Mount Sumeru.

Tianyin Temple.

One of the three great orthodox sects in the world.

The prolonged bell tones echoed once more over Mount Sumeru, heralding the start of a new day.

The rising sun peeked over the eastern horizon, casting its first rays onto the mortal realm.

Early in the morning, many commoners, most carrying incense and candles, were already ascending the mountain steps towards the grand temple, their faces etched with devotion.

Among them were some families bringing their children to worship. The innocent children did not seem tired on the mountain path; instead, many youngsters leaped and ran about, full of enthusiasm.

The morning mist lingered, reluctant to dissipate outside Tianyin Temple, leaving the air feeling somewhat moist and refreshing.

Monks who had risen early had completed their essential morning rituals and now swept the courtyards, gently brushing aside leaves that had fallen overnight.

At this moment, the entire Tianyin Temple appeared solemn and tranquil, bathed in the gentle mountain breeze, which also carried the faint, elusive fragrance of leaves.

The drifting toll of the bell guided the people below the mountain and also swirled within the temple, awakening those who slumbered.

The Great Treasure Hall of Tianyin Temple.

Three elderly monks sat before the Buddha statue, their expressions solemn and dignified, like those of great monks who had attained enlightenment.

"Revered Abbot, Immortal Daoxuan of Qingyun Gate is said to have discovered a true Immortal, and will offer sacrifices to a Divine Spirit in Qingyun Gate on the first of May. Does such a being as an Immortal truly exist in this world?" Monk Pude, one of the four great monks of Tianyin Temple, slowly spoke, his eyes as still as an ancient well, yet filled with a hint of curiosity and longing.

Although they practiced the Buddha Path, it was still just one form of Cultivation, aimed ultimately at transcending life and death to attain enlightenment—that is, to become an Immortal.

Unfortunately, although cultivators in the world are as numerous as hairs on an ox, not one has truly become an Immortal.

"If you believe, it exists; if you don't, it doesn't!" Monk Puhong, the abbot, opened his eyes, his expression impassive. "Since Immortal Daoxuan has invited us," he said calmly, "we'll know soon enough once we go."

"The Abbot speaks truly!" Monks Pukong and Pude, pressing their palms together, showed little expression but were full of anticipation for their journey to Qingyun Gate.

Immortal Daoxuan, as the leader of the Daoist sects, with profound knowledge of the Dao and highly regarded virtue, would certainly not make unfounded claims. Even if the one he discovered was not a true Immortal, they suspected this individual's Cultivation Level, even if not that of a true Immortal, would be comparable and would certainly exceed their expectations. Seeing such a powerful being would indeed be a blessing.

An Immortal?

Yun Yilan, the lord of Incense Valley and leader of one of the three great orthodox sects, emerged from seclusion, bringing disciples and Elders to rush to Qingyun Gate.

「While the orthodox sects and countless cultivators hurried to Qingyun Gate, the powerhouses from the four great Demon Sects gathered together.」

"Immortal Daoxuan of Qingyun Gate claims to have found a true Immortal and has invited cultivators from all over to observe the ceremony. Have you all heard about it?" said a man dressed as a middle-aged scholar. With delicate brows and a square face, he appeared refined, yet his bright eyes and full temples betrayed an underlying majesty within his elegance. Adorned in a scholar's robe with a pale purple Jade Pendant at his waist, exquisitely clear and seemingly imbued with auspicious energy, it was clear at a glance that it was no ordinary object. He was Wan Renwang, the Sect Leader of the Ghost King Sect.

Behind Wan Renwang stood a shadowy figure, tall and shrouded in black, her face veiled. She was You Ji, the Vermilion Bird Holy Envoy of the Ghost King Sect.

"An Immortal, you say? There are none in this world, only cultivators with profound Daoist prowess!" Jade Sun Child, the master of Changsheng Hall, snorted, disbelieving in the existence of 'Immortals' as one of the world's top cultivators.

