378: The Heart-Refining Pavilion's Master of Heart Refinement! Where Old Chen Dengming's Mortal Heart Lies (64K Must-Read)

One year later.

Chang'an Workshop.

Within a cluster of relatively low, ancient buildings situated on First-Rank Spirit Vein, there is a newly opened shop that has recently gained fame and is sought after by many low-level cultivators, making it quite lively.

The shop, however, is designed like a traditional courtyard house, with a simple and rustic exterior. It is built on a foundation of bluestone, with exquisite carvings on the four walls. Above the door hangs a cloisonné plaque with the three characters "Lianxin Pavilion" written on it.

At this moment, the main gate of the courtyard was tightly closed, several ancient trees were tied outside the courtyard wall, but the bluestone path leading into the courtyard was full of people queuing up.

Several streaks of spiritual light flew into the Marketplace and headed straight for the general store called [Refining the Heart]. The leader, a long-bearded cultivator, was excited and thrilled.

However, when they arrived at the entrance, they were dumbfounded to see that the Refining Heart Pavilion had not yet opened, yet a long queue had already formed at the door.

"So many people are queuing up so early in the morning?"

Thinking of the strange rules of the Refining Heart Pavilion, the long-bearded cultivator immediately became anxious, but he did not dare to cut in line rashly. He walked to the front and politely grabbed a seemingly easy-going cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist, I have urgent business to attend to. Could you do me the favor and transfer your position to me? These few spirit crystals will suffice."

Before the cultivator could finish speaking, the spirit crystal in his hand was snatched away by the other party with a beaming smile. The other party bowed and said, "Brother Dao, one spirit crystal in one hand, one position in the other. This position is yours."

The long-bearded cultivator was slightly taken aback. Just as he was about to express his gratitude, he saw that the cultivator had already gone to the back to continue queuing.

At the same time, another cultivator came to follow suit, and the cultivator in line also took the spirit crystals without hesitation and gave up his place to leave.

"Brother Xu, are these people shills?"

A fellow Daoist beside him suspiciously transmitted a message to the long-bearded cultivator.

"Stop talking nonsense."

The long-bearded cultivator's expression darkened. He looked around at the lively scene and transmitted his voice, "I have witnessed Master Lianxin's attainments. He is indeed a learned and knowledgeable master. Why would he need to resort to petty tricks?"

Furthermore, the master stipulated that each day, whether it was alchemy, weapon crafting, talisman making, array plate making, spirit script making, or even Gu refining and divination, only one hundred people could be received, and each person could only make one request.

Given these restrictions, it's quite normal that many local cultivators saw a business opportunity and came early to reserve spots for resale.

Upon hearing this, the doubts of the other Daoists vanished, and they all nodded in agreement.

A master who is proficient in so many unorthodox skills, and whose skill in each one is so exquisite and convincing, is truly extraordinary and needs no tricks.

In the third-floor room in the backyard of the mansion, Jiang Qiang walked in, poured tea for Chen Dengming, and shook his head as he spoke.

"Brother Chen, you are now Nascent Soul True Lord and the Sect Longevity Sect. It is already an honor for you to condescend to refine weapons for so many people here. They have come to you to make a wish."

How come you're still so good-tempered? I think there are many cultivators outside who deliberately queue up and then transfer their positions. They can earn spirit crystals just by standing there all day doing nothing.

"Making money this easy is way faster than when we were struggling at the bottom of society. And you still won't let me go and straighten things out."

"Qiangzi, in the world of cultivation, these people are adept at scheming and seizing local business opportunities to make a living. It's normal for them to do this. Let's observe them first and not rush to make changes."

Chen Dengming took a sip of tea, unhurried and composed.

Now, standing in the same environment he once lived in when he was weak, observing the daily cultivation and state of these Qi Cultivation Cultivators, he has a different feeling. It's as if he's looking back on the past, or as if he's sitting and watching the clouds drift and the flowers bloom and fade, trying his best not to interfere.

"But Brother Chen, if we don't stop and rectify this kind of thing now, it will just continue to develop."

"Could it be that if this continues, it will become unmanageable?"

"No, no, that's impossible! This is Chang'an Workshop, and you are the Longevity Sect."

Chen Dengming chuckled, "Qiangzi, here comes your Qiangzi algorithm again. Do you think that having a Nascent Soul True Lord like me here every day refining weapons for these Qi Cultivation Cultivator is a waste of precious human resources, a huge loss?"

