Immortality: My cultivation Has No Bottleneck Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Health Cultivation Method, Longevity Skill

Jinzhou City, the Ancestral Hall of the Liang Family.

A hushed silence permeated the courtyard at this moment. After all, Liang Sheng was still the eldest son of the Liang Family, and not someone who could be easily disgraced.

The individual who had spoken carelessly realized their misstep and remained quiet. The courtyard fell back into a tranquil state.

Liang Sheng himself displayed no outward emotion, but inwardly, a bitter smile played on his lips, devoid of anger. The others, after all, were not entirely wrong in their assessment.

He was seen as an untalented fool with a sluggish cultivation speed, a mere waste in their eyes. His only aspiration was to live a sheltered life of comfort and ease in this world.

Just then, a distinct creaking sound echoed through the air.

The doors of the Ancestral Hall began to swing open slowly.

Leading the procession was the current Patriarch of the Liang Family, Liang Ping, none other than Liang Sheng’s biological father. Liang Ping’s face was impassive, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

Although Liang Sheng had braced himself, a tremor of unease ran through him as the predetermined fate for him was about to be finalized.

“Sheng’er…”

Liang Sheng promptly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and lifted his gaze to meet Liang Ping’s, awaiting the final decree regarding his future.

Following behind Liang Ping were the prominent figures within the Liang Family, the esteemed clan elders who oversaw its affairs. Their expressions were stern, their thoughts unreadable.

At this juncture, Liang Ping’s voice resonated once more, causing Liang Sheng’s heart to quicken its pace. The outcome of his arrangement would be made known imminently.

“Today marks your becoming an adult. Henceforth, you will apprentice under your Second Uncle and learn the ropes of managing the family’s tavern ventures.”

Upon hearing these words, the younger generation of the Liang Family stirred, their eyes momentarily flashing with interest before quickly lowering their gazes, the embers of ambition rekindled within them.

With the eldest son, Liang Sheng, officially removed from the line of succession for the Patriarch position, any one of them now possessed a viable path to claim that esteemed role.

Their fists tightened involuntarily.

“Sheng’er accepts Father’s arrangement.”

For reasons he couldn’t quite articulate, Liang Sheng felt a sense of calming relief wash over him upon hearing his designated path. Perhaps, this was indeed the most fitting outcome for him.

While overseeing the Liang Family’s external tavern operations might not be the most prestigious role for the primary heir, it still represented a significant position within Jinzhou City, guaranteeing a life free from the burdens of sustenance and shelter.

Observing Liang Sheng’s composed reaction, Liang Ping couldn’t help but cast a more discerning look upon his seemingly inept son. He was surprised by the apparent maturity displayed. What a pity…

As the Patriarch, he had invested considerable resources into his son’s upbringing during his formative years, yet Liang Sheng exhibited a profound lack of aptitude for cultivation. Even an ordinary individual would have attained the Postnatal Second Realm by now.

However, this outcome was not entirely unfavorable. Assigning him to manage the outer sect taverns could be seen as a final act of paternal consideration.

Turning to his brother, the current manager of the outer sect affairs, Liang Qiang, Liang Ping declared, “Second Brother, I entrust Liang Sheng’s tutelage to you from this point forward.”

“Patriarch, rest assured. I shall mentor Sheng’er diligently and ensure a seamless handover of the tavern’s operations.”

Liang Ping offered a nod and, without further words, proceeded toward the Ancestral Hall’s exit, his attendant elders following in his wake.

Before departing, Liang Qiang gave Liang Sheng a distinct wave, signaling him to visit at his convenience, at which point the tavern’s affairs would be passed on.

Once Liang Ping and the elders had departed, the younger members of the Liang Family in the courtyard exhaled in unison. Glancing at one another, their underlying ambitions were once again concealed.

“Eldest Brother, when I visit the tavern for a drink in the future, you must look after your little brother!”

This seemingly casual remark cracked open the floodgates, and instantly, smiles adorned the faces of the young generation from various branches as they regarded Liang Sheng.

