Chapter Four, Under the Eight Demon Gates

Luo Yushan smiled and said, "My father possesses profound skills and has comprehended techniques from the Celestial Path Star Map. He only needs to meditate and adjust his breathing for a few hours to recover, so you need not worry."

Xiao Dan said with a hint of embarrassment: "What kind of esteemed guest am I? Fortunately, the matter has been made clear. Even if the master of the Luo residence is magnanimous and does not pursue the matter, I have no face to linger in your esteemed residence any longer. I shall take my leave now and will depart from Tianlei Mountain Villa as soon as I find my godfather"

Xiao Dan was taken aback; indeed, the burning sensation of the chicken soup in his stomach gradually faded away, and a pleasantly warm current spread throughout his body, akin to the comforting feeling of soaking in a warm bath.

Little Dan nodded in confusion and suddenly exclaimed, "Could it be that Uncle Luo wants to take me to the depths of the Black Ice Pool to comprehend the Celestial Star Map?" As soon as this thought emerged, he immediately dismissed it. After all, he was just an obscure junior; how could he possibly receive special favor from Luo Niu? Moreover, both Luo Niu and his daughter had previously stated that attempting to comprehend the Star Map without sufficient cultivation would only bring harm and no benefit. The words still echoed in his ears; how could Luo Niu suddenly change his mind?

Luo Yushan smiled gently and said, "It is evident that there is a divine will in the dark, allowing you to become a distinguished guest of the Luo residence"

Because he diligently followed Luoniu's instructions, refraining from attempting to comprehend the star map and instead focusing solely on memorization, he thus avoided the danger of falling into obsession. However, despite his unwavering dedication to memorizing, as the long night came to an end, he still had not managed to memorize the entire depiction of "Endless Life".

Lost in thought, Luo Niu had already brought him to the front of the Black Ice Pool. The water splashed with a "whoosh," and the enormous head of the Water Spirit Magic Tiger emerged, lowly roaring at Luo Niu as if greeting him

Luo Niu smiled reassuringly and said: "It’s alright, you should know that I am also quite foolish. However, as long as you work hard and remain persistent, you can succeed in whatever you do. By the way, how much have you remembered after staying up half the night?"

Luo Niu instructed, "Xiao Dan, relax your entire body and do not exert any force; we are about to descend into the pool." He gently wrapped his arms around Xiao Dan's waist, his figure swaying slightly as they slowly sank into the dark icy pool

Xiao Dan thought that Luo Niu was willing to harm his own true essence to help him heal. It would indeed be unreasonable to leave without even saying a word. He then replied, "Alright, please inform me when the Lord of the Luo Manor has finished his cultivation."

The Water Spirit Tiger let out a dismissive "Aow" and gradually sank into the pond, continuing its serene autumn dream

Seeing that Xiao Dan had changed his attire, Luo Niu asked in confusion, "What, didn't they send your clean clothes over?"

I see. Luo Yushan nodded sympathetically and said, "Then why didn't you directly come to my father to explain the truth?"

Upon seeing this, Luo Niu feared that Xiao Dan's mental energy had been excessively depleted. He coughed twice to wake him up and said with a smile: "Let's call it a night here. You should go back and get a good night's sleep, and we will return after dark."

Suddenly, an unspoken sadness and nostalgia surged in his eyes as he murmured: "Xiao Dan, today I will pass the Heavenly Path Star Map to you, and I also hope that in the future, you can use this eight-character principle as the foundation for your life, so that Uncle Luo's efforts today will not be in vain"

Luo Niu smiled and said: "Demon Lord, I have brought this young friend to visit you again. Thank you for your leniency towards my companion and the books last time."

Xiao Dan's face turned red, and fortunately, under the dim light of the candle, others found it hard to notice. He said, "I made an appointment with my godfather to meet at the lakeside outside Tianlei Villa on the ninth day of the second month. I arrived two days early but have not seen him. That night, feeling sleepy, I simply lay down and fell asleep right there. I didn't expect it to snow during the night and get buried, and then you and Xiao Hu came to rescue me back to the mansion."

