Competing to Obtain Longevity Seed, Cultivating Diligently to Achieve True Spiritual Power

After Chen Dengming had been cultivating in his cave abode for five days, Liang Yunsheng sent him a message saying that Sect Master Qiu had returned as promised and specifically requested to meet him in person.

Inside the cave abode, Chen Dengming put on the robes of Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Evergreen Sect, carefully groomed his hair and sideburns in front of the mirror, and then smiled. His meticulously dressed appearance was exactly like that of someone going for a job interview in his previous life—calm on the surface, but nervous inside.

"That's fine, it's just meeting the sect leader once, Junior Brother, you're making too much of a fuss."

He Yingyu, with her tall and voluptuous figure, approached from the side, shaking her head with amusement.

Her features were exquisite, her nose high and straight, and her lips parted slightly in a smile. She was elegant yet dignified, exuding an air of intellect. She reached out to straighten Chen Dengming's clothes.

Chen Dengming chuckled dryly, "Isn't this the first time I've met the sect leader? I've been in the Evergreen Sect for several years and haven't actually met the sect leader yet. This is Golden Core Great Cultivator, how can I not be nervous?"

He Yingyu rolled her eyes with a flirtatious grin, "Golden Core Great Cultivator, you still have one lying in your soul banner, yet you don't seem so nervous, constantly dragging him out to interrogate and torture him with third-tier Dao techniques."

"Well, that's different after all. Senior sister, you can't use that kind of analogy."

Chen Dengming smiled, then straightened his sleeves and waved his hand.

"Alright, I'm off. I can't keep the sect leader waiting any longer."

"Okay. Remember to come back for dinner on time. I specially bought Spirit Fish at Changle Workshop to make soup for you to nourish yourself. Weiwei told me you really like fish."

"Okay!"

Step outside.

Chen Dengming glanced at the Black Cloud Leopard lying dormant in the beast house, as if in hibernation, then mounted his weapon and soared into the air. With a flash of light, he enveloped himself and flew towards the Evergreen Hall.

Upon returning, Chen Dengming fed the Black Cloud Leopard the inner core of the water Inner Core that he had prepared for it. The Black Cloud Leopard, which was already on the verge of a breakthrough, officially began its closed-door breakthrough. It is likely that when it emerges from its seclusion next time, it will truly become Foundation Establishment Demon Beast.

After half a cup of tea.

Evergreen Hall, Chen Dengming met with the sect leader Qiu Feng.

The other party clearly and deliberately restrained all spiritual power, showing how much they valued Chen Dengming as their disciple; however, they still possessed an imposing aura.

He was tall and slender, yet he did not appear weak at all. His body seemed to be made of steel bars, concealing astonishing strength. His eyes shone brightly, and his steps were steady.

Upon meeting Chen Dengming, Qiu Feng first greeted him with a friendly smile, inviting him to sit down and have tea. He casually inquired about Chen's journey to the south, and when he heard something unusual, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"According to what you're saying, it seems the lineage in Nanxun is quite impressive. This aligns with the intelligence gathered by the Longevity Sect. Han Yongxu's willingness to risk chasing after them is indeed daring."

Chen Dengming looked surprised.

Qiu Feng smiled and said, "Generally speaking, the more complete a place's lineage is, the greater the suppression of the strength of its cultivators."

Beyond the Four Regions, there is Cave Heaven called Penglai, which possesses a relatively complete Earthly Immortal Orthodox Lineage. Cultivators from other paths who enter it will suffer strong suppression.

Similar places also exist in our Longevity Sect.

"Is the sect leader implying that my Longevity Sect's Immortal Celestial Lineage is superior?"

Chen Dengming muttered to himself, but nodded with a look of sudden realization.

The two then discussed Han Yongxu's matter and reached a consensus: before Chen Dengming broke through to the Pseudo-Core stage and joined the Longevity Sect, this news should be kept secret to avoid causing too much of a stir or attracting too much attention.

Currently, only a handful of people, including Liang Yunsheng He Yingyu, know about this news, and none of them will spread it.

Given Chen Dengming's temperament, he actually wanted to keep this matter completely to himself and keep it low-key.

There's no need to publicize it so loudly once you've reached the Nascent Soul.

