My Immortal Father

Myriad Cloud Hall Sect Leader's Immortal Decree:

Outer Sect Deacon Wei Yanzi and Outer Sect Disciple Li Ping'an rendered meritorious service in rescuing fellow sect members and bolstered the prestige of our Myriad Cloud Sect. Each is awarded one block of spirit stones, six jars of Immortal Pills, and twelve chests of refining materials.

Deacon Wei Yanzi failed to promptly establish contact with the sect, causing a large number of fellow sect members to make a wasted trip to the mortal world. He is hereby given a verbal reprimand, has twenty years of Cloud Nurturing Hall monthly allowances deducted, and is ordered to copy the sect's methods of communication three thousand times, to be completed within half a year.

Disciple Li Ping'an remained composed and calm, adapted to circumstances, and displayed exceptional courage. The sect elders hereby award him a residence within the sect, with the right to choose where he wishes to live, as well as the immortal artifacts Azure Cloud Immortal Crossing Robe and Flowing Cloud Sun Piercing Shuttle.

This reward shall not be publicly announced. It is sufficient for the parties involved to know.

After Immortal Qing Su returned to the mountain, she immediately went into seclusion at Colorful Cloud Peak, which left Wei Yanzi rather dissatisfied.

"Ping'an, look at this. We worked for days, and we did not even get a word of thanks!"

Li Ping'an merely smiled without replying, idly playing with the identity Jade Token marked "Outer Sect Disciple."

The two had already returned to Flowing Cloud Temple and were gathered in Li Ping'an's wooden building.

The two blocks of spirit stones on the table emitted a hazy immortal glow. The sect's awarded Immortal Pills, refining materials, and immortal artifacts had all been delivered here together.

As for the Myriad Cloud Return Sect Token, Li Ping'an could not exactly keep it for himself, so he returned it to Deacon Wang Xinhui in its original state.

Wei Yanzi admired the robe Li Ping'an had just received, clicking his tongue in amazement, though he was too embarrassed to try it on.

At this moment, what made Li Ping'an happiest was neither these spirit stones and Immortal Pills nor the two immortal artifacts, but the fact that his name had been entered into the Myriad Cloud Sect's Immortal Registry.

From this day onward, he was an official disciple of Myriad Cloud Sect. Not only could he receive a monthly allowance of three low-grade spirit stones, but he could also freely enter the several peaks where Outer Sect Disciples cultivated, attend the immortals' lectures held six times each month, openly cultivate the various low-level techniques of Myriad Cloud Sect, seek guidance from the Outer Sect Deacons whenever he wished, and, when the time was right, request to be stationed in the mortal world.

Now that his father was in Myriad Cloud Sect, and his home was in Myriad Cloud Sect, he no longer needed to waste his years in the mortal world.

All in all, the goals Li Ping'an had set for himself back then had now all been surpassed!

Only two sore points remained in Li Ping'an's heart.

The five elements lacked earth;

His life lacked a master.

"Deacon," Li Ping'an said with a smile, "put away your share of the rewards first. Junior Sister Mu should be arriving soon. As the saying goes, those who see it get a share..."

"Ha! If she sees them, just give her a share!"

Wei Yanzi sounded generous, but his body was honest. He swiftly put away all his spirit stones and refining materials.

For a Qi cultivator who had only recently undergone Ascension, these spirit stones and refining materials were quite a fortune.

Wei Yanzi was in high spirits and could not help praising them. "Following you father and son around has really boosted my luck! Hahaha!"

Li Ping'an smiled and shook his head, not correcting the awkward phrasing in his words.

Li Ping'an was not quite sure whether Deacon Wei Yanzi was following him around;

But Li Ping'an could say with certainty that Deacon Wei Yanzi was absolutely his old father's foremost general.

Li Ping'an continued taking stock of his gains. After looking over the immortal robe a few times, he casually put it away.

This immortal robe was mainly for appearance. Its protective effect was not even as good as the Inner Armor he wore. Its style was refined, its patterns intricate; it was ceremonial attire meant for grand occasions.

The Flowing Cloud Sun Piercing Shuttle could grow large or small. Normally, it resembled a wooden shuttle used for weaving, but when activated, it could transform into a shuttle one zhang long, with astonishing escape speed.

Once Li Ping'an got his hands on this treasure, he examined it carefully for a while before impatiently beginning to refine it.

"This Flowing Cloud Sun Piercing Shuttle really is a fine treasure."

"That does not seem right," Wei Yanzi said with a smile. "Clearly, your robe is the better one."

"An artifact that is useful to oneself is a good artifact."

