Chapter 580: Deep Winter

The autumn wind, Xu Xu, blew down patches of yellow leaves. Pang Pang Wenlong flicked his finger, and Chi He Lian, already full of pent-up frustration, flopped down and fell asleep.

"This old man has met that old ghost three times." Pang Pang Wenlong lightly flicked his sleeve, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked at Li Li Yuanzhong, whose brows were tightly furrowed: "This beast's realm is even higher than mine, yet he does not know how I cultivated back in the day."

Li Li Yuanzhong remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Senior, how exactly did you cultivate back then? I have always wanted to figure it out but have been unable to break through."

Pang Pang Wenlong smiled slightly and said slowly: "The path of cultivation changes in a thousand ways; there is no fixed method. The path I took back then is likely very different from what you imagine."

He paused, then continued: "When I was young, I pursued the supreme Gu Gu Shentong, attempting to unify Wu Lin. Later, after enduring hardships, I understood that the path of cultivation is not merely the pursuit of power, but to comprehend all things of heaven and earth, to merge with nature and exist alongside heaven and earth."

"So, Senior, your cultivation path back then was not smooth sailing," Li Li Yuanzhong asked.

Pang Pang Wenlong nodded: "Correct. I once became lost in the pursuit of power and nearly went down the wrong path. It was not until I met an old Daoist that I truly re-recognized the essence of cultivation."

"Was that old Daoist the legendary one?" A hint of surprise flashed in Li Li Yuanzhong's eyes.

"Yes, it was him." Pang Pang Wenlong smiled slightly. "Back then I was young and impetuous; I did not pay much attention to his teachings. It was not until many years later that I truly understood his intention."

"Senior, could you tell me exactly what that old Daoist taught you?" Li Li Yuanzhong asked urgently.

Pang Pang Wenlong pondered for a moment and said slowly: "He taught me to let go of obsession, to follow heaven and earth, and to merge with all things. Only in this way can one truly comprehend the mysteries of cultivation."

"Let go of obsession?" Li Li Yuanzhong furrowed his brows. "This sounds difficult to achieve."

"Yes, this is indeed not an easy thing." Pang Pang Wenlong sighed. "I also experienced countless struggles and confusions back then. But in the end, I still understood his teachings."

"Then, Senior, how do you cultivate now?" Li Li Yuanzhong asked curiously.

Pang Pang Wenlong smiled slightly: "Now, I no longer obsess over the pursuit of power. I simply go with the flow, merging with heaven, earth, and all things. This path of cultivation, though seemingly plain and ordinary, allows me to truly comprehend the essence of cultivation."

"I see." Li Li Yuanzhong nodded thoughtfully. "Senior's cultivation path is indeed very different from what I imagined. I have always been pursuing greater power but never thought to let go of obsession."

"Young man, you need not rush." Pang Pang Wenlong reached out and patted Li Li Yuanzhong's shoulder. "The path of cultivation requires time and comprehension. As long as you take one step at a time and proceed slowly, one day you will understand."

Li Li Yuanzhong fell silent for a moment.

Li Li Yuanzhong fell silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Senior, I understand your meaning. But I am truly too eager for quick success. These years I have been pursuing greater power but never thought to let go of obsession."

Pang Pang Wenlong smiled slightly and said: "Young man, you need not be too anxious. The path of cultivation requires not only power but also inner peace and insight. What you are pursuing now is only superficial power, ignoring inner cultivation."

Li Li Yuanzhong furrowed his brows and asked, somewhat confused: "Then, Senior, how do you achieve inner peace? I have been working hard at cultivation but have never been able to reach the realm you speak of."

Pang Pang Wenlong said slowly: "I also experienced your current predicament back then. It was not until I met that old Daoist that I truly understood the essence of cultivation. He taught me to let go of obsession, to follow heaven and earth, and to merge with all things. Only in this way can one truly comprehend the mysteries of cultivation."

"Let go of obsession." Li Li Yuanzhong furrowed his brows. "This sounds difficult to achieve."

Pang Pang Wenlong nodded and said: "Yes, this is indeed not an easy thing. But only by letting go of obsession can you truly comprehend the essence of cultivation. What you are pursuing now is only superficial power, ignoring inner cultivation. Such a path of cultivation will eventually lead to the wrong path."

Li Li Yuanzhong fell silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Senior, what you say makes great sense. I now realize that what I have always pursued is only the appearance of power, ignoring inner cultivation. So, can you tell me how to truly let go of obsession and merge with heaven, earth, and all things?"

Pang Pang Wenlong smiled slightly and said: "This requires you to comprehend it slowly yourself. I can only tell you to learn to observe nature and feel the pulse of heaven and earth. Only in this way can you truly understand the essence of cultivation and find your own path of cultivation."

Li Li Yuanzhong nodded, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "Alright, Senior. I will think carefully about your teachings, work hard at cultivation, and find my own path of cultivation."

Pang Pang Wenlong nodded with satisfaction and said: "Very good, young man. I believe that as long as you persist, one day you too will comprehend the mysteries of cultivation."

The two sat quietly in the courtyard, feeling the autumn wind, Xu Xu, blow down patches of yellow leaves. Li Li Yuanzhong's heart gradually calmed down, and he began to ponder Pang Pang Wenlong's teachings.

Just as the two sat quietly in the courtyard, a sound of hurried footsteps suddenly came. A young boy, panting heavily, ran over and respectfully bowed to Pang Pang Wenlong.

"Senior, there is an urgent matter to request help." The young boy said urgently.

Pang Pang Wenlong frowned slightly and asked: "What matter is so urgent?"

The young boy spoke tremblingly: "Senior, someone just reported that a fierce demon beast has appeared on Longdong Mountain and has already harmed many common people. Everyone is very afraid and hopes Senior can go to suppress it."

Hearing this, Pang Pang Wenlong's brows furrowed even deeper. He pondered for a moment and slowly spoke: "The appearance of a demon beast is indeed a major matter. However, I no longer pursue power now; I hope to merge with heaven, earth, and all things. Go find other martial arts experts; I am afraid I cannot help you."

Upon hearing this, the young boy immediately panicked, hurriedly knelt down, and begged: "Senior, please, you must go. The common people are very afraid; only you can suppress that demon beast. I beg you, please, you must go."

Seeing this, Li Li Yuanzhong could not help but speak up to persuade: "Senior, the common people indeed need your help. Perhaps you can act once again to relieve them of this danger."

Pang Pang Wenlong fell silent for a moment, finally sighed, and said: "Alright, since the common people need it so much, I will act once again. But this time, I want you to observe carefully and see how I deal with it."

Having finished speaking, he stood up, adjusted his robes, nodded to the young boy, and said: "Let's go, take me to see that demon beast."

The young boy was immediately overjoyed, hurriedly stood up, and led the way. Li Li Yuanzhong followed behind, his heart filled with curiosity and anticipation. He very much wanted to see how this Senior, who had already let go of obsession, would deal with this fierce demon beast.