Jiang Qiang blushed.

That's really what he thought.

In his view, Chen Dengming couldn't even be called human resources; it was a precious "Immortal Destiny" in the Cultivation World, a resource that could only be encountered by chance.

Imagine, what Qi Cultivation Cultivator could possibly have access to Nascent Soul True Lord Monarch, let alone receive their services?

Brother Chen has really lost out big time.

Chen Dengming smiled faintly, "You don't understand. It may seem that I'm refining weapons for them, but in reality, I'm using them to observe the various aspects of life and experience the world to temper my heart."

Different people, different behaviors, different personalities, different needs—their emotions and stories bring me different State of Mind and emotions.

After Chen Dengming finished speaking, he pointed to the teacup.

Jiang Qiang immediately stepped forward, feeling dizzy, to pour tea, finding Chen Dengming's words mysterious and enigmatic.

Unable to understand Chen Dengming's talk of cultivating the mind, they increasingly felt that high cultivation level wasn't necessarily a good thing, as cultivation was far too troublesome.

"Qiangzi, the war in the four regions hasn't stopped yet, and it might break out again soon, and it will definitely be on a large scale."

"You shouldn't have come here a year ago. Why didn't you stay in the Eastern Immortal Sea with Black Wind?"

Jiang Qiang put down the tea knife in his hand, looked at Chen Dengming who had walked to the window, and chuckled dryly, "Brother Chen, I watched these two kids grow up. Even back in Evergreen Island, I often got together with them."

You said they're all going back to our hometown, how could I not go with them?

Moreover, I'd like to see Brother Chen in his current glory again!

"Qiangzi, after all these years, you haven't changed at all. Your strength hasn't changed, and neither has your personality."

Chen Dengming shook his head with a sigh.

Jiang Qiang immediately looked embarrassed.

His strength has actually changed a little.

Now, so many years have passed, and he has actually cultivated to the ninth Qi Cultivation Ninth Level. He will soon be able to break through to the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level of Qi Refining. At that time, he can try to Foundation Establishment with the Foundation Establishment given by Chen Dengming. As for the success rate, it can only be left to Heaven's Will.

A year ago, he came to the Four Regions with Chen Jing and Chen Yiran, and was personally taken back to the Longevity Sect by He Yingyu.

After that, he and Chen Dengming opened a Refining Heart General Goods Shop in Chang'an Workshop and became its manager.

The two seemed to have returned to their days when they were in the Qi Refining Stage, cultivating immortality together in the lower levels of Brocade Workshop and Jue Lin City. Although there were no great storms or glorious events, their days were peaceful and leisurely.

During the day, I would listen to the gossip and complaints of the neighbors, and at night, I would occasionally eavesdrop on the whispers of couples who lived together. It was quite interesting.

In Jiang Qiang's heart, this kind of life surpasses everything.

As for whether his strength could break through or whether his lifespan could be extended, he actually took it all in stride.

Having weathered many storms and experienced things that many Qi Cultivation Cultivators could never encounter in their entire lives, what more could he ask for?

Soon, the doors of the Refining Heart Pavilion were opened by several hired servants.

The group of cultivators in line did not dare to file in, but instead entered one by one along the queue.

Chen Dengming had transformed into a grumpy old man with age spots on his face, sitting in the hall to greet the cultivators who entered one by one.

Observe the myriad aspects of life, interact with different people, and understand the changes in human nature.

For Chen Dengming, the daily lives of these low-level cultivators were a way to recapture the past, rediscover his original aspirations, and reminisce about his early days, which further solidified his Dao heart.

The Refining Heart Pavilion was born out of this need.

"Master Lianxin, these are the Spiritual Material needed to refine the Dark Lightning Flying Sword, and these are the spirit crystals required for the refining. I added a little extra as a token of my respect for you."

"Okay, okay, thank you very much, Xiao Wu. I'll come and pick it up in three days."

"Well done, Master! You're as approachable as ever, and your crafting efficiency is amazing. I admire you greatly!"

"Hey! Fellow Daoist Wu, are you done flattering me? It's my turn to flatter Master Lianxin."

A rough voice of dissatisfaction came from behind, which immediately caused a burst of laughter.

The cultivators who frequent this place all know that Master Lianxin is gentle and has a good temper, so some of them dare to joke around.

Everyone interacted naturally and without being too reserved, which was exactly the kind of atmosphere Chen Dengming wanted to see.

However, this can also cause some trouble, since kind people are often taken advantage of.

