Cultivating To Immortality

Dragon Head Mountain.

The cool mountain wind blew against Song Yan’s face as he ascended the winding bluestone mountain path with steady steps, heading towards the Elder’s courtyard halfway up the mountain.

The Elder’s courtyard was built scattered along the mountain, with several large halls and Immortal Cave complexes.

Small pavilions, tall and low buildings, all grand yet not chaotic.

Given that a Disciple of the Sect had been confined for reflection, to see Qin Xijun, one would logically have to seek out Yang Wenxuan.

Of course, he couldn’t go to that annoying person, not only because they had a grudge, but also because Granny Qin had beaten him.

Song Yan decided to first approach Elder Zhang Guangyuan to gauge his reaction.

If that didn’t work, he would then ask Elder Xu Ziqing.

"This Disciple Song Yan of Demon Subduing Peak, returning from Dragon Pool Mountain, requests an audience with Elder Zhang."

Facing the gaze of the two Disciples at the entrance, he politely announced his identity.

In fact, even before Song Yan approached, the two Disciples guarding the courtyard had already recognized him from afar.

"Alright... alright, Senior Brother Song, please wait a moment, I will go inform him."

The Disciple who spoke seemed very young, and it was unclear which Elder’s relative he was.

"Thank you for your trouble."

A moment later, the duty Disciple quickly walked out and greeted Song Yan: "Senior Brother Song, please follow me."

This young Junior Brother was a chatterbox, talking non-stop as they walked.

"Senior Brother Song, I wonder if you still remember me."

He spoke of this with great enthusiasm: "A few years ago, when you passed through the Heart Refining Road from the outer Sect, it was Senior Brother Lu and I who handled your inner Sect affairs."

"Oh?"

Such a coincidence?

Recalling, the person in front of him did look somewhat familiar. After thinking for a moment, a name was on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn’t remember it: "You are... Lian..."

"My name is Wen Lian, Senior Brother can just call me A-Lian."

Looking at Song Yan, Wen Lian’s eyes were filled with admiration.

"So it’s Junior Brother A-Lian."

Song Yan vaguely remembered that he was just a young Dao child back then, and in a blink of an eye, he had grown so much.

Children grow up fast.

Upon entering the hall where Zhang Guangyuan was, A-Lian reluctantly quieted down.

What greeted their eyes was a Jade Wall, with faint spiritual light flowing upon it.

Song Yan focused his gaze, and the spiritual light revealed the territory of Chu Country, with some black and white markers on it.

Parts of Qi Country and Ning Country, which bordered Chu Country, were also shown.

Beside the Jade Wall, various scrolls and Jade Slips from different regions were piled up.

Zhang Guangyuan stood before a black Sandalwood Case, his brows slightly furrowed, looking at a Jade Slip in his hand.

He was tall, his Elder’s Dao robe meticulously worn, and a hint of imperceptible weariness was in his brows.

"Elder Zhang, Senior Brother Song Yan has arrived."

"Disciple Song Yan pays his respects to Elder."

Song Yan stood firm, saluted respectfully with clasped hands, neither humble nor arrogant.

Hearing the sound, Zhang Guangyuan looked up. Upon seeing who had arrived, his tightly furrowed brows unexpectedly relaxed, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

He put down the Jade Slip in his hand and said, "Martial Nephew Song, there’s no need for such formality. Come, sit down and talk."

Song Yan sat down as instructed. Before he could speak, Elder Zhang Guangyuan spoke first.

"You’ve had a long and arduous journey returning from Dragon Pool Mountain. It must have been hard."

Elder Zhang Guangyuan also took his seat at the head, looking at Song Yan with eyes full of appreciation: "Although this Dragon Pool Grand Assembly was interrupted, the Sect will not be stingy with rewards for its Disciples."

"Especially you. The Sect Affairs Hall has already prepared to record your merits, and the relevant Medicinal Pills and Spirit Stone offerings will all be upgraded and distributed."

"Elder Zhang, you flatter me."