Luo Yushan fell into deep thought and after a long while said: "Could you wait until my father comes out of the quiet room before you bid him farewell in person? Otherwise, when he turns around and finds you gone, he will surely scold my younger sister."

Although he had a vague premonition, Xiao Dan could not help but think that he had misheard, and he exclaimed, "What?"

Little Dan felt warmth in his throat, unable to utter a single word, only able to nod vigorously. He listened as Luo Niu continued, "Once your godfather arrives, we will set off to pay a visit to the Divine Farmer Physician, asking him to find a way to treat you. Even if he cannot completely cure you, with his skills, your condition will surely be greatly alleviated. With our combined efforts, we will surely find a way to cure this strange ailment, so do not worry."

Only because the location of the second volume of "The Way of Heaven" is a forbidden area of the Holy Teachings, no one can enter except for the protective elders of the Holy Altar and the current leader. Therefore, I dared to take the liberty of creating a copy at this moment, so that it may be preserved for those destined to promote this star map and benefit all living beings in the world

Little Egg shook his head and said: "Although my godfather can be considered a prominent figure in the Heavenly Land Demon Path, he is still far inferior compared to your esteemed father. Moreover, we are complete strangers, and the second volume of 'Tao of Heaven' is a treasure of the Immortal Forest; who would easily lend it out? After much contemplation, I could only resort to this desperate measure, which is truly unavoidable"

Little Dan let out a sigh of relief, shook his head, and said bashfully: "I am truly sorry, Uncle Luo, I am just too foolish."

He reached out cautiously to touch the star map and said with a wry smile, "I have long noticed your peculiar condition, so I have been keeping watch outside your room every night just in case. I am not sure whether the second volume of 'The Way of Heaven' can cure your stubborn ailment, but having thought it over, there seems to be no other way, so I might as well give it a try"

"Upright and just, without shame before heaven and earth!" These eight words were spoken by Luo Niu with a resounding clarity, echoing in Xiao Dan's ears like a series of thunderous roars. For the first time, he felt the immense weight contained within these eight words, and a surge of lofty ambition suddenly welled up from his heart. He realized that every word and phrase spoken by Uncle Jue Luo resonated deeply within him, far more invigorating than the clichéd "ancient sayings and wise teachings" of his godfather.

Little Dan was firmly held by the powerful hand of Luo Niu, and he involuntarily followed him out of the Luo residence. After walking for a while, they unexpectedly arrived in front of the Ancestor Tower.

He gazed at the enchanting and innocent face of Luo Yushan, illuminated by the candlelight, and hesitantly asked: "Lord Luo... is your father alright?"

Little Egg smiled apologetically and said, "I divided this star map into thirty-six sections for easier memorization, and each section has been given a name based on its general shape." He pointed to a section in the upper left corner of the star map and continued, "Uncle Luo, do you see those eighty-one stars connected together resembling a horse with its front hooves raised, but only one hind leg on the ground? That's why I named it 'Three-Legged Horse.' Just thinking of this name naturally brings its image to mind."

Luo Yushan curiously asked, "I wonder who your godfather is among the heroes of the demonic path. Could you tell me?"

Xiao Dan did not understand why Luo Niu would speak to him about these matters, but from his calm tone, there emerged an undeniable sincerity and sentiment, making it impossible to doubt his magnanimity.

Luo Niu observed him bowing his head in deep thought, clearly contemplating his words seriously. He couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, gently patting Xiao Dan on the shoulder and saying: "Xiao Dan, make sure to take your time to memorize the star charts. Avoid being impatient or overly ambitious; remember that the esteemed founder of the sacred teachings spent a full sixteen days to comprehend this 'endless cycle of life.' However, for us, we only need to memorize these star charts for now, and perhaps it won't take that long."

Luo Niu smiled and replied: "Perhaps you have also heard that I was originally an orphan, fortunate enough to be taken in by my esteemed master, Dan Yan Zhen Ren, who raised me to adulthood. He treated me as his own, even sacrificing his life to protect me. However, he never demanded anything extravagant from us disciples; he only repeatedly taught us the eight-character principle of conduct: 'Upright and proper, without shame before heaven and earth.' For many years, I have told myself that as long as I adhere to this eight-character teaching, it would be the best way to repay my master."

