Cultivating Immortality Through a Hundred Lifetimes: I Possess the Heavenly Book of Merit

And so, Yu Yan and Zhou Yan were pulled into the gate by Lin Shi.

The moment Yu Yan stepped across the threshold, he felt as if he had passed through an invisible barrier. After passing through, the concentration of spiritual energy around him suddenly increased significantly.

There was indeed a formation.

This small courtyard in the woods may appear to be just an ordinary courtyard, but in reality, it is full of restrictions. That door we just saw, which seemed to be just an ordinary wooden door, probably conceals countless mechanisms.

Yu Yan was secretly on guard, but remained outwardly calm, letting Lin Shi pull him inside.

Lin Shi walked ahead at a leisurely pace, enthusiastically introducing the scenery in the courtyard as she went.

"Please look, you two. This bamboo grove was planted by me over thirty years ago. The bamboo is spiritual bamboo, absorbing spiritual energy every day, and emitting a faint bluish light at night, which is quite beautiful."

"That pond over there raises red-tailed koi, second-tier spirit fish. Their flesh is delicious and makes a very nourishing soup. I'll have someone catch a couple later so you two can have a taste."

He spoke fluently and warmly, as if he were entertaining an old friend he hadn't seen for many years.

After walking for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, we finally arrived at a small building.

The small building is not tall, only two stories high, and is entirely constructed of green bamboo. Its simple style is quite different from the exquisite pavilions I had seen outside. A cluster of orchids grows in front of the building, and the flowers are in full bloom, emitting a delicate fragrance.

"We're here." Lin Shi stopped, turned around, and smiled at the two of them.

"This is where I usually entertain guests. It's a bit simple, please don't mind."

After saying that, he pushed open the door and gestured for him to enter.

Yu Yan and Zhou Yan exchanged a glance and stepped across the threshold.

The interior was simply furnished with a bamboo couch, a bamboo table, and a few bamboo chairs. A calligraphy scroll hung on the wall, bearing the character "静" (quiet), written with vigorous strokes that faintly sounded like metal or stone.

Lin Shi gestured for the two to sit on the bamboo chairs, then clapped his hands.

A moment later, a maid came in carrying a tea tray.

The maid, dressed in blue, with delicate features and light steps, walked to the bamboo table, arranged the teapot and teacups one by one, and then bowed and withdrew.

Lin Shi personally poured tea for the two of them.

The tea soup is clear, with a light emerald green color, and has a delicate aroma with a hint of bamboo leaf fragrance.

As the tea was poured into the cup, a thin layer of mist condensed on the cup's surface, with a faint, shimmering light within the mist.

"Please, both of you." Lin Shi picked up his teacup and gestured to the two men.

Zhou Yan picked up the teacup and took a small sip.

The tea soup was initially refreshingly cool, then transformed into a warm, soothing current that slid down the throat and into the stomach. This warm current spread throughout the body, spontaneously circulating and guiding the flow of spiritual energy within.

Zhou Yan felt refreshed and invigorated.

"Excellent tea!" he couldn't help but exclaim.

Yu Yan also picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

The aroma of the tea lingered on my lips and teeth; it was truly an extraordinary product.

What surprised him even more was that the tea actually enhanced his spiritual power after he drank it.

Moreover, it wasn't a one-time event; it didn't dissipate immediately but instead slowly evaporated.

He slightly raised his eyes and looked at Lin Shi.

Lin Shi was holding a teacup, smiling at them. Seeing Yu Yan's surprised expression, his smile widened even more.

Then he turned his head and looked at Zhou Yan beside him.

Zhou Yan had his eyes closed and his face was calm. The spiritual tea seemed to have no effect on him.

Lin Shi looked at Zhou Yan's reaction, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

After a moment, he put down his teacup and slowly began to speak:

"It seems this gentleman has had tea at the Forest Courtyard before."

Zhou Yan opened his eyes and was stunned for a moment.

Lin Shi continued, "This Jade Bamboo Tea only increases spiritual power the first time you drink it. The second time you drink it, it only has the effects of clearing the mind and brightening the eyes, and refreshing the mind."