However, anyone who dared to harbor ill intentions towards Master Lianxin never came out unscathed. Most ended up looking disheveled, while a few who went too far simply disappeared.

As a result, many cultivators naturally realized that the Master of Heart Refining was not as simple as he appeared.

This has led to many speculations. Some believe that Master Lianxin is Foundation Establishment cultivator, while others believe that Master Lianxin is an outer disciple invited by the Longevity Sect.

Just then, the scene suddenly fell silent.

All eyes were fixed on the old woman who had walked up to the Master of Refining the Mind, most of them filled with scrutiny and indifference.

These powerful gazes had already made the old woman's hunched body even more stooped, and she almost walked tremblingly to the Master of Refining the Heart.

This is a mortal!

How could a mortal enter a cultivator's Marketplace, and how did she get here? How dare she enter?

In fact, these questions already had an answer in the past year.

Since a relative of a Rogue Cultivator was an ordinary person found Master Lianxin more than half a year ago and successfully obtained a elixir to heal his injuries from him, Master Lianxin's reputation for kindness and amiability has spread even further.

However, many cultivators believe that Master Lianxin's actions are hypocritical and a foolish display of kindness.

There is a difference between immortals and mortals. Mortals are ultimately mortals. Since they have neither the qualifications nor the ability to enter the world of cultivators, they should not force their way in.

Once you step inside, you have to accept a harsher reality.

With so many ordinary people in this world, is it possible to help everyone?

So, what kind of benevolence did the Master of Refining the Mind have?

Now, more than half a year later, another mortal has arrived. Among the people queuing up, some have begun to gloat, wanting to see how the Master of Refining the Mind will handle the current situation.

Could it be that, like last time, she's collecting worthless gold and silver from ordinary people, making a losing deal? But judging from this poor old woman, she probably doesn't even have any gold or silver to offer this time.

Chen Dengming was now even more gentle as he looked at the old woman walking towards him, avoiding putting pressure on her.

He immediately grasped the old woman's state of mind.

It was a mixture of trepidation, fear, restraint, and the immense courage and sincerity to throw everything, even one's life, into the line.

The other person came to him with the determination and courage to risk their life.

This is also a tremendous trust, or rather, a hope.

He was willing to show respect to this elderly woman, not because of her age.

In terms of actual age, he was definitely older than this old woman; what he respected was this ordinary person's extraordinary spirit and sincerity.

"Master Lianlianxin, they sent me to find you, saying you are an omnipotent immortal. I... I really have no choice."

"Old woman, there's no need to be nervous."

Chen Dengming subtly released his Divine Sense while smiling.

This both shielded her from the spiritual power emanating from the gazes of the surrounding cultivators and calmed the old woman's emotions.

"Whoever suggested you come, their suggestion was correct. If there's anything you need my help with, please feel free to ask."

Upon hearing this, the old woman's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, immediately relaxed. She realized that this immortal was not as cold and terrifying as others had described, but rather as kind as her son, who had become a cultivator.

She said with tears of gratitude, "I've heard that you are a fortune teller, and that whatever you predict will come true. My child has been conscripted to the front lines."

"I'm just an old woman, and I'm really worried about this child. I can't help him in any way, so I've come to beg you, venerable sage, to tell me if he can return safely."

Upon seeing this, the expressions of the surrounding cultivators, who had initially been indifferent, changed slightly.

Unexpectedly, this old woman had a cultivator son, who had even returned from the Battlefield of cultivators from beyond the realms.

As she spoke, she took out a note from her bosom. "Old Immortal, this is my child's birth date and time. The last time he went to the front lines was about two years ago. He lost an arm, but he survived."

This time, I hope he can return safely, even if he loses another arm, it's better than losing his life."

"Alas, I only have one son, and he refuses to marry and have children."

"Old immortal, you're talking about cultivating immortality, but I don't understand it either. Does that mean people who cultivate immortality can't get married and have children?"

She rambled on and on, and as she finished speaking, she seemed to realize that she had said too much, so she gave Chen Dengming an apologetic and uneasy smile.

Upon hearing this, the cultivators queuing behind couldn't help but shake their heads with a helpless smile, unsure whether to laugh at the mortals' ignorance, pitifulness, or foolishness.

Is this person here for divination or to make a wish?

If the master of mind cultivation had foreseen that her son's fate would be fraught with misfortune and that he would likely meet with an accident on the Battlefield, wouldn't this old woman have been so anxious and fearful that she might have even predeceased her son?