"Immortal Daoxuan has profound cultivation and Mana. For him to acknowledge someone as an Immortal, even if not a true Immortal, that person must possess an incredibly astonishing Cultivation Level!" Poison God, the old monster of the Thousand Poison Sect, narrowed his eyes like a venomous snake. His raspy voice, like metal scraping, was enough to send chills down one's spine.

"It is said that Cang Song, the master of Dragon Head Peak of Qingyun Gate, was killed by Immortal Daoxuan for practicing evil arts. I wonder if this has anything to do with the so-called Immortal?" A voice as sweet and enticing as silver bells rang out. It belonged to a woman of extreme allure and seductiveness. Clothed in a red dress, her skin pale as frost and curves exquisite, she radiated a mature and tempting charm. Just hearing her voice was enough to unsettle a man's heart, stirring passion and igniting a fiery impulse.

However, those present were all highly cultivated, oblivious to the charms emanating from Three Wonderful Fairy, the Sect Leader of the Hehuan Sect.

"Cang Song was an important asset to Qingyun Gate, and also the master of Dragon Head Peak, yet he was killed outright. There must be something suspicious about this, and it could be related to Immortal Daoxuan's so-called Immortal." Wan Renwang pondered and agreed with Three Wonderful Fairy's speculation.

"We don't care whether it's related to the Immortal or not. Just tell us, should we go to Qingyun Gate this time, and how many people should we bring?" Jade Sun Child sounded impatient, not interested in their endless guessing.

"Since there is such an Immortal figure, I must go and see for myself!" Poison God spoke softly, "This time, Qingyun Gate has invited cultivators from all over. The likelihood of an ambush should be slim, but it would be wise to bring more powerful cultivators, just in case."

"That's right! No matter what Immortal Daoxuan is scheming, we'll find out once we go!" Jade Sun Child declared loudly. "He has invited cultivators from all over to gather at Qingyun Gate. I don't believe Immortal Daoxuan would dare strike or set an ambush, and perhaps we can find an opportunity to cause him some trouble!"

"I'm also curious about who Immortal Daoxuan's proclaimed Immortal is and what they are capable of!" Wan Renwang nodded, then his tone shifted. "However, we have deep grievances with Qingyun Gate and other orthodox sects, so I think we should conceal our identities when we go. With cultivators from all over converging, it will be a motley crowd, making it difficult for anyone to identify us!"

Poison God nodded in agreement. "Sect Leader Wan's words make sense. If we conceal our identities, we'll be in the shadows while the enemy is exposed. The initiative will be in our hands!"

"Well then, let us all go to Qingyun Gate on the first of May. If it comes to a fight, we'll all strike together and teach Qingyun Gate a harsh lesson!"

"Agreed!"

The Qingyun Mountain Range towered loftily, a tiger crouching in the Central Plains. The Hongchuan River wound by the mountain's shady side, and Heyang City, a strategic town, basked on its sunny slopes—a veritable chokehold on the lands below. The Qingyun Mountains stretched for a hundred miles, peaks undulating in succession, with the seven highest peaks soaring into the clouds. On ordinary days, only white clouds wrapped around the mid-mountain were visible; the summit's true face remained unknown. The mountain forests of Qingyun Gate were dense, dotted with cascading waterfalls and peculiar rocks, home to rare birds and exotic beasts, offering views both secluded and perilously beautiful, renowned throughout the land.

「Time truly flew, like a white steed glimpsed through a crack in a door.」

「In the blink of an eye, it was the first day of May.」

「On this day.」

Qingyun Gate was swarmed with people. Cultivators wielding various Magic Treasures could be seen everywhere, creating an extremely bustling scene. On Cloud Sea Square, a vast throng of people jostled shoulder to shoulder, their vibrant energy proof of Qingyun Gate's prosperity.

Upon the vast square stood a massive altar and the statue of the God of Hongmeng.

"Aunt You Ji, is this the Immortal that Qingyun Gate has been talking about?" Suddenly, a clear, surprised, and curious voice rang out. It belonged to a woman clad in green. The woman had delicate brows and beautiful eyes, her skin as white as jade and fair as frost, her figure elegant and alluring, exuding beauty and grace. She was none other than Biyao, daughter of Wan Renwang, the Sect Leader of the Ghost King Sect.

