The Catch

Life for Chen Yunlong changed greatly over the next few weeks.

He found the time to practice his Cosmic Meridian Refinement, gradually repairing his channels with each passing day, while also savoring the simple pleasures of day-to-day life.

Lately, Chen Yunlong had been devoting a considerable amount of his time to join Heishan and Xiaolan by the river, fostering their deepening bond. And today was no exception.

Under the clear blue sky, Chen Yunlong walked leisurely alongside Liu Heishan and Xiaolan as they made their way to the river. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of birds singing.

The trio walked in harmony, their footsteps blending with the soft rustling of leaves beneath their feet.

"Grandpa Chen," Liu Heishan addressed warmly, as they embarked on another day by the river.

"Maybe we'll catch something nice today! Like a golden dragonfin," he exclaimed with hopeful anticipation.

"A golden dragonfin?" Chen Yunlong felt his mouth water, thinking back to its succulent but oily texture.

The meat of the golden dragonfin was a great supplement, to the point it could subtly nourish one's meridians. It was also popular among mortals for its suggestive longevity and anti-aging effects.

Chen Yunlong let out a hearty laugh, "You snagged one just last week, didn't you? We'd be lucky to see another one in a month's time!"

Xiaolan's gaze shifted between the two, her heart brimming with warmth.

Since their rescue of Chen Yunlong, she had observed a positive change in Liu Heishan.

While he remained diligent, there was now a discernible balance, as he carefully considered his own well-being alongside his hard work.

Deep down, she had always worried for him, wondering what thoughts he harbored in the back of his mind. But she never knew what to say, torn between silence and speaking up.

All she could think of was how thankful she was for Chen Yunlong coming into their lives.

Arriving at the riverside, they found a serene spot where the water gently caressed the pebbles, creating a soothing melody.

Chen Yunlong unfolded a simple, weathered fishing rod, its familiarity evident in the way he handled it with practiced ease. Liu Heishan and Xiaolan watched with fascination as he expertly attached the fishing line and baited the hook.

The old man's face bore a contented smile as he cast the line into the water, the anticipation of the catch glimmering in his eyes. The fishing rod stood tall against the backdrop of the tranquil river, a symbol of patient expectation and connection with nature.

Copying his motions, Liu Heishan cast his own line into the water, opting to try a fishing rod.

Ordinarily, he and Xiaolan would always use a fishing net, finding the process far more efficient in this river.

But that was when Chen Yunlong spoke to him.

"A fishing rod brings a sense of tranquility. There's no need for constant haste; sometimes, one must simply embrace a leisurely pace and savor nature's flow."

Liu Heishan had considered his words deeply, and found that such a line of thinking, like the lines of a rod, would connect him deeply with nature and allow him to take life in slower strides with a newfound appreciation.

As they waited, time seemed to slow down. The rustling of leaves and the distant gurgling of the river formed a symphony of nature's rhythm.

Chen Yunlong closed his eyes, his weathered face basking in the warmth of the sun.

Liu Heishan and Xiaolan sat nearby, their eyes wandering over the picturesque landscape, waiting in eager anticipation.

Every now and then, a gentle breeze caressed their hair, bestowing upon them a refreshing coolness.

Occasionally, a fish would break the surface of the water, sending ripples across the mirrored surface. Chen Yunlong's eyes would open, sharp and focused, as he gently maneuvered the fishing rod, entranced by the delicate dance between man and nature.

Time passed in gentle strokes, the sun rising as it spread a warmth upon the ground, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange.

Just then, Chen Yunlong felt a gentle tug on his fishing line.

His eyes widened, and a knowing smile curved his lips. He delicately reeled in the catch, the line cutting through the water with a subtle resistance.

Liu Heishan and Xiaolan leaned in, their eyes shimmering with anticipation, as an exquisite fish emerged gracefully from the water.

