Cultivating To Immortality

"Hmm?"

True Person Qing Yan was momentarily stunned, but he still placed his chess piece before pondering deeply.

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. It’s just that when this Disciple was traveling in Chu, I met a very interesting person."

"He seemed to Cultivate a type of pupil technique, but this Disciple’s knowledge is limited, so I don’t know what it was."

"Haha," True Person Qing Yan chuckled.

"While pupil techniques are indeed rarer than ordinary Cultivation Techniques, this Mortal Realm is vast. If someone were to collect and list them all, there would surely be quite a few."

"Not to mention you and me; even Xuanhui Zun, that old man, might not know all of them."

Wang Ke nodded.

True Person Qing Yan thought for a moment, then continued, "I don’t know many pupil techniques either, and I haven’t seen the kind you described."

"However, I have seen similar ones."

He paused, looking at Wang Ke: "Have you ever heard of a peerless Sword Cultivator who emerged from Jun Mountain a few hundred years ago?"

Wang Ke nodded but did not interrupt his Master.

"His name was Chen Linyuan."

True Person Qing Yan’s eyes flickered, as if recalling something.

"He was... a close friend of your Master, me."

"?"

Wang Ke was a little surprised.

Although several hundred years had passed, legends about Chen Linyuan still circulated among several generations of major Sects in the Central Region.

Wang Ke naturally knew about him.

To Cultivators in the Border Region, three to five hundred years might seem like a very long time. But to these Cultivators in the Central Region... it was merely the lifespan of an "ordinary" Golden Core Realm Cultivator, from birth to passing away.

He just hadn’t expected that his Master was such a close friend with this legendary Prodigy.

"He seemed to have a similar pupil technique, though its appearance differed somewhat from what you described."

Speaking of Chen Linyuan, True Person Qing Yan seemed to have opened a floodgate of memories.

"It’s been three or four hundred years since I last saw him in the blink of an eye."

He picked up another chess piece and placed it casually.

He continued, "When your Master, I, was young, I had some Opportunities. I reached Foundation Establishment Great Perfection at 126, entered seclusion for Breakthrough, and after three years, achieved the Golden Core Dao at 129."

"In Chu of the Border Region, this was almost the pinnacle."

"Even after coming to the Central Region and witnessing the vastness of the world, I didn’t believe I was truly much worse than others."

"At that time, I thought that as long as I worked hard and made good use of my Opportunities, I would surely be able to compete with those true Prodigies."

"Until one year, I heard that Jun Mountain had taken in a Disciple."

Lu Qingyan’s eyes instantly changed from spirited to somewhat melancholic.

"He entered the Dao at twelve and established his Dao Foundation at thirteen."

In fact, in the Central Region, while rare, it wasn’t unheard of for someone to establish their Dao Foundation within a year of entering the Dao.

Some Cultivators, even with such Aptitude and resources, would not choose to rush to achieve success.

After all, the Dao Foundation concerns the stability of one’s future Immortal path, and most people would consider it carefully.

However, it was clear that Chen Linyuan’s situation was not the result of rushing for success.

"He sought the Golden Core at sixty and formed a Nascent Soul at one hundred sixty-nine."

Wang Ke had actually heard these things before, but hearing them from his Master made them even more shocking.

"Your Master, me," Lu Qingyan pointed to himself, "though I came from the Border Region, my Foundation was not bad."

"By chance, I entered the Ghost Valley Sect, and since then, I’ve had endless fortuitous encounters and continuous Opportunities."

"Even so, I only successfully formed my Nascent Soul at two hundred nine."

Forming a Nascent Soul at two hundred nine, in the Central Region, was already considered one of the fastest Cultivation speeds.

Wang Ke pondered for a moment and said, "Master, this Disciple also heard rumors that year on Jun Mountain, saying that Chen Linyuan was a Reincarnation of an Immortal..."

Lu Qingyan shook his head slightly: "There was indeed such a saying, but who can say what is true and what is false?"

