The Quest for Immortality

Afterwards, the Sword Discussion Conference continued, and disciples from other sects began their contests.

Elder Feng, however, seemed somewhat distracted. .

And because of Mo Hua and Feng Zichen’s miraculous movement techniques earlier, the subsequent matches seemed rather dull.

Great Elder Zhang also watched indifferently.

During this dull, tasteless ”garbage” time, only Zhang Lan stood upright like a clay sculpture, yet his heart was like a burning fire, with every minute and second feeling like a year.

Not knowing how long he endured, Zhang Lan became numb from waiting, and finally, the sword discussions for the day ended.

The audience around began dispersing.

It was at this moment that Great Elder Zhang suddenly turned around, giving Zhang Lan a deep look.

Zhang Lan trembled all over, almost losing his soul.

”Return to the residence...” Great Elder Zhang said.

Zhang Lan froze for a while before holding his breath and nodding, ”Yes, Chief Elder.”

His heart was restless, his tone somewhat unstable.

Great Elder Zhang found it peculiar but didn’t suspect him, instead assuming that Zhang Lan, having seen the Qianxue Debate, was overwhelmed and impacted by witnessing the clash of so many top talents.

Great Elder Zhang wasn’t angry, rather relieved.

There’s always someone better and a higher sky.

This saying applies to everyone.

Sometimes, without stepping out to see, one wouldn’t know how vast the world is and how many talents there are.

Staying confined and complacent is without a future.

Once you overcome this mental barrier, acknowledging others’ uniqueness and realizing your own shortcomings, without arrogance or impatience, dedicating oneself to cultivation, only then can your path be longer and further.

Fang Tian Painting faded to pure white, the image disappearing.

Everyone stood, leaving Mount of Tao in an orderly manner.

Zhang Lan mixed into the crowd, walking down Mount of Tao.

His legs were slightly stiff, still harboring lingering apprehension.

Thankfully, the Chief Elder didn’t suspect anything, which was a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.

Zhang Lan truly breathed a sigh of relief.

A moment later, he glanced back at the empty Fang Tian Painting, his mind involuntarily recalling Mo Hua’s confrontation with the feng family’s top prodigy, integrating body and water, passing through thousands of sword edges without a single cut touching his body, filling his chest with awe.

He still found it hard to believe.

The little brat he encountered in the remote regions of the Big Black Mountain State boundary in Qian State, after ten years of no contact, had now soared to become a leader among the myriad sects in the Fifth grade Qianxue State Boundary.

Capable of stirring clouds and rain at the Sword Discussion Conference, facing off against renowned talents from various sects without falling behind as a ”child of heaven”.

Even though countless cultivators loathed him, none could do anything about him...

”Mo Hua...”

This familiar name suddenly felt very unfamiliar.

Zhang Lan was dazed for a long time, seemingly in a dream.

...

Upon returning to the feng family, Great Elder Zhang instructed the Zhang family members:

”Elder Feng and I have some important matters to discuss. You may act on your own, sightseeing and making friends as you wish.”

”But Foundation Establishment Disciples must have Core Formation companions.”

”Moreover, this is the Fifth grade Qianxue State Boundary, with aristocratic families everywhere and talents like clouds, unlike our Zhang family’s Canglan State boundary.”

”In your actions, be sure to be cautious, treat others kindly, and avoid causing any trouble.”

”You must return before 22 p.m., or face family discipline.”

All the disciples bowed: ”Yes, Chief Elder.”

”Hmm.” The Chief Elder nodded, brushing his sleeve before leaving.

The Zhang family disciples all breathed a sigh of relief.

The atmosphere became lively.

The Zhang family disciples discussed where to play or visit some relatives and friends, some even calling Zhang Lan.

Zhang Lan, though lazy by nature, was easy-going and well-loved by the clan.

Moreover, he was at the Golden Core stage.

Zhang Lan pondered for a moment and then decided to join them.

They left the cave mansion, wandered around Carefree City nearby, experiencing the local customs and splendid scenery of the Qianxue State Boundary.

Amidst overwhelming prosperity, with flowing gold and jade pouring forth, it was truly a feast for the eyes.

The Zhang family young members were amazed in their hearts.

Only Zhang Lan’s mind was elsewhere, burdened with heavy thoughts.

As they wandered around, a disciple suddenly sighed:

”Qianxue State Boundary is so wonderful, but alas, I can’t come here to study, my parents won’t allow it.”

”Indeed, this time the Chief Elder was kind enough to bring us here for the ceremony. After going back, who knows when the next visit will be.”

”Qian State is too far, perhaps never to come again...”

”What a pity...”

Hearing this, Zhang Lan couldn’t help but stir in his heart, thinking: ”Should I find an opportunity... to see Mo Hua?”

This visit to the Qianxue State Boundary was a coincidence.

After watching the sword discussion, they would go back to Kan State, by then truly thousands of miles apart, making meeting again impossible.

In the future, separated by the ends of the earth, who knows where Mo Hua will go or if they’ll meet again.

But...

Zhang Lan hesitated again.

The Water Passing Step of Mo Hua was taught by him, logically at this time, he should ”avoid suspicion”, or if the Chief Elder found out, he’d be in big trouble.

Besides, Mo Hua was now busy with the sword discussion and shouldn’t be disturbed.

Moreover, Mo Hua now is not the same as before, already a shining prodigy, may not remember who he is...

He also didn’t know where to find Mo Hua...

Zhang Lan was filled with concerns, hesitating and undecided.

But amidst his hesitation, he recalled the Chief Elder’s frequent musings.

In the long years of Tao cultivation, it’s easy to part, hard to meet.

A person’s life is full of uncertain fates and encounters; many have already unknowingly seen each other for the last time in their lives.

And perhaps this moment is the only chance in his life to see Mo Hua again.