Eternal Tale

Zang You’s eyes flickered with a strange light as he looked at Chen Xun on the white jade bridge. ”Junior Zang You greets Senior.”

His demeanor was exceptionally respectful. This person’s aura was so restrained that even though Zang You was at the late stage of Great Ascension, he couldn’t sense any presence from this powerful figure.

”Zang You...” Chen Xun murmured softly as a wisp of cloud slowly drifted past him. He smiled and said, ”You’ve worked hard all these years.”

”It’s my honor to serve you, Senior.”

Zang You lowered his head slightly, but his expression suddenly turned hesitant. He stammered, ”Senior, about my debt...”

”The matter with Flood Dragon Venerable should not be measured with spirit stones.”

Chen Xun spoke calmly, one hand behind his back. ”To negotiate over this would sully it. Let’s leave it at that.”

What?!

Zang You’s mouth twitched, but upon careful consideration, he realized it made sense. A person of such stature couldn’t be part of a mere transaction.

But that wasn’t what he wanted to discuss! After all, he had already been given a treasure pill back then, so how could he expect further compensation?That pill was still kept in his clan’s territory, revered as a treasure by a Medicine Heavenly Venerable, who studied it day and night, even asking Zang You to introduce him to seek guidance.

What he really wanted to ask about was his treasure ship... It was crafted from the divine bones of an ancient dragon, of immense value...

But before Zang You could think further, a casual remark hit him like a bolt from the blue, unforgettable for a lifetime.

”But the interest over the years can be offset, considered as the cost of your Burial Heaven Mound experts taking action.”

”Senior, what interest?!”

Zang You roared, the earthen coffin on his back shaking slightly. His expression was a mix of emotions. ”We... we initially...”

”Little friend Zang You, perhaps you haven’t spent much time among mortals.”

Chen Xun’s gaze was deep, and he spoke earnestly, ”You owe me spirit stones, so naturally, you must follow my rules. If you don’t believe me, you can inquire among the mortals of the grand world; there’s evidence and reason.”

”Of course, I believe you!” Zang You’s heart trembled. Why did it feel like he owed more and more? He cautiously asked, ”Senior... how much is the interest?”

”Ten percent annually, which is ninety thousand top-grade spirit stones.”

Chen Xun’s gaze remained on the sky, each word spoken with utmost seriousness, devoid of any jest. ”This matter alone is enough to waive over a million top-grade spirit stones for you...”

”I never shortchange those who assist me. No need to thank me; this is what your Burial Heaven Mound deserves.”

”Moo...”

Black Bull nodded in agreement, giving Zang You a reassuring look. Eldest brother wasn’t lying; it was written on the bill back then, but Zang You was too busy leaving to notice.

What?!!

Zang You’s eyes widened, and he let out a silent scream. Instinctively, he raised his trembling right finger, then quickly lowered it, urgently saying:

”Senior! I have spirit stones! I can repay the top-grade spirit stones right now! These were entrusted to me by the elders of my clan; I can’t accrue more interest!”

”Hmm.”

Chen Xun’s eyes lit up slightly at the mention of spirit stones, finally shifting his gaze from the sky and giving Black Bull a knowing look.

”Moo.” Black Bull lifted a hoof, returning a knowing glance.

It approached Chen Xun and lowed a few words, glancing at the anxious Zang You.

Chen Xun’s brows furrowed, nearly losing his composure, almost cursing, ”You spendthrift bull!”

He shook his head and smiled, ”Little friend Zang You.”

”Senior!”

”How many spirit stones is your treasure ship worth? Can it be offset with pills?”

”I bear no resentment, Senior Black Bull acted unintentionally, but this treasure ship wasn’t easy to forge...”

”How about a Heavenly Origin Treasure Pill?”

”Deal!”

Zang You’s expression turned solemn, agreeing immediately, fearing Chen Xun might change his mind. He had actually come to exchange for this treasure pill, so he profited!

Chen Xun breathed a sigh of relief internally. The Heavenly Origin Treasure Pill was crafted from the essence of heaven and earth, obtained freely.

Though not easy to refine, as long as it didn’t cost spirit stones, it was fine. He never intended to sell these items.

Black Bull also went to retrieve the nine hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones from Zang You’s storage ring, its eyes gleaming, its tail wagging unconsciously.

Back when they faked their deaths, to avoid any flaws, they left everything they could behind.

Especially the vast amount of spirit stones stored in the Thousand Mechanism Spirit Seal. Dying suddenly without a will meant the assets belonged to the All-Heaven Myriad Realms Spirit Bank...

If they had withdrawn all the spirit stones and sold off properties before faking their deaths, it would have been obvious they were planning to flee. Who would believe they were dead?

This debt was always on their minds; they had to repay it. It was all painstakingly earned by breaking down junk!

However, the scale of the All-Heaven Myriad Realms Spirit Bank was unimaginably vast. Without becoming immortals, they lacked the confidence to reason with them, so they set it aside for now.

At this moment, Zang You respectfully accepted a Crane Spirit Tree medicine case. Its appearance was simple, but a flash of joy crossed his eyes—it was the treasure pill!

Chen Xun’s gaze sharpened as he suddenly asked, ”Zang You, do you know about the Ancient Immortal corpse?”

The atmosphere froze instantly.

Zang You looked directly at Chen Xun, speaking in a deep voice, ”It seems Senior already knows.”

”This corpse was brought out by you.”

”Yes.”

”It drew out Taiyi Immortal Court and the national religion Fu Shi?”

”......”

Zang You was shocked. How did this senior know everything? Was he really one of them?!

When Chen Xun mentioned millions of troops, he had informed the Burial Heaven Mound of the ’immortality,’ but they had been dismissive, giving no instructions.

He took a deep breath and cautiously said, ”Senior... perhaps, I wasn’t involved in this matter, so I dare not speak recklessly.”

”Could you give a heads-up to your Burial Heaven Mound?”

”Hmm? Senior?”

”I want this Ancient Immortal Realm. I will find the person you’re looking for.”

Chen Xun’s expression was solemn. He didn’t want to make enemies everywhere, so he offered a gesture of goodwill. ”As long as my life isn’t cut short, this promise stands. I now somewhat believe in karma and won’t deceive anyone.”

”Moo?!” Black Bull’s pupils widened. Chen Xun’s beliefs had changed again?!

”Bull, be quiet.”

Chen Xun squinted slightly, sending a silent message, ”It’s just an additional belief. In the bizarre world of cultivating immortality, having more faith means more security.”

”Moo~~~” Black Bull snorted, eyes thoughtful, understanding.

Zang You’s expression shifted slightly, ”Senior, I will definitely convey your words.”

He spoke cautiously, as such matters were beyond his authority, and he couldn’t make any promises to this senior.

”Good.”

Chen Xun nodded slightly, ”If the fellow Daoists of Burial Heaven Mound don’t agree, Bull and I will visit personally.”

”Little friend Zang You, rest assured, we won’t act recklessly. We’re all cultivators, the most reasonable of people.”

He looked at the slightly sweating Zang You and added with a smile.

This little brother clearly hadn’t been in the world long enough; his temperament was still lacking. Someone as kind as himself, there was no need to be afraid.

”Yes, then I won’t linger any longer. If there’s a chance, I’ll visit you two seniors again.”

”Hehe, good.”

”Moo moo~”

...

Chen Xun and Black Bull both responded with smiles. Though they were of different species, their actions and expressions were like they were cut from the same mold, making Zang You chuckle.

He also breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, a passage extended from the restriction at the edge of the mountain range, leading directly to the outside world.

Zang You cupped his hands in farewell and gracefully stepped onto the clouds, departing, as his ride was gone...

...

The next day, three suns shone brightly, casting down golden rays.

From a main peak came a heart-wrenching scream, ”Dao Ancestor!! Why do I still owe spirit stones after repaying my debt?! All these years of life and death on the battlefield beyond the boundary, for nothing!!”

”Hahaha... Immortal Absolute, take a trip to the mortal world if you have nothing to do.”

Chen Xun laughed heartily, leaving with Black Bull. Mo Fuyang stood beside Immortal Absolute with a peaceful smile. Owing a debt to the Dao Ancestor was a great honor.

Immortal Absolute couldn’t understand it now. After comforting him with a few words, Mo Fuyang left. The Dao Ancestor had heard that Yao Yue was in the mortal Kingdom Qian and immediately rushed there, seemingly with urgent matters.

Judging by Yao Yue’s demeanor, she didn’t seem to like staying in the sect, so she let her go.

Mo Fuyang’s eyes were filled with emotion, and the smile on his lips never faded. The Dao Ancestor had said before leaving that they would have a long talk upon his return.

In the Jade Bamboo Range, at the foot of the mountain.

Chen Xun and Black Bull entered the vast valley they had taken from the Slaying Immortal Ancient Domain, their attire changed to appear ordinary.

In a small city in the Kingdom Qian.

They walked slowly into the city, the scent of mortal life filling the air. The locals lived in peace and contentment, the streets lined with vendors shouting, and even the architectural style was unchanged from years ago...

Chen Xun and Black Bull stood for a long time beneath the city gate, watching the bustling streets, and smiled gently.

”Bull, let’s go.”

”Moo~”

They walked like farmers into a narrow street, where there was a pancake stall.

A young woman with sallow skin and disheveled hair was selling pancakes.

Her hands never stopped working, very busy. Many passing travelers hurriedly took a few pancakes and continued on their way.

This woman wasn’t fair-skinned or beautiful, but she exuded a simple charm, accompanied by an exceptionally bright and clear smile, as she served the mortal travelers who came to buy pancakes.

Next to the pancake stall were several small tables, clearly made from freshly cut trees from outside the city. Chen Xun squinted slightly, experienced.

He sat down directly, and Black Bull lay down casually on the ground.

”Customer! How many pancakes would you like?” The young woman suddenly turned her head, her hands deft.

But when she saw the man and the bull, she froze, memories from years ago finally aligning today. She knew... they wouldn’t die.

Chen Xun’s smile was radiant, his gaze as clear as the purest spring in the world, looking at her without reservation.

The woman stood frozen, her eyes filled with countless words, but she tilted her head slightly and smiled brightly, ”Young man, would you like to try my pancakes?”

”Of course, Bull and I have been craving them for a long time.”

Chen Xun’s radiant smile softened, adding, ”We could smell the aroma from the end of the street, and we couldn’t wait.”

”Alright.” The woman nodded with a smile, her hands covered in flour, even her face had some, yet she was exceptionally generous, showing no restraint.

”Hehe.”

The two exchanged a gentle smile, like old friends reunited, the aroma of pancakes making the moment even more memorable...

A gentle breeze blew through, rustling the corner of the simple pancake stall, as if dispersing all worldly thoughts and dust, like the simplest and most beautiful scene in the world.