Ascension Convention

This year's Longevity Points were once again 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 ragged. He and Big Black Ox began living as wanderers, often playing with stray dogs by the roadside amid endless laughter and roughhousing.

Two months later, he and Big Black Ox gradually made their way to South City. Chen Xun heard some news: Doctor Ning was almost gone.

He personally went to their door, handed that Hundred-Year Old Wild Ginseng to Shimu, and left directly.

Another month passed, and Ning Si's soul returned to heaven and earth. Countless common folk came to see her off, their eyes brimming with tears. Pingtai Medical Clinic had benefited who knew how many people.

The Ning Family was large, with many members. White mourning bands circled their heads. Chen Xun silently stood at the edge of the crowd, as though they did not lack someone as dispensable as him.

The frosty wind howled, brushing across the edges of Chen Xun's memories, leaving behind only that lingering fragrance in the air, gradually fading away, never to be found again.

Up to now, three people had been the most important in Chen Xun's life.

The first was the Old Village Chief. When they had been at their most destitute, he still remembered them and was willing to grant them the kindness of a meal.

The second was Sun Lao. When they had first arrived in Pan Ning City, alone and without support, he had given them their first home.

The third was Teacher Ning. He had passed on knowledge, taught his craft, and dispelled doubts, teaching Chen Xun countless principles for walking through this world. Medical Skills seemed to have become secondary.

"They... all seemed to be gone."

This time, Chen Xun seemed unable to hold himself together any longer. His lips trembled incessantly, and he did not even dare to look at Teacher Ning one last time.

Big Black Ox merely nuzzled Chen Xun, while Chen Xun fiercely wrapped one arm around his ox head.

They kept following the crowd as they saw her off, as though if their steps slowed even a little, Ning Si would leave a little more slowly...

The setting sun was like blood, its afterglow spilling over South City. From beyond the mountains came several cries that sounded like returning geese. Across the vast heavens, it seemed only their silhouettes remained, sweeping past.

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

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

Chen Xun led Big Black Ox against the flow of people, their steps heavy and slow, his eyes now devoid of either grief or joy.

They left, departing Pan Ning City for good...

Another year hurried past. Countless Wishing Lanterns rose over Pan Ning City. The Mountain Wind swept by as Chen Xun and Big Black Ox sat atop the mountain, gazing into the distance and silently making wishes in their hearts.

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

"Old Ox, 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."

Big Black Ox nodded, gazing reluctantly at the Wishing Lanterns in the distant sky. They used to release them in the city every year. Even when they had been 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 waited for someone, shrewdness gleaming in his eyes.

"Fat Brother!"

A shout came from afar. Chen Xun had arrived, leading Big Black Ox. A smile curled at his lips, and he looked utterly harmless.

"Brother Xun."

The chubby youth gave a cupped fist salute with a smile, speaking with the air of an elder. "The road of cultivation is long. It is best not to cling too deeply to the mortal world."

The chubby youth was at Qi Condensation Stage 3. He was a well-known independent cultivator "broker" throughout the Ningyun Mountain Range, specializing in bringing independent cultivators to the annual Ascension Convention. He earned a fortune and had excellent connections.

"Fat Brother is absolutely right."

Chen Xun nodded with a grin, though inwardly he grumbled, If you're not attached, then how did a few precious medicinal herbs buy you off? One look at you and it's obvious you've been knocking around the Mortal Realm.

Still, he understood. If brokers did not say such things, who would go to the Ascension Convention?

"Brother Xun, are you bringing an ox as well?"

The chubby youth frowned slightly. This would cost extra. "If you enter an immortal sect, it would be best to deal with this black ox beforehand."

"Fat Brother, you jest. 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 to Qi Condensation Stage 2 on your own at such a young age."

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

Chen Xun spoke carelessly, looking exactly like an inexperienced youth who had not seen much of the world.

By now, they could 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 truly was an unmatched method for securing one's footing and keeping oneself well fed and warmly clothed.

"I see." Understanding flashed in the chubby youth's eyes, dispelling some of his doubts.

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

The chubby youth led Chen Xun and Big Black Ox onward, gradually heading deeper into the mountain range. Along the way, they even encountered several independent cultivators, startling Chen Xun so badly that he jolted.

However, their expressions were extremely cold. They seemed to know the chubby youth. After sizing Chen Xun up twice, they went on their own way.

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

"Besides the disciples sent by each sect to recruit in various places, there are also many independent cultivators scattered outside."

The chubby youth spoke eloquently. "Those people all embarked upon the path of cultivation due to various unexpected circumstances. Among them are no shortage of gifted talents."

"Fat Brother makes sense. If they were buried and overlooked, it would also be a loss for the great immortal sects."

"Ah, exactly. I've been in this line of work for years. Every year, independent cultivators are as numerous as 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 advance another step?"

"The key is having people like Fat Brother. Otherwise, how would independent cultivators like us ever get an opportunity?"

Chen Xun meant those words sincerely, and he felt them deeply.

The chubby youth suddenly patted Chen Xun's shoulder, his eyes filled with approving praise for someone who understood the way of the world. He had originally planned to charge more, but decided to forget it.

He had seen too many independent cultivators come to nothing, so he took such matters more openly than they did. With Foundation Establishment out of reach, it was better to enjoy the mortal world properly.

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

"Please advise 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 let inner demons trouble you."

The chubby youth spoke sincerely. This was the first independent cultivator he had met who understood the way of the world so well. Which of the previous independent cultivators had not strutted about as though they were above the heavens, calling themselves immortals?

Only after entering the Ascension Convention did they discover the cruelty of reality. They often became somewhat crazed and did things no one could predict.

"I will remember Fat Brother's words." Chen Xun stopped walking and solemnly gave a cupped fist salute.

"Good, let's go."

The chubby youth smiled and continued leading the way. Gradually, they were almost at a valley. Thick fog surrounded them, so dense one could not see one's hand before one's face.

"Brother Xun, this is it—Nine Stars Valley."

The chubby youth stood with hands behind his back, turned towards the fog, and said, "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 fog was actually formed by an array—it had altered the very weather.

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

The chubby youth chuckled. "Then, Brother Xun, we shall part ways here. I still need to bring other independent cultivators."

"Alright, many thanks, Fat Brother." Chen Xun gave a cupped fist salute, joy in his eyes.

The chubby youth nodded, turned, and departed with carefree grace.

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

"Moo~~ Moo~~"

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