Chapter 9: (1) The Immortal Cultivators of Ling Mountain in Western Gui

Li Chen carefully organized and planned the people he had encountered, the events he had experienced, the opportunities he had gained, and the treasures he had obtained during this journey of cultivation.

1. His current cultivation was still too low. If he encountered a true master, escaping with his life would be difficult. At the very least, he needed to raise his cultivation to the Nascent Soul stage. Both his parents and Xiaoying should practice immortal arts together.

2. He needed to sort through and select the various cultivation techniques he had acquired.

3. He had to categorize and arrange the different cultivation resources — such as spirit stones, spirit crystals, demon pills, elixirs, and other rare materials — according to their grades for optimal use.

4. All kinds of defensive and offensive talismans, seals, and rune inscriptions from various realms needed to be organized and distributed to his family members.

...

A few days later, the two of them finally arrived at their new home, a spacious estate covering five hundred square meters. At the back was a row of ten rooms, while smaller houses flanked the front on both sides, serving as the kitchen, washroom, bathroom, stable, storage room, and utility room.

Just as Li Chen stepped through the door, Lin Ying, who had just begun practicing her swordplay in the courtyard, heard his voice and turned around. Dropping her long sword with a clatter, she threw herself into Li Chen’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Choking back tears, she said, “You haven’t come to see me at all. I thought you were ignoring me!”

Li Chen patted her back and gently stroked her head, apologizing, “Not at all. You’re my smartest, most beautiful, and clever little sister! How could I ever ignore you?”

Xiaoying burst into a giggle, tears still streaming down her face, like a playful puppy.

“I was forced to train outside; sometimes things were beyond my control. Once, I spent over three months trapped in the Misty Forest and barely made it out!” Li Chen said.

“On another occasion, I accidentally entered a secret realm, home to a family of cultivators who had secluded themselves a thousand years ago. They could fly through the air and send their swords hurtling at enemies from afar.”

“But lately, outsiders had snuck in to plunder treasures and kill. When they saw me, they accused me of trespassing with ill intent and declared I should be killed. After I explained myself thoroughly, they invited me to stay as a guest and treated me kindly. In return, I helped them slay several fourth-grade demon beasts.”

“Once, I stumbled upon an ancient altar with a sword standing upright, radiating an imposing aura. Just as I reached out to touch it, someone shouted, ‘Don’t touch it without my permission, unless you accept the trial I set.’”

“Who would’ve known that sword was a treasure with a spirit! Before I could understand, its spirit’s forehead thunder mark flashed, and I was transported to another dimension to begin the trial.”

“That place was terrifying—the sky roared with relentless lightning and thunder. At first, it was brutal. My scalp felt like it was being burned and torn apart. My skin was scorched from head to toe. My shirt was burned to ashes, my pants were half gone, and my backside was riddled with holes. My once fair and smooth skin was mostly exposed—thankfully, no one saw it!”

“But in the end, I passed the trial. My muscles and bones, once weak, became as tough as diamond. Look at my hands and legs—strong as steel,” Li Chen boasted, gesturing proudly.

At that moment, the entire family gathered around, listening intently to his tale. Their emotions swayed between worry, sorrow, fear, danger, triumph, and joy—like a turbulent tide.

Xiaoying sighed deeply and placed her hand over her heart. “Thank goodness you’re home safe!” Everyone nodded in heartfelt agreement.

The family celebrated their survival with joyous revelry for three full days.

Li Chen then shared his plans for renovating their home: reinforcing the buildings, raising the walls, planting thorny bushes outside the fence to protect the entire yard, and setting up spirit-gathering formations in the cultivation room, meditation chamber, and the main courtyard.

“Once all this is done, I’ll teach everyone the immortal cultivation techniques. Those who can practice should train hard; those who cannot, don’t worry. Our family’s immortal arts are boundless. Protecting a few family members for life is a small matter.”