A second life, An Eternal journey to Immortality

The next morning, Liu Ying woke up feeling refreshed, her body still tender but the pain from her injuries had subsided somewhat. The warmth of the blanket surrounding her provided a rare sense of comfort and security, a feeling she hadn't experienced in days. She rubbed her eyes and took a careful look around the simple room.

Her gaze settled on Jiang Cheng, who was seated cross-legged on the wooden floor, his eyes closed in deep meditation. His breathing was steady, and the way he sat made him appear as though he had melded with the surroundings, exuding an aura of tranquility and strength.

Not wanting to disturb him, Liu Ying sat quietly with her knees drawn to her chest, waiting patiently. After a few moments, Jiang Cheng's eyes fluttered open. His gaze was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath it that made Liu Ying instinctively tense.

She lowered her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Immortal Master… What should I do now?"

Upon hearing the words "Immortal Master," Jiang Cheng froze for a moment. Memories of the original owner's golden days in the city surged back—days when he was respected and revered, walking proudly through the streets, admired by ordinary people and brothels girls . Those days seemed so far away now.

After a brief pause, Jiang Cheng waved his hand awkwardly. "Don't call me Immortal Master. Just… call me Young Master."

Liu Ying looked at him with her red-rimmed eyes, a little flustered. "Yes, Young Master."

Jiang Cheng gave a slight nod of approval, his expression softening for a moment. Then, after a beat, he asked, "By the way, little girl, what's your name?"

Liu Ying hesitated, then whispered, "My name is Liu Ying, Young Master."

Jiang Cheng repeated her name, "Liu Ying... Liu Ying... That's a good name." He smiled gently at her.

The soft praise made Liu Ying's cheeks flush a light shade of red. "Thank you, Young Master."

Jiang Cheng glanced at her tattered and dirty clothes, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Are you hungry? And... what else do you need?"

Liu Ying hesitated for a moment before answering timidly, "Yes, Young Master. I'm a little hungry... and... I need some clothes... These... can't be worn anymore."

Jiang Cheng nodded. He had already noticed the poor condition of her clothing last night, but he hadn't wanted to embarrass her by mentioning it. Now that she brought it up herself, it made things easier.

He stood up, stretching his limbs after a night of meditation. "Alright. I'll handle it."

Looking at Liu Ying, who was clutching the blanket tightly around her, he added, "You stay here and rest. Don't open the door for anyone."

"Yes, Young Master," Liu Ying replied quickly.

With that, Jiang Cheng picked up his storage bag, pushed the door open, and stepped out into the bright morning light.

The town was beginning to stir, with vendors setting up their stalls and the aroma of freshly steamed buns wafting through the air. Jiang Cheng squinted slightly, adjusting to the sunlight, before heading toward the market to get food and some suitable clothes for Liu Ying.

He knew that the cultivation world was cruel. If Liu Ying was left alone again, her fate might be even worse than before. Besides... having someone to take care of small matters might not be a bad thing in the long run.

With that thought, Jiang Cheng's steps became lighter as he blended into the crowd, the gears of his next plans already turning in his mind.

...

After leaving Liu Ying at the inn, Jiang Cheng made his way to the bustling market in the mortal part of the town. He had no intention of buying anything extravagant; he simply wanted to get her some clean, practical clothes.

He approached a modest clothing shop run by an elderly woman. The shelves were filled with simple yet sturdy garments—perfect for a young girl to wear daily. Jiang Cheng selected a few sets:

A light blue cotton dress with long sleeves, modest and comfortable.

A plain white inner garment set.

A warm outer coat made from coarse wool, suitable for chilly mornings.

A pair of soft cloth shoes.

A few undergarments, though he awkwardly picked them with minimal words.

After paying with a few silver taels, Jiang Cheng left the shop carrying a small bundle of neatly wrapped clothes. He also stopped by a food stall to buy two meat buns and a bowl of warm rice porridge.

With everything in hand, he returned to the inn, ready to provide Liu Ying with the essentials she needed.

....

Back in the inn, Jiang Cheng stretched out on a nearby chair, eyes closed, enjoying a brief moment of calm.

Liu Ying looked at him cautiously as he opened his eyes. "Young Master, what should I do now?"

He raised a hand, his voice calm. "Come closer."

Liu Ying stiffened but obediently took a few steps forward, clutching the edge of her new dress nervously. As she stood before him, Jiang Cheng raised his finger and lightly pressed it to her forehead.

A surge of spiritual energy flowed from him into her, carrying with it the foundational principles of the Bloodforge Body Art.

The knowledge flooded into Liu Ying's mind—the intricacies of breathing techniques, meridian paths, and how to temper her body.

She gasped as the information overwhelmed her senses, her eyes widening, and her breathing quickening.

Jiang Cheng withdrew his hand, watching her closely.

"You'll need to practice this technique. Cultivating your body is the foundation for everything."

Liu Ying looked up, her face a mixture of awe and disbelief.

"But, Young Master… they said I'm not suitable for practicing immortality… The elders checked my spirit root. They said I'm a mortal…" Her voice trembled, the insecurities she had buried deep within resurfacing.

Jiang Cheng smiled softly, though his eyes twinkled with humor. "You don't need to worry about that. Just follow my teachings. Leave the rest to me."

He leaned back, adopting the regal posture of an ancient, enigmatic cultivator. "You will succeed. Trust me."

Liu Ying watched him, feeling a sense of calm despite her doubts. "I… I understand. I will work hard, Young Master."

Jiang Cheng nodded, though inwardly, he was amused by how well he was playing the role of a hidden expert. Hah… it feels good to be seen as someone powerful for once.

