The Immortality Debate, Where Interests Lie

Gao Linzhi was naturally happy to have someone to regularly pay him gold.

In other places, renting out gold isn't so easy.

Clearly, this wealthy businessman owns gold mines in the real world; only a client like him could afford to pay in gold on a long-term basis.

Gao Linzhi had never been here before.

After all, he's very busy; how could he have time for eating, drinking, and having fun?

Gao Linzhi was looking around when suddenly, an announcement came over the loudspeaker in the hall.

"Players who are coming to participate in the Longevity Society game gathering, please proceed to counter number three. There will be someone to assist you."

Gao Linzhi looked up and saw a prominent sign hanging on the third counter.

The sign above reads "Gathering Place of the Longevity Society."

It seems they were indeed conducting a public event.

And they aren't afraid of anyone.

This is the same thing they said in the group chat.

They don't run secret organizations.

Secret organizations may seem safe, but they are often actually quite risky.

Because there is no risk, it will not keep secrets all the time.

Gao Linzhi towards the third reception counter.

A group of people dressed in matching blue uniforms were sitting behind counter number three.

Some of them were even holding signs that read, "The Longevity Society welcomes you."

When someone saw Gao Linzhi walking over, they immediately went to greet him.

A middle-aged man greeted him warmly, "Sir, are you here for the Immortality Gathering?"

"Yes." Gao Linzhi nodded.

"Then please state your ID in the group."

"Wuming."

"Wuming?" The middle-aged man glanced down at his phone, nodded to confirm, and said, "Yes, that's right. Please come with us."

"The entire sixth floor has been booked by our Longevity Society."

"We didn't make a big fuss just to keep a low profile."

Gao Linzhi smiled.

Isn't this a big show?

He thought it was a secret rendezvous, but it turned out to be much like picking someone up at the train station.

"My game ID is Chang Qing," Chang Qing said. "Next, I will take you to the gathering place."

"This is troublesome."

Then, Chang Qing led Gao Linzhi through the entrance behind the third counter.

Once inside, there is a wide passageway as bright as day.

Walking forward, Gao Linzhi saw a new entrance on the right side of the passage, with different nameplates hanging above it.

The exit is on the left side of the passage.

"Liquor".

"Color".

"Fiscal".

"Gas".

Chang Qing led Gao Linzhi through four different entrances, one after another, into different halls.

Bright lights, debauchery, and bloody battles...

All the food, drinks, and entertainment that Gao Linzhi could find in real life, he could find here.

And there are virtually no restrictions.

In the real world, there are many restrictions on speech.

But here, everything is completely unrestricted.

The only limitation is human perception.

There are all sorts of things available, and all sorts of ways to relax.

Those who know, know.

Gao Linzhi walked over calmly.

Chang Qing led the way while carefully observing his various reactions.

Especially physiological reactions.

To his great surprise, Gao Linzhi didn't react at all.

He naturally had no idea that this was just Gao Linzhi's Game Character; what kind of reaction could it possibly have?

In reality, Gao Linzhi's true form had long ago...

However, Chang Qing was naturally unaware of this.

He was simply deeply shocked.

He had only heard that some eminent monks could achieve a state of complete detachment from worldly desires.

However, which of the eminent monks he personally witnessed wasn't completely immersed in this practice?

There are dozens of illegitimate children in some cases.

The other person, however, seems to be completely unresponsive to these sensory stimuli.

Especially the stunningly beautiful female gamers, who shuttled back and forth, serving one guest after another who came here to enjoy themselves.

In this game, through the shaping of various skills, they have almost reached the pinnacle of people's imagination.

Various delicate fragrances, sweet voices, and soft whispers rose and fell.

Even Chang Qing, who had come and gone many times, couldn't help but feel his mouth go dry and dared not look at it for more than a few seconds.

They even had to bow slightly as they walked, for fear of losing their composure.

Looking at Gao Linzhi next to him, however, the other party seemed to ignore him completely, treating him as if he were a stone.

Suddenly, he realized how vast the gap was between him and the other person.

And so, they passed through four entertainment halls, each associated with "wine, women, wealth, and power."

