his lung capacity