Thirty-six years have passed like a fleeting moment.
Three Elements Immortal City, Yunlan Mountain is shrouded in mist all year round, with immortal aura swirling, like an unchanging immortal painting from ancient times.
Today, however, Yunlan Mountain is tightly wrapped in a joyful atmosphere.
Scarlet ribbons are wrapped around ancient trees, and golden tassels hang from the top of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, swaying gently in the wind.
At the foot of the mountain, the cyan stone steps have been swept spotlessly clean, and every few feet, there stands a delicately carved red lantern, with the spirit light dancing inside, illuminating the winding mountain path like a glowing red ribbon.
From early morning, beams of powerful spirit light have streaked across the sky, crashing towards Yunlan Mountain like meteors.
These are the Daoist Sect Golden Core cultivators who have come to offer their birthday wishes. They are either clad in robes embroidered with their sect's insignia, their sleeves fluttering, or standing atop various magical treasures, resplendent with radiance.
Some cultivators have brought attendants, holding embroidered boxes containing gifts, with the words "Longevity Boundless" inscribed on them.
In front of the mountain gate, the Chen clan disciples responsible for receiving guests are bustling about. They are all at the Foundation Establishment cultivation but exhibit respectful expressions as they receive the visitors' visit cards with both hands, repeatedly saying, "Please, senior, come inside!"
...
"I used to only hear in Markets that Master Micro-Image has extensive connections, but seeing it today, I realize the rumors are indeed true!"
A Fake Pill Master standing outside the mountain gate, dressed in a gray robe, gazed intently at the continuous stream of guests entering and couldn't help but sigh.
His eyes were full of envy; he was usually the centerpiece at various gatherings, yet today, appearing at such a congregation of high-tier cultivators, he became a mere bystander.
At that moment, he watched those Golden Core cultivators from Nascent Soul Grand Sect stride into the ancestral hall with both envy and a slight sense of loss.
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The cultivator next to him, also at Fake Pill cultivation, nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, his tone carrying a hint of sourness:
"Isn't that the case! Look at the number of Golden Core Masters, probably half of the Golden Core cultivators of the entire Three Elements Immortal City are gathered here. We Fake Pills don't even have the right to enter the main hall of the ancestral hall; we can only watch the ceremony from afar out here."
He continued, gesturing towards the ancestral hall. Through the open door, one could vaguely see the jade tables inside, laden with high-tier spirit fruits and fine wine, with the rich spiritual energy palpable even from afar.
At this moment, a disdainful snort echoed:
"You, a Fake Pill, your path has long been severed, never to touch the threshold of Golden Core in this lifetime, naturally wouldn't understand the prestige of Master Micro-Image."
The speaker was a Loose Cultivator Golden Core with a rugged face, clad in a black outfit, an ancient sword hanging from his waist, yet unable to hide the sharp aura around him. He glanced sideways at the two Fake Pill cultivators, his tone full of arrogance:
"Which of us Loose Cultivator Golden Cores hasn't struggled on the brink of life and death to form our Golden Cores? But even still, without opportunity, advancing further is as hard as ascending to the heavens."
"And the Realm-Breaking Pills refined by Master Micro-Image can forcibly double the chances of breaking through! Do you know how many loose cultivators would gladly serve the Chen Clan for just one Realm-Breaking Pill?"
"Not just loose cultivators!" chimed in another one-eyed Loose Cultivator Golden Core beside him, lowering his voice but unable to hide his veneration:
"I once saw with my own eyes an inner sect elder from the Nascent Soul grand sect 'Purple Mist Sect' respectfully waiting at the foot of Yunlan Mountain for three days, bearing gifts, just to obtain a 'Taiqing Barrier-Breaking Pill' refined by Master Micro-Image!"
"Tell me, how could such a person be casually discussed by us?"
The two Fake Pill Masters were left blushing with anger, and then sheepishly moved to a different spot.
Not far away, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the far west of Yue Country's Quicksand Sea, named Elephant, was already standing there dumbfounded.