Li Ping'an smiled.

"I am only in the Condensing Light Realm right now. I cannot even bring out a tenth of this shuttle's power, yet I can still travel ten thousand li in a day with it.

"I suppose the elders realized I was good at escaping, so they deliberately bestowed such a valuable treasure upon me."

Wei Yanzi said seriously, "How can that be called escaping? This is clearly advancing ten thousand li and soaring straight into the clouds! Hahaha!"

A soft call came from outside the door. "Senior Brother Ping'an?"

Wei Yanzi immediately stood up. "I will not disturb you. You two chat, you two chat."

Li Ping'an had just wanted to stop him, but Wei Yanzi had already cast a spell, transforming into a wisp of cloud mist that drifted to the second floor, darted out the window, and vanished.

After the past few days of "intensive training," Wei Yanzi's escape technique had improved by leaps and bounds.

Li Ping'an put away the shuttle, draped on his long robe, and opened the door to see the lovely figure standing in the courtyard.

Mu Ningning had clearly dressed up with great care today.

Her black hair was arranged into twin looped buns, light makeup adorned her pretty face, and the hem of her pink-and-white long dress barely touched the ground, revealing her embroidered shoes only when she walked.

It was unclear whether the white dress had simply been designed that way or whether her figure had developed too impressively, but the fabric across her chest was stretched a little too tight, while her soft waist bound by the sash seemed too slender to grasp.

She carried a food box in her hand and was currently standing on tiptoe, peering into the room.

"Deacon Wei Yanzi just left."

Li Ping'an said this with a smile as he slowly walked toward the tree.

Mu Ningning asked softly, "Senior Brother, did you only return with Deacon Wei Yanzi?"

"Was Immortal Qing Su not with us as well?"

"Ah! Right!"

Mu Ningning suddenly became happy. Her Peach Blossom Eyes curved into crescent moons, and her fair skin seemed especially translucent in the sunlight as she skipped over to Li Ping'an's side.

Li Ping'an swept the fallen leaves from the low table and cushions with a wave of his sleeve, then sat down with Mu Ningning.

Neither of them cared about the formalities between host and guest, so the atmosphere was naturally easygoing.

Before long, the table was filled with dishes Mu Ningning had prepared, and Li Ping'an took out a jar of spirit fruit wine he had brewed himself.

Having entered the Outer Sect today, they ought to celebrate.

Li Ping'an suddenly asked, "Hm? Why are you kneeling so properly today? Have you become reserved?"

"Well..." Mu Ningning lowered her eyes toward the side. "Some senior sisters said that women look gentler when kneeling, and it is not a salute, just a sitting posture... I thought so too..."

"There is such a saying?"

Li Ping'an laughed in surprise and did not press the matter.

He asked, "Over the past half month, did you see the Ascension phenomenon at the Main Peak?"

"An Ascension anomaly? I did not see one."

Mu Ningning lowered her head to pour Li Ping'an a cup of wine, then rose and changed to a cross-legged sitting position, allowing her skirt to spread casually beside her.

Li Ping'an could not help but worry.

Had his father still failed to cross the heavenly chasm of becoming an immortal?

Had his realm risen too quickly, leaving his Dao foundation unstable? Or had transferring his cultivation to him three times left behind some hidden danger?

"Senior Brother? What is wrong? Uncle came to Colorful Cloud Peak to see me just two hours ago."

"Oh? My father went to see you?"

"Uncle gave me a jade pendant and said it was... it was..."

Her cheeks suddenly reddened. She raised a hand to smooth the hair by her ear and continued in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"He said it was a treasured jade heirloom of your family. Although it is only an ordinary item, it holds extraordinary meaning, and he told me to keep it safe.

"I... well, I could not really refuse, so I accepted it directly."

"Cough, cough cough!"

Li Ping'an choked on the fruit wine, his expression becoming incomparably complicated.

No wonder Mu Ningning had been acting strangely today!

Although, as she grew older, she sometimes deliberately hid her true nature and tried to act a little gentler, she had never been this shy and bashful!

His father had already started using the "family heirloom jade pendant" trick?

Would he start delivering heart-shaped stones for him next?

This was just...

"Senior Brother," Mu Ningning asked uneasily, "is something wrong?"

Li Ping'an smiled and shook his head, sighing. "You know what my father is like. He is always worried about my major life matters... Do not overthink it."

Mu Ningning pursed her lips and gave a soft snort. "I did not overthink anything."

"Come, come, drink. Go back to how you usually are. Being carefree is much better."

Li Ping'an smiled.