After all, with a “brother” who was no longer a contender for the Patriarchate and whose father held the position, it was logical to maintain amicable relations, even if not building deep ones.

Certainly, the smiles they offered at that moment were merely superficial; the sincerity behind them remained an unknown quantity.

Liang Sheng reciprocated with a smile of his own, adopting a demeanor of profound humility that left the younger Liang family members somewhat unsettled.

The Liang Sheng of the past had always been distant, but it now appeared he had genuinely come to terms with his reality and relinquished his former obsessions.

If they found themselves demoted from the Liang Family’s esteemed eldest son to a mere nobody, could they truly remain so composed?

He possessed a certain presence, if only his aptitude for cultivation hadn't been so lacking.

For a brief period, the courtyard’s atmosphere softened considerably. Liang Sheng even extended several assurances, pledging his brothers' unwavering support once he officially assumed control of the tavern.

That very afternoon.

Liang Sheng sought out Liang Qiang, and together they visited Shengde Building, one of Jinzhou City's most opulent taverns and a property of the Liang family, allowing Liang Sheng to make his presence known.

Liang Qiang was initially taken aback, not anticipating Liang Sheng approaching him so swiftly. However, following the afternoon's proceedings, his respect for Liang Sheng grew substantially.

Liang Sheng handled matters competently; he first conferred with the tavern manager, bestowed rewards upon the staff, yet simultaneously introduced new regulations, skillfully balancing leniency with authority.

After enduring such dramatic shifts, he could adapt to his altered circumstances with such remarkable speed, solidifying his status as a formidable individual, though it was a profound misfortune that his cultivation talent was so meager. How could he possibly navigate these challenges?

Liang Qiang couldn't help but reflect on his own situation, a wry smile touching his lips; in reality, he wasn't so different. What right did he have to harbor pity for Liang Sheng?

At this juncture, sharing a similar sentiment, he felt a deeper warmth blossom towards his nephew, Liang Sheng. In this martial world where human connections often felt cold and indifferent, such warmth was all the more exceptionally valued.

Liang Sheng perceived the shift in Liang Qiang's demeanor. Though the specific reasons eluded him, the outcome was undeniably positive, a development he could hardly refuse.

Consequently, the bond between uncle and nephew deepened further, fostering an even more amiable connection.

...

Night fell.

Liang Sheng sat cross-legged on a cushion, eventually opening his eyes with a look of resigned helplessness.

As expected of someone still developing, the pace of cultivation was agonizingly slow. Despite diligently practicing the Golden Dragon Technique and completing the Grand Circulation that night, the progress was virtually imperceptible.

Upon verifying through his status panel that his cultivation advancement was negligible, he resigned himself to his fate, despite his deep reluctance.

In this world, every cultivation technique, regardless of its nature, dictates a specific number of cycles required for each stage. The previous occupant of this body, in a desperate attempt, had pushed the Qi circulation beyond its permissible limits, resulting in death due to a cultivation deviation.

Liang Sheng, wisdom gained from this harsh lesson, refused to risk forcing the circulation. However, he was disinclined to let the long night pass idly. Thus, he commenced practicing the Longevity Skill, a Health Cultivation Method he had recently acquired.

Health Cultivation Methods are abundant in this world, yet they are not considered primary paths of cultivation, as martial prowess reigns supreme.

What purpose would a prolonged existence serve for a cultivator who lacked strength? Furthermore, these health-focused methods possess inherent limitations; unless the perfect realm is attained, the actual extension of lifespan remains uncertain.

Consequently, while health cultivation techniques are generally the most straightforward and least demanding to practice, each breakthrough still presents a hurdle to overcome.

An individual dedicating significant time to practicing health cultivation methods might find their gains minimal in this martial world, where augmenting one's strength is the paramount objective.

Moreover, which cultivator in the nascent stages of their journey would opt for such a commonplace and unremarkable health cultivation method?

It is likely only ancient recluses, nearing the twilight of their lives, would turn to health cultivation when their martial path has already reached an impasse.

To eke out even a few more years of existence would be considered a valuable gain...