He was burly, with bronze-colored skin, and his robe bore traces of sand, clearly from a long journey.
The Quicksand Sea is perpetually engulfed in yellow sand, with sparse spiritual energy. Foundation Establishment cultivators are already a mainstay there, but standing on Yunlan Mountain at this moment, he felt as insignificant as dust.
He stole a glance at his master, Master Golden Buddha, but saw Master's brows tightly furrowed, the chin that usually tilted proudly upwards was now pulled tight, and the usual arrogance on his face had vanished without a trace.
Master Golden Buddha was wearing a red robe embroidered with the golden image of Buddha, the symbol of the sect master of Quicksand Sea's Golden Statue Sect. In Quicksand Sea, he was the undisputed overlord, his late-stage Golden Core cultivation enough to make all other forces bow down.
Years ago, the Chen Clan Commerce Association opened a trade route to the far west and proactively established ties with the Golden Statue Sect, this time sending an invitation for the birthday celebration.
Master Golden Buddha originally came with some arrogance, firstly to show face to the Chen Clan, secondly to discuss trade dividends with the Chen Clan's patriarch during the birthday celebration.
He thought that as a fellow late-stage Golden Core cultivator, being an overlord in his own right, the other party should accord him some respect, but standing on Yunlan Mountain now, he realized how laughable he was.
Master Golden Buddha looked towards the distance, seeing two cultivators walking side by side in cyan Daoist robes, their aura steady, their bodies surrounded by a faint spirit light.
The cultivation of these two was merely at the mid-stage Golden Core stage, yet their aura was a few degrees stronger than his own late-stage Golden Core, clearly originating from a Nascent Soul major sect, cultivating top-level cultivation techniques, with profound heritage.
Yet, such figures were only standing in the courtyard outside the ancestral hall, speaking in low tones with other cultivators, without even the qualification to step into the inner hall.
And the Chen Clan patriarch, throughout, remained in the inner hall, surrounded by Golden Core perfection cultivators whose auras were so deep and intimidating that he didn't even have the courage to approach.
"Master, should we... still discuss the share?"
The giant elephant's voice carried a slight tremble, now understanding that the overlord of Quicksand Sea was merely a frog at the bottom of the well in front of true immortal forces.
Master Golden Buddha took a deep breath, subconsciously straightening the magic robe on his body, allowing his voice to calm:
"What's there to discuss? Just having the honor to attend the ceremony today is a great favor from the Chen Clan to our Golden Statue Sect."
"I used to think my cultivation wasn't low, but seeing this now, I was truly a small frog guarding the well mouth, looking up at the sky. Today, indeed, has been an eye-opener."
Meanwhile, the scene within the inner hall of the ancestral hall was quite different.
The hall pillars made of purple sandalwood were carved with dragon and phoenix auspicious patterns, and a massive glazed lamp hung from the hall ceiling.
Inside the lamp burned deep sea agarwood, its rich fragrance permeating the entire inner hall, not only calming the mind but also slowly nourishing the meridians of cultivators.
Chen Sheng, dressed in a white Daoist robe embroidered with an immortal crane, sat gracefully on the jade chair in the main seat, with a gentle yet powerful aura that was hard to conceal.
Below, Chen Xixing, in a green robe, exuded the aura of a Golden Core cultivator, leading the second-generation disciples of the Chen Clan, kneeling neatly on prayer mats.
It must be said that people's thoughts change swiftly; previously, Chen Xixing thought having a fake pill would suffice, seeing no hope for a Nascent Soul. Saving time on Golden Core stage cultivation could be better spent on family affairs.
But with the growing prominence of the Chen Clan, there were now seventeen Golden Core cultivators within the second generation of the Chen Clan, and over thirty fake pill cultivators; the rest were mostly late-stage or perfectly established Foundation Establishment cultivators, always on the verge of breaking into the upper realm.