Or is it that the Master of Refining the Heart was willing to lie, even knowing the child's situation would be dire, but for the sake of so-called kindness, to give a mere mortal temporary peace of mind, he chose to tell a white lie, thus ruining his own reputation?

So, will Master Lianxin, who is kind and gentle even to ordinary people, show his compassion again this time?

Many cultivators, realizing this, began to look forward to the Master of Heart Refining's next move, and no longer felt impatient about a mortal being ranked ahead of them.

Chen Dengming looked at the old woman's wrinkled, withered face, like the peel of a dried orange, and shook his head inwardly with a sigh.

Over the past year, while comprehending the Immortal Celestial Lineage, he also studied unorthodox divination techniques such as Ziwei Destiny Calculation and Liuren Divine Calculation, using these to understand the will of Heaven's Will and to predict good and bad fortune for others.

With his abilities as a Nascent Soul True Lord, and possessing both the Heaven's Will and the power of Fortune, his divinations of Qi Refining Qi Cultivation Cultivator were naturally accurate and flawless.

The old woman didn't need to hand over her son's birth date and time; he only needed to glance at the longevity and good fortune emanating from her to know that her son's journey to the Battlefield would be fraught with peril.

But just as many cultivators thought, since Master Lianxin was kind-hearted, how could he not save this old woman?

In this world, there are indeed countless ordinary people; he cannot help them all, nor can he help them forever.

But now that we've encountered this, it's what Buddhist Way and Daoism call predestined affinity.

It was destined to be this way.

It was merely a small act of kindness from him that could bring peace of mind and clarity of thought. How could he not help? Why should he avoid it, like the old Buddha sitting backwards or the old Daoist priest lowering his brows?

Upon realizing this, within his Sea of Consciousness, countless Silver Dao Script flickered, beginning to accelerate their refining and dissolving.

"Old woman, I have already divined the outcome for you. Your child will be safe for the time being."

After you return, let him marry and have children; this might change his fortune and perhaps ensure a worry-free future.

Chen Dengming pretended to do some calculations, then smiled calmly and returned the note with the birth date and time written on it.

"Really?"

The old woman was overjoyed; upon hearing this, it was as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart.

Knowing that the old immortal whom so many deities trusted had spoken, she knew her child was definitely safe this time, and immediately bowed down in gratitude.

Seeing this, many other cultivators were skeptical, and some even began to wonder whether they should follow up and see if the Master of Heart Refining would make a fool of himself.

Only a few cultivators who had consulted Chen Dengming's divination knew that the old woman's child should be safe, and they all sighed at her good fortune.

The old woman was moved to tears, and having nothing left to repay the debt, she trembled slightly as she took out a packet of Spirit Grains wrapped in a handkerchief from her bosom, intending to offer it as a reward.

Chen Dengming politely declined with a smile, saying, "Old lady, I have already accepted your payment. Sincerity in return is the best reward; to accept more would be greedy of me."

Having said that, he waved his sleeve and instructed the boy beside him to see the old woman off.

"Brother Chen, did you really predict that the old woman's child is alright?"

After the reception of the hundred guests was completed, Jiang Qiang asked Chen Dengming in the hall in the backyard.

Chen Dengming raised an eyebrow. "What? Qiangzi, you don't believe in my divination abilities? Or do you think that I'm making a bad deal by telling fortunes for a mortal?"

"How could that be?"

Jiang Qiang chuckled dryly, "Of course I know, Brother Chen, you've always treated mortals and cultivators equally, after all, you yourself went through this stage. It's just..."

"Ha ha."

Chen Dengming shook his head and smiled, "I know you were also moved by the old woman's deep love for her child, which is why you were so concerned."

Actually, I just lied. If that old woman's child goes to the Battlefield, he will surely die this time.

"Ah!?"

Jiang Qiang was stunned, feeling his blood run cold instantly. He wasn't scared of himself, but of Chen Dengming, worried that Chen Dengming would ruin his reputation.

"Look at you, you silly thing!"

Chen Dengming smiled, pointed to Jiang Qiang's feet, and said, "Tell me, am I right or not? Are the shoes you're wearing today good or bad?"

Jiang Qiang was taken aback, looked down, and then laughed, "Brother Chen, aren't my shoes perfectly fine? Do I even need to calculate this?"

"If you want me, a master, to tell you, I'll say you're wearing bad shoes," Chen Dengming said, pointing.

With a 'whoosh,' Jiang Qiang's shoe burst into flames.