The idea of a Foundation Establishment Late Stage- Golden Core Late Stage sounds impressive, but Chen Dengming knows his own limitations and is well aware of how much of it is exaggerated. The Ancient Human Immortal Palace almost gave him a huge discount.

Such empty fame that doesn't live up to one's abilities is unacceptable.

However, according to Qiu Feng, this empty reputation would be very useful after going to the Longevity Sect, as it would increase his chances of being selected as Longevity Seed. Therefore, it would be best to reveal it when he was at the False Core stage.

"Sect Leader, does becoming Longevity Seed depend on reputation?"

"It's not primarily about reputation; that's secondary. I can't reveal too much right now, but I can say that the more people within the Longevity Sect support you, including ordinary disciples, the greater your chances of being selected Longevity Seed in the future."

"Isn't this just like the democratic election system from my previous life? Longevity Seed are elected through voting?"

Chen Dengming was taken aback, but then nodded and began to inquire about the conditions for joining the Longevity Sect.

Changchun and Changshou are essentially one family.

Talking about joining the Longevity Sect within the Evergreen Sect is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, even a Foundation Establishment from the Evergreen Sect might not have the opportunity to join the Longevity Sect.

Qiu Feng already knew that Chen Dengming had asked this question, and patiently explained the conditions for joining the Longevity Sect.

"With your current strength, you can actually join, but regardless of your strength, there will be a sect assessment."

These kinds of assessments are usually just a formality and don't pose much danger; they mainly test one's character.

However, I suggest that you first cultivate within your sect to the point of Foundation Establishment Perfection before going to the Longevity Sect.

Now that you've joined the Longevity Sect, the resources you can enjoy are similar to those within the sect, and might even be better, since there are fewer people there.

The conditions set by the Longevity Sect will only change once one reaches the Golden Core stage.

Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.

Chen Dengming understood what Qiu Feng meant.

The Longevity Sect is a must-visit, but we can postpone it.

Because the Longevity Sect has more Foundation Establishment cultivators and quite a few fake Core Formation cultivators, the competition is actually more intense.

It would be better to keep him with the Evergreen Sect as a precious gem for now, and then go there after he becomes a fake core cultivator.

Because the resources of the Evergreen Sect, including Cultivation Method, can only support disciples up to the Foundation Establishment Perfection. After they become Golden Core cultivators, if they want to learn better third-tier Cultivation Method and have better Third-Rank Spirit Vein cave abode, they will have to go to the Longevity Sect to obtain them.

After a long and pleasant conversation, Chen Dengming felt that many of his doubts had been resolved and he was no longer in a hurry.

After bidding farewell to Sect Master Qiu, he went to see Liang Yunsheng to compensate for the damaged sect spirit boat.

Liang Yunsheng's humane approach to the situation made him appreciate the kindness of the Evergreen Sect once again.

"Logically speaking, now that you're wealthy, I should make you pay compensation."

However, the sect's spirit boat has been in use for over ten years, so it wouldn't be appropriate to ask you to pay the price of a new one. You'll have to pay 130 High-grade Spirit Crystal instead."

Does this wealth refer to the fortune he acquired from Han Yongxu, or to his current relationship with Senior Sister He?

Chen Dengming pretended not to understand the hidden meaning in Liang Yunsheng's words, and smiled as he gave a thumbs-up in thanks, "Senior Brother Liang, you're so generous and magnanimous!"

Liang Yunsheng waved his hand dismissively, "Don't act all innocent after getting a good deal. This was done with the sect leader's consent. I'll have to allocate sect funds to build a new spirit boat to replace the missing one. I won't lend you one again."

Chen Dengming chuckled, patted his Storage Bag, and readily handed over one hundred and thirty High-grade Spirit Crystal.

Liang Yunsheng's eyes flashed as he noticed that Chen Dengming still had quite a few spirit crystals in his Storage Bag. He smiled admiringly and said, "Not bad, Junior Brother Chen. It seems that Junior Sister He has put you in charge of the finances."

I remember those jokes about you being poor, but now even if you were all together, you'd still be richer than me.

When are you and Junior Sister He planning to send out wedding invitations?

Chen Dengming, "Senior Brother Liang, please don't joke around. We are currently focused on cultivating and breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Perfection. Other matters will be put on hold for now."

