Hiding Mountains and Seas Within an Inch, Golden in Substance and Fair as Jade, the White Deer Calling

A mountain breeze blew gently, rustling the trees across the slopes. Shadows shifted among the woods as Monkey said, "There are many unorthodox schools in this world, but most of their founders reached only the Golden Core or Yin Spirit realm. To ordinary people, that is no small feat, yet they never glimpsed the path to immortality.

"But True Person Yuyang of Mysterious Cave Mountain became a Loose Immortal several thousand years ago, already close to immortality. He later tried to break through to the next realm. Though he failed at the final step, he escaped the Heavenly Tribulation with his life. If he has the perseverance to survive nine Loose Immortal tribulations, he can still shed his mortal shell and become an immortal. His school would no longer count among the unorthodox then."

Monkey smiled. "Well? That's a fine path to immortality, isn't it? Even among the unorthodox schools, Mysterious Cave Mountain ranks among the very best. But when all is said and done, you'll have to pass the Heart-Testing Formation on the mountain. Otherwise, you may see the path to immortality and still be unable to set foot on it."

"It truly is a fine path. Thank you for guiding me, Immortal Monkey!" Huang Tian said earnestly.

"You little fellow. Now you know to call me Immortal Monkey." Amused, Monkey asked, "Never mind that. Now that you know the way, when will you go seek immortality?"

"Tomorrow," Huang Tian said without hesitation. "I'll set out tomorrow."

"So soon? Very well." Monkey sounded faintly surprised. "If you ever gain some measure of accomplishment in your cultivation, remember to come back with good wine and food for me."

"I would never forget!" Huang Tian said solemnly.

Seeing the little boy's earnest expression, Monkey laughed and waved his right hand. "Enough