"Later that year at the severe weather Night Banquet, I participated as a Disciple of the Ghost Valley and happened to be seated with him. Unexpectedly, we got along quite well."

At this point, the main focus of Wang Ke’s questions was no longer on Song Yan’s pupil technique, but rather on marveling that Chen Linyuan was indeed no ordinary person.

His Master, usually without the airs of a Nascent Soul Realm Immortal Master, would joke with him and chat about anecdotes among Ghost Valley Sect members.

But to speak so voluminously about one person, it seemed to be a first.

True Person Qing Yan’s reminiscent expression faded, and he lowered his head slightly, returning his gaze to the chessboard: "Later, I don’t know how, but we became good friends."

"In our free time, we would occasionally spar, so I saw him use a pupil technique."

"So that’s how it is."

Wang Ke nodded.

True Person Qing Yan was intrigued: "He left Jun Mountain that year, and it seems he went to the Border Region, but he didn’t tell me where he was going."

"What? Did you perhaps meet his Disciple or successor?"

Wang Ke was stunned and said, "It couldn’t be that coincidental, could it?"

"Haha," Lu Qingyan chuckled, "That’s hard to say. How could the karmic ties of this world be fathomed by Mortals like us..."

"..."

Wang Ke thought about it and felt that his Master’s words made sense.

But he secretly grumbled to himself: his Master, a grand Cultivator at Nascent Soul Realm Perfection, with one foot already in the Soul Transformation Realm, actually called himself a Mortal... Then wouldn’t all of them, at Foundation Establishment, be like ants?

"Oh, by the way, Master."

Wang Ke changed the subject: "When you sparred with Chen Linyuan, what was the outcome?"

"..."

Lu Qingyan’s calm smile suddenly froze. He then grabbed the jade flute beside him and delivered a blow to Wang Ke’s head.

Wang Ke instinctively tried to dodge but felt nowhere to escape. He could only stay put and honestly take the hit.

"Bringing up old scores!"

...Cave Abyss Sect, outside the mountain gate.

It was deep winter now, with heavy snow falling.

"Junior Sister Ju, if there’s nothing else, you can return to your Immortal Cave early."

The Sect’s guard duty still consisted of two people, and one of them was Xiao Ju.

The speaker was a young male Disciple: "I’m here; nothing will happen."

The Sect’s guard duty, in truth, was mainly to prevent Mortals and Loose Cultivators from accidentally entering.

If a demonic Cultivator truly invaded, Qi Refining Cultivators would be of no use.

So, although the rule was for two people to be on duty, usually one person watching was completely sufficient.

Therefore, on the day of the shift change, "This time I’ll go back early, and next time I’ll let you go back early."

They were all Qi Refining Cultivators, and it wasn’t easy for any of them, so they could save some Cultivation time for each other.

Everyone understood tacitly.

"No, that’s alright. Senior Brother Ding, you go back. I’ll watch here."

Ju Luyi also knew about this arrangement, but after much thought, she still felt it was better to follow the rules.

Her status as a Cave Abyss Sect Disciple was hard-won. If she were to be reprimanded by certain Deacons in the Sect because of this, losing her own face wouldn’t matter, but she feared her Master would be implicated.

However, she also didn’t want to break everyone’s unspoken understanding, so she suggested that Senior Brother Ding leave early.

"Hmm..."

Senior Brother Ding hummed in acknowledgment, but after a moment of contemplation, he didn’t leave.

Junior Sister Ju Luyi was Disciple of Junior Martial Uncle Song Yan; this was almost common knowledge.

He was very envious but not jealous.

People are born different.

After a short period of getting along, this Junior Sister Cultivated diligently and worked meticulously, completely without the bad habits he imagined a Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s Disciple would have.

This also made him even more curious about what kind of person this rumored Junior Martial Uncle Song Yan truly was.

Since he had nothing to do, why not ask Junior Sister?