In the middle, Chang Qing also introduced, "If you have any needs, you can come here to resolve them."

"Starting today, we've booked seven days of the event. During the free time at the party, everything you spend here, as long as it doesn't require payment in gold, is free."

Gao Linzhi nodded.

And at this time...

He then saw some people who appeared to be members of the group, having a great time.

Eat and drink...

Of course, most people were in secluded private rooms in the corners.

They were all accompanied by people similar to Chang Qing, which could be identified by their matching blue uniforms.

"There are still three hours before the party starts. These friends have already been to the party venue and are here to relax."

"Are you going to the party now, or would you like to relax a bit first?" Chang Qing asked tentatively.

"No need, let's go ahead first. It's good to meet the other friends sooner rather than later," Gao Linzhi declined the other party's suggestion.

In Gao Linzhi's view, this was clearly a test.

If you can't even resist this small pleasure right in front of you, how far can you go on the path to Immortality?

Wang Da had short lifespans because they could not control their unrestrained enjoyment of pleasure.

The few emperors who lived long lives were all individuals with strong self-discipline.

Those who become addicted to these things will likely be excluded from the core.

After walking through four entertainment halls that weren't too long, about half an hour later, they finally arrived at the party venue.

Compared to the previous entertainment hall with its light music and dancing, this was a very serious reception room.

Rows of round mahogany tables were placed there, with a raised platform in front of them.

Some people were already sitting around the round table on leather sofas.

Some people are playing chess, some are drinking tea, and some are chatting.

"Alright, this is the meeting point."

"Mr. Wuming, please make yourself at home."

"This is my contact talisman. If you need anything during the gathering, you can contact me directly using this jade talisman." Chang Qing said, handing Gao Linzhi a blue jade talisman on which his portrait could be faintly seen.

Gao Linzhi naturally knew how to use it.

This thing isn't cheap; ordinary villagers can't afford it, and there are limited uses.

It's much more expensive than using a mobile phone.

He accepted it, and Chang Qing politely took his leave.

He was clearly in a hurry to get back and write his report.

Gao Linzhi glanced around and then casually found an empty seat to sit down.

Before long, someone walked towards him.

This is a young man with a refined and scholarly appearance.

Although he looks young, he has a very calm and composed demeanor, like a person in their sixties or seventies.

The other person smiled and said, "I am Chang Tian. My friend, it seems you are also aspiring to Immortality."

"What a coincidence!"

"Wuming."

"Greetings, Brother Wuming." Chang Tian then gestured, and a servant came out from behind him.

The waiter carried a tray with two cups of tea on it.

"Drinking alcohol is harmful to health; even a small amount of alcohol can hinder longevity."

"Let me welcome you with tea instead of wine."

He then picked up a cup of tea and respectfully approached Gao Linzhi.

Gao Linzhi smiled and directly declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer."

"But I'm sorry, I never eat or drink outside."

Chang Tian wasn't offended; instead, he smiled.

"Very good, very good."

"Your Excellency is a cautious person. Such a habit is conducive to Immortality, so I will not drink it either."

Soon, Chang Tian sat down and started chatting with Gao Linzhi.

This is a social butterfly.

Whenever the two parties run out of things to say, the other party can skillfully steer the conversation into a topic that interests both of them.

Even though Gao Linzhi is very wary of others, he has to admit that as long as there is no major conflict of interest, it is very comfortable to be friends with this person.

Some people just have that kind of ability; you have to admire it.

The two soon discussed a topic about Immortality: why the emperors in the Skyfall World failed in their quest for immortality.

"In my opinion, when a person tastes the supreme power, he will be transformed into a different kind of being. Even immortality would make it difficult for him to completely give up power. On the contrary, his greater thought is that he wants it all," Chang Tian said with a smile.

"I couldn't agree more." Gao Linzhi thought of Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, and Emperor Taizong of Tang. These three were wise enough, but they were equally determined to gain both Immortality and power.

Just as the two were engrossed in their conversation, a quarrel suddenly broke out not far away.

"I think your cultivation method is wrong. How can you abandon your body? If you abandon your body, are you still the same person?" someone said.