Song Yan nodded slightly, his attitude humble: "It was my duty, and I was fortunate not to disgrace the Sect’s prestige. If not for the Sect’s cultivation and the support of my Senior Masters and fellow Disciples, this Disciple might have died and had his Dao extinguished several years ago."

"Moreover, eradicating demonic evildoers is the responsibility of every Xuanmen Disciple. Facing a False Core Demonic Cultivator, this Disciple was able to escape danger by using life-saving items, which came at no small cost. I truly do not deserve such praise."

Song Yan’s voice was clear and steady. He lightly glossed over his near-death experience, emphasizing the Sect’s contribution, handling the situation with excellent measure.

Zhang Guangyuan looked at the young man before him, neither humble nor arrogant, with a steady Heart-Nature and a hidden sharpness, and his eyes showed even deeper approval.

He had originally intended to thoroughly question Song Yan about the circumstances of his soul lamp extinguishing, but the other party had already proactively mentioned "life-saving items," so it was not appropriate to inquire further.

Elder Yang Wenxuan seemed to be discussing the issue of this child’s identity, questioning whether this Song Yan had been taken by Possession by a Demonic Cultivator.

He requested Song Yan to re-walk the Heart Refining Road.

The method of Possession is not something an ordinary Demonic Cultivator can achieve.

Without the aid of treasures, usually only Nascent Soul Realm or even Soul Transformation Realm Demonic Cultivators can actively perform Possession.

It is simply impossible for a False Core Realm Cultivator to perform Possession on a Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator.

He didn’t know what Elder Yang was thinking, insisting on going through this process.

He stroked the short beard under his chin and chuckled, "Not arrogant, not impatient; good, very good! This level of Heart-Nature cultivation is also truly rare and valuable."

"Oh, right." He changed the subject, with a hint of concern, "You must not have seen Junior Sister Qin since your return from this trip, have you?"

At the mention of Qin Xijun, Song Yan’s heart stirred, and his expression finally showed a hint of urgency and worry: "This Disciple was just about to ask Elder for guidance."

"At the Mission Hall, the Elder in charge mentioned that Master seemed to have had some disputes with Elder Yang regarding this Disciple’s soul lamp extinguishing, and was punished for it."

"I wonder how Master is..."

"That is indeed true." Zhang Guangyuan nodded slightly, his expression showing no harshness, but rather a degree of understanding.

"Heh heh, Junior Sister Qin, she has always been like that."

"Fiercely tempered and extremely protective of her own."

Zhang Guangyuan might have been recalling some past events, as he smiled and shook his head.

"In the days when your soul lamp extinguished, she happened to emerge from her secluded cultivation. Upon hearing the report from the attendant Disciple, her heart was filled with worry."

"She originally wanted to go to Dragon Pool Mountain to find you, but with the Demon Ruins invasion, the Sect had issued an order that Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators were not allowed to act on their own."

"She then went to find Elder Yang, and in a fit of emotion, she directly attacked the main hall where Elder Yang usually handled official business, causing quite a commotion."

"It truly caused Elder Yang to lose face in front of many attendant Disciples. According to Sect rules, Elders fighting among themselves means confinement for reflection is unavoidable."

Zhang Guangyuan picked up the clear tea on the table and took a sip, continuing, "Originally, this matter should have been handled by Elder Yang Wenxuan himself, but he was injured by Junior Sister Qin and is still recuperating."

"Later, when Xiao Xu returned to the Sect and explained the situation and reasons, the Sect Master stepped forward and, after discussion with several main Elders, temporarily confined Junior Sister Qin to the front mountain of the Forbidden Land, specifically at Sky Falcon Broken Cliff, for a year of quiet reflection."

"This was still considering her higher Realm and important responsibilities, so she was not overly harshly treated."

"However, Junior Sister Qin is a reasonable person. After these few days, her temper must have gradually subsided."

Knowing the exact location, Song Yan felt a little relieved, but still asked: "The front mountain of the Forbidden Land... Elder, may I visit her now?"

He had never encountered such a situation before and was worried that the rules might be strict, making a visit difficult.