Luo Yushan said: "Is it such a crime to merely wish to see the Celestial Star Map? Over the years, there have been no fewer than eighty people who have come to my father seeking to borrow the map for a glance. Although many of them were unable to fulfill their wishes due to improper intentions or insufficient cultivation, my father has never forcibly retained any of them! That night, when Mr. Duan led his disciples to forcibly invade the Thunder Mountain Villa, was he not also let go by my father? Fortunately, no lives were lost last night; otherwise, how would your adoptive father have us explain?"

Xiao Dan escorted Luo Yushan out of the room, then returned to the table and sat down, staring blankly at the flickering flame of the red candle. Unknowingly, his eyelids began to droop, and he was about to fall asleep. After a long while, the sound of the night watchman’s bell came from outside, and he suddenly awoke, standing up to start packing his belongings.

It was also not evident how Luo Niu was able to protect himself with luck, as an invisible barrier seemed to materialize around him and Xiao Dan, firmly blocking the water of the pool. Neither of them had their clothes or hair dampened in the slightest, nor could they feel the chill of the water.

Xiao Dan raised his eyes to look at Luo Niu, but did not respond. Having spent more than ten days together, Luo Niu was already familiar with Xiao Dan's taciturn nature, so he did not take it to heart. He reached out and gently held Xiao Dan's right hand, saying: "Come, let's go with Uncle Luo"

Although Xiao Dan is young, he possesses an innate ability to remain calm and focused. He has been diligently memorizing the star map for two to three hours without moving an inch. However, he unconsciously feels his eyelids beginning to droop intermittently, as if he is on the verge of falling asleep

Little Dan was moved and could not help but say: "I have taken refuge with your esteemed father while harboring malicious intentions to spy on your family's treasured Volume II of 'The Way of Heaven.' Why, instead of imprisoning and executing me as a warning to others, are you treating me so kindly?"

In fact, when he entered the Luo residence, he had nothing with him. Now, all he needed to do was to neatly fold the set of clothes gifted by Luo Niu and place them on the bed, and then change back into the outfit he had originally been wearing

However, the true essence of the immortal family is different from ordinary true energy. Once depleted, even a master like Luo Niu would need at least two to three months to fully recover. Luo Yushan could not hide this fact from Xiao Dan; her words were merely intended to provide comfort, so that he would not feel even more guilty upon learning the truth.

It is no wonder, after all, that Nong Baicao is known as the foremost divine physician of Tianlu and was also one of the top ten masters recognized at the Penglai Immortal Assembly over 140 years ago. Even his granddaughter, the "Saint of Medicine Fairy" Nong Bingyi, can only be considered a peer of Luo Niuping. How could the prescriptions formulated by this esteemed elder possibly be wrong

Xiao Dan hesitated for a moment and replied: "He is Chang Yanwu, the 'Divine Machine' among the Eight Ghosts of Beihai"

At this point, Luo Niu sighed and said: "It is a pity that although I have tried my best to preserve the original essence of the image, due to my limited abilities and qualifications, I have ultimately only captured about fifty to sixty percent of its true meaning. Moreover, the dangers triggered during the cultivation process have actually increased significantly."

Sixteen days? Little Egg secretly clicked his tongue, organizing his thoughts and concentrating his attention on the first star chart. He knew that Luo Niu had gone to great lengths to replicate these star charts in the Black Ice Pool, employing various unimaginable methods to preserve the essence of the original images. He was completely oblivious to the true meaning within the charts; even if he were to replicate them from memory later, they would likely lose all their charm, resembling nothing more than a pile of waste paper. Only by thoroughly mastering the star charts without any errors and later reflecting on them in detail would he have a chance of success. He was completely oblivious to the true meaning within the charts; even if he were to replicate them from memory later, they would likely lose all their charm, resembling nothing more than a pile of waste paper. Only by thoroughly mastering the star charts without any errors and later reflecting on them in detail would he have a chance of success.

Little Dan responded, "Uncle Luo, please come in." Upon opening the door, he saw Luo Niu standing in front of him, his face slightly weary.

