Kapitel 8: Liu Yong

"I see that you have a great interest in cultivation, Your Majesty," Liu Yong observed, "I have dedicated my life to this art and I would be more than happy to share my knowledge with you."

Zenki nodded in gratitude. "As you can see, I am still at the beginning of my cultivation journey, and I have many questions that have been troubling me," he said.

Liu Yong smiled warmly. "Please feel free to ask me anything, Your Majesty. I will do my best to answer your questions."

And so, Zenki began to ask Liu Yong about cultivation. Liu Yong patiently explained the principles of Body Tempering, the importance of cultivating one's Qi, and the different levels of cultivation. Zenki listened intently, absorbing every word.

As the conversation progressed, Zenki began to feel a deep sense of enlightenment. The knowledge that Liu Yong imparted upon him seemed to unlock something within him, and he felt as if he could almost sense the energy flowing within his body. It was as if he had been given a glimpse of the immense potential that cultivation held.

"Thank you, Master Liu," Zenki said with a grateful smile, "Your teachings have been invaluable to me. I feel as though I can cultivate to become an Immediate Body Tempering in the near future."

Liu Yong nodded approvingly. "I have no doubt that you will, Your Majesty. You have a strong spirit and a keen mind, two qualities that are essential for success in cultivation."

While Liu Yong was gazing at Mengting for a while, Zenki noticed and couldn't resist asking him why he was staring at her. Zenki assumed that Liu Yong wouldn't be smitten with her.

"Your majesty, it's because she possesses the rare Primordial Physique," replied Liu Yong, "which is a unique physique believed to be passed down from ancient times. It grants the cultivator incredible strength and control over ancient powers. I was merely pondering why she hasn't begun cultivating yet."

Surprised, Zenki couldn't help but glance over at Mengting and inquire, "Why haven't you started cultivating, Mengting?"

Blushing and avoiding eye contact, Mengting replied, "But father, you said that women don't need to cultivate."

"This former body's host was indeed a male chauvinist," thought Zenki to himself.

"Disregard what I said; I was foolish back then. Would you like to begin cultivating?" Zenki asked, eager to make up for his past mistakes.

With a determined look in her eyes, Mengting replied, "Yes, Father. I want to cultivate so I can assist you with your worries in the future."

With a warm smile, Zenki turned to Liu Yong and asked if he would be willing to stay in the castle and become Mengting's master. "It would be an honor for me to have a cultivation master of Void Interpretation like you to guide my daughter on her journey," he said.

Liu Yong's face brightened at the invitation. "I would be honored to stay and guide Mengting on her path of cultivation, your Majesty," he replied.

Zenki nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent. Mengting, you will have to work hard to become a powerful cultivator under Liu Yong's guidance," he said with a gentle tone, turning towards his daughter.

"I will, father," Mengting replied with a determined look on her face.

"This is perfect," thought Zenki. "Although Liu Yong is a cultivation master, I am already too old to become his disciple. But I can still ask him for guidance from time to time."

With a smile, Zenki thanked Liu Yong for his offer and explained that he was too old to take on a master. However, he asked if it would be alright to seek his guidance on occasion.

Liu Yong nodded understandingly and replied, "Of course, your Majesty. I would be honored to offer any guidance I can to aid you in your cultivation journey."

Liu Yong looked at Zenki with a serious expression on his face. "Your Majesty, you need to understand just how rare and powerful the Primordial physique is," he said. "It is said to be inherited from the ancient times, and only a few people possess it in the world today. Those who have it are granted immense strength and the ability to control ancient powers that most cultivators can only dream of."

Zenki nodded, intrigued. "But what are the dangers?" he asked.

"The danger lies in the fact that the Primordial physique attracts a lot of attention," Liu Yong explained. "Other cultivators will see it as a threat and might try to harm the person who has it in order to gain its power for themselves. Mengting will need to be careful and stay alert at all times."

Zenki frowned. "What can we do to protect her?"

"We need to make sure that her cultivation progresses quickly so that she can defend herself," Liu Yong said. "But we also need to be discreet about her possession of the Primordial physique. We cannot let others know about it until she is strong enough to protect herself."

Zenki nodded. "I understand. What else do I need to know?"