"That won't do."

Liang Yunsheng frowned and snorted, "Junior Sister He is someone I've watched grow up. Junior Brother Chen, your stalling tactics won't work on me."

"I think you should take care of this important matter before you go to the Longevity Sect after you break through to the Foundation Establishment Perfection. Otherwise, if you all go to the Longevity Sect, or if only one of you goes first, I, as your Senior Brother, will not feel at ease."

Chen Dengming was taken aback, but then he understood what he meant.

This is because they're afraid that if he goes to the outside world of the Longevity Sect, he'll be distracted and won't find Senior Sister Fu as appealing anymore.

He chuckled, "Senior Brother, don't you trust me? I'm not that kind of person."

"Alright, Senior Brother, of course I trust you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have kept an eye on you from the beginning and even supported you through poverty alleviation. But don't let Senior Brother down. I'll talk to Junior Sister He about the rest later."

Chen Dengming was both amused and exasperated, but also felt a warmth in his heart. He felt that being in the Evergreen Sect was a really good experience, much like the living environment of the 1980s in his previous life.

This Senior Brother Liang is indeed a sincere person.

Upon returning to her cave abode, He Yingyu had personally cooked a pot of Spiritual Qi fish soup.

Xu Wei was busy setting out the bowls and chopsticks; her graceful figure in the apron gave her the air of a beautiful young woman.

The little paper doll can no longer eat anything, yet it remains positive and optimistic every day, always smiling, wanting only to cherish each hard-won day.

As Chen Dengming watched Xu Wei scoop out the fish soup, he vaguely recalled the scene from their days in the Gathering Place, where they would hang the fish they caught under the eaves of each other's houses every morning.

Back then, even a very ordinary Spirit Fish was difficult for him to catch, unlike now where he can eat fish and meat with ease.

Recalling the bitter past makes us appreciate even more how hard-won our present is.

Unfortunately, many people and events from the past have changed.

Zhu Xun and has become Fierce Ghost, whose intelligence has not yet been restored.

Lüo Bing was turned into a furnace by an evil spirit, Xi'er died at his hands, and Xu Wei's Yin Longevity was nearing its end.

Perhaps in a few decades, as time relentlessly cuts down, many familiar faces will fade away, something he cannot stop.

There were times when inner demons raged within him, and he would ask himself, why do I cling to everyone close to me?

Zhu Xun became a wandering spirit, so he was released and allowed to dissipate into the world.

Xu Wei committed suicide, so he let her die on her own, and he died with regret.

After much questioning, Chen Dengming only came up with one answer: the immortality he had been seeking was immortality with feelings, not the ruthless path to immortality.

Saving Zhu Xun and restoring his sanity was a simple matter for him, and it would also rekindle the brotherhood between them.

Saving Xu Wei from her suicide attempt and extending her Yin Longevity by more than ten years was a simple matter for him, but it allowed Xu Wei, with whom he rarely saw each other, to spend another ten years with him, leaving him with no regrets.

It turns out that all he ever sought was to live a life without regrets, to live a life without remorse, and to have a fulfilling and guiltless heart.

Only in this way can one make the most of a long and healthy life, and give warmth to the coldness of time.

Chen Dengming felt that the fish soup he ate that day tasted exceptionally sweet, as if he could taste the life and warmth of his Immortal Path.

He only hoped that when he reached the Golden Core stage, Nascent Soul stage, or even the Spirit Transformation stage in the future, he would never forget the warmth of this bowl of fish soup...

Unbeknownst to him, his soul had become even more crystal clear as a result.

It seems as if one can easily enter a state of Unity of Heaven and Man, rather than needing to gradually transition from a state of utmost emptiness and stillness.

On the panel, the progress of the Chen Family Martial Arts General Outline started jumping automatically.

The daylight and the warmth of the sun urge each other on, and as summer draws to a close, the flowers bloom in their own unique fragrance.

A month later, it was the end of summer.

In a valley surrounded by mountains, the setting sun casts its rays, bathing the surrounding peaks in the glow of dawn. The mountaintops are tinged with orange and crimson hues, like a woman in red makeup.

Suddenly, a streak of lightning flashed through the air, instantly appearing before a burly figure radiating Golden Light in the valley below.

