Formless Ancient Race, a place full of Profound Qi.

Three talented cultivators, chosen from among thousands, came here, all at the Ninth Layer of Refining Profound. They were full of excitement about being selected, even though they didn't know what it was for, but it surely wouldn't be a bad thing.

Not far away, a rainbow light descended, revealing the figure of an old man with white hair.

The old man stroked his beard, looked at the three, and kindly said, "I am Tang Xiaoping, Middle Stage of the Purple Mansion."

The three talents hurriedly bowed down.

Tang Xiaoping said, "From today, I will teach you two techniques. If you succeed, you may reach unprecedented heights. The first is called 'Profound Mountain Nine Stacks,' and the second is the 'Chenggen Mountain Technique'. The cultivation of these two techniques is all in preparation for the third technique... Do you have confidence?"

The eyes of the three talents flashed with anticipation and excitement.

They were not only talented but also had family backgrounds. Nurtured by their family heritage since childhood, reaching the Ninth Layer of Refining Profound was as simple as drinking water or breathing air for them. They could learn many techniques far beyond their peers. Now, encountering something challenging that could lead to "unprecedented heights," they were naturally both expectant and excited.

One of the talents laughed and said, "Elder Tang, we were just worried about not having any challenges."

Another talent said proudly, "Indeed."

The remaining talent smiled self-assuredly, saying nothing more, but a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes, as if he was already pondering what kind of techniques 'Profound Mountain Nine Stacks' and 'Chenggen Mountain Technique' were.

Here, whether optimistic, arrogant, or calm, none of the three showed any impatience.

They were not only cultivation geniuses but also had excellent mental realms, otherwise... they wouldn't have been able to pass the numerous selections to come here.

Tang Xiaoping nodded in satisfaction, then stood up, stretched his hands, and said, "Pay attention to this 'Profound Mountain Nine Stacks'..."

The Profound Qi rolled along his arms, stacking layer upon layer, becoming as deep as a mountain.

...

...

Green mountains.

Clear waters.

A beautiful time and scene are not wasted, for there is fine wine and someone to share it with.

Huo Boxin raised his cup and laughed heartily, "Good wine, truly good wine! Such good wine paired with Mr. Li's crystal-like pork jelly is truly fragrant and wonderful!"

Since he had become "unfamiliar without a fight" with Mr. Li two autumns ago, they gradually became friends, often drinking, watching shows, and going on spring outings together. They would sit before blossoms when sober and sleep beneath them when drunk, becoming brothers without any secrets.

Song Yan smiled, raised his glass, and clinked it with the chivalrous swordsman before him. Together, they looked at the stage not far away.

The stage was set under the green mountains, with a gentle breeze from the distant prairie, making this spring day truly pleasant.

"Mr. Li."

"Mr. Li."

One by one, the people entering greeted Song Yan.

This Mr. Li was known for his generosity and helpfulness, gaining a good reputation in Cold Smoke Town and its surroundings.

Anyone without money, a place to stay, or food would find help from him. Of course, if someone came with deceitful intentions, Mr. Li was no fool, and his well-built muscles from butchering pigs were not just for show...

The distant stage featured a wonderful performance, yet the song was always about the same worldly affairs—joys and sorrows, the changes of power, and feats of heroes on the battlefield...

Suddenly, the crowd applauded and cheered, exclaiming, "Good! Well sung!"

Silver coins were tossed far away in appreciation.

Huo Boxin glanced and chuckled, "I've seen this play several times. The beginning is dull and full of hardship, only this part is good, where the couple finally comes together. How does the saying go? 'Lovers shall become companions!' Hahaha!"

Song Yan glanced up.

He realized that his mental realm was changing.

In the past, he would have longed to find someone special and live a carefree life, but now he understood that such things only existed in illusion realms, deceitfully created by celestial demons, not in reality.

He drank a cup by himself.

Huo Boxin said, "Old Li, you should find a wife. Don't you feel cold being alone?"

His eyes darted, and he said, "Master Huang has a niece who used to be picky, but now, although in her twenties, she has developed quite a charm. Should I introduce you two?"

Song Yan waved him off.

Huo Boxin said, "Come on, Old Li, she's really nice, never played around, her health is intact."

He spoke softer as he went on, then added, "That day you gave money to the Jie brothers, she saw you from afar and said she likes manly men like you, despite your age."

Song Yan set down his glass, fell silent for a moment.

Huo Boxin fell silent too.

Song Yan said, "I once had a wife, but she's gone now, and... it's even hard for me to remember what she looked like."

Many people flashed through his mind, from the first, Furnace Qiu Lianyue, to Empress Fu, to Cao Yuzhuang, to Little Jiu, An Li, Su Yao, Lady Ling, Pei Xuehan...

Not only these people but also fleeting faces seen while experiencing others' obsessions in the Sea of Suffering.

Those faces felt familiar, deeply engraved, yet completely unfamiliar.

But all of them were fading away.

Song Yan said, "I don't want to marry again."

Huo Boxin said, "Old Li, I know you're a sentimental person, but you have to look forward."

Sentimental?

He was merely cultivating.

Song Yan chuckled lightly and raised his glass, "Cheers! No more talking!"

Huo Boxin sighed deeply, helplessly replying, "Alright, alright, no more talking. Let's drink, drink!"

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