Her bright, animated eyes curiously surveyed the majestic statue at the center of Cloud Sea Square. The statue stood with its feet upon Chaos, draped in the Milky Way, yet its face was blurred, its true countenance obscured.

"Qingyun Gate didn't have this statue before; they worshipped the Ancestor San Qing. This must be the Immortal recently rumored about by Qingyun Gate!" a shadowy figure beside Biyao spoke in a cool, gentle voice. She was tall, dressed in black, her face veiled. Even though her face was hidden, her enchanting, exquisitely curved figure suggested a myriad of charms. Compared to Biyao, she appeared more mature and knowledgeable. She was none other than You Ji, the Vermilion Bird Holy Envoy of the Ghost King Sect.

Do Immortals truly exist in this world? You Ji's profound, shadowed eyes lingered on the statue of the God of Hongmeng, then shifted to the altar beside it, constructed of Jade Stone, both solemn and imposing. But is Qingyun Gate truly going to offer sacrifices to a Divine Spirit in front of everyone? Could a Divine Spirit actually manifest? If not, what meaning would this sacrificial ceremony hold?

"Jin Ping'er, Qingyun Gate is a mixed bag of people today, and it might not be peaceful. If unrest occurs later, remember to conserve your strength and simply follow the crowd down the mountain," Three Wonderful Fairy instructed the woman beside her. This woman, clad in a flamboyant red dress, exuded a mature charm. She was Jin Ping'er, the disciple of Three Wonderful Fairy and also the most outstanding successor of the Hehuan Sect.

"Master, I understand. Don't worry!" Jin Ping'er nodded, curiously studying the entirety of Qingyun Gate. This was her first time setting foot in a great orthodox sect like Qingyun Gate. Indeed, it was a Cave Heaven and Blessing Land, magnificent beyond words, truly extraordinary.

"Do Immortals truly exist in this world?"

"If Immortal Daoxuan says they do, then they must exist!"

"I wonder what Immortals look like?"

"Surely they possess an ethereal and transcendent quality, like Immortal Daoxuan!"

"When will the Immortals appear?"

"Do you all truly believe in Immortals? Qingyun Gate has worshipped the Ancestor San Qing for thousands of years, so how come they've never manifested?"

Countless cultivators were engaged in spirited debate, some believing in the prestige of Qingyun Gate and certain of the existence of Immortals, while others were skeptical. A myriad of opinions filled the air, as diverse as the crowd itself.

Figures from the Demon Sects—such as the Ghost King Sect, Thousand Poison Sect, Changsheng Hall, and Hehuan Sect—mingled amongst the crowd, watching closely in secret.

「The sun climbed high into the sky.」

In the midst of the crowd's growing impatience, Immortal Daoxuan, Sect Leader of Qingyun Gate, and Lin Jingyu walked side by side, followed by Tian Buyi, Zeng Shuchang, and the other peak masters.

"Immortal Daoxuan has arrived!"

"It's really Immortal Daoxuan!"

"Finally, today we get to see him in person!"

Many lone cultivators and members of smaller sects became excited. Seeing someone like Immortal Daoxuan, an exalted figure from a great sect, was something ordinary people could hardly ever do. Many had only heard his name but had never seen the man himself. He was like an Emperor to the common folk, a legendary existence. Seeing him even once was worth boasting about for a lifetime!

"Eh, who is that young man? He's actually walking alongside Immortal Daoxuan?"

"I know him. It's said that he's the disciple of Daoist Cang Song, the former master of Dragon Head Peak. After Cang Song's death, he inherited the position of Dragon Head Peak Master!"

"Even so, inheriting the position of Dragon Head Peak Master doesn't warrant walking beside Immortal Daoxuan, does it?"

Seeing Lin Jingyu, countless cultivators expressed surprise, their eyes filled with confusion and questions.

...

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