Chapter 13: (2) The Immortal Lineage Is Never Forsaken Through the Ages

Li Chen and Lin Ying stood before the brilliantly illuminated crystal palace, still reeling from their astonishment.

Li Chen took Lin Ying’s hand and approached the palace entrance. As they bowed respectfully, Li Chen’s clear voice rang out: “Disciple of the Kunlun Immortal Sect, Li Chen, accompanied by junior sister Lin Ying, humbly visits the elders of the immortal gates!”

A melodious, delicate voice responded from within the palace, “Please, two fellow disciples of the Kunlun Immortal Sect, enter the hall to receive tea!”

Suddenly, a gentle, enchanting melody wafted from the depths of the palace, as fresh and mysterious as morning dew sliding over tender leaves. Drawn irresistibly by the sound, the two stepped inside. Before them, a stage woven from shimmering light slowly rose. At its center, a dancer adorned in a flowing, radiant gown moved gracefully to the music; each movement seemed to recount an ancient and distant tale. Surrounding walls illuminated one by one, revealing exquisite murals that shifted and flowed, as if time itself was breathing life. They transported Li Chen and Lin Ying through a sequence of fantastical, unknown worlds.

Exchanging smiles, their eyes gleamed with eager anticipation for the mysteries ahead.

Immersed in the surreal journey within the murals, the dancer suddenly paused mid-motion. With a light leap, a crystal-clear longsword appeared in her hand. Swordlight flashed as she swung through the air, striking at emptiness. A dazzling beam cleaved the space before them, tearing a slender rift in the very fabric of the palace. Strange light spilled from the fissure, revealing glimpses of a magnificent world beyond.

Li Chen and Lin Ying gaped in disbelief. Before they could react, an unseen force gently swept them up, carrying them toward the breach. Thus, an unanticipated journey into another realm quietly began.

After a dizzying whirl, they found themselves in a domain where the sky shimmered with vibrant, swirling mists; birds sang sweetly amid blooming flowers that swayed in the breeze; rare herbs and wondrous trees flourished everywhere. It was a paradise.

The herbs, thriving in an atmosphere thick with spiritual energy turned mist, promised miraculous properties beyond imagination.

They glanced around, astonished to find no trace of human presence—no houses, no palaces.

They called out in unison, “Is anyone here?” Receiving no reply, they set off toward a towering mountain in the distance.

As they walked, they thought: since no one is here, why not gather some herbs for future use? Sharing a knowing look, they burst into light laughter.

“It would be a waste to leave them,” one said.

“After a while, they’d just rot on the ground,” the other replied.

With that, they enthusiastically began to clear the overgrown weeds, determined to do some good. The place was untended and wild.

They focused on uprooting the oldest, most stubborn weeds. After a while, they had cleared several miles’ worth of growth. Pausing, they rubbed their aching backs and waists, sighing at the effort. Yet despite their fatigue, smiles lit their faces.

They sat down on the grass. Lin Ying remarked, “That immortal maiden was truly beautiful and highly intelligent, sending us here for unpaid labor.”

Li Chen added, “If they hired workers, surely they’d provide food and lodging. But here, no chairs, no tea… we’re really pitiful!”

…

Meanwhile, in a cavern halfway up the tallest peak nearby, within a grand hall, a celestial artifact known as the “Heaven-Inspecting Mirror” hovered three meters above the floor. It displayed every word and deed of the two weed-pulling volunteers with perfect clarity.

A sharp-eyed, sinister old woman dressed in floral robes sneered, “These two little rats are disgusting—dressing up theft as charity.”

She muttered harshly, “How did these little pests even get into the ‘Founder’s Space’?”