"Oh dear!"

Jiang Qiang hurriedly jumped and stomped out the flames. When he looked at his shoes, they were already smoking, and his two bright red toes were exposed. He couldn't help but be shocked and wrinkles appeared on his forehead.

"Brother Chen, what's wrong with you?"

Chen Dengming calmly sipped his tea. "See? Wasn't my prediction accurate? You were wearing bad shoes today, weren't you?"

Jiang Qiang was both amused and exasperated. What kind of fortune telling was this? It was clearly fortune telling by force! It was absurd, utterly absurd.

But instantly, his eyes lit up. "Brother Chen, you mean..."

Chen Dengming nodded slightly, put his hands behind his back, walked to the door, looked at the distant mountains, and said, "In this Longevity Domain, although not all the Rogue Cultivator cultivators who go on expeditions are under the control of my Longevity Sect, I naturally have the right to make decisions."

Jiang Qiang understood, then looked at Chen Dengming's tall figure and sighed, "But Brother Chen, even if you are the Longevity Sect, with the outbreak of war and the chaos of the world, there are so many mortals, and even more suffering people. How can you possibly help them all?"

Chen Dengming laughed nonchalantly, "Who said I was going to help everyone? I'm just sticking to my original intention, always remembering my past ambition to cultivate Xianxia in my heart and carve out a vast world with my sword, but I'm not a saint."

I can only help those who are destined to receive my help, and I need to take care of my own feelings.

As cultivators, we must cultivate our minds and never forget our original aspirations, following our hearts and letting things flow freely. Only in this way can our minds be broad, unhindered, and invincible!

Jiang Qiang felt as if these words had struck a chord with him. Although they came from Brother Chen's mouth in such a plain manner, they were more powerful than any heroic and generous words, making his blood boil.

At this moment, Chen Dengming said, "If you're going to help someone, help them all the way. If you're going to help someone, help them all the way."

Qiangzi, you should return to your sect after regaining your original identity. Temporarily recruit that old woman's child into the Evergreen Gate as a recovering cultivator, starting as a menial disciple, to prevent anyone from harming their family because of me."

Jiang Qiang was taken aback, but then he realized the key point and couldn't help but admire Chen Dengming's meticulous thinking.

Indeed, Chen Dengming is now a master of mind cultivation, and his reputation as a diviner is known Chang'an Workshop. However, in the past, there were also those who were blind to his abilities and would cause trouble for him.

Having suffered losses, those people dare not cause trouble for Master Lianxin now, but it's hard to guarantee they won't vent their anger on the old woman's family, just to tarnish Chen Dengming's reputation as a divine strategist.

It's one thing to have this name, but if it ends up harming someone else's family, then that's what it means to be caught in the crossfire.

After Jiang Qiang left.

Chen Dengming went up to the west tower alone, closed the door to calm his mind, and observed the Daoist texts that he had already refined in his Sea of Consciousness.

Now, the Human Immortal Way Power in his Sea of Consciousness has grown from a small river into a mighty river, vast and powerful, and has increased significantly compared to a year ago.

This is all the result of my spiritual practice at the Refining Mind Shop over the past year.

Many Qi Cultivation Cultivator, even Jiang Qiang, might not understand what it means to refine one's mind, or why he helps even mortals and treats everyone equally.

This is his way of refining his mind, and also a process of questioning his conscience.

Do those original aspirations of the past still remain?

If we are still in this state, the current process of cultivating the mind is to consolidate it, to seek a clear understanding of a single thought within the natural order of things.

In fact, for many monks who came into contact with him over the past year...

This is also their "Immortal Destiny," and if they seize it, they can change their fate.

Ironically, however, it was only two mortals who truly seized the opportunity to Immortal Destiny this past year.

One person, through sincerity, obtained the medicine to save others and saved the cultivator they loved.

One person, through sincerity, gains the opportunity to change their child's fate, ensuring temporary peace of mind.

Chen Dengming, by exchanging hearts with hearts, gained pleasure, joy, understanding, sincerity, and enlightenment, which accelerated his refining of the Human Immortal Way.

No wonder Buddhist Sect says that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda; and Daoism says that the merit is immeasurable!

Perhaps when one cultivates oneself to the point of cultivating the mind, all paths lead to the same destination. Where my heart goes, where my heart leads, my heart is the heart of the Way.

(A 6.4K long chapter. If you are satisfied with the reading experience, please consider casting your monthly vote.)