Chapter 006: The Immortal Pill and the Dust of the Immortal

"Extend your hand," said the old man

Therefore, for the sake of the future, he still held back

"Daoist, am I beyond salvation?" Zhang Cheng, seeing the elder's demeanor, felt the flicker of hope in his heart extinguished once more, leaving him in a state of deep despondency

Moreover, he thought that since the other party had already discerned his physical condition, there should be a way to treat it. Furthermore, based on the plotlines he had encountered in novels before, the next thing he should say would be something like, "Come over and let me take a look."

Upon realizing that I had truly saved an immortal, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. My mind raced as I thought, "Such a wonderful opportunity must not be missed; I need to quickly devise a way for him to help me rid myself of the afflictions of illness, while also seeking to become his disciple to learn the supreme immortal arts..."

He then took out a medicine bottle from his bosom, slowly opened the cap, and immediately a fragrant aroma was released, making Zhang Cheng feel lightened in spirit

"Yes, however, before I answer your question, I have a question for you. Prior to this, has anyone ever infused you with true energy, and not just once?" asked Dan Chenzi.

"By the way, esteemed immortal, how did you get injured?" Zhang Cheng asked curiously

The Daoist truly has keen insight; I have been plagued by illness since childhood. I have consulted many doctors, all of whom said I could not be cured, and some even claimed I would not live past the age of ten. Alas..." Zhang Cheng listened to this and spoke to Dan Chenzi. Although he felt somewhat agitated inside, he refrained from mentioning the matter of seeking treatment.

After all, once one speaks up, the favor owed to the person who saved him will be used up. If he later wishes to take that person as a mentor, there will be no favor left to rely on

"Hehe, then I shall trouble you, old Daoist." The old man smiled, as if he had long anticipated Zhang Cheng's reaction, showing no particular response.

If he does not play by the rules, it will not be too late to ask him later

"Strange, truly strange." Dan Chenzi opened his eyes, retracted his hand, furrowed his brow, then looked at Zhang Cheng with a hint of curiosity before uttering these words

"Old Immortal, I am going out to find my father to save you. Your injuries are truly severe, and you must see a doctor. Rest assured, I will return immediately," Zhang Cheng said, patting the old man's hand.

However, the old man still held on tightly to himself, showing no intention of letting go. Then Zhang Cheng heard him softly say another sentence: "This young friend, there is no need to trouble yourself. Just help me sit up properly, and the rest is not something you need to worry about."

"Oh, are you saying that I still have hope, Daoist?" Zhang Cheng exclaimed, his eyes suddenly brightening with surprise as he asked Dan Chenzi.

This alone demonstrates that he is far more skilled than those so-called "famous doctors"

Then, Zhang Cheng felt a cool sensation emanating from the old man's fingertips, penetrating into his body. After circulating through his body, it returned once again to the old man's body

Thank you, young friend, for your timely assistance; the old man is immensely grateful. The elder's spirit has improved significantly compared to before, yet there remains a hint of illness in his brow, indicating that he has not fully recovered.

"May I ask if the old immortal is indeed a celestial being?" Zhang Cheng hurriedly inquired

"I will still address you as Daoist Dan, as you are my elder. It is not appropriate for me to call you by your name directly," Zhang Cheng said politely

"Hmm, yes, due to my health issues, I often fainted in the past. Therefore, my father began injecting some vital energy into my body every so often five years ago to save me. Is there something wrong with that?" Upon hearing that Dan Chenzi had so easily discerned that someone had previously infused vital energy into his body, Zhang Cheng's eyes lit up, and he felt that there was a possibility of healing for his body, which filled him with immense joy.

He had not yet decided on what method to use to save his own life and take him as his disciple. If he could stay here, he would have more time to think of a solution

"It is truly marvelous," Zhang Cheng exclaimed as he watched the scene.

The old man asked, "The goods are genuine and fairly priced, but now I am seriously injured. I wonder if the young friend could allow me to rest here for a while."