The burly figure roared, his body radiating golden light, his arms bulging with veins and muscles, and he unleashed a powerful punch that distorted the air, producing an explosive sonic boom as it slammed heavily into the incoming lightning like a crossbow bolt.

With a crackling sound, arcs of electricity shot out, and a metallic tremor accompanied the collapsing blade energy that scattered in all directions, revealing a blue throwing knife.

Enveloped in golden light and in a state of Indestructible Vajra Zen Skill, Chen Dengming looked at his arm.

The raging electric arcs were about to invade his arm.

He activated the Daoist script, and a wisp of Silver Light flashed along with the Spiritual Essence Qi, instantly annihilating the raging electric arcs and sword energy.

In mid-air, He Yingyu was also startled by Chen Dengming's so-called 'Divine Ability'. Seeing Chen Dengming below, who was as tall and strong as a god and had a transcendent and independent demeanor, her mind was greatly disturbed and she couldn't help but say.

"Junior Brother, the power of your Divine Ability is too strong! You were able to withstand a high-level second-tier Divine Transformation Blade with your Physical Body without being injured. I don't think even the Body Cultivation of the Tiandao Sect might have a physique as strong as yours."

It is said that in High Antiquity times, cultivators Human Immortal Way possessed incredibly strong Physical Body, could shatter the void, and were reborn from a drop of blood; they could even injure ghost cultivators with their Blood Qi alone.

Chen Dengming laughed and said, "Senior sister, actually my strongest point is not my physique, but the Dao script I obtained from the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage."

Once activated, this incantation can unleash extremely powerful destructive force, easily breaking through even the Core Power of Golden Core Cultivator.

With this scripture, I can launch an offensive that threatens even Golden Core Cultivator.

I suspect that the reason why the Sha Star was able to kill the Nascent Soul Early Stage in the Golden Core Late Stage was because he obtained many of these Daoist texts."

He Yingyu was secretly delighted upon hearing this. She was naturally happier and prouder than anyone else because her Junior Brother was strong. She smiled and said.

"Want to come again?"

"Next, I have two more Divine Ability I want you to experience!"

"Alright, then I'll go all out and test your skills!"

He Yingyu once again activated the Divine Transformation Blade. Instantly, the blade shone brightly, splitting into thousands of blades that crashed towards Chen Dengming like a storm.

"Bring it on!"

With a long roar, Chen Dengming strode forward, his arms outstretched in a circular motion, his spiritual energy surging, causing his robes to billow.

Whoosh!!!

A vortex, accompanied by a sound like a demon's low howl, appeared out of nowhere.

In an instant, Chen Dengming's body seemed to collapse into a deep pool, and Spiritual Qi within a radius of dozens of feet rapidly gathered around him.

A large amount of flying sand and stones were sucked up and swirled wildly, shrinking into the turbid air wave in front of Chen Dengming and colliding violently.

The thousands of blades had just struck when they were all uncontrollably drawn in by the astonishing suction force of Chen Dengming's arms, like a large number of fish being sucked into a hole in the water, twisting and rolling into various shapes, struggling desperately, but unable to break free at all.

In mid-air, He Yingyu let out a muffled groan, her face flushed red, and her hands, which were manipulating the artifact and forming hand seals, were trembling violently, almost unable to maintain the spellcasting state.

At this moment, she felt as if the Divine Transformation Blade was caught in a thousand torrents, subjected to frequent and violent impacts, making it extremely difficult to control.

A look of shock flashed across her beautiful eyes as she exclaimed, "Junior Brother, what kind of Divine Ability is this? How can it be so powerful?"

Chen Dengming maintained his Cultivation Method stance and laughed nonchalantly, "This is an inspiration that came to me after my battle with the Sha Star and Old Dog Han."

I combined Innate Qi Skill with the Absorption Technique to create this supernatural Divine Ability, named the Spirit Devouring Technique.

Once activated, it can manipulate the surrounding Spiritual Qi, rapidly absorbing it in a very short time.

Then, using the coiling force of Innate Qi Skill, these Spiritual Qi are gathered together, causing them to rotate rapidly like a vortex, possessing not only an increasingly strong suction force but also extremely powerful destructive force!