"When I returned to the mortal world this time, it was not exactly a brush with death, but I still went through quite a few hardships. I can tell you all about them."

He began telling Mu Ningning about his escape across ten thousand li, while she listened without taking her eyes off him.

After a few cups of fruit wine, Mu Ningning finally shed her ladylike disguise and returned to her true, chivalrous nature.

Her smile gained a touch more innocent charm, and her voice became even clearer.

She suddenly asked, "Senior Brother, when you returned to the mortal world this time, did you not go visit your family?"

Li Ping'an asked in confusion, "The only family I have is this old father of mine. When I returned to the mortal world to settle my worldly ties, all I did was divide up the family wealth and dismiss the servants."

"Hm?"

Mu Ningning's eyes were full of question marks. Her heart warmed, and she asked directly.

"You do not have any wives or concubines in the mortal world?"

"Where would I get wives or concubines? I am a fine young man devoted wholeheartedly to the Dao."

"Then why did you lose your Primordial Yang?"

Mu Ningning blinked, then suddenly looked enlightened and gave Li Ping'an a disdainful look.

"You actually... actually went to places like brothels!"

Li Ping'an had just been about to explain when Mu Ningning had already forgiven him.

"But everyone is young and inexperienced at some point. You cannot really be blamed for that! Hehe, you really do not have wives or concubines in the mortal world."

She smiled happily, half sprawled across the wooden table, her soft hands cupping her cheeks as she gazed at Li Ping'an with a grin.

Her improper intentions were plain for all to see.

Li Ping'an sighed inwardly. It was not as if he felt nothing at all for this adorable girl, but he still needed to nurture his Dao Body. Forming a Dao companion bond too early would only affect his cultivation progress, so he could not consider such matters for the time being.

Change the subject, change the subject.

"Junior Sister, have you entered the Light Condensation Realm?"

"Senior Brother, look!"

Mu Ningning closed her eyes and held her breath with all her might. A faint glow appeared on her forehead.

Her primordial soul had gathered, but her divine transformation had yet to begin.

Mu Ningning said proudly, "I am a Qi cultivator in the Light Condensation Realm now too!"

"See? Your cultivation realm is catching up to mine again," Li Ping'an sighed. "Having a master really does make a difference."

Mu Ningning smiled. "Are you praising yourself in a roundabout way? Someone like me, who has a master guiding her, has only barely caught up with your cultivation progress. I even suspect the experts in the sect misjudged Senior Brother's aptitude!"

"The five elements lack earth. What could they have misjudged? It is only because my father has always been helping me... Did your Martial Uncle Qing Su say anything after returning to the mountain?"

"She did not say anything. She hurriedly went into seclusion."

Li Ping'an let out a dejected sigh.

Fine. That investment had fallen through. Immortal Qing Su would most likely not recommend a master for him.

"Senior Brother, what is wrong?"

"Nothing. I will continue relying on myself. I will not think about it anymore. I can comprehend a world of my own through my own efforts!"

Li Ping'an pulled himself together and continued telling stories of his trip.

Beneath the parasol tree in the courtyard, they drank together in the present moment.

Above them, within the white clouds, Li Dazhi smiled as he waited for Mu Ningning to leave, not disturbing the young pair's time together.

Youth really was wonderful.

Then Li Dazhi looked at the phantom lotus beneath his feet and slightly raised his brows.

Becoming an immortal was not bad either.

As dusk approached, Mu Ningning rode an immortal sword toward Colorful Cloud Peak.

Li Ping'an had just been about to return indoors to meditate when a beam of immortal light slammed down from above.

Li Dazhi's still rather imposing figure slowly descended from the immortal light, drawing clusters of young men and women from Flowing Cloud Temple to watch.

Li Ping'an froze for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "Dad, you became an immortal!?"

"Stay calm, stay calm."

Li Dazhi turned around, holding his stomach as he raised his brows and grinned at Li Ping'an.

Li Ping'an asked curiously, "When crossing the Heaven and Earth Bridge, did they not say you could reshape your immortal body? Dad, why do you still have a beer belly?"

Li Dazhi immediately lost his composure. "I am used to looking like this, so this is how it is... Come inside. I need to talk to you about something!"

Talk about something?

Li Ping'an narrowed his eyes with a smile and followed his father upstairs to the bedroom.

Li Dazhi set up an immortal power barrier to block outside observation, then assumed the airs of a father.

He sat behind the desk, motioned for Li Ping'an to stand before him, pondered for a moment, and put on a solemn expression.

"Ping'an, I see that you are no longer young. Now that I have become an immortal, it is time to..."

"Yes!"