He was about to speak when he heard a commotion from below the mountain gate.

The stone steps of the mountain path were covered with thin snow, and the sound of crushing snow could be heard as footsteps trod upon it.

Both of them simultaneously looked towards the approaching figures.

One old, one young. The older one was a Late Stage Qi Refining Cultivator, and the younger one seemed to only have a slight trace of Spiritual Qi, not yet officially having entered the Dao.

"Stop."

Senior Brother Ding spoke, stepping forward and bowing slightly to the two: "May I ask where you two are from and what brings you here?"

"This old man is Yan Heng, and I have brought my grandson, Yan Que, to visit Senior Song Yan."

"This..."

Senior Brother Ding was stunned.

If there were visiting Cultivators from outside, in a few cases, Cultivators within the Sect would make arrangements in advance and either come to receive them themselves or send Disciples to guide them.

In most cases, the mountain-guarding Disciple would need to go to the Entrance Plaza to report.

It was a good thing Junior Sister Ju hadn’t gone back early.

Isn’t it a coincidence? The only Disciple of Junior Martial Uncle Song Yan, whom they were looking for, was right here guarding the mountain.

Senior Brother Ding looked at his Junior Sister, only to see Ju Luyi frown slightly: "It’s you."

The old man was none other than the shopkeeper of the Thousand Forging Hall from the Diequan Market in Dragon Pool Mountain previously.

That day, during the grand event, her Master had taken her to browse the market, intending to look for some Flying Swords.

Unexpectedly, this person had spoken to them with harsh words, a memory Xiao Ju still vividly recalled.

The old man also scrutinized her, as if recognizing Xiao Ju: "Uh... you are..."

Xiao Ju asked directly, "Why have you come to find my Master?"

The old man’s lips moved, and he looked at the little boy beside him.

"This matter is a long story."

"This old man must first apologize to Senior Song. Previously, it was this old man who was blind and misunderstood you two, Master and Disciple..."

"This time, I also come with sincerity to apologize to Senior Song."

After hearing this, Xiao Ju’s expression softened slightly.

Many people in Chu had witnessed her Master’s sword strike in Dragon Pool Mountain through the Spirit Manifestation Cloud.

Many more had even made special recordings of it to circulate.

The old man continued, "Previously, demonic Cultivators caused chaos, and now Dragon Pool Mountain is being rebuilt. This old man and my grandson have nowhere to go for a while, so we are returning to Bei Ya Mountain."

"After much thought, there is still one matter I need to seek Senior Song about, concerning that ancient heirloom sword."

Senior Brother Ding stood by, saying nothing.

Xiao Ju’s expression, however, shifted.

Although she didn’t particularly like this old man, he had, after all, acknowledged his mistake and had come to apologize.

Most importantly, Xiao Ju knew that her Master had been very interested in ancient swords before.

Almost without hesitation, Xiao Ju nodded: "You may wait here for a moment. I will go and report to my Master."

She turned and gestured: "Senior Brother Ding."

"Alright, you go ahead."

Wipe Sword Peak, Earth Character Two-One Immortal Cave.

By reckoning, it had been about half a year since returning to the Sect from Dragon Pool Mountain.

Song Yan’s injuries from facing Hermit Xin Shan’s feigned death had completely recovered to their peak state.

His Cultivation had even improved.

Cultivating, refining his mind, refining his spirit, and recovering from injuries.

He had enjoyed a rare period of peace.

What he found slightly strange was that since returning from Dragon Pool Mountain, Yang Wenxuan had not sought any revenge against him or Qin Xijun.

The previous claim of suspecting Song Yan of being possessed by a demonic Cultivator had not been brought up again.

It was good that he wasn’t bothered; although Song Yan had already made preparations, dealing with it would always consume mental energy.

He estimated that going to the demonic Cultivator battlefield would be a matter of days.

However, on this day, a strange guest arrived at his Immortal Cave.