"Of course, you can."

Zhang Guangyuan put down his teacup, his smile benevolent: "Sect confinement is also a form of cultivation, not a complete isolation from the outside."

"Junior Sister Qin was originally a Sect Elder, with a respected status. According to regulations, her direct Disciples, Immortal Cave servants, and Dao Companion, as well as other relatives, can apply for a visit after reporting, which is in accordance with Sect rules."

"This Disciple understands."

Receiving this answer, the heavy stone in his heart finally fell.

"Are you going now? How about this, just tell Wen Lian at the entrance, and you can go directly."

Zhang Guangyuan pondered for a moment and said, "Now that Mo Xu Cultivators are invading and the situation is turbulent, let’s not bother with those cumbersome formalities of reporting back and forth. Everything should be simplified."

Anyway, Elder Yang Wenxuan is recuperating now, and it’s just a small matter. He might as well make the decision for this child.

Song Yan was overjoyed: "Thank you, Elder Zhang."

Zhang Guangyuan waved his hand: "Go quickly, Junior Sister Qin must also be worried about her precious Disciple."

"If she asks about the Sect’s movements, you can truthfully tell her about the recent intensification of unusual activity in the Demon Ruins and that some Disciples have been dispatched to guard Northern Chu, so she can rest assured."

"And you too, after you’ve recovered from your injuries, you might be asked to go to the front lines."

Zhang Guangyuan chuckled; these were not polite words.

Song Yan and Li Yi are both Disciples of Demon Subduing Peak now, and according to the rules, they are entirely under the Sect Master’s command.

As an external affairs Elder, without the Sect Master’s personal decree, he would truly have to "ask" them to go.

However, normally, elite Disciples who can enter Demon Subduing Peak would not refuse such an opportunity to temper themselves.

"Alright."

Song Yan nodded.

Leaving the Elder’s courtyard, he no longer delayed, following Zhang Guangyuan’s directions to the Forbidden Land.

The so-called Forbidden Land was not actually any special place.

This appellation was merely a common term used by the Disciples of the Sect.

In reality, it was simply that the Sect Master would sometimes Cultivate in seclusion in the mountain behind Dragon Head Peak, and ordinary people dared not approach it.

The so-called place of reflection, Sky Falcon Cliff, was also located here.

Placing Disciples who had made mistakes near the Sect Master’s secluded cultivation place truly ensured that no one dared to cause trouble.

Approaching the Forbidden Land, a clear spiritual power suppression emanated in the air.

Song Yan took out his Disciple token and simultaneously injected a wisp of spiritual power into it.

The air in front rippled slightly like water.

A Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator stepped out from within. He was dressed in a plain Dao robe, appeared middle-aged, and had a stern face.

He held a green Jade Formation Plate in his hand, looking solemnly at Song Yan.

"Who goes there?"

"Disciple Song Yan, Disciple of Elder Qin Xijun, requests a visit."

Song Yan presented the token given by Zhang Guangyuan: "I have already reported to Elder Zhang."

Upon hearing Song Yan’s name, the man paused slightly, as if he had thought of something.

His originally solemn face softened slightly, but remained stern: "Passage confirmed, visit permitted for a duration of two hours."

His voice was calm and unruffled, and the green Jade Formation Plate in his hand activated.

"No flying within the Forbidden Land, no loud noises, no attempting to damage any natural or formation-created barriers."

"After the visit, you must return here via the same path to report. Please proceed."

"Thank you, Senior Martial Uncle."

"No need. Everything is in accordance with the rules."

He paused, then suddenly glanced at Song Yan.

"Zhengfu once told me about you... Respectful of your Master and the Dao, you are a good child."

Song Yan was slightly taken aback. Looking closely, this Senior Martial Uncle’s face indeed bore some resemblance to Sun Zhengfu’s.

"You are his..."

The Cultivator nodded: "Go, don’t keep Elder Qin waiting long."

The Formation Plate operated, and the Restriction barrier opened a passage.

Song Yan nodded in acknowledgement and stepped in.