He glanced up at the sky, the sun still hanging high. He thought for a while and then decided to train this little girl himself and guide her in her practice, this way it will be much faster and the same time to pass the time since the spiritual energy here is poor

...

Days passed, and as Jiang Cheng continued to guide Liu Ying in her physical training, their dynamic slowly shifted. The tension from earlier began to fade as Liu Ying became more at ease around him. The quiet, nervous girl gradually transformed into someone more confident, her enthusiasm growing with every day of practice.

One morning after an intense training session, Liu Ying wiped the sweat from her brow and let out a playful laugh as she stretched. "Young Master, I didn't know training could be this exhausting! My muscles feel like they're on fire!"

Jiang Cheng smirked, his tone softening.

"The Bloodforge Body Art is no walk in the park, but it's the foundation of everything. You've got to toughen up."

Liu Ying tilted her head, her eyes narrowing in playful challenge.

"So it never gets easy, huh?"

Jiang Cheng chuckled, the glint in his eye becoming sharper.

"Not easy, but it gets easier. Persistence is the key. You'll get there—just keep pushing through."

Liu Ying waved a small fist in the air, determination shining in her eyes. "Don't worry, Young Master! I will work hard!"

Jiang Cheng couldn't help but laugh, the lighthearted moment breaking through his usual composed demeanor.

The sight of Liu Ying, so serious yet so endearing, melted away the weight of his usual thoughts. "You're quite the character, little girl," he said with a grin. "Trying to look all tough with that face?"

Liu Ying, realizing how she must have looked, flushed a little, and quickly dropped her fist, her expression shifting into a shy smile. "I-I'm just trying to stay motivated! A little encouragement wouldn't hurt, right?"

she mumbled, her voice soft but full of sincerity.

Jiang Cheng shook his head with a chuckle, his amusement clear. "Alright, alright. Keep up that spirit. You'll do just fine, as long as you stay focused and keep pushing forward."

Her face brightened, her earlier embarrassment melting away. "Thank you, Young Master!" she said eagerly, her eyes sparkling with renewed determination.

Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Don't thank me just yet. You still have a long way to go."

But Liu Ying only nodded with even more enthusiasm. "I know! I won't let you down!"

The playful banter became a regular part of their routine, and over the next few months, Liu Ying made rapid progress. She adapted to the physical challenges faster than Jiang Cheng expected, and soon, he found himself praising her more than he had anticipated.

Two and a half months flew by, and their time together became more comfortable, filled with laughter and companionship. Liu Ying had transformed from the shy girl who feared Jiang Cheng into someone who now felt like an equal—someone he could talk to as a friend.

Just like that time passed and the two of them practice the Bloodforge Body Art and made rapid progress Jiang Cheng Often goes to a Nearb immortal Square called Shining Lotus City a dazzling, ethereal town known for its breathtaking beauty and serenity.

Nestled within a vast valley surrounded by towering, jade-colored mountains, the Town is built around a massive, tranquil lotus lake.

The lake is said to possess healing properties, with its glowing lotus blossoms said to bloom only under the most auspicious celestial alignments.

He often goes there to purchase resource for both of them to practice the body art and for himself pills To practice even without spiritual energy

....

Finally today he called Liu Ying to him with a serious expression.

" now that you body is strong and vigirios, I will teach you the common sense of Cultivation Immortal since and about your situation and why you couldn't practice before"

Liu Ying's eyes widened slightly, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty flickering across her face. She stepped forward, instinctively feeling the importance of this moment.

"Why couldn't I practice before, Young Master?" she asked, her voice quiet but full of anticipation.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat, settling into his role as a mentor. "In the cultivation world, there are two types of humans. Those without spirit roots—mortals—can't practice immortality. They can, however, practice martial arts, which is a little difficult and incompetent road, and there are different realms they can progress through.

But then, there are those with spirit roots…"

As Jiang Cheng explained the different grades of spirit roots—low, medium, high, and heavenly-grade—Liu Ying listened intently, her eyes wide with fascination.

"Then, Young Master," she asked eagerly, "what kind of spirit root do I have?"

Jiang Cheng turned his gaze to her, his lips curling into a rare, mischievous smile. "You have a Heavenly Void Spirit Root,"

Liu Ying blinked in disbelief, her expression a mix of shock and excitement. "A Heavenly Void Spirit Root?" Her voice was almost a whisper as the words sank in. Then, her eyes lit up as realization hit.

"So, I'm a genius, right, Young Master? I could even surpass you one day! Maybe I'll beat you up when I grow up and take revenge for scaring me the first time we met!"

she said, laughing and making a playful face at him.

Jiang Cheng froze for a moment, his expression hardening into anger. "What? Surpass me?" he asked, narrowing his eyes in feigned indignation. "How dare you betray your benefactor, you little brat!"

Before she could respond, he sprang to his feet and lunged after her, his laughter mixing with hers as she darted away, trying to escape.

"Stop! You're cheating!" she cried between giggles.

Jiang Cheng caught her by the wrist and scolded her playfully. "You little brat! First you talk about surpassing me, then you beat me up "

Liu Ying, still laughing, pulled her hand free, grinning mischievously. "I'm just joking, Young Master. But if I really do surpass you, I'll make sure to take care of you when you're old and weak!"

Jiang Cheng laughed, finally giving in, though secretly pleased by her playful spirit. "Hmph, dream on! This Young Master is destined to become a Great Emperor!"

Jiang Cheng stood up looking at the sky with a light smile.

Liu Ying, impressed, stood up next to him and said, "Then I'll become the Great Emperor of the Void too."

The two of them shared a look, and both burst into laughter, the bond between them growing stronger with every passing day.