As he spoke, the suction force in his arms grew stronger and stronger, encompassing more than forty feet.

"Ah!"

He Yingyu's expression changed, as she felt the pressure suddenly increase.

She even felt that she could no longer absorb or borrow the Spiritual Qi in the surrounding world, as a large amount of Spiritual Qi was rushing towards Chen Dengming like madmen.

This terrifying phenomenon of Spiritual Qi absorption could only occur when Golden Core Cultivator attacks her. Even False Core Great Cultivator could never possess such a strong Spiritual Qi absorption effect upon making a move.

But now, this has actually happened to Chen Dengming, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator?

"Clang clang clang clang--"

Numerous blades swayed wildly and groaned under the impact of the violently spinning, sharp air currents.

The vortex of Spiritual Qi gathered in Chen Dengming's arms grew increasingly powerful and intense, almost forming a dazzling ball of light.

Sweat beaded on He Yingyu's forehead as she cried out, "Junior Brother, I can't take it anymore! I... I'll fight you to the death!"

As soon as she finished speaking, a heroic glint flashed in her eyes. She made a hand seal and clasped her hands together. Suddenly, thousands of Divine Transformation Blade blades burst forth with dazzling lightning, instantly disrupting the Spiritual Qi vortex formed by Chen Dengming for a moment, and the suction force suddenly slowed down.

"Choke!--"

The Divine Transformation Blade seized the opportunity and shot out in an instant.

"Haha, Senior Sister, if I use Dao runes, it will be difficult for you to break free."

Chen Dengming let the Divine Transformation Blade escape like lightning, then suddenly strode forward, let out a low shout, and unleashed a powerful vortex of energy gathered in his arms as he pushed it out with both hands.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh--

Countless swirling, sharp air currents flashed through the air like sharp steel wires, disappearing in an instant.

The rows of trees in the opposite grove suddenly trembled, and then the entire row burst open, riddled with countless tiny, sieve-like holes that let in light.

He Yingyu's pretty face was covered in sweat, her hair was disheveled, and she looked down at the rows of trees that had been pierced through for more than ten feet and collapsed. Her beautiful eyes were full of shock.

Such terrifying power and destructive range would be impossible to avoid if it were to strike her; the only way to defend against it would be with defensive magical Law Artifact, but even then, it might not be enough.

If Chen Dengming were to use Dao script again, given the Monstrous Strength of Dao script that can even withstand magic Law Treasure controlled by Core Power, ordinary second-tier Law Artifact would certainly not be able to defend against it.

In other words, her Junior Brother's current combat power is already enough to easily kill a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator like her. The power of his Divine Ability abilities is so formidable.

Amidst the billowing smoke and dust, He Yingyu, still shaken, gracefully flew down.

Looking at Chen Dengming, whose Golden Light had faded but who still appeared imposing, he brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, smiled to hide his panic, and said.

"Junior Brother, now I understand why Han Yongxu died at your hands in Nanxun. He didn't die unjustly."

Chen Dengming smiled, "Senior sister, this old dog has been dead for so long that even its soul has lost its intelligence. Please don't continue to desecrate its corpse."

He Yingyu and smiled, then gracefully approached, taking out an embroidered handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Chen Dengming's body. "Are you tired?"

"With you as my sparring partner, of course I'm not tired!"

Soul House, Xu Wei and the Little Array Spirit spat in unison, somewhat unable to bear the two who had become increasingly close over the past few days.

Chen Dengming laughed heartily, looked at the setting sun on the horizon, then at He Yingyu profile, and said, "Senior Sister, I think it's getting late. Shouldn't we go take care of some important business?"

He Yingyu's pretty face flushed even more, and she rolled her eyes. "It's just cultivating the Four Symbols Lightning Summoning Technique, why does it sound so strange coming from a man's mouth?"

"I remember you said you'd give me a surprise last time. Let's hurry up and make it happen."

Chen Dengming smiled, and without needing her consent, he grabbed He Yingyu's slender waist and rode his weapon straight towards the pool in the valley.

He Yingyu felt the wind whistling past her ears, the trees rushing past her, and smelled the strong masculine scent emanating from Chen Dengming. Her pretty face flushed crimson.