Li Ping'an forcefully interrupted his spellcasting and said seriously, "Dad, it is time you considered remarrying."

"Re-remarrying?"

Li Dazhi's eyes widened.

"What remarriage? How could I remarry? Could I betray your mother like that!"

"Dad," Li Ping'an sighed, "you have stepped onto the immortal path. Your lifespan now stretches ten thousand years, and your life has been extended by a great deal. Are you planning to remain alone forever?"

Li Dazhi said firmly, "That will have to wait until you get married and establish yourself first. Then I will consider my own matters!"

"That will not do," Li Ping'an shook his head. "If I really get married, I will move from my original family into my own small family. Then you will be left all alone, Dad. That would truly be unfilial! Ah, Dad, have you met Elder Xiao Yue?"

"Ah, I have. Why?"

"Did you not, well, feel even the slightest stirring of your Dao heart? When I was little, did you not like beautiful women with that sort of appearance?"

"What do you know! Showing off, are you!"

Li Dazhi glared fiercely at Li Ping'an.

"Don't start giving me all this nonsense! I never planned on finding a Dao companion!

"When I reached the stage of life where I should've been preparing to hold grandkids, my Dao heart settled at that stage! And now you're randomly making arrangements for me!"

Li Ping'an lowered his head and listened to the scolding. Once Li Dazhi had finished, he proactively brought up the Ancient Ruins in the Eastern Sea.

He had successfully muddled his way through.

"Ping'an," Li Dazhi said, "the matter of the Ancient Ruins in the Eastern Sea has brought quite a few immortals in the sect out of seclusion. The elders of the Affairs Hall want to take this opportunity to hold a lively disciple tournament, sometime within the next seven or eight days."

Li Ping'an shrugged. "I'm not an Inner Sect Disciple."

Li Dazhi leaned closer and lowered his voice. "It can be worked out."

"Dad, how are you going to work it out?"

"I'm planning to give them a few suggestions, so Outer Sect Disciples can participate as well. As long as they're above the fourth stage of the Spirit Gathering Realm and entered the sect within the past twenty years, they'll be eligible."

Li Dazhi narrowed his eyes with a smile and added:

"I've just undergone Ascension, and my immortal spiritual aura hasn't dissipated yet. I'll see whether I can help improve your Dao foundation.

"And while we're at it, I'll transmit my cultivation to you once more today. Go make a name for yourself in the tournament and let the immortals in the sect see what you're capable of."

Li Ping'an gave an awkward laugh. "Transmitting cultivation is fine. I'd like to borrow some of your immortal aura too, but let's forget about the sect tournament. I don't really like joining in on the excitement."

"Fine, then I won't work anything out."

Li Dazhi tugged at his sleeves and smiled.

"Do whatever makes you comfortable. Come over and meditate!"

Li Ping'an took off his robe, leaving only his inner garment, then sat cross-legged with his eyes closed before the Dao character hanging on the wall.

Li Dazhi strode behind Li Ping'an with the gait of an old master, sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and inhaled. Seven great stars gradually appeared behind his head.

A purple great star appeared above Li Ping'an's head, intersecting and resonating with the seven stars behind him.

Shortly afterward, strands of immortal spiritual energy flowed into the great star above Li Ping'an's head, then transformed into ribbons of color that showered down upon him.

This transmission of cultivation continued for roughly a moment.

Li Dazhi opened his eyes to examine his son's condition. Seeing that Li Ping'an's Dao Body had not changed much while his cultivation steadily rose, he finally relaxed and stood guard beside him.

Another half hour passed.

Rumble—

Without any warning, the earth suddenly began to tremble. Spiritual energy between heaven and earth churned violently, and tiny icicles appeared throughout the Myriad Cloud Sect.

Li Ping'an halted his cultivation and turned toward his father in astonishment. Li Dazhi wore an equally bewildered expression.

"Dad, was that your doing?"

"It had nothing to do with me," Li Dazhi said, looking at his pair of fair, tender hands. "Was that an earthquake?"

Father and son exchanged a look, then rose at the same time and rushed to the window to look outside.

At Colorful Cloud Peak, the phantom of an enormous ice lotus rapidly took shape. The lotus had not yet fully bloomed, but it radiated boundless Immortal Light and formed countless strange phenomena.

The laughter of Colorful Cloud Peak's Peak Master drifted back and forth within the Mountain Protection grand formation:

"An immortal of my Colorful Cloud Peak has broken through the Heavenly Immortal barrier!

"All sect members and disciples may come near Colorful Cloud Peak to observe the ceremony. Should you gain any insight, you will benefit for the rest of your lives!"