He paused, his gaze lingering on Zhou Yan's face for a moment, then turned to Yu Yan, his smile deepening.

"I suppose this is the gentleman who took on the task that my brother mentioned earlier?"

elder brother?

Yu Yan's heart stirred.

Lin Shi's older brother... isn't that Lin Jiu?

Is this young master Lin Shi Lin Jiu's younger brother?

Why didn't Lin Jiu come in person?

What if Lin Shi has other plans?

Moreover, Lin Shi's words just now were clearly a test.

He said "the thing my brother mentioned before," but didn't say what it was. If Zhou Yan answered now and admitted that he had accepted the mission, it would be tantamount to exposing his identity and giving Lin Shi something to talk about.

Yu Yan looked at Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan also sensed that something was wrong.

Although he has a carefree personality, he has spent many years struggling at the bottom of society and has developed a knack for reading people. If he were to speak rashly at this moment, it might cause some trouble.

He looked at Yu Yan, asking with his eyes.

Yu Yan shook his head slightly, signaling him not to speak.

Then Yu Yan turned his head and looked at Lin Shi, slightly puzzled.

"Young Master Lin Shi,"

"I don't know what you mean by 'that matter'? We're new here and just looking for someone; we don't know anything about the mission."

Lin Shi raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Is that so?"

His voice rose in pitch, but the smile on his face remained.

"What a coincidence! I feel an instant connection with you two. It's fate that we met. Why don't you stay in my little courtyard for a while and tell me your purpose for coming to the third floor? I'll help you find it."

Yu Yan cupped his hands in greeting.

"We appreciate your kind offer, but we have limited spirit stones and only one day, so we won't bother you any longer."

"Hahaha, it's just a mere purple-gold token." He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and

"I will find two pieces for you two fellow Daoists."

He put down his teacup and continued, "In this way, it will not only make things easier for you, but also allow me to fulfill my duty as a host and entertain you both."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two faces. "Since you two have come to my woods courtyard, you should at least tell me who you're looking for. Otherwise, how can I pass on your message?"

Zhou Yan opened his mouth, about to speak, but Yu Yan spoke first.

"Young Master Lin Shi," he stared intently at Lin Shi, trying to glean something from his expression, "we've come to see Young Master Lin Jiu."

This can't be kept secret.

Since Lin Shi knew about "that matter," it means he was aware of Lin Jiu's movements.

Instead of trying to hide it, it's better to just say it directly.

See how the other party reacts.

Lin Shi's smile remained unchanged upon hearing the name "Lin Jiu".

"Looking for my brother?" He nodded. "Why didn't you two say so sooner? My brother happens to be home recently, but..."

He changed the subject, a troubled look on his face, "My brother hasn't been feeling well lately and has been resting. The doctor said he can't receive guests, so as not to disturb his rest."

Are you unwell?

Yu Yan and Zhou Yan exchanged a glance.

Cultivators in the Qi Refining stage don't get sick so easily.

What kind of illness is so serious?

Yu Yan's mind raced, but his face remained impassive.

"Then..." he asked tentatively, "when will Young Master Lin Jiu be able to receive guests?"

Lin Shi shook his head: "I can't say for sure. The doctor said it depends on how well my brother recovers. If he recovers quickly, it will take three to five days; if he recovers slowly, it could take ten days to half a month."

He paused, then smiled at the two of them: "Since you two are here, why don't you stay in my courtyard? My place is simple, but I do have guest rooms. The spiritual energy here is also denser than outside, which is perfect for cultivation."

As he spoke, he looked at Zhou Yan and said, "Brother, you just drank the Jade Bamboo Tea, which is a good time for you to refine it. If you can calm down and cultivate for a few days, you might be able to make a breakthrough."

Yu Yan did indeed feel the changes within his body. The spiritual energy of the Green Bamboo Tea was still circulating within him; if he could calm his mind and refine it, he might actually be able to advance to a minor realm.

But he didn't want to stay there.

Not only can he help obtain the Purple Gold Token, but he can also help people break through to a higher level, all because they hit it off immediately?

Where can you find such a good deal?

There's no such thing as a free lunch.