The Elysium Across Deep Space

Chapter 2: Time and Tide Wait for No Man

“This stuff from bygone eras, you actually managed to succeed in learning it?” Qin Cheng rushed over and looked with astonishment at the clear handprint on the thick tree trunk.

Ancient techniques scattered within old papers, such as meditation, chi cultivation, and physical combat arts were all very difficult to find.

Even in current times, these techniques fall under the umbrella of Sanjutsu, though many just call them Old Techniques.

These years, even though Qin Cheng has always had contact with them, he’s been suspicious from the bottom of his heart. Are they even practically real?

However, Wang Xuan’s display shocked him to his core. A hand made of blood and flesh could actually leave a clear handprint within a thick and tough tree trunk. Old Techniques… Do they honestly have a path forward?!

“According to records from back then, this isn’t much at all.” Wang Xuan replied while shaking his head. He stood tall under the moonlight which wrapped around him like a thin fog. 

Qin Cheng sighed, “Don’t compare yourself with the past, I never even believed in them. In fact, many of those records have been proven to be moot.”

Qin Cheng was also practicing the Old Techniques. He personally knows how difficult it is, even some simple meditation techniques were enough to make his head split.

In a world that has such deep connections with Nova Terra, where technology is so developed, how many are still willing to believe in this? Even before attempting to practice them their hearts would have already been wavering.

Yet, it was under this background that when Wang Xuan, Qin Cheng, and their fellow classmates first entered university that someone found them and asked if they were willing to participate in some research related to these Old Techniques.

Wang Xuan had experience with Sanjutsu in the past and was very interested so he accepted the offer immediately.

For Qin Cheng, he never believed in these, and it was only later when he heard that this research was sponsored by a tycoon who apparently invested a lot of money into it that he wanted to try it out. 

Early on, they would continue to study the required courses for their programs while using their free time to participate in this “Old Technique research”.

They discovered that the so-called “research” was mainly to practice these techniques themselves.

There were special meals offered for them as well, specifically so they can more easily achieve some level of adeptness in Sanjutsu.

Furthermore, they noticed that the two professors who taught them Sanjutsu actually came from Nova Terra. 

However, very quickly some people were unable to persevere and dropped out on their old accord. The Sanjutsu practice was too tiring and repetitive for them.

Even more importantly, in modern-day people don’t trust these techniques that came from old papers of a bygone era.

However, though many left the program, more entered.

As there was strong financial support and powerful magnates behind this research, they expanded their reach and selected more suitable candidates to join.

Not only was this happening in this city, but everywhere amongst the Old Earth. It mainly involved students from more prestigious universities, and to motivate participation there were large cash rewards offered.

Though many signed up in the beginning, after a lengthy selection process and over half a year of disqualifications, there were only 50 members left.

These have been transferred into the university that Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng attend, to continue furthering their education in their original degrees as well as form an “Old Technique Experimentation Class”. 

Not everyone was like Wang Xuan who entered due to actual interest.

Those who transferred over were also promised that after they graduated, they would receive a suitable and well-paying job no matter what.

Thus, many have realized that this “research” must be very special. Otherwise, why would they put in so many resources to continue it?

Even the “Sanjutsu study resources” had a lot of history behind them. There were only copies of books from museums, some rare collection items from tycoons, and even some holy scriptures from religions.

For example, an inner cultivation technique was very famous in the past but was unfortunately lost in history.

It was only a couple of years ago when it was discovered within a grave, and has since been reorganized and became lecture material for the experimental class.

Furthermore, the food offered to all students in the experimental program was very unique.

Many found that some ingredients used in the food were extremely rare and expensive. They were shipped from across deep space down to the Old Earth. 

The old professors who taught them chi cultivation once exclaimed that these ingredients were extremely pricey even on Nova Terra, let alone once they were shipped here.

Some of these couldn’t even be purchased no matter how much money one had.

A part of these was from the ocean depths of Nova Terra. Some had anti-aging properties, others were great for replenishing chi and blood, and some also helped maintain concentration and drive.

For those practicing Sanjutsu, their diet was very important.

The old professor once said some of these ingredients were much loved by some older generation people with impressive backgrounds since they can slow aging.

As such, one can see how important this “Old Technique research” was.

Another surprising fact was that Nova Terra even sent over 20 new students to join this program.

In the past, it has always been students from Earth who headed to Nova Terra to become transfer students, but this time the situation was reversed.

With the arrival of these young men and women, some rumors surfaced. This allowed the students of the Old Technique Experimental Class to understand part of the truth.

“Some research labs, organizations, and tycoons are seeking immortality!”

There was quite a commotion within the class when this phrase was uttered aloud, and many were shocked at the reason.

To modern people, this type of pursuit was laughable and completely superficial.

Yet, throughout history, people who have reached a certain level of status and power always seem to search for it. 

Even as early as the Chinese Qin dynasty, legends about immortals and alchemists fascinated people in later eras. Kings and emperors were no exception.

However, from every great emperor who has ruled until now, all have failed to find the secret to immortality. It was believed that this was impossible.

In modern times, these so-called myths have been proven false since ages ago, how could they exist?

Nevertheless, it was the most technologically developed Nova Terra from which this information spread.

“To be more precise, various elders from the magnates who held power are seeking to obtain longer lifespans.”

Though some people made corrections to the claim, it still evoked lots of reactions from the experimental class.

History always seemed to repeat itself. Those who are entering old age always seem to desire youth and are discontent with life.

Back in the day, Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng even gossiped about these big wigs. 

“These old men are all ailing over time and obviously want youth. How else can they enjoy their beauties? They have immense wealth but are unable to spend it anymore. If I was in their shoes I’d want another 500 years too!”

“Oh, and those old ladies, they absolutely want it more than those grandpas. Their former beauty has become wrinkled and ugly, and for those who are powerful and like to be in control, aging is their mortal enemy! If there was any possibility these grandmas would absolutely want to restore their youth even more than the old men!”

Of course, their classmates from Nova Terra were rolling their eyes like crazy when they heard these murmurs, as the old men and women in question included their own elders…