The passage behind him silently closed the moment he entered.

Upon stepping into the territory of Sky Falcon Broken Cliff, he immediately felt the sharp whistling mountain wind and biting cold.

Ascending to the cliff top, the wind grew even fiercer.

The cliff top platform was extremely wide. On one side was a sheer cliff, a bottomless, secluded valley, and on the other were jagged rocks and howling gales.

The Spiritual Qi here was unusually violent and chaotic, making it difficult for ordinary Disciples to absorb and Cultivate, but it had a miraculous effect on tempering one’s will and stabilizing one’s Heart-Nature.

In the sky above the cliff, three to five spiritual falcons of varying feather colors circled.

Song Yan’s gaze was quickly drawn to a familiar figure.

The woman had her back to him, sitting cross-legged on a large black rock that jutted out from the edge of the broken cliff.

She wore a very simple, moon-white cloth dress, and her long hair was casually tied up with a single ebony hairpin.

Two spiritual falcons were perched nearby, occasionally pecking and preening their feathers.

The woman’s figure was gentle, blending into the fierce winds and spiritual falcons’ Aura on the cliff, her back exuding a sense of solitude.

She gently stroked the young white spiritual falcon with her hand, her arm moving slightly.

A wisp of spiritual power supported it, allowing it to circle steadily in the air before her for a moment, then returning to her embrace.

"Chirp--"

The young falcon was too small and seemed unable to fly yet.

Perhaps hearing the extremely faint sound of footsteps behind her, Qin Xijun turned her head.

Her expression was still radiant, with no joy, anger, or grievance on her face.

Only her eyes, upon seeing Song Yan, were like a deep pool into which a stone had been thrown, showing a barely perceptible ripple that quickly settled into calm.

"Oh my!"

Qin Xijun walked forward, her gaze sweeping over Song Yan again and again.

She seemed to want to confirm that the young man in front of her was perfectly fine, a real flesh-and-blood body.

As she observed him, she spoke: "Isn’t this our Cave Abyss Sect’s newly promoted young Genius, the Cloud Piercing Sword Immortal, Master Song Yan!"

Qin Xijun’s tone rose slightly: "You’ve made a name for yourself, become famous, it’s incredible..."

"Leaving me, an old woman, alone here in the wilderness to feed birds."

"Heh heh..."

Hearing Qin Xijun’s familiar sarcastic, barbed remarks, Song Yan finally let out a long breath.

He chuckled foolishly: "Not at all, not at all, it’s all thanks to Master’s excellent guidance."

Qin Xijun lifted her skirt and kicked him: "Am I praising you?!"

"Ah, no, no, no, please calm down."

Qin Xijun turned around, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned.

She wasn’t actually angry; it was just that her worry about Xiao Song’s resurrection from Dragon Pool Mountain hadn’t fully subsided.

Having her precious Disciple standing alive in front of her, this immense joy of recovering what was lost allowed her to overlook many small things.

"Sit."

"Aye." Song Yan responded, looking around: "Where should I sit?"

"On the ground."

...

"What exactly happened with your soul lamp extinguishing? Tell me."

Song Yan sat on the ground next to Qin Xijun, and in a calm, unhurried tone, he recounted his story.

Explaining "Turning the Universe" was too troublesome, so he simply mentioned it as a secret art he had inadvertently obtained in the past and moved on.

He also didn’t go into detail about the Heart Demon incident, to spare Granny the worry.

Qin Xijun looked at her Disciple. There was no lingering fear in the young man’s eyes, only a clarity and composure forged from experiencing true death.

"Master, so the extinguishing of my soul lamp at that time was indeed true."

In Qin Xijun’s eyes, Song Yan’s wording was entirely that of a child trying to defend himself.

"This Disciple truly walked through the gates of hell."

Qin Xijun snorted lightly: "Consider yourself lucky, you little rascal."

That his life Foundation was unharmed was already a great fortune.

"What about Yang Wenxuan?"

She suddenly changed the subject, the temperature in her voice plummeting to freezing point: "Is this matter related to him?"