"There is one more thing," Liu Yong said. "The Primordial physique is very powerful, but it also comes with a price. It can be very taxing on the body, and if it is not cultivated properly, it can lead to serious injury or even death. Mengting will need to work harder than most cultivators to avoid these dangers."

Zenki nodded again, now with a worried expression. "What can we do to help her?"

"We can make sure she has the best resources and guidance available," Liu Yong said. "I can be her master and guide her on the path of cultivation, and we can provide her with the best medicines and cultivation techniques. But ultimately, it will be up to her to work hard and stay focused on her goals."

Zenki smiled. "I have faith in her," he said. "And I have faith in you, Liu Yong. Thank you for your guidance."

Mengting was feeling nervous and uncertain about starting her cultivation journey, despite her excitement about possessing the rare and powerful Primordial physique. She was worried about the challenges and dangers that she might encounter, and whether she was really up to the task.

Zenki noticed her hesitation and pulled her aside for a pep talk. "Mengting, I know you're scared, but you have to believe in yourself. You have a rare and powerful gift that many people would kill for. You can't let fear hold you back from unlocking your full potential."

"But what if I'm not strong enough? What if I can't handle the dangers?" Mengting asked, her voice trembling.

Zenki put a hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes. "You are stronger than you realize, Mengting. And you won't be facing these dangers alone. You have me, your father, and Liu Yong to guide and protect you every step of the way."

Mengting took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right. I can do this. I won't let my fears stop me."

"That's the spirit," Zenki said, giving her a small smile. "Just remember to take things one step at a time. Cultivation is a long and difficult journey, but as long as you keep moving forward and giving it your all, you'll reach your goals eventually."

Mengting smiled back, feeling more confident and determined than ever. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down."

Zenki sat across from Liu Yong, his eyes fixed intently on the old man. "I need a detailed list of everything Mengting will need for her cultivation," he said.

Liu Yong nodded, "Of course, your majesty. The first thing Mengting will need is the Heavenly Lotus, a rare herb that only grows at the peak of the tallest mountain in the kingdom. It's a crucial ingredient for the Primordial physique cultivation."

Zenki nodded, "And what about pills?"

"Ah, for pills," Liu Yong continued, "Mengting will require the Silverlight pill, which enhances the absorption rate of Qi in the body. Then there's the Golden Root pill, which strengthens the body's foundation and aids in longevity."

"I see," Zenki said, scribbling down notes on a piece of paper. "What else?"

"The Immortal Grass, which provides a steady supply of Qi to the body, and the Dragon's Blood flower, which increases the power of the cultivator's techniques," Liu Yong listed off.

"Got it," Zenki said, looking at his notes. "What about any dangers Mengting might face during cultivation?"

Liu Yong's expression turned serious. "The Primordial physique is powerful, but it comes with great danger. Mengting will have to be careful not to overexert herself or her body may collapse. She'll also need to be wary of the Black-Hearted Demons, creatures that prey on cultivators with powerful physiques like hers."

Zenki nodded, his mind already racing with plans to protect Mengting from harm. "Thank you, Liu Yong. I'll make sure everything is prepared for Mengting's cultivation."

"Is there any material that might be hard to obtain for Mengting's cultivation?" Zenki asked Liu Yong.

Liu Yong pondered for a moment before answering, "There is one material that comes to mind. It is the Golden Root, a rare herb that is a key ingredient in the Golden Root Pill. This pill is known for its ability to enhance one's spiritual power and physical strength. However, it can only be made by a Grade 3 alchemist, and the Golden Root itself is incredibly difficult to find."

Zenki nodded, understanding the importance of the Golden Root Pill. "Do you know where we can find this herb?" he asked.

Liu Yong shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Your Majesty. The Golden Root is very rare and only grows in certain regions. We may need to search far and wide to find it."

"Then we shall do just that," Zenki declared. "We must do everything we can to help Mengting reach her full potential. We will find the Golden Root and any other materials she needs for her cultivation."

Liu Yong bowed his head in agreement, "I will do my best to assist you, Your Majesty."

"I should give this list to Zhang Liang and have him search for a Grade 3 Alchemist who is capable of producing the pills that Mengting needs," thought Zenki.