Xiao Ju brewed Spiritual Tea, poured it for the two people at the table, and then stood obediently behind Song Yan.

Across from Song Yan sat an old man who introduced himself as Yan Heng, a member of the Yan Family, and the other was his grandson.

Between the two lay a simple sword box.

Song Yan had seen these two people before at the Diequan Market. As soon as they entered the Immortal Cave, they repeatedly apologized to him and explained their purpose.

At this moment, the little boy sat quietly behind the old man, watching his grandfather talk to the young man opposite him.

"I hope Senior Song won’t laugh at this old man."

The previous round of apologies had made Yan Heng realize that Senior Song was not a narrow-minded person, so he spoke with a little more ease now.

"This branch of my family, our ancestors were also direct descendants of the Yan Family."

"Among our ancestors, there was even an Artifact Refiner famous in Chu, named Uncle Yan."

Upon hearing this, Song Yan’s gaze subtly shifted.

He nodded: "I have heard of him."

"Yes, that ancestor’s Artifact Refining skills were superb, his methods unique, and he was extremely renowned for a time."

Speaking of this ancestor, Yan Heng’s tone regained some confidence, but then quickly turned despondent.

"It’s just that later generations were unworthy, and no one could reach the Artifact Refining Realm of our ancestor again."

"Later, the Elders of the clan all believed that our branch was pursuing a ’fork in the road’ of Artifact Refining and wanted us to give up."

"Unsuccessful everywhere, ostracized daily, by the time it reached my father, he left the Yan Family."

Speaking of these things, the old man sighed endlessly.

But compared to this, what interested Song Yan more was the "fork in the road" he mentioned.

"A fork in the road? Why do you say that?"

Hearing Song Yan’s question, Yan Heng let out a long sigh.

"Alas."

He continued, "Everyone knows that Ancestral Master’s Artifact Refining methods were extraordinary, but they don’t know that his vision was even more unimaginable to ordinary Cultivators."

"As an Artifact Refiner, Ancestral Master spent his life wanting to refine a Spiritual Treasure, even the lowest-grade Spiritual Treasure."

"But refining a Spiritual Treasure requires the Cultivation of the Golden Core Realm."

"Although Ancestral Master also had the Foundation Establishment Realm, he knew his Aptitude was insufficient and resources were lacking, so he had no hope of reaching the Golden Core in this life."

"So..."

Yan Heng paused, as if speaking of this matter required some courage.

"So Ancestral Master poured his life’s efforts into finding an extraordinary path of Artifact Refining."

"To allow Cultivators who cannot reach the Golden Core Realm to also be able to refine Spiritual Treasures!"

Xiao Ju stood behind Song Yan, and upon hearing these words, her previously lowered gaze lifted.

It was simply a wild fantasy!

Song Yan was also startled upon hearing this.

No wonder the Yan Family members would say this was a "fork in the road"; anyone would come to the same conclusion.

Any slightly clear-headed person, with a bit of thought, could point out the problem.

Leaving aside the feasibility of this idea, the most crucial point was that even if it could be achieved, it wouldn’t have much significance.

The power of Spiritual Treasures was far beyond that of Spiritual Artifacts and Spiritual Artifacts, and only Golden Core Realm Cultivators could wield them.

Many Materials could also only be gathered by Golden Core Realm Cultivators.

Even if such a path truly existed and a Spiritual Treasure was refined, the Cultivator would still have to wait until they reached the Golden Core Realm to use it.

However, by the time they reached the Golden Core Realm, they would be able to refine Spiritual Treasures themselves.

And a force without a Golden Core Realm Cultivator in charge, even with enough Spirit Stones, would not likely spend a large sum to purchase a Spiritual Treasure.

The principle of "a treasure brings trouble to its owner" was clear in the Cultivation World.

Looked at this way, Ancestor Uncle Yan’s research, apart from fulfilling his own vision, did indeed seem to be a "fork in the road."