Chapter 12: The Hidden Immortal of Elegant Mountains and Sacred Waters

When Li Chen saw Lin Ying emerge from her secluded cultivation chamber, he was stunned beyond belief—her cultivation had reached the mid-stage of the Nascent Core Realm, while he himself had only attained the mid-stage of the Golden Core Realm. Lin Ying’s face shimmered with a radiant glow, her elegance captivating, pure and ethereal like a celestial fairy.

Li Chen gathered his entire family in the courtyard, ensuring that Uncle Zhang and Aunt Zhang were present without exception. He immediately began imparting the foundational secret method of immortal cultivation, the “Heavenly Refining Technique,” specifically the initial Qi Condensation stage. After carefully explaining the essential precautions and taboos to observe during cultivation, he retrieved several meditation cushions from his ring. Each person sat cross-legged upon one, swallowed a Qi Condensation Pill, and commenced their Qi Condensation practice.

Li Chen then entrusted Lin Ying with a supply of pills suitable for those at the first through third realms, instructing her to distribute them as needed. He said, “Lin Ying, from now on, you will oversee and guide everyone. If you encounter any difficulties, report them to me promptly. These are the cultivation techniques for the first six realms of the Heavenly Refining Technique. You must pass them down one realm at a time, and do not neglect your own practice.” Lin Ying accepted the responsibility with a bright “Understood!” Meanwhile, Li Chen pondered silently, “Perhaps someone will emerge with a talent for cultivation comparable to Lin Ying’s.” He cautioned, “Advance one realm at a time, and do not look ahead prematurely to avoid disturbing your spirit and causing complications.”

Once all arrangements were made, Li Chen returned to seclusion to continue his cultivation. Inside, he absorbed spirit stones, spirit crystals, heavenly materials, and mystical treasures, consuming pills as he refined his energy. From mid-stage Golden Core, he ascended to the peak, his golden light transforming into a radiant purple glow. With a faint cracking sound, “ka ka ka,” he finally broke through to the Nascent Core Realm. The Golden Core shattered, revealing a Nascent Core the size of a fingertip. The Nascent Core flickered and appeared within his spirit sea, its eyes closed as it breathed rhythmically, cultivating alongside him. At this moment, all his usable resources were depleted, rendering him resource-poor.

A violet radiance shimmered across Li Chen’s face, his spirit soaring with vitality, a faint immortal aura emerging. He rose, stretching his limbs in coordinated motion, then stepped out of the cultivation chamber. Three months had passed during his seclusion.

Eagerly, Li Chen examined the cultivation progress of the four others. All had successfully condensed Qi, though their talents varied. His father, Li Qing, had reached the mid-stage of the second realm, the Meridians Opened. Uncle Zhang was close behind. His mother, Zhang Xiulan, was at the initial stage of the Meridians Opened realm, while Aunt Zhang was at the mid-stage of Qi Condensation.

Filled with joy, Li Chen congratulated them warmly on their successful entry into cultivation.

Lin Ying had already reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core Realm. With the household secure, Li Chen contemplated venturing out to explore ancient secret realms. Resource scarcity weighed heavily on him, as he had no usable reserves.

He explained his plan for external experience to the family. Lin Ying expressed her desire to accompany him. “Very well,” he agreed. “Lin Ying needs to see the outside world, to gain experience in battle and solidify her foundation, raising her combat power and awareness.”

Li Chen cautioned the family not to leave the home until the two returned. He, Lin Ying, and Uncle Zhang then went to the city to purchase daily necessities, first giving Uncle Zhang a storage ring. Uncle Zhang was now capable of flight, and the three soared effortlessly above the city, descending to shop within. Uncle Zhang took charge of buying daily essentials, and they agreed to meet again at the city gate. Li Chen wandered the antique stalls with Lin Ying, observing mostly inferior, counterfeit goods. Later, they entered the “Gui Xiu Auction House,” where Li Chen inquired with the shopkeeper about spirit stones, spirit crystals, magic instruments, treasures, and pills.

The shopkeeper was momentarily stunned. “Such rare items are scarce in this world. I recognize them when seen! However, rumor holds that in the Four Markets of Guilin City, there is a shop called the ‘Immortal Dao Supplies Specialty Store’ that deals exclusively in such goods. They say an immortal dwells there. Young master, you might consider visiting.”

Li Chen thanked him, and the two departed. Using his divine sense, he saw Uncle Zhang busy purchasing supplies, so they accompanied him. After half a day, the three returned to the manor.

The following day, Li Chen and Lin Ying set out together.

Chapter 13: (1) The Immortal Lineage Is Never Lonely

Li Chen and Lin Ying flew directly to Guilin City. Their inquiries confirmed the presence of cultivators: sword flights and instantaneous vanishings were witnessed by many, universally acknowledged as fact. Next, they proceeded west to the Four Markets, to the “Immortal Dao Supplies Specialty Store.” The store carried only mid- to low-grade spirit instruments, spirit stones, and pills. Li Chen purchased many items without hesitation or bargaining, as his storage ring contained tens of millions in currency. Impressed by his generosity and candor, the shopkeeper revealed, “Fifty miles westward lies the highest peak of the mountain range, Lingxiu Peak. It is said immortals often appear there.”

Li Chen and Lin Ying dined at a local inn as dusk fell. In a secluded spot, they ascended into the air and soon landed atop Lingxiu Peak, where the air brimmed with abundant spiritual energy. Midway up, they noticed swirling, multicolored mists—likely a protective barrier and energy-converging array.

They passed through a dense forest and arrived at a clearing where strange blue flowers dotted the grass. Each flower emitted a faint glow, like stars fallen from the night sky. Suddenly, a melodious flute tune drifted on the breeze, as if guiding their steps. Approaching the sound, they beheld a mysterious figure cloaked in silver, seated beneath an ancient oak, playing the flute. The music seemed enchanted, causing the surrounding flora to sway gently, as if dancing.

The enigmatic figure smiled upon seeing them. The flute transformed into a beam of light pointing into the distance.

Following the light’s direction, they saw a path paved with glowing blue flowers winding forward, inviting them to explore. As they stepped onto the path, the flowers trembled softly beneath their feet, releasing brighter light to illuminate the way ahead.

At the trail’s end, a palace of transparent crystal gradually materialized, brilliantly lit yet devoid of any smoke or flame, as if woven from starlight and moonbeams. Before the palace gates, two elves clad in colorful robes gently fluttered their wings, welcoming them with graceful poise. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and warmth at the visitors’ arrival.