Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 5 - 5 5: Going Back! _1

5 Chapter 5: Going Back! _1 Translator: 549690339 During the subsequent days, Wang Ba refrained from extracting or accumulating Lifespan.

He awaited Old Sun's exit.

Merely after Old Sun's departure would he be able to handle affairs in the villa freely as per his desires.

Restraining his desire to employ his abilities, he occupied himself daily by carrying chicken feed, preparing fermented feed, nourishing the chickens, gathering eggs, inspecting the fowl's well-being, and tidying the chicken waste.

These chicken wastes were gathered by others too.

Roughly two taels of silver for each catty.

Daily, he scooped out numerous dozen catties.

The waste merchant who gathered the droppings frequently shouted eagerly from the villa's base at dawn.

The earnings from these chicken wastes were divided equally between him and Old Sun, yet it scarcely covered their everyday sustenance.

After all, the costs in the market soared far beyond those at the mountain's base.

In the evenings, he deeply pondered the Body Strengthening Scripture's practice within his sleeping quarters.

Though the outcomes remained subtle, he acquired deeper insights into this practice technique.

Days flowed onward steadily.

Half a month afterward.

Deacon Li showed up right on time.

Oh? Old Sun has truly nurtured a Spirit Chicken?!

Deacon Li, plump with excess, gazed at the hefty hen already enclosed in the cage, his gaze brimming with astonishment.

It's not regarding nurturing; this elder has no clue about its upbringing, perhaps it was mere chance.

Old Sun avoided claiming praise and spoke the truth.

Since Wang Ba couldn't come forth to receive acclaim, the achievement naturally fell to Old Sun.

Deacon Li showed no shock upon hearing this.

The emergence of a Spirit Chicken typically involves fortuitous events, and numerous past instances mirrored this.

Old Sun, you're overly humble; I learned you wish to descend the mountain?

Yes, this elder is aged and yearns to return to his origins.

What a shame, Old Sun. Your expertise is a priceless asset to our Ding Villa.

Following a brief effort to keep him, Deacon Li pondered briefly before suggesting, If so, shall we alter the compensation? You've devoted decades to our sect, your services vast. Moreover, this Spirit Chicken could allow you to leave the mountain bearing a deacon's rank.

Oh?! Is that possible?

Old Sun appeared stunned, his eyes sparkling with unforeseen delight.

The choice to grant a deacon's title rests with the Elders, not me, Deacon Li responded tactfully.

Old Sun, seeming touched, declared, Many thanks, Deacon Li. Descending the mountain as a Deacon would make it all worthwhile!

Wang Ba, quiet nearby, quickly passed the chicken cage to Deacon Li.

Yet as his fingers brushed the large hen, he couldn't help but feel startled.

[Target Lifespan: 57.9 years]

Huh? How come it's 57.9 years?

Wang Ba displayed a confused look.

He distinctly recalled the large hen's Lifespan was initially 19.2 years.

He had saved an additional two years of Lifespan the previous night.

Under normal circumstances, it ought to read 21.2 years.

But the number displayed was 57.9 years.

It had more than doubled!

Still, he lacked the moment to unravel this mystery.

Deacon Li had seized the chicken cage, scrutinized it closely through the bars, and nodded contentedly, joy evident on his features.

It's truly a Spirit Chicken, and its state appears excellent!

Old Sun, fear not; with this gem in possession, this affair ought to succeed largely.

Upon finishing, Deacon Li gave a few directives to Wang Ba, then departed with a flourish of his sleeve.

Wang lad, forgive me for altering this prize. You witnessed the scene earlier; I couldn't turn it down.

Old Sun wheeled around, the gratitude from his expression vanished.

Replaced by it was an air of resignation.

Per sect regulations, delivering this Spirit Chicken could waive a year's supply obligations, easing the load on Wang Ba as he assumed the role.

Yet now, Deacon Li had proactively substituted this benefit with an elevation of Old Sun's position, unrelated to the villa.

Wang Ba would continue monthly deliveries.

Nonetheless, Wang Ba harbored no resentment toward Old Sun.

In that prior moment, Old Sun truly couldn't decide on his behalf.

At present, the same riddle persisted in his thoughts.

Why had the big hen's Lifespan reached 57.9 years?

Was it due to the Lifespan he had stored within it?

Wang Ba pondered deeply.

But testing theories wasn't feasible now.

He needed to curb his urges, persisting with routine tasks like transporting chicken feed, fermenting feed, feeding the chickens, collecting eggs.

Completely exhausted.

In a flash, another half month elapsed.

At last, Deacon Li delivered the update.

As anticipated, Old Sun's rank had risen to deacon.

The day following his advancement, Old Sun, dressed in fine garments, left the mountain with his lifelong earnings.

Wang Ba escorted him to the sect gate.

He alone did so.

Old Sun, resembling a prosperous figure, chuckled, though his mirth held a trace of sorrow.

I've served the Sect for 50 years, yet only you, a youth I've just met, bid me farewell. What has my life amounted to?

Wang Ba found no words.

All paths are self-chosen; faulting others proves pointless.

Even so, he couldn't shake the chill at imagining his own lonely fade into nothingness without his golden finger.

Should I seek a companion? To mutually offer solace?

No, not yet.

Far too impoverished.

Indeed, the moment hasn't arrived.

Old Sun advanced a few paces downhill, then pivoted under Wang Ba's bewildered stare and returned.

He paused, then drew a fire starter from his bosom and thrust it into Wang Ba's grasp.

Then, head averted, he hastened down the slope.

As though dreading a reversal of intent.

Or unable to endure another instant in the site of his lifelong aspirations, which had ultimately yielded naught.

Returning to the mountain villa.

Now, save for him, the villa held only a group of Precious Chickens.

This strangely instilled a feeling of tranquility and liberty.

By instinct, he yearned to experiment on the Precious Chickens.

Yet he quelled the urge and retrieved the fire starter Old Sun had bestowed upon departing.

Fire starters were commonplace; mortals used them for igniting fires during journeys.

Typically crafted from rough paper coiled and inserted into slender bamboo cylinders.

Pre-ignited and quenched, retaining a faint glow; when required, a puff reignites the flame.

Still, Wang Ba puzzled over Old Sun's gift of a mere fire starter.

It seemed like parting with a cherished heirloom.

After reflection.

Wang Ba merely withdrew the coiled paper from the bamboo tube, snuffed the lingering ember, and spread the paper open.

Upon opening it, he instantly spotted an oddity.

Look, a sheet of gold paper is hidden here!

Wang Ba's eyes bulged; he swiftly unrolled the gold paper and studied it meticulously in the sun's rays.

To his amazement, the gold paper's face teemed with minuscule script, thin as insect legs!

A quick count suggested exceeding 40,000 characters!

This surpassed the Body Strengthening Scripture by multiples.

Narrowing his gaze, Wang Ba strained to discern the opening words.

It read: Book of Yin Gods Grand Dream!

A practice technique?

Wang Ba felt startled.

A tinge of letdown washed over him.

For all immortal sect techniques demanded a Spiritual Root generally.

Lacking one meant dismissal.

A text like the Body Strengthening Scripture was exceedingly uncommon.

Thus, Wang Ba's enthusiasm waned.

But Old Sun, a mortal too, how possessed such a technique?

Spurred by intrigue, Wang Ba persisted, peering closely and deciphering each character with effort.

This alone consumed half the day.

Upon finishing, surprise etched Wang Ba's features.

This technique requires no Spiritual Root!

Furthermore, akin to the Body Strengthening Scripture, it hinges on steadfast diligence and endurance.

Yet a major flaw plagues this method!