Immortal Ascension Assembly

This year's Longevity Points were still added to the Essence of All Things. A single drop of Green Liquid could accelerate growth by eight months.

Their current Longevity Points: Strength, 21. Speed, 21. Essence of All Things, 8.

Chen Xun's hair was somewhat disheveled, and his clothes were filthy and tattered. He and Black Bull began living as wanderers, often playing with stray dogs by the roadside amid endless laughter and horseplay.

Two months later, he and Black Bull gradually made their way to South City. Chen Xun heard some news: Doctor Ning was nearing the end.

He personally paid a visit, handed that hundred-year-old wild ginseng to his master's wife, then left directly.

Another month passed. Ning Si returned to Tiandi. Countless townsfolk came to see him off, tears welling in their eyes. Peaceful Medical Hall had benefited who knew how many common people.

The Ning Family was large, with many members. They wore white mourning bands around their heads. Chen Xun stood silently at the edge of the crowd, as though there was no need for one more insignificant person like him.

The frosty wind howled, brushing across the edges of Chen Xun's memories, leaving behind only that fading fragrance in the air, forever beyond recovery.

Up to this day, there had been three people most important in Chen Xun's life.

The first was the old village chief. When they had been at their most destitute, he had still remembered them and been willing to offer them the kindness of a meal.

The second was Elder Sun. When they had first arrived in Panning City with no one to rely on, he had given them their first home.

The third was Master Ning. He had transmitted knowledge, taught him skills, and resolved his doubts, teaching him countless principles for walking through the world. Medical skills themselves seemed to have become secondary.

"They... all seem to be gone."

This time, Chen Xun seemed unable to hold himself together any longer. His lips trembled ceaselessly. He did not even dare to look at Master Ning one last time.

Black Bull merely nudged Chen Xun, who fiercely wrapped one arm around the bull's head.

They followed the funeral procession onward, as though if their footsteps slowed even a little, Ning Si would leave a little more slowly...

The setting sun was blood-red, its lingering light spilling across South City. From beyond the mountains came several cries that sounded like returning geese. In the vast heavens, it seemed only their silhouettes remained as they swept past.

The Ning Family carried the coffin farther and farther away, gradually disappearing through the city gates. Chen Xun stood there for a long time, two trails of clear tears slowly rolling down his face.

Countless townsfolk chased after them as well. Figure after figure brushed past them, sorrow revealed in every pair of eyes.

Chen Xun led Black Bull forward against the flow of people, their steps heavy and slow, his eyes holding neither grief nor joy.

They left, departing Panning City for good...

Another year hurried by. Countless Wish Lanterns drifted through Panning City. As the mountain wind swept past, Chen Xun and Black Bull sat atop the peak, gazing into the distance and silently making their wishes.

This year's Longevity Points were once again added to the Essence of All Things. This was of vital importance to them.

"Old Bull, let's go."

Chen Xun smiled faintly. He had become much more mature now, carrying an air of seasoned composure. "Fat Brother is still waiting for us."

"Moo."

Black Bull nodded, gazing reluctantly at the Wish Lanterns in the distant sky. They had released them in the city every year before. Even when they were in the Ningyun Mountain Range, they would return once at year's end.

The two figures slowly descended the mountain, their eyes carrying an indescribable meaning.

At the foot of the mountain, a chubby youth in luxurious brocade robes stood waiting for someone, shrewdness glinting in his eyes.

"Fat Brother!"

A shout came from afar. Chen Xun arrived while leading Black Bull, a harmless smile on his lips.

"Brother Xun."

The chubby youth cupped his hands and smiled, speaking with the air of an old man. "The road of cultivation is long. Don't become too attached to the Mortal World."

The chubby youth was at Qi Refining, Third Layer. He was a well-known Rogue Cultivator "broker" throughout the Ningyun Mountain Range, specializing in leading Rogue Cultivators to the annual Immortal Ascension Assembly. He made a fortune from it and had excellent connections.

"Fat Brother is absolutely right."

Chen Xun nodded with a grin, though inwardly he grumbled, If you weren't attached, how could a few precious medicinal herbs have bought you over? Just looking at you, you belong in the Mortal Realm.

Still, he understood. If brokers did not put it that way, who would go to the Immortal Ascension Assembly?

"Brother Xun, are you bringing a bull too?"