However, there are more than 1,000 stars carved on the artwork "Endless Vitality"; how easy is it to remember them all? Moreover, the shapes of these stars are not entirely identical, and their positions and relationships are exceedingly intricate and unpredictable. It is an extremely challenging task for anyone to memorize them completely.

Seeing Xiao Dan involuntarily frown, Luo Yushan smiled slightly and said: "Do you feel a bit of a burn in your throat? My father said he specifically followed an old prescription from Farmer Bai Cao, adding over a dozen herbs used for invigorating blood and replenishing energy into the chicken soup, which was simmered for a full six hours to prepare."

Just as everything was tidied up, a deep and gentle voice from outside the door asked, "Xiao Dan, may I come in?"

He suddenly realized and thought: "Why is it that the words of my godfather, who has repeatedly and patiently taught me, do not resonate with me? Yet, a simple statement from Uncle Luo, whom I barely know, profoundly impacts me? Perhaps it is precisely because I believe he truly acts according to these eight words that I find it so convincing. This shows that to truly understand a person, it is not about how much they boast with their words, but rather about how they actually conduct themselves."

He did not understand why he suddenly felt the need to explain to Luo Yushan the reason for peeping at the Heavenly Dao Star Map, but once the words were spoken, he felt a significant sense of relief. He slowly said: "Every time I fall asleep, the true energy within me begins to circulate automatically, just like an ordinary person meditating and cultivating. However, I am completely unable to control it, nor do I know what kind of skill this is"

Taking the soup bowl, she continued, "Father noticed that your internal injuries were quite severe and your blood was stagnant, so he used the technique of 'Ying Xu Ru Yi' to help you regulate your meridians and circulate your blood. He only returned to the quiet room to meditate and rest around noon. I believe you will soon regain consciousness."

Luo Niu suddenly realized and said: "Yushan has already told me about your situation. Xiaodan, you can leave, but Uncle Luo won't keep you against your will. However, could you accompany me to a place first?"

Since childhood, Xiao Dan has wandered the world with his godfather, witnessing the harsh realities of life and the coldness of human nature. He has also become accustomed to the ruthless deceit among his godfather and his fellow disciples. However, at this moment, facing the smiling Luo Yushan, he feels as if they are living in two entirely different worlds. Any hint of filth would be a desecration and tarnishing of Luo Yushan's pure and almost flawless soul

As for this thought, it seems to be a criticism of his godfather for being somewhat "two-faced," yet Xiaodan remains unaware of it

I... actually just hope to find a way to cure the strange illness on my body from the second volume of "The Way of Heaven," and I have no other thoughts.

Xiao Dan calmly said: "I don't know either. There is always a way out in difficult times, there will always be a solution."

He was filled with doubts but did not voice them, silently following Luo Niu into the ancestral hall on the lower level of the Nianzu Tower. Luo Niu released the small egg, activated the secret passage mechanism, and turned back to say: "Now you should know where we are going, right?"

Entering the cavern at the bottom of the pool, Luo Niu released the solid and heavy body of Xiao Dan and strode forward, speaking in a deep voice: "Come on!"

He quietly glanced at Luo Yushan and found her listening attentively and seriously, with not a trace of doubt or mockery in her expression. With a bitter smile, he said, "Originally, this is nothing, but unfortunately, every year and a half, I fall into a frenzy once, not only causing a significant regression in my skills but also suffering serious internal injuries that require months of rest to recover"

No, Little Egg avoided Uncle Luo's gaze and lowered his head, saying: "Uncle Luo, I am leaving. Thank you for your care during these days, and I hope there will be an opportunity to repay you in the future"

Xiao Dan recalled the celestial star map he had seen last night, which included a depiction titled "Ying Xu Ru Yi." Unexpectedly, it had such remarkable effects. However, even with Luo Niu's unparalleled cultivation, after healing his injuries, he had to retreat into a quiet room to recuperate, which further indicated that the depletion of his true essence was indeed significant

Little Egg said softly: "Uncle Luo, we are not related by blood, so why do you care about me like this?"

