The Path to Longevity Stretches On; When I Look Back, I Am Still Here

Linglong Sect.

Countless cultivators had gathered from all corners.

Some traveled by Sword Flight, some rode the clouds and mist, while others commanded powerful Flying Demon Beasts.

They had come for only one purpose: to celebrate the Linglong Sect's "Longevity Fairy" assuming the position of elder.

Longevity Fairy had arrived at the Linglong Sect seventy years ago. Relying on her own cultivation talent, she had reached the Nascent Soul Realm in a mere seventy years.

Such a cultivation speed was unheard of throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty.

Yet what people talked about most regarding Longevity Fairy, aside from her cultivation talent, was her unwavering Dao Heart.

She stirred no conflicts, took no Dao companion, and regarded the sect's authority as though it were nothing.

If anyone asked her why she cultivated so bitterly, her answer was always only two words.

"Longevity!"

"Nian Sheng, the ceremony is about to begin."

A voice roused Li Niansheng from her daze as she stood atop the mountain.

Hearing someone call her, Li Niansheng sighed softly and slowly turned around. The newcomer was none other than her first teacher and benefactor, Shui Linglong.

Looking at Shui Linglong before her, Li Niansheng said softly, "Master, I don't want to become an elder. I only want to cultivate in peace."

Upon hearing this, Shui Linglong said, "You still can't let him go?"

"I stepped onto the path of cultivation for his sake. Without him, everything would be meaningless."

"But he is a mortal. Seventy years have passed; by now, he has become a white-haired old man."

"He may even have long since been sleeping beneath the earth. You are people of two different worlds in the end. Do you understand?"

Listening to Shui Linglong's words, Li Niansheng smiled faintly.

"Master, you don't understand."

"Brother Chang Sheng said that his words would count. He said the Path to Longevity stretches on, and if one day I turned back, he would surely be standing behind me."

"He said it, so he will definitely do it."

Faced with Li Niansheng's persistence, Shui Linglong could not help but sigh.

After arriving at the Linglong Sect, Li Niansheng had begun to shine, but her obsession with that man had also grown day by day.

The Sect Leader knew of this. In order to put an end to Li Niansheng's obsession, the sect had specially sent people to her hometown.

Their purpose had been to bring Chen Changsheng here.

Extending a mortal's lifespan by a few decades would not cost many resources. If it could resolve Li Niansheng's obsession, it would simply be the most profitable bargain under heaven.

Unfortunately, by the time the sect's people arrived, that Coffin Shop had long been empty.

Only after asking around did they learn that after Li Niansheng left that year, Chen Changsheng had departed as well.

Finding a mortal amid the vast sea of people was no easy task.

Seeing Shui Linglong remain silent, Li Niansheng's lips curled upward.

"All right, Master. I'll still take up the position of elder."

"Only by becoming an elder of the Linglong Sect can I obtain more resources and better cultivation methods."

"I don't want to stop on this road, because I know Brother Chang Sheng will not stop either."

With that, Li Niansheng skipped toward the distant sect.

Watching Li Niansheng's cheerful appearance, Shui Linglong's brows furrowed even tighter.

Because over these seventy years, only when Chen Changsheng was mentioned would a smile appear on her face.

But how much longer could this bubble-like fantasy last?

Longevity was what all cultivators longed for, yet no cultivator had ever achieved it, much less a mortal.

If one day Li Niansheng's fantasy shattered, her Dao Heart would likely collapse in an instant.

At that thought, Shui Linglong could only sigh once more.

For this was an unsolvable problem.

The sect's Martial Arts Arena.

"Supreme Clarity Temple presents two Glass Pills!"

"Heavenly Buddha Temple presents one volume of Buddhist Scriptures..."

One congratulatory gift after another was brought forth.

Yet before these treasures that made countless cultivators green with envy, Li Niansheng merely sat quietly among the elders, not even sparing them a glance.

After presenting Heavenly Buddha Temple's gift, Yixiu was so anxious that he nearly clawed at his own head.

Because he did not know how to give Chen Changsheng's Wooden Sculpture away.

Besides, Chen Changsheng was stubbornly set in his ways. If Yixiu failed to fulfill what they had agreed upon, Chen Changsheng would absolutely not allow him to extend his lifespan.

Seeing that the next sect was about to present its gift, Yixiu immediately forced himself to speak.

"Martial Uncle Changsheng, this nephew has another congratulatory gift to present."

Yixiu's words instantly silenced the entire ceremony, and every gaze gathered upon him.

Heavenly Buddha Temple's gift had already been presented. Now there was another gift—clearly, it had been prepared by Yixiu himself.

At an occasion like this, when a man offered his own gift, its meaning needed no explanation.

Hearing Yixiu's words, Li Niansheng turned her head slightly and said expressionlessly, "You are thoughtful."

Li Niansheng's coldness was within everyone's expectations, though they were all eager to watch the show.

Heavenly Buddha Temple's heir with the greatest spiritual insight had been moved by mortal affection, and his target was the Longevity Fairy, whose heart was set solely on the Dao.

This gossip would be talked about for at least twenty years.

"Gulp!"

Forcing down a mouthful of saliva, Yixiu bore the immense pressure and presented the Wooden Sculpture from his robe with both hands.

After causing such a scene today, he would probably be scolded by his master when he returned. He might not even be allowed to leave Heavenly Buddha Temple for ten years.

The moment Yixiu brought out the "congratulatory gift," countless divine senses swept over it.

When they discovered that the gift was merely a simple Wooden Sculpture, everyone nearly burst out laughing.

Young people always loved pulling these flashy tricks.

Over these seventy years, Longevity Fairy had received many such gifts meant to convey one's feelings.

Yet every single one had been reduced to ashes with a single fire from Longevity Fairy.

Just as everyone thought this time would be no different, the normally calm Longevity Fairy suddenly rose to her feet.

Whoosh!

Li Niansheng's powerful Nascent Soul Realm cultivation allowed her to appear before Yixiu in an instant.

Looking at the Wooden Sculpture in Yixiu's hand, Li Niansheng's body trembled slightly.

Picking up the Wooden Sculpture, she gently stroked the marks left by the carving knife, and once again felt Chen Changsheng's presence.

This unique animal shape—under all heaven, only Brother Chang Sheng could make it.

Brother Chang Sheng truly had not broken his promise. He had always been by her side.

At that thought, Li Niansheng clenched the Wooden Sculpture in her hand, then revealed a smile so beautiful it made heaven and earth lose their color.

"I like this gift very much. After the ceremony ends, come see me alone."

"Remember, alone."

All the guests: ???

Wait, what was going on?

Longevity Fairy had taken a liking to a little monk in the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Linglong Sect Leader: (?°???°)?

Thank the ancestors of the Linglong Sect for their blessings—Nian Sheng had finally come to her senses.

Although Yixiu's seniority, strength, and age were all lacking by just a little.

That was not a major problem. Once those old monks of Heavenly Buddha Temple stepped down, Yixiu's seniority would naturally rise.

His strength was a little harder to handle. The Linglong Sect did not seem to have any good Dual Cultivation Methods!