With the current prosperity of the Chen Clan, these second-generation Chen held power in their hands; even if they couldn't form a Golden Core, they could easily find a tier three demon pill, extending their lives by three hundred years.
As the family leader, Chen Xixing felt increasing pressure as he watched the clan's descendants shine one by one—how could he lead such a powerful family if he remained at a fake pill?
Eventually, he chose the Pill Transformation method and, with Chen Sheng's help, arduously cultivated for several decades, finally breaking through not long ago to become a Golden Core early-stage cultivator.
"We wish our father immortal fortune everlasting, and the Great Dao boundless!"
The second-generation disciples of the Chen Clan shouted in unison, their voices resounding so loudly that the air within the hall trembled slightly, each of them looking respectful, eyes filled with awe and admiration for Chen Sheng.
Chen Sheng laughed lightly, raising his right hand, and a gentle spiritual power swept over everyone like a spring breeze, slowly lifting them up with a calm yet authoritative voice:
"Alright, rise. We are all family, no need for such formalities."
In truth, Chen Sheng didn't wish for such a grand birthday feast.
He had never liked ostentation, preferring to spend time on cultivation or elixir pill refining, but couldn't resist Chen Xixing and others taking turns to persuade and repeatedly coax.
This feast held great significance for the Chen Clan!
Firstly, it could showcase the Chen Clan's connections and power to the outside world, deterring sinister forces from causing trouble; secondly, it provided an opportunity to deepen ties with major sects, paving broader cultivation paths for the clan's disciples.
After much deliberation, Chen Sheng eventually agreed.
The observers within the inner hall were all people of distinguished status—either hall masters from the various veins of the Daoist sect or representatives from other Nascent Soul sects, each of them possessing Golden Core perfection cultivation.
They sat on jade chairs on either side, looking at the scene of a hundred children offering birthday wishes in the hall, unable to help but sigh in admiration.
Sitting at the foremost left, the Array Vein Hall Master, Master Huayu, stroked his white beard, smiling as he said:
"Fellow Daoist Micro-Image truly has great fortune!"
"For us high-tier cultivators, the biggest worry is the lack of descendants. Having one or two reasonably talented descendants is already a blessing."
"But, fellow Daoist, you are fortunate indeed! Just in the second generation, there are so many, each with extraordinary talent; the Chen Clan is bound to grow even more prosperous in the future!"
Chen Sheng smiled gently, "Fellow Daoist, you flatter me!"
The bustle of the birthday banquet gradually dissipated with the departure of the last batch of guests.
In Chen Sheng's Storage Ring, there was a towering pile of congratulatory gifts. He waved away the attendants and slowly walked back to the inner hall, gently rubbing his temple.
The socializing today was not exactly exhausting, yet it did consume quite a bit of his Heart Spirit. Now he finally had some leisure to carefully examine the gifts sent by his sons and the guests.
Chen Sheng retrieved the gifts from his Storage Ring and laid them out on the long table in the inner hall, arranged according to the identities of the guests and the offspring.
Chen Sheng began inspecting the congratulatory gifts from the guests on the left side. He opened the first ornate box, inside which lay a Hundred Dew Reishi, entirely green, its leaves adorned with glistening dewdrops, emitting a faint Spiritual Qi.
This is a Tier Three Spiritual Object. Though not particularly rare, it's a common material for Alchemy.
He opened several ornate boxes in succession. Inside were either Tier Three mineral stones or ordinary Artifact Embryos, mostly common Tier Three Spiritual Objects, evidently gifts prepared by guests according to conventional norms, fitting for a Golden Core Cultivator.
It was not until he opened a Purple Sandalwood Box carved with a cloud pattern that Chen Sheng's gaze slightly shifted.
Inside the box was a layer of silvery white soft lining, on which lay a "Warm Jade Bead" the size of a pigeon egg. The bead was lustrous white, emitting a gentle warmth, smooth to the touch, and turned out to be a Tier Three High Grade Fire Marrow.