Another person said, "Haha, the human body is just a stinking shell. How can you go into battle lightly if you don't abandon your body?"

"It's too difficult to seek Immortality with such a cumbersome body."

"Humans eat grains, which inevitably lead to illness. Only by abandoning the physical body and nourishing oneself with qi (vital energy) can one Immortality, like the sun, moon, and stars, existing eternally."

"But if you want spiritual Immortality, that's much easier."

"Even ordinary people can achieve spiritual Immortality through writing, allowing themselves to live on in the mouths of one reader after another through their words."

The first person said, "The physical body is the foundation. Human consciousness and spirit reside within the physical body; this is the most real thing."

"If we abandon this fundamental principle and then pursue that elusive consciousness and soul, it's like trying to see flowers through the fog or catching the moon's reflection in water."

"Just like people who always like to aim too high, once they set a goal, they start to rush and act rashly."

"Completely disregarding their own actual situation,"

"There are countless cases like this, and they are all tragedies."

Upon hearing this, Gao Linzhi nodded.

What the other person said makes a lot of sense.

This has always been the case; there has never been an exception.

At this moment, Chang Tian asked with a smile:

"Brother Wuming, who do you think is more reasonable in your opinion?"

Gao Linzhi smiled and said, "No one will believe empty words."

"Only when there are concrete examples can people believe it."

"Whether preserving the spirit or the body leads to Immortality depends on who can provide a concrete example."

Sure enough, Chang Tian nodded. "Brother is absolutely right, we do need solid evidence."

At this point, the person who supported discarding the body provided evidence:

"I know that the Sky Wolf Dynasty has a statue called Wen Yuan Shen Jun, who has lived for over 2,000 years."

"He was a popular figure in the local area, and he often appeared to the candidates before the major examinations."

"Really?" someone asked skeptically.

"Of course it's true. I've personally seen a poor, pedantic old scholar, despised by everyone, who always ranked last in the provincial examinations," said the one who had abandoned his body.

"To suddenly gain enlightenment, to master something overnight, is impossible without divine revelation."

"I rented a room in that old scholar's house, and I personally witnessed a divine intervention in his home, which is why he passed the exam."

"She's like a completely different person."

At that moment, someone laughed.

"What if it's not a divine revelation, but rather the result of being possessed by a time traveler?"

"That's true. Is it still the same person after all? I think that's the downside of spiritual Immortality —it can't be proven."

Many people raised their doubts.

"Yes, how could that be?"

"Becoming a god through the soul or through incense offerings is unreliable. You can't prove that the person is still yourself. Only by relying on your own body, through real, gradual Immortality, can you truly control your own destiny."

Everyone nodded.

"That's right."

Just as the argument was getting heated, a burst of applause suddenly rang out.

Gao Linzhi turned his head to look.

Then another middle-aged man walked over, surrounded by a group of people.

"Haha, everyone's having a very lively discussion."

"I am very pleased."

"I am Chang Yu, the host of this Longevity Society."

"Chang Yu thanks everyone for attending this meeting."

"You are all aspiring to Longevity Being. As for who was more reasonable in the debate just now, you can judge that in future projects."

"For example, when setting up a project, how can we be sure you are still you?"

Everyone seemed to be deep in thought.

"Alright, now let me briefly outline the agenda for the conference."

"First, we will share the three paths to Immortality we have discovered, so that everyone can learn from them and offer their opinions."

"Next, everyone is free to speak."

"We will send you some materials. These materials will ensure that you receive a basic and systematic understanding of Immortality."

Finally, everyone is free to do their own thing, rest, and relax.

Everyone laughed; it sounded pretty good.

Suddenly someone asked, "As the saying goes, 'There's no such thing as a free lunch.' You've gone to so much trouble to organize this meeting, what benefit do you get from it?"

"Yes, I don't believe any organization would genuinely do charity; they must all have some ulterior motive."

Chang Yu spoke up, "Your doubts are valid. Of course we will benefit, and it will be the biggest benefit."

"If everyone can achieve Immortality, we, as the organizers, will naturally be the first to receive the news, and that is our greatest benefit."

Hearing this, no one had any doubts for the time being.

Of course, I know what they're really thinking.