Immortals Step into Heaven

Ergou looked hesitant and scanned everyone's faces one by one. Seeing Zheng Yuan's sincere gaze, Xiaolin's acquiescence, and Daxiong's determined expression, he slowly nodded and said, "Okay, Brother Xiaoyuan, I, Ergou, will remember this favor. If you have any instructions in the future, just let me know."

At this moment, Zheng Yuan turned and headed for the kitchen. He soon brought out three lambs, already prepared. He expertly set up the grill in the center of the courtyard, placed the lambs on it, and began to meticulously grill them. The flames licked the lamb, the fat slowly dripped, and a sizzling sound filled the air. The aroma instantly spread, filling the entire courtyard. Zheng Yuan, intently turning the grill, chatted cheerfully with everyone, and laughter echoed throughout the cozy courtyard.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, the atmosphere became somewhat relaxed and comfortable. Big Bear, however, remained restless, his lips moving slightly, as if he had a lot to say, eager to speak, but was restrained by some emotion.

Zheng Yuan keenly noticed Daxiong's strangeness and asked with concern: Daxiong, do you have anything to say?

Seeing Daxiong's hesitation, Ergou took over the conversation cheerfully, "Brother Xiaoyuan, let me speak for him." Seeing you back this time, Daxiong's adventurous spirit was aroused again. He also wanted to go out with you to explore the outside world, but he was afraid that you would think he was clumsy, so he was hesitant.

Zheng Yuan smiled faintly, his expression calm and gentle. He spoke slowly, "How could I be that kind of person?" He reached into his chest, his movements gentle and steady. Soon, he pulled out a slightly worn manual. The words "Chasing Clouds Step" were written in bold, powerful characters on the cover. He then pulled out a manual on Tiger Fierce Swordsmanship, its pages slightly yellowed. Then, a slightly rough manual on internal energy, which he had carefully plundered from a bandit earlier. Zheng Yuan handed the three manuals to Da Hu, his eyes sincere and earnest. He said, "My path is forged by my own experiences. The twists and turns and coincidences along the way are difficult to replicate, and may not be suitable for you. But if you can calm down and study these manuals carefully, grasping their essence, once you leave the village and venture into the martial arts world, while I wouldn't say you can dominate the world, you should certainly be able to make a difference and carve out a niche for yourself."

Zheng Yuan paused briefly, then reached into his bosom again, pulling out a round, crystal-clear Guiyuan Pill. The pill shimmered with a strange light in the sunlight, seemingly imbued with powerful medicinal properties. He handed it to Daxiong and said, "You're too old to learn martial arts now, so it's difficult to see any results. This pill will improve your physique and make your martial arts training akin to divine assistance." He then solemnly instructed, "Soak this pill in water and wait for it to dissolve slightly before drinking. Afterwards, be sure to seal the container and store it properly." "You must remember that this pill has extremely potent properties and must never be swallowed directly. If you act rashly, its violent medicinal power will surge through your body, surely exploding and killing you." As Zheng Yuan spoke, he stared intently into Daxiong's eyes, genuinely worried that he might make a mistake, and swallowed the pill without a second thought.

Da Xiong slowly extended his rough hand and took the Guiyuan Pill from Zheng Yuan. The pill shimmered with a strange light within his palm, like a spiritual bead imbued with mysterious power. Da Xiong's Adam's apple rolled slightly, and he swallowed. He glanced up at Zheng Yuan's serious, almost stern expression, and a sliver of fear crept into his heart. He hurriedly and cautiously said, "Brother Yuan, don't worry. I may be a bit reckless sometimes, but when it comes to matters of life and death, I'm sure I won't make a mistake."

Ergou, who was standing by, had been watching this scene closely. When he saw Daxiong get the Guiyuan Pill, his eyes lit up instantly. In fact, martial arts has always been Ergou's greatest interest deep in his heart. It can even be said that it was his dream since childhood. But he was born in this small village and never had the opportunity to touch the world of martial arts he had always dreamed of. At this moment, he felt that the opportunity was like a ray of dawn that suddenly appeared before his eyes, and he really didn't want to miss it. Ergou's face was full of tension and anticipation, and then he stammered, "Brother Xiaoyuan, do you have... do you have much of this pill?"

Xiaolin was standing aside and watching silently. When she heard what Ergou said, she was immediately furious. Her little face flushed red. She couldn't help but said angrily: "What? Do you still want to leave me and Niu'er to practice martial arts and go out to explore the world?" Ergou waved his hands hurriedly when he heard it, his eyes full of panic and sincerity: How could it be! I learned martial arts just to keep fit. If anything happens in the future, I can protect you and Niu'er. I really have no interest in leaving the village to venture out. My home is here, my heart is here too, how can I just leave. After that, he glanced at Xiaolin quietly, with a hint of flattery and guilt in his eyes.

Zheng Yuan took in the scene before him, nodded slightly, and said sincerely, "Ergou, what you just said is absolutely right. If you can learn superb martial arts, you can stay in the village in the future, guarding our land, your mother and your children, that would be the best thing ever."

Xiaolin wanted to continue to insist on her own ideas, but Zheng Yuan had already expressed his opinion, so she didn't know what to say. She just bit her lip, with a hint of helplessness and worry in her eyes. She turned to look at Ergou and said seriously, "Ergou, listen to me, if you dare to set foot out of the village, you will never be able to enter this house again. My child and I can't worry about you all day long, hoping for your safety when you venture out."

Ergou softened his stance after hearing Xiaolin's words, and a look of joy immediately crossed his face. He quickly patted his chest and promised, "Xiaolin, don't worry. I, Ergou, swear to you and your mother that even if I achieve great success in martial arts in the future, I will never leave the village. I will always be here, using my strength to protect you, to keep our village safe, and I will not let you come to any harm."

Xiaolin looked at Ergou's confident look. Although she still had doubts in her heart, she knew that she couldn't stop him at the moment, so she nodded slightly.

Seeing Xiaolin finally agree, Zheng Yuan smiled with relief. He reached out and slowly took out a glowing Guiyuan Pill, handed it to Ergou, and said, "Ergou, I don't have any extra copies of this secret manual anymore. Go to Daxiong and carefully copy one. Take this Guiyuan Pill first; it will be of great benefit to your cultivation."

Ergou took the pill with trembling hands. Looking at the pill in his hands, his heartbeat suddenly accelerated, and his inner excitement was hard to suppress. This pill seemed to be the key to a brand new life. He knew that the martial arts path he had always dreamed of would soon begin.