Chen Yunlong carefully cradled it in his weathered hands, marveling at its mesmerizing silver scales that shimmered like moonlight in the fading daylight. This magnificent creature was none other than the elusive Moonshadow Koi.

The Moonshadow Koi possessed a fascinating biography that echoed through the folklore of the region.

Legends spoke of its ethereal beauty and mystical properties, believed to be bestowed upon it by the celestial spirits. Its silvery scales symbolized purity and grace, while its swift movements mirrored the dance of moonlit shadows on water.

However, despite its captivating allure, the Moonshadow Koi harbored a potent venom within its body. The poison, although harmless to numerous other species, rendered it inedible for humans. Consuming its flesh could have severe and adverse effects on those who dared to partake.

Therefore, out of respect for nature's delicate balance and to ensure the safety of others, Chen Yunlong gently released the Moonshadow Koi back into the water, allowing it to gracefully swim away.

The Moonshadow Koi would continue to grace the waters, enchanting those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of its shimmering magnificence, while remaining untouchable—a captivating enigma that symbolized the delicate equilibrium of life itself.

Hours passed, and the small wooden bucket started to fill.

Silverstream Bass, Opal-Striped Carp, Amberglow Trout.

Several different types of fish were caught, and they relished at the thought of the many flavors and meals they could cook from it.

Packing up their fishing gear, they returned to the village where Chen Yunlong would continue to practice his Cosmic Meridian Refinement.

As they arrived in the village, the familiar sights and sounds enveloped them. The bustling marketplace, the laughter of children playing, and the aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air. Chen Yunlong bid farewell to Liu Heishan and Xiaolan, promising to join them later for a hearty feast.

With a sense of purpose, Chen Yunlong retreated to his secluded spot, a tranquil corner where he could focus on his cosmic meridian refinement. The villagers, aware of his eccentric ways, respected his space.

Sitting cross-legged, Chen Yunlong opened his Cosmic Pupils, entering a deep state of meditation. The Qi gathered around him rapidly, guided into his meridians. Each movement, each breath, worked together in perfect harmony.

Cracking sounds could be heard as his meridians further expanded under the Qi's constant pressure, all of his previous wounds had since healed over the constant daily tempering.

Hours slipped away like mere minutes, and minutes like fleeting moments.

Delving inward and inspecting his own being, Chen Yunlong discovered that his meridian channels gleamed with a resplendent golden hue. Like the expanse of the cosmos, they seemed capable of accommodating an infinite amount of Qi, radiating an aura of boundless potential.

As the sun began its descent, Chen Yunlong emerged from his cultivation.

"Incredible!" Chen Yunlong exclaimed, "I believe my meridians have reached the pinnacle of my current capabilities. Tomorrow, I'm better off moving onto the next stage—finally reforging my dantian."

Standing up, his body let off a series of popping sounds as he stretched, feeling his body burning with an everlasting vigor.

With a serene smile, he made his way to the village center, where the aroma of freshly cooked fish wafted through the air. The villagers gathered around, their eyes shining with anticipation, eager to taste the fruits of their labor.

Back then, Chen Yunlong had never partook in such an event, nor could he have imagined that a community could put together a feast on such a strong scale. But now, he realized just how amazing it was.

Everyone in the village, regardless of qualms they may have, would come together to throw a big feast, each doing their part to bring with them their own fruits, vegetables, meats—all in the form of various meals.

Each week, there was something new to try, and there was plenty of fun interaction to be had.

Chen Yunlong would mostly spend his time with Liu Heishan, Wang Xiaolan, and Wang Meili, though they often pushed him into talking with others in the village.

And so, he played Chess, Go, Mahjong, and numerous other games and activities, such as tea appreciation and storytelling alongside the other village elders.

As the evening settled in and laughter filled the air, Chen Yunlong couldn't help but reflect on the transformative power of simple pleasures and genuine connections.

Amidst the tranquil village, he had found not only a path of cultivation but also a sense of belonging—a cherished chapter in his life's journey.