He glanced at the visiting card attached to the box bottom, which read "Respectfully presented by Loose Cultivator Lin Yuan."
Chen Sheng nodded slightly. He remembered this Lin Yuan, who had previously tried multiple times to procure a Realm-Breaking Pill but was never able to secure a place. Now presenting such a costly Warm Jade Bead was clearly an urgent plea for a pill.
He continued to open several similar boxes, containing items such as millennial "Red Blood Ginseng," as well as Tier Three High Grade "Vajra Sand," all without exception were gifts from Golden Core Cultivators urgently seeking pills.
As Chen Sheng reviewed them one by one, he silently committed these individuals' names to memory and had already made plans in his mind:
"In a few days, I'll arrange for Xihuo to prioritize their pill requests."
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After all, when you take someone's money, you must help them solve their problems; when you receive wealth, you must do your part.
After inspecting the guests' gifts, Chen Sheng turned his attention to the gifts from his sons on the right side, picking up the top-most ornate box—this one was from Chen Xixing.
Opening the ornate box, a rich Wood Attribute Spiritual Qi emanated, inside lay a half-foot-long piece of Sword Nourishing Wood, dark brown in color, with clear patterns, and a faint sheen on its surface—it was actually a Tier Three Top Grade Sword Nourishing Wood!
Chen Sheng's lips curled into a faint smile; he had recently been searching for maintenance materials for his Flying Sword, and this Sword Nourishing Wood arrived just in time. Xixing, this child, was increasingly understanding of his thoughts.
Next, he opened the Jade Box sent by Chen Xilong, which contained a small jar of Calming Incense. Upon uncovering the lid, a gentle fragrance spread out, and inhaling it instantly calmed his Heart Spirit.
Chen Sheng sniffed for a moment, recognizing it as Tier Three Calming Incense, crafted from various rare Spirit Grasses, highly beneficial for stabilizing the Heart Spirit and assisting cultivation.
He nodded in satisfaction; Xilong had always been meticulous, and his gifts were always so practical.
After reviewing each gift from his sons, practical or thoughtful, they were all commendable, clearly given with intentional care.
Until his gaze fell upon a Jade Box covered in layers of Restrictions at the corner of the table, Chen Sheng's actions momentarily paused—this was left by Chen Xihua.
This grand birthday celebration witnessed the rare return of Chen Xihua, but he came and went in a hurry, and when he handed this Jade Box to Chen Sheng solemnly, he turned and left.
Looking at this Jade Box, Chen Sheng brushed across the box's surface, feeling the layers of Restrictions imbued there, ancient and profound, clearly crafted with much thought.
His heart was filled with anticipation as he formed a Spell with his fingers, gathered a strand of Mana, and cautiously introduced it into the Jade Box.
With the infusion of Spiritual Power, the Restrictions on the Jade Box receded like the tide, emitting a subtle "crack" sound.
A moment later, the Restrictions were fully removed, and Chen Sheng gently opened the Jade Box to reveal three items neatly arranged inside:
A Jade Scroll with a faint greenish-blue halo, a crystal that was completely purple-black with subtle electric light swirling around its surface, and a gold-tinged fruit about the size of a fist.
"This is a Primordial Thunder Crystal!"
Chen Sheng instantly recognized the purple-black crystal as the object he had been specifically searching for.
The Primordial Thunder Crystal is a Tier Four Top Grade Spiritual Object that contains pure Thunderbolt Power.
Whether used to refine Thunder Attribute Magical Artifacts or to aid in overcoming bottlenecks, it has excellent effects and is extremely rare.
His gaze then fell upon the faintly golden fruit, its surface smooth, emanating a soft golden Spirit Light, along with a faint sense of a vast life force. Though he had never seen it before, he was already somewhat certain in his heart.
Chen Sheng picked up the Jade Scroll and sent his Divine Sense into it. The information within the Jade Scroll surged into his mind like a tidal wave, his initial calm gaze gradually turning to shock, finally transforming into intense joy.
