A little over a year passed quickly. To cultivators, it was merely a respite during the war, gone in a single stint of secluded cultivation.
But for a mortal like Zhang San, it was enough to change many things, even setting his life on an entirely different course.
Over that year and more, he joined the Huo Household's incense workshop in the city. Young and strong, with a measure of quick wit, he soon stood out among the ordinary mortal people and became a junior foreman.
One day, Zhang San arrived at the workshop as usual. After checking in, he made a round of inspections, only to be summoned by the steward.
"Zhang San, put your work aside for now. There's something we need to handle."
"What is it?"
"The immortal masters of the Incense Accumulation Sect will be coming to test the workers' root bones.
"As you know, becoming an immortal master depends first and foremost on spirit root aptitude. This is an important task handed down from above."
"I see. Understood."
Soon, production at the workshop was temporarily halted, and all the workers were gathered to await testing by cultivators from the immortal sect.
Zhang San and the other foremen were also ordered to prepare for their reception.
Once their preparations were nearly complete, the Incense Accumulation Sect disciples arrived.
Looking at these splendidly dressed disciples with their imposing bearing, Zhang San would have been lying if he said he felt no envy.
But over the past year and more, he had grown considerably steadier.
There was no helping it. War was raging everywhere now. Without the protection of the great sects and the righteous path, ordinary people could meet disaster at any moment.
Everyone had to grow up and strive to survive and prosper.
These disciples were