The Mysterious Elder

Wu Xing sat cross-legged, eyes closed tightly, holding the crystalline spirit jade that glowed with a green hue. It felt as if he were in a dream. He could sense a warm energy and memories within the jade that did not originally belong to him. The power flowed gently from his hands throughout his body, like a warm current, nourishing every inch of his bones. Even the memories seemed to fuse with him, as if they had always been his. Since he touched the ancient jade, he had felt a mysterious calling, as if a hidden force was summoning him.

Just as he was immersed in the jade's power, a deep voice suddenly echoed from in front of him: "It seems I wasn't mistaken; you truly are the one I've been waiting for."

Wu Xing opened his eyes abruptly and looked up, only to see a blurry figure slowly emerging from the shadows. In the dim light, he recognized the figure as the antique store's owner—the elderly man with snow-white hair and deep-set eyes. The old man stood before him now, his expression solemn, with an added hint of mystery in his gaze.

"You weren't supposed to be here," Wu Xing said in surprise, his mind stirring with questions. He recalled the old man's faint smile and began to realize that this person might not be as ordinary as he appeared.

The old man didn't answer directly. Instead, he smiled faintly, walking slowly to Wu Xing and letting his gaze fall upon the spirit jade in Wu Xing's hands. After a brief pause, he spoke, "This jade doesn't belong to this world. It is an ancient relic, containing immense spiritual power. Only a person of true fate can sense its energy. You've merged with it, which means you are destined."

Wu Xing looked at the jade in his hands with a puzzled expression. He had previously considered it just an antique, but hearing the old man's words, he felt a sense of reverence.

"Then, what is the origin of this jade?" Wu Xing couldn't help but ask, his voice filled with urgency.

The old man nodded slowly and replied, "This jade is called the 'Azure Profound Spirit Jade.' It was once owned by ancient cultivators, harboring the energy of heaven and earth, and serves as a key to the path of cultivation. If a person of fate can awaken the jade's power, they can glimpse the secrets of the immortal gates and begin the path of cultivation."

Wu Xing's heart surged with excitement. He had read about cultivation in novels, but now it was unfolding in front of him. He held the jade tightly, as if to confirm that what was happening was real.

Seeing Wu Xing's silence, the old man smiled faintly and continued, "Although you have obtained the jade, truly unlocking its power won't be easy." As he spoke, he gently waved his hand, and a soft humming sound seemed to fill the air. In his hand, a golden light appeared, softly dancing in his palm like a small flame. Wu Xing stared in shock, his heart pounding as he struggled to comprehend the sight before him.

"This…" he gasped.

The old man gave a calm smile, his voice distant. "Young man, everything in this world has its own laws. What you see is merely a glimpse of the immortal way. The true path of cultivation is long and difficult. My appearance today is simply to grant you an opportunity." As he finished speaking, he extended his right hand, and a gentle stream of energy flowed directly toward Wu Xing's brow. Wu Xing felt a warm current flood into him, and images suddenly appeared in his mind as if countless cultivation secrets were unfolding before him.

"This is the introductory method of cultivation, the first step I can teach you—the Breathing Technique." The old man's voice was calm but carried infinite authority. Under the guidance of his mind, Wu Xing gradually followed the method in the vision, controlling his breathing. He could feel the air circulating within him, and his breathing seemed to connect him to the world around him, bringing an unprecedented sense of clarity and ease.

"Remember, cultivation lies in the heart. The more you cling, the harder it is to grasp the truth. To truly comprehend this technique, you must learn to let go." The old man's words were gentle, his gaze filled with deep hope.

A myriad of questions surfaced in Wu Xing's mind, but when he looked up again, the old man had vanished without a trace, as if he had never been there. Only the clear, cold night remained, with the fading glow in the air.

Wu Xing stood there, feeling an indescribable sense of fullness. Gradually, he collected himself, silently recalling the breathing technique the old man had imparted. He followed the method, adjusting his breath, feeling the flow of energy within. He could hear the night breeze brushing past his ears, carrying the rhythm of nature. His heartbeat gradually steadied, and his breathing settled into an unusual rhythm. He realized that this might be an ancient cultivation technique, vastly different from the complex practices he had read about, yet somehow closer to nature.

As the night wind brushed gently, he closed his eyes, and a calmness settled within him. Mountains, rivers, and boundless landscapes seemed to appear before him, stretching out slowly as if he were standing within them, small yet connected to everything.

"So, this is the beginning of cultivation," he whispered, a sense of realization dawning on him.

When he opened his eyes again, the moonlight bathed everything around him. The scenery was unchanged, but in his eyes, it appeared entirely different. He felt a profound joy and excitement, filled with longing for the unknown and a desire for strength.

Reflecting on the old man's mysterious appearance and sudden disappearance, Wu Xing's mind brimmed with questions. Who had passed this jade and cultivation technique to him? Who was the old man, and why did he grant him such a rare opportunity?

Gently caressing the jade, Wu Xing felt its warmth and encouragement. This might just be the beginning of his path, but he knew that his life had changed forever.

Unbeknownst to him, under the bright moonlight, the elder reappeared, floating silently in the sky, looking down upon the city. Turning away, he walked off, and with each step, ripples appeared beneath him, as he grew younger with every movement. He walked towards the moon, and just before disappearing, the elder had transformed into an ageless, white-haired immortal.