"It doesn't matter, help me up, I want to practice for a while." The old man, seeing Zhang Cheng in this state, then revealed to him the purpose of his actions.

Ah, you truly are an immortal. Although Zhang Cheng had already mentally prepared himself, he could not help but feel a surge of excitement upon receiving the elder's acknowledgment

The old man was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Zhang Cheng to ask such a question, and then replied: "If we were to use the terms from your worldly perspective, I would indeed be considered an immortal, though at present, I am merely an injured immortal"

"Do not, do not go out..." the old man said in a voice that was weak and almost inaudible

Indeed, Zhang Cheng was very pleased with this result and hurried over.

For a university student on Earth, such matters are completely beyond his comprehension, leaving him utterly astonished.

How long has it been? Such a serious injury is said to be nearly healed just like that. If one could simply sit and recover from an illness, what would be the need for doctors?

He had seen his father, Zhang Fang, practicing his skills, which also involved breathing techniques, but it did not create such a great commotion. The pulling and pushing felt as if someone were physically pushing and pulling him.

After the old man sat up, he immediately closed his eyes, placing his hands on his lower abdomen. He took a deep breath, and at that moment, Zhang Cheng could feel streams of energy being drawn into his nostrils, only to be exhaled again. With each inhalation and exhalation, a surprisingly strong force of attraction and repulsion was generated, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Oh! Upon hearing that the elder intended to cultivate, he ceased to speak further and hurriedly helped him up

After all, he was unaware of events from five years ago, but he is very clear about the happenings within these five years. He has consulted many renowned doctors in between, yet none of them have identified this point.

Then, the old man poured out a pill the size of a longan, its color a deep red, resembling one soaked in blood. He swallowed it in one gulp, sealed the bottle again, and returned it to his bosom, continuing his closed-eye meditation.

"You have sustained such a serious injury and cannot move; it is better for you to lie down." Zhang Cheng glanced at the wound on his shoulder, which was still oozing blood from the stab, and then looked at his appearance, which seemed to be on the verge of death, and could not help but shake his head.

This time, the old man practiced for a significantly shorter duration and soon opened his eyes. At this moment, his complexion had more color than before, and the wound on his shoulder was no longer bleeding

This sudden change startled Zhang Cheng, and when he looked down, he discovered that it was none other than the old immortal he had rescued.

The old man continued, "Previously, I had a conflict with someone and was injured due to their deceit..." At this point, he glanced at Zhang Cheng, paused, and said, "Forget it, let's not talk about that anymore. Also, you need not call me 'Old Immortal'; just call me by my name, which is Dan Chenzi."

Zhang Cheng nodded and obediently extended his right hand

"Hehe, come, let me take a look. I, as an old master, have some knowledge of medicine and might be able to help you," said Dan Chenzi with a smile upon hearing Zhang Cheng's words.

Moreover, even if one cannot take him as a mentor, given the life-saving grace he has shown, at the very least, it should be possible to have him save one's life as well

Just as he was lost in thought, the old man exhaled a breath of turbid air and slowly opened his eyes. After this period of breathing exercises, his complexion improved significantly

Thus, he became more certain that this old man must be an immortal

Hehe, seeing that you are not very old, you are quite knowledgeable about etiquette. Dan Chenzi, noticing Zhang Cheng's demeanor, felt pleased and looked at him a few more times. Suddenly, as if he had realized something, he frowned and said: I see that your complexion is not quite well; do you have an illness afflicting you

"Hehe, do not be nervous. I am merely stating that your situation is quite peculiar, but it has not yet reached an irretrievable state," said Dan Chenzi, noticing the hint of disappointment that flashed in Zhang Cheng's eyes.

The elder gently placed his left hand on Zhang Cheng's wrist and slowly closed his eyes

"Of course, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish." Upon hearing that the immortal wanted to stay at his home, Zhang Cheng was instantly overjoyed.