Luo Niushun looked for a long time in the direction pointed by his finger but could not discern where the star map depicted a horse missing a hind leg. However, it was an undeniable fact that Xiaodan had forgotten everything. He patted Xiaodan reassuringly and said, "It's alright, let's take our time."

"Certainly, but you must not leave secretly before that." Luo Yushan stood up and said, "I will go to the quiet room now; you should rest for a while first"

Little Dan's heart surged with emotions, momentarily forgetting his purpose, which was precisely to obtain these twelve celestial maps. He stammered, "How can this be related to the *map* and *book*?"

Little Dan walked cautiously to the end of the stone cave, where Luo Niu stood still, his hands clasped behind his waist as he gazed up at the star map on the wall. He slowly said: "These are twelve copies of the lower volume of 'Tian Dao' that I brought back from the Holy Teachings' underground palace fifteen years ago. Back then, you, Uncle Luo, made copies of them here, thinking that the extraordinary illustrations of 'Tian Dao' are treasures from heaven. How could I, Luo Niu, ever have the fortune to comprehend them, and how could I treat them as my own possessions?"

Luo Niu, hearing the phrase "a monk of two zhang cannot grasp his own head," asked in astonishment: "What is 'three-hoofed horse' and 'cuddling cat'?"

Little Egg murmured: "I don't really know how much I've remembered in the end. At first, I managed to remember 'Three-legged Horse' with great difficulty, but after I memorized 'Cuddling Cat', I turned around and almost forgot it. By the time I fully remembered 'General's Belly', I had forgotten 'Cuddling Cat' again."

At first, my cultivation was still shallow, and my godfather could protect me. However, in the past two years, as my power has gradually increased, whenever I have an episode, even my godfather is at a loss. In order to help me with my illness, he has taken me all over the world, but the results have been minimal. It was only as a last resort that he thought of the second volume of "Tao of Heaven" collected in your esteemed residence, and thus brought me here to give it a try.

Luo Yushan softly exclaimed, "So it's him! No wonder you were able to stealthily infiltrate the Black Ice Snow Prison last night without anyone noticing, leaving Uncle Gu and Uncle Liao greatly impressed by your skills."

Luo Yushan inquired with concern, "Then what should be done about the strange illness within you?"

His mind was filled with a sky full of stars, and he almost saw golden stars in his eyes. He could not help but yawn one after another, as a strange drowsiness, akin to a parasite, surged over him once again

Luo Niu smiled slightly and said, "Little Dan, the greatest characteristic of the Celestial Path Star Map is that it must be comprehended entirely through one's own celestial heart. With your current cultivation, it is still quite difficult to achieve this. Therefore, for now, you should focus on memorizing the twelve star maps, and you must not overlook any details. Uncle Luo will be by your side to protect you, so you need not worry about safety."

There is nothing that cannot be done. Luo Niudao said, "However, you must not rely on your strength to cultivate. In the future, as your cultivation and celestial heart gradually progress, there will naturally come a day of sudden enlightenment and effortless achievement. Until then, you must exercise patience and restraint, lest a moment of carelessness lead to endless harm, which is not the intention behind my teaching you the Celestial Path Star Map."

Luo Yushan nodded and said, "My father returned from a banquet last night and discovered you were not in the room. After searching for a while, Xiao Hu finally mentioned that he had previously talked to you about the Black Ice Snow Prison. My father and Uncle Gu immediately rushed over and rescued you from the stone cave. Because of this, Xiao Hu received a beating; had it not been for my mother protecting him, he would likely have been unable to sit today."

Xiao Dan secretly felt a pang of shame, finishing the chicken soup in a few gulps and breaking into a sweat, feeling much more at ease within. He put down the bowl and asked, "Where is the master of the Luo residence? Was it he who saved me?"

Luo Yushan continued to explain: "Father said that your cultivation is still insufficient, yet you forcibly attempted to comprehend the Celestial Path Star Map, akin to forcibly pouring the waters of a river into a small stream. Fortunately, a few days ago, the internal injury in your chest relapsed, causing you to faint ahead of time. Otherwise, the consequences of continuing to cultivate would be unimaginable"