The chubby youth frowned slightly. That would cost extra. "If you enter an Immortal Gate, it would be best to dispose of this Black Bull beforehand."

"Fat Brother, you must be joking. With my aptitude, how could I enter just because I wanted to? I'm only going to broaden my horizons."

"Brother Xun has a fine temperament. No wonder you were able to cultivate by yourself to Qi Refining Second Level at such a young age."

"Can't Fat Brother tell that I gather herbs? A few years ago, I found a Spirit Medicine and accidentally ate it."

Chen Xun spoke carelessly, looking exactly like an inexperienced youth who had yet to see much of the world.

They could now skillfully use the Essence of All Things to conceal the spiritual power within their bodies. Outsiders could not detect even a trace of their strength. It was truly the finest method for securing one's footing and keeping oneself well-fed and warmly clothed.

"So that's how it is." Realization flashed through the chubby youth's eyes, dispelling some of his doubts.

"Brother Xun, do you know why the major sects hold the Immortal Ascension Assembly?"

The chubby youth led Chen Xun and Black Bull onward, gradually heading deeper into the mountain range. Along the way, they even encountered several Rogue Cultivators, startling Chen Xun into a jolt.

However, their expressions were exceedingly cold. They seemed to know the chubby youth, merely sizing Chen Xun up twice before continuing on their own.

"I hope Fat Brother can enlighten me." Chen Xun kept an extremely humble posture, much to the chubby youth's satisfaction.

"Besides the disciples each sect sends people everywhere to recruit, there are also vast numbers of Rogue Cultivators scattered outside."

The chubby youth spoke eloquently. "Those people all embarked upon the path of immortality because of various accidents. Among them are no shortage of gifted talents."

"Fat Brother makes sense. If they were buried and overlooked, it would be a loss for the great Immortal Sects as well."

"Ah, exactly. I've been in this line of work for years. Every year, the number of Rogue Cultivators is like crucian carp crossing a river."

The chubby youth clicked his tongue and sighed repeatedly. "This is also a splendid opportunity for the major sects to expand their strength. Who wouldn't want to climb another step higher?"

"The important thing is having people like Fat Brother. Otherwise, how would Rogue Cultivators like us ever get such an opportunity?"

Chen Xun truly meant those words, and felt them deeply.

The chubby youth suddenly patted Chen Xun on the shoulder, his gaze carrying approval for someone who knew the way of the world. He had originally planned to charge more, but decided against it.

He had seen far too many Rogue Cultivators come to nothing, so he took things more openly than they did. With Foundation Establishment beyond reach, it was better to enjoy the Mortal World properly.

"Brother Xun, let me say one more thing."

"Please instruct me, Fat Brother."

"These great sects have extremely high requirements for cultivation aptitude. If there is no opportunity, you must learn to let go. Do not allow yourself to be troubled by inner demons."

The chubby youth spoke sincerely. This was the first time he had met such a sensible Rogue Cultivator. Which of those Rogue Cultivators in the past had not strutted about as though they were above the heavens, calling themselves Immortals?

Only after entering the Immortal Ascension Assembly did they discover the cruelty of reality. They often went somewhat mad and did things no one could foresee.

"I will remember Fat Brother's words." Chen Xun stopped walking and solemnly cupped his hands.

"Good. Let's go."

The chubby youth smiled and continued leading the way. Before long, they were nearly at a valley. Thick mist swirled all around them, so dense one could not see one's hand before one's face.

"Brother Xun, this is Nine-Star Valley."

The chubby youth stood with his hands behind his back, looking toward the fog. "This is an array jointly established by the various sects. If mortals accidentally enter, they will lose their way here before being sent back out."

"Can we just go in directly?"

Chen Xun asked instinctively, shock in his eyes. This mist was actually formed by an array—it had changed the very face of the heavens.

"Of course. The array can distinguish the spiritual power within a cultivator's body."

The chubby youth chuckled. "Then, Brother Xun, we part here. I still need to lead other Rogue Cultivators."

"Alright. Many thanks, Fat Brother." Chen Xun cupped his hands, joy in his eyes.

The chubby youth nodded, turned, and departed in an exceedingly carefree manner.

"Old Bull, we've arrived... the world of cultivators."

"Moo~~ Moo~~"

Chen Xun and Black Bull stood outside, just as they had on the day they first arrived in Panning City. Their entire bodies trembled, their hearts even more excited than they had been then.