Chapter 21: Passing the Hardest Level Just by Chatting

"It's fake, right!"

Yun Ding felt a pang of envy.

"I didn't expect that Senior Brother Wudao would be the biggest winner this year."

Yun Qianren was also incredibly envious.

"Senior Brother Wudao didn't just take in a little girl with a Grade Seven spiritual root today; now he's taken in a little fellow with a top-tier spiritual root. It's truly enviable."

Hong Niang was equally envious.

In truth, she liked Shen Xian'er very much. Moreover, it was only natural for Shen Xian'er to come to her Misty Peak.

But who could have imagined?

Ye Qingqing had failed, only to be swindled away by that boy Du Ming with some Seven-Colored Osmanthus Cakes. It was simply speechless.

Wudao slowly opened his eyes.

"We are all disciples of the Falling Immortal Sect. My disciple is everyone's disciple. I ask that you all look after him in the future."

It was rare for Wudao to speak so many words.

Firstly, because he had taken in two super geniuses, which was indeed a bit excessive, even if it felt great.

Secondly, he was reminding them that the Falling Immortal Sect was a single entity. Internal friction was permissible, but hostility was absolutely forbidden, as it would be devastating to the sect.

"Wudao is right," Yun Yangzi said in a serious tone.

"Everyone, you all know what a top-tier spiritual root is and what it means for the Falling Immortal Sect. Therefore, I hope this news is not spread before Zheng Tu rises to prominence, to avoid attracting unnecessary trouble."

"Senior Brother is absolutely correct."

Yun Ding set aside his joking manner and echoed the sentiment.

"The sudden appearance of the Demon Race near our sect is by no means a coincidence. Coupled with the explosion of geniuses this year, I have a premonition that something major may happen in the future. It is best if we all make preparations early."

Hong Niang understood the art of divination. Instinctively, she had captured a glimpse of the future.

The others looked at one another. They shared the same thought.

If someone discovered that a disciple of the Falling Immortal Sect possessed a top-tier spiritual root, it would likely invite calamity. Facing those super sects, the Falling Immortal Sect might not even be as powerful as a single peak of theirs.

"It is well that Nephew Zheng Tu has entered Senior Brother Wudao's lineage; it avoids a certain amount of commotion."

Yun Qianli shared this view.

"Zheng Tu," Yun Yangzi spoke solemnly, "I assume you are a clever one. A top-tier spiritual root is rare in this world. If thieves were to find out, your life would be in danger. Therefore, until you reach the Nascent Soul stage, you must never expose the fact that you possess a top-tier spiritual root. Can you do this?"

"This disciple understands."

Even without Yun Yangzi's warning, Zheng Tu had already had this thought. If it weren't for his lack of strength, he might have forced everyone present to swear a blood oath not to leak the secret.

"Dismissed."

Yun Yangzi waved his hand.

Yun Ding, Yun Qianli, Hong Niang, and Lei Xing departed.

Wudao intended to take Zheng Tu away.

"Master, wait!"

Zheng Tu called out to Wudao and looked toward Yun Yangzi.

"Um... Sect Leader, you seemed to say that if I could break the ancient bronze mirror, you would give it to me, right?"

Zheng Tu had remembered this. That ancient bronze mirror looked incredibly expensive; even if it were broken, it should still be superior to ordinary magical treasures. If he could obtain it, it would definitely be a massive boost.

"Mhm, Senior Brother did indeed say that."

Wudao unexpectedly chimed in.

Zheng Tu's eyes lit up. This master was usually as stingy with words as gold, but he hadn't expected such divine assistance.

Yun Yangzi looked at the master and disciple before him. For some reason, he felt a chill running through his storage ring.

Forget it. He had said it; he couldn't go back on his word.

He took out the ancient bronze mirror and presented it to Zheng Tu.

"Zheng Tu, although the ancient bronze mirror is damaged, it is nonetheless a Post-Celestial Spiritual Treasure. Once you begin your cultivation and nourish it with spiritual qi, it will repair itself automatically. Also, I warn you: never use this object for evil. If I find out, I will not forgive you."

"Understood."

Zheng Tu carefully accepted the ancient bronze mirror. This was his first magical treasure, and he cherished it immensely.

Wudao led Zheng Tu away.

Yun Yangzi shook his head helplessly. Then, a trace of seriousness appeared on his face.

Just what kind of great catastrophe was coming that required such monsters to save it?

The Eastern Region was likely to become quite turbulent.

***

Wudao brought Zheng Tu to a small hilltop.

A massive parasol tree stood there, its lush branches casting wide shadows. Beneath the tree sat a stone table and four stone stools. Not far away was a thatched cottage—simple, yet not ordinary.

Behind the small hill was a thousand-丈 cliff. A silver waterfall cascaded from the heavens, flowing along a river into a vast azure lake at the foot of the mountain.

"This place is called Falling Immortal Mountain. Legend says that immortals descended upon this mountain by treading upon the Silver River of the Nine Heavens. With your talent, you are worthy of this place," Wudao spoke calmly.

"Thank you for your kindness, Master," Zheng Tu said hurriedly.

He had to admit, this was truly a treasure land. He had just checked his talisman for measuring spiritual qi concentration and found that the qi here was at least ten times denser than elsewhere. Cultivating here would certainly yield twice the result with half the effort.

"From this day forward, you are my disciple. Pay your respects."

Wudao appeared very indifferent. Even though Zheng Tu's talent was unparalleled throughout history, it seemed to him no different from that of an ordinary disciple.

*Thud!*

Zheng Tu's knees buckled as he knelt directly on the ground.

*Clang, clang, clang...*

He performed three distinct kowtows.

Looking at the sincere Zheng Tu, Wudao rarely showed a hint of emotion. He extended a finger and