"It's indeed the Nine Elements Spirit Fruit!"
Chen Sheng raised his hand sharply, and a Spirit Light flew out from his Storage Ring, landing in his palm.
It was a vibrantly colored Crystal Stone Bottle, its body translucent, with a faint view of a drop of milky-white liquid inside, exuding an awe-inspiring Spiritual Qi.
He removed the bottle stopper, and an indescribable fragrance immediately spread out—Myriad Spirits Stone Milk!
Chen Sheng placed the Crystal Stone Bottle on the table, and at this moment, the Primordial Thunder Crystal, Nine Elements Spirit Fruit, and Myriad Spirits Stone Milk floated together in midair.
The three Spiritual Objects emitted different colors of Spirit Light, the purplish-black thunder, the faint golden fruit fragrance, and the milky-white Spiritual Qi intertwined, illuminating the entire inner hall with radiant colors.
Chen Sheng's eyes shone brighter than ever, and he stared intently at these three Spiritual Objects, his breathing becoming rapid.
He was well aware that he could successfully achieve Golden Core Perfection in just twenty more years, being only a step away from the Nascent Soul.
However, this step was exceedingly difficult to cross, as evidenced by the nineteen anomalies of the Daoist Sect in the past, where only three safely passed through.
Now, with these three Spiritual Objects, combined with the Myriad Phenomena Sources Returning to Spirit Skill, he could elevate his aptitude to a Celestial Grade Spiritual Root, easily overcome the most perilous Pill Shattering Tribulation, and greatly increase his chances of condensing a Nascent Soul!
Chen Sheng suppressed his excitement and once again sent his Divine Sense into the Jade Scroll to continue reading its contents.
Soon, a completely new Secret Technique was imprinted into his Heart Spirit, the routes for the Cultivation Technique's operation, and the methods for Mana manipulation clearly presented in his mind—"Void Qi Concealment Skill!"
He carefully studied this Secret Technique, becoming more astonished the more he read.
This Void Qi Concealment Skill was far more exquisite than he had imagined. It could perfectly conceal Qi and form, alter the aura around him, manipulate internal Mana fluctuations, Divine Soul fluctuations, and even disguise and change the Spiritual Root, foolproof in execution.
According to the descriptions in the Secret Technique, once mastered, even if examined from close range by a cultivator a Great Realm higher than him, it would be difficult to discern his true abilities.
The end of the Secret Technique also included a line of advice from Chen Xihua, with a few words of solemn emphasis—"Opportunities tempt the heart, conceal Qi, and hide the Spiritual Root."
Chen Sheng looked at this line of words and couldn't help but smile slightly, reflecting on Chen Xihua's hasty arrival and departure, understanding somewhat of the other's concerns.
He mused to himself, "This kid even guards against me; this is indeed in the nature of a Cultivator!"
Yet, seeing the Secret Technique, the Spiritual Objects, and the reminder in the text, Chen Sheng still felt a warmth in his heart. The other was concerned about him exposing his Spiritual Root and inviting calamity, hence specially leaving behind this Qi Concealment Secret Technique.
But even without Chen Xihua's emphasis, Chen Sheng understood the stakes—Celestial Grade Spiritual Roots were themselves a "delicacy," extremely likely to attract the covetous eyes of Nascent Soul True Monarchs.
Some Nascent Soul True Monarchs even tend to cultivate Celestial Grade Spiritual Root cultivators, as Celestial Grade Spiritual Roots make for perfect vessels for possession.
Once the Nascent Soul Body is destroyed, simply escaping from the Nascent Soul and possessing the body of a Celestial Grade Spiritual Root cultivator, then nurturing it with resources, can return them to peak status within decades.
Not to mention, the Heaven-defying Secret Technique like Myriad Phenomena Sources Returning to Spirit Skill, along with these Tier Four Top Grade Spiritual Objects, are treasures for Nascent Soul Cultivators!
"True, this kid has indeed grown more cautious; he truly is my progeny!"