Returning from the Southwest

At the start of the year, the first day of the first month.

The grand spectacle held once every ten years unfolded once more beneath the Longevity Mountain Gate as resounding bell chimes rang out.

Every such ceremony was a major event in the Great Chu Cultivation Realm. Countless cultivators gathered from north and south, all for this grand ceremony.

This time was naturally no exception.

The three divisions—arts, techniques, and guest elders—selected talents.

Every trial was an Ascension Stairway.

Amid the sea of people, the boy could not help but feel his heart surge.

With his aptitude, joining the Longevity Sect was naturally certain.

That direct disciple of the Peeking Truth Vein had even personally invited him.

Which meant...

The boy gazed beyond the mountain gate at the Longevity Immortal Mountain hidden amid clouds and mist, unable to conceal the fervor in his eyes.

At that moment, high above the clouds, as the boy appeared, a gaze also descended from the clouds and settled upon him.

After lingering for a moment, Chu Mu slowly withdrew his gaze.

Several people stood before him. That gaze, which should have been treated with caution, was met with not the slightest concern.

The two middle-aged men were both Golden Core True Persons, elders respectively from the Internal Affairs and Law Enforcement Halls, responsible for matters concerning this Mountain Opening Ceremony.

Standing before the two men was a beautiful woman with skin like congealed cream.

The woman was at the Foundation Establishment Realm, yet she showed no restraint standing here. Instead, she looked eagerly at Chu Mu, as though she would not rest until she achieved her goal.

Given her cultivation and that demeanor, her identity was not difficult to discern.

In the Peeking Truth Vein, there was only one such junior sister.

Chu