Then, thinking of what she had promised, she felt a mix of shyness and regret amidst her indulgence, and quickly sent Xu Wei to Xu Wei Soul House.

"Weiwei, I... I'm not ready yet, what should I do?"

Xu Wei felt both envious and gloating, and said in a mischievous tone, "My dear sister, when we discussed that Cultivation Method last time, weren't you so fierce, saying you wanted to eat him? Why are you backing down now?"

If you don't eat it, I won't get any, and someone else will benefit from it later."

He Yingyu immediately retorted fiercely, "Let's see who else can eat this?!"

Chen Dengming was taken aback, then realized that He Yingyu and Xu Wei seemed to be communicating telepathically. He chuckled and asked, "Senior Sister, what are you whispering about again?"

He Yingyu flashed a captivating smile, inwardly encouraging herself, and proactively hooked her arm around Chen Dengming's neck and shoulder, feigning gentleness as she said, "It's nothing, you'll find out soon enough."

"Um?"

Chen Dengming was taken aback.

He's no novice; he's an old man who's almost eighty-eight.

He immediately sensed something from He Yingyu's watery eyes, and his heart skipped a beat.

Unlike Xu Wei Weimei's inherently charming and pitiful demeanor.

He Yingyu possessed an elegant and composed demeanor, with every movement exuding a natural grace and nobility. Whether in her speech or actions, she radiated an aura of nobility, elegance, and intellect, making most men feel ashamed when they harbored thoughts of admiration. Yet now, she clung to him like a little bird, which was incredibly captivating.

The sound of rushing water can already be heard ahead.

The sound of the water seemed to symbolize life and vitality, and it also broke through the last bit of defense that had been placed in their hearts.

That evening.

The Four Symbols Thunder-Attracting Array is activated again.

Bolts of lightning crashed down from the heavens.

Within the pool, the water, purified by pure Yang lightning, was filled with spiritual light.

The subterranean fire, accompanied by the roaring sound of surging water, resembled the ebb and flow of waves, rising and falling, churning and swirling, full of vitality.

As the night passed, the sound of receding tides echoed twice more.

The next morning.

He Yingyu joked around with Xu Wei for a while, then, feeling ashamed, she grabbed Xu Wei's light hand and said some words of thanks.

Chen Dengming was sitting by the pool, his long hair hanging down to his waist, with white hair at his temples cascading down in front of him.

He silently observed the progress of Evergreen Merit practice.

"Evergreen Merit (Level 8, 16820/50000)"

Seeing the prominent sign for the eighth floor, Chen Dengming closed his eyes with satisfaction, then slowly opened them again.

He really hadn't expected that Senior Sister He would be so capable and fun-loving.

She secretly learned Xu Wei's unique Cultivation Method, and ended up accidentally seducing and falling for him after the lightning strike yesterday.

Fortunately, it didn't delay his cultivation; on the contrary, it saved him more than four hundred days of arduous training.

This time, he truly enjoyed himself immensely. The 88-year-old man experienced a resurgence, his cultivation level increased, and he made a fortune.

Of course, He Yingyu didn't suffer any losses either.

The reason why a double-repair is a double-repair is that it is beneficial to both parties, which is the principle of the harmony of yin and yang.

Therefore, He Yingyu's cultivation has also made great progress, and she is even slightly ahead of him in terms of cultivation progress, thus maintaining her senior sister's leading position.

After this breakthrough in Evergreen Merit, his Lifespan Limit has increased by another 15 years, reaching Lifespan Limit of 804 years, with a remaining lifespan of 413 years.

Chen Dengming felt a sense of peace.

Now that he has achieved success in martial arts and his cultivation is steadily improving, and with dao companion partner by his side, they will eventually reach the Golden Core stage together. Reaching this point on the path of immortal cultivation can be considered a small-scale success.

Chen Dengming got up, put on his robe, called He Yingyu and Xu Wei, and headed back home.

After practicing cultivation with my senior sister, my cultivation level improved significantly. However, this only had some effect initially; after that, it became mostly just for entertainment.

The subsequent practice requires diligent and down-to-earth effort, which takes a lot of time and cannot be done by any shortcuts.

Time flies like an arrow; life is short, and joy is a rare treat.

In the blink of an eye, three years have passed.

Within the Evergreen Sect, flowers bloom and fade, spring comes and autumn goes.

It was dusk that day.

The evening bell within the Evergreen Sect was suddenly struck, its powerful sound reverberating far and wide, instantly reaching the ears of everyone in the sect.

"Huh?"

The Black Cloud Leopard raised its lazy head, a glint of brilliant purple fur on its forehead, resembling a crown, flashed, and a hint of doubt flickered in its eyes.

"The evening bell tolls. It signifies the death of Foundation Establishment cultivator within the sect. What has happened? Could it be that war has broken out again?"

As Chen Dengming was puzzled, he noticed something amiss with the Storage Bag. He immediately opened it and took out Sound Transmission Jade Talisman that emitted a faint glow.

"Fellow Junior Brother, three days ago, in the sect's Soul Hall, Junior Brother Zhou Yunji's soul tablet cracked. Today, it has been confirmed that Junior Brother Zhou has perished outside, in a ruin in the Snow Hunting Kingdom of the Southern Region."

The untimely death of Junior Brother Zhou Yinghua is truly regrettable. I hope all fellow disciples will take this as a warning and refrain from being reckless and aggressive when out in the world."

"Senior Brother Zhou"

Chen Dengming frowned and put away the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman. He recalled that when they parted several years ago, the other party had come to congratulate him with a beaming face, left a gift, and invited him to explore the ruins together.

I never expected that after only a few years, the other party would be...

"Junior Brother."

At this moment, He Yingyu flew over, clearly having also received the news, and looked regretful.

"I never expected Junior Brother Zhou to be like this. You even Junior Brother to persuade him before, what a pity."

Chen Dengming sighed, looked at the setting sun in the distance, and said, "When a person dies, it's like a lamp going out; it's too late to say anything now. Senior Sister, I wonder if Senior Brother Zhou still has any family or friends alive?"

He Yingyu was taken aback, then nodded and said, "I've heard that Junior Brother Zhou came from a Cultivation Family, so he should still have relatives alive."

Chen Dengming nodded with his hands behind his back and said, "I will visit you another day to express my condolences."

He Yingyu then remembered the congratulatory gift that Chen Dengming had asked her to write down several years ago, and nodded, saying, "Since we're fellow disciples, count me in too."

Birth, aging, sickness, and death, as well as human relationships and worldly wisdom, are timeless even in the Cultivation World.

In the slow flow of time, some people Eternal Longevity, while others are like shooting stars, or even less than shooting stars, becoming mere passersby in others' lives, vanishing like a wisp of smoke.

Chen Dengming summoned the Black Cloud Leopard, and together with He Yingyu, they boarded the magnificent golden saddle and left the sect.

Three years have passed, and he has officially entered the age of 91.

After three years of arduous practice, Evergreen Merit has gradually approached the stage of breaking through to the ninth level.

After breaking through to the ninth level, he was a true Foundation Establishment Perfection — False Core Great Cultivator.

Although He Yingyu had the Four Symbols Thunder-Drawing Technique to aid her cultivation, her cultivation speed was still slightly slower than his, and she was gradually overtaken by him. Now, she had only recently broken through to the ninth level of the Evergreen Merit.

However, considering the Three Yang Crystal that the other party hasn't used yet, they might eventually break through at around the same time as Chen Dengming.

Although the two had been diligently cultivating within the Mountain Gate for the past three years, they also frequently went out for romantic and elegant pursuits, which made their relationship even more intimate. Although they had not yet achieved anything significant, they were already the envy of many Foundation Establishment disciples within the Evergreen Sect.

Even the other Immortal Sect around them knew that this couple, both Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator, had gradually earned the title of "Evergreen Immortal Couple".

To Chen Dengming, the title sounded rather awkward and unpleasant, and he always felt that many people were calling him a "cheating couple" behind his back.

Overall, he was quite satisfied with his current cultivation environment. Now, with graying temples from years of cultivation, he and his immortal companion enjoyed a life of luxury. Time flowed like water in the mountains, and the sect felt like home everywhere he went.

I made a mistake in recording my proficiency level for Evergreen Merit yesterday; I've corrected it now.

P. S.: I'm recommending a friend's new book, a sacrificial offering, please forgive me. You might want to check out new books by established authors.