Don't farm, cultivate immortality!

Little Jasmine looked up at Zhuang Xing with an expression of admiration in her eyes.

“Of course,” Zhuang Xing said. He told Xiao Moli all this so that the roller system could exist in this world.

He himself only understood these basic principles. If you asked him to actually make a wooden cart that could be used as a crane using pulley systems, he knew he couldn't do it. At most, he could only make a very rough version.

Although he alone cannot do it, there are still countless skilled craftsmen in the world.

Once the principle of the pulley system is explained, people will continue to improve upon it.

It's like building a house. You start from the ground and build a tall building brick by brick, and maybe eventually you'll build a tower that can touch the sky.

After seeing the magnificent and exquisite water-powered armillary sphere in the capital, he knew that he had simply seen a little more than others.

Even after seeing the actual object, he could hardly imagine how the craftsmen used their carving knives and tools to carve the wood into exquisite parts, fitting them together seamlessly to create that three-tiered water clock.

He was utterly amazed by the skill and wisdom displayed.

Therefore, he believed that even if he only talked to an eleven-year-old girl and took some notes today, this knowledge would eventually take root and sprout like a seed buried in fertile soil, and eventually grow into a lush and towering tree.

As night deepened, the crescent moon hung high in the darkness, casting a pale silver glow.

After receiving Zhuang Xing's permission, Xiao Moli returned to the main room without stopping, took out paper and pen, and meticulously wrote down what she had learned from Zhuang Xing.

Zhuang Xing proofread for her, carefully preserving the seemingly insignificant document and drawings.

Little Jasmine rolled up the dried page of paper, carefully placed it in a cabinet, and fastened it with a padlock.

"Master Zhuang, the hot water is ready, please go and rest." Brother Wu came forward to greet him, "Sister, you should go to sleep too, it's very late."

"Understood, big brother," Little Jasmine replied.

Six-year-old Zhuang Ming has already started yawning.

This was well past her usual bedtime, and her biological clock was reminding her to close her eyes and get under the covers.

She walked much more than usual that day, and she was a little tired. She nestled in Zhuang Xing's arms, her eyes still sleepy.

"See you tomorrow, Taoist brother." Little Jasmine waved her little hand.

"Okay, see you tomorrow." Zhuang Xing patted his sister on the back.

Little Jasmine followed her sister-in-law to another room in the courtyard to rest. After drinking, Brother Wu took his wife back to their residence. Wu's parents were old and went to their bedroom early.

It was time to sleep, and Zhuang Xing was feeling a little sleepy.

He followed Brother Wu to the woodshed to fetch hot water.

The younger sister lazily rinsed her mouth and washed her face. Finally, Zhuang Xing carried a basin of hot water and led her to the cleaned-up room.

The space wasn't large, as it had just been cleaned up and all the extra things had been moved elsewhere. The only things visible in the room were a wooden bed and a pear wood cabinet.

That bed might be a bit cramped for two people, but my little sister is still small enough to fit.

The room was very clean. Not long ago, this place was a storage room, but when Zhuang Xing wiped his finger on the windowsill, not a speck of dust was left.

He carried two small stools, faced his sister, and soaked his feet in hot water.

A pair of big feet, a pair of small feet, the small feet stepping on the big feet, the little sister wiggled her toes restlessly.

After her little feet were warmed up from the soaking, Zhuang Xing carried her to bed.

He poured the water outside the yard and closed the door.

"I'm going to blow out the lamp now," Zhuang Xing reminded his sister.

"Mmm." The younger sister tucked half her head under the covers.

There are very few children in this world who are not afraid of the dark, and unfortunately, she is not one of them.

She stared intently at Zhuang Xing, as if afraid he would leave her sight.

Zhuang Xing sat down on the edge of the bed and blew out a breath.

The flame burning on the cotton wick flickered and then disappeared into darkness, no longer emitting light or heat. A wisp of smoke rose along with the slivers of moonlight filtering through the paper windowpane.

Zhuang Xing heard a startled noise coming from the bed. The little guy buried his head in the blanket, not wanting to show even a single hair.

"Sister, sister," Zhuang Xing called softly.

Amidst the gentle call, the trembling little girl finally mustered her courage and revealed her eyes.

That flame-colored light reflected a streak of fire in her black pupils.

Her small mouth opened, and her head popped out from under the covers. The monster that didn't exist in the dark, cramped corner was completely obliterated by the beam of fire.

Zhuang Xing smiled and caught the flame in his fingertips.

He placed his finger in front of his younger sister and said, "Little sister, make a wish."

"When you make a wish, try to blow out this flame. I've heard that if you blow out the flame, your wish will come true."

"Really, brother?" the little sister asked softly.

Her voice was soft and gentle, like a little elf in winter.

"When has your brother ever lied to you?" Zhuang Xing said. "Make a wish now."

What kind of wish did he think his little sister would make?

Today is a very special day for her.

This was the first time she had left home so far, her first time on a boat, her first time in Yidu, her first time playing shuttlecock, and her first time spending the night at someone else's house...

She had taken a big step forward in her young life. Zhuang Xing thought that if she said she wanted to eat something delicious, he would take her to a famous restaurant in Yidu tomorrow to try something new. If she wanted a new dress, he would take her to the best tailor shop to make a new dress.

Perhaps she would suggest that her brother stay with her?

This makes things a bit difficult; after the New Year, Zhuangxing will have to go back up the mountain.

If she makes this wish, then tell her that wishes won't come true if she says them out loud, and that she shouldn't say her wish out loud next time she makes a wish.

When Zhuang Xing made this decision, he heard that soft voice.

The younger sister blew out the fire, and her whispers echoed in the darkness.

She made a wish: "I hope my brother can be happy too!"

Zhuang Xing was stunned for a moment, then heard another voice ask, "Brother, has my wish come true?"

He smiled with relief and touched his little sister's cheek: "Of course it's come true, your brother is so happy now."

"Will you be happy tomorrow, brother?"

"Will you be happy tomorrow too?"

"And the day after tomorrow?"

"I'll be happy the day after tomorrow too."

Amidst these childish questions and answers, six-year-old Zhuang Ming ended her extraordinary day.

Chapter 277 Beating Drums and Gongs

The second day of the twelfth lunar month, today is a sunny day.

As Zhuang Xing lay in bed, he saw a sliver of light slip in through the crack in the window.

He slept quite well last night. He was a little worried that his little sister wouldn't be used to sleeping in someone else's house and would toss and turn all night, but it seems she's not a light sleeper, or perhaps her brother's presence made her feel safe. She's still fast asleep.

Zhuang Xing had woken up earlier, but his little sister clung to his right hand like a koala, using him as a pillow. He knew that if he moved, his little sister would most likely be woken up. In order to let his little sister sleep until she woke up naturally, he lay still as a mountain, like an old monk in deep meditation.

In fact, he was similar to the old monk who had entered meditation. He adjusted his breathing and, taking advantage of the morning, entered a meditative state of practicing the Dragon Breath Technique.

Yesterday he also tried to practice the Dragon Breath Technique, but unfortunately he broke down halfway through. There was no other way, he had to take care of the little guy beside him. Having only practiced for a few months, multitasking was still a difficult thing for him.

Today he made his second attempt. Although he was still in a relatively undisturbed environment, tomorrow was the temple fair. As the festival drew to a close, the people of Yidu became even more active, and the noise could be heard outside early in the morning.

One side of the courtyard is the living area, and the other side is a teahouse. From the teahouse, you can hear the rustling of tables and chairs being moved and the continuous sounds of conversation. From the street, there is a constant stream of footsteps. Even Zhuang Xing, who was lying in bed, could feel the lively atmosphere of an approaching festival.

He took a few long breaths to calm his mind and focus on practicing the Dragon Breath Technique.

In cultivation, one either progresses or regresses. Although he has many reasons to be lazy for a couple of days, sooner or later he will have to get used to being able to use the Dragon Breath Technique instinctively in the bustling city. Even if he can't do that yet, practicing more is always a good thing.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. If you get interrupted or distracted, just start over. Persist and persevere. When this breathing method gradually becomes a habit and an instinct, you will naturally step into the realm of mastery.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and circulated his Qi throughout his body.

However, before they could count to one hundred, another burst of gongs and drums was heard.

This disturbance was not enough to break his composure, since it was just a sound; he didn't move and remained relatively calm overall.

But he suddenly felt his little sister on his right move. The little girl mumbled a few words in her sleep. Zhuang Xing felt her let go of his hand, and then her little silver teeth bit Zhuang Xing's shoulder through the cotton undershirt.

She has had a bad habit of biting things since she was a child, and she still hasn't corrected it to this day, still doing it every now and then.

Zhuang Xing remained unmoved, treating this as part of his spiritual practice.

There was once a high monk who used a snake demon to help him cultivate in a mountain spring. Why can't he use his sister to cultivate his mind today?

He turned inward, observing his internal organs and the flow of Qi in his meridians.

But the little sister started moving around more and more, wriggling and squirming, which was a sign that she was about to wake up.

A loud clang of gongs and drums came from outside the door. The sound was like a startled bird, and the little sister, who had not yet opened her eyes, suddenly trembled and slapped Zhuang Xing's face with her small hand.

Zhuang Xing finally opened his eyes and exhaled.

He looked helplessly at the little guy beside him, whose hair was all messed up from sleeping. He could only say that the little guy still needed more practice.

...

"Brother, where are we going to play today?" The little sister, dressed and obedient, sat on the edge of the bed.

"Brother has to deliver a letter first today. Only after I finish delivering the letter can I take you to play."

Zhuang Xing took out a wooden comb from his bag and combed his younger sister's hair while she was sitting upright. He then tied her braids and put on a hair tie.

"Do you want to go out with your brother, or stay here and play with your sister from yesterday?"

"Wherever my brother goes, I'll go," the younger sister said without hesitation.

"Then hurry up and put your shoes on. After breakfast, we'll head out."

Zhuang Xing placed the pair of small cotton shoes and a small stool in front of her. She jumped off the bed railing, sat on the stool, lowered her head, put on the shoes herself, and tied the shoelaces.

The two had breakfast at the Wu family's house. Although they got up a little late, the Wu family's business, which included a tea shop and a hotel, also served as a breakfast shop. So even when the sun was high in the sky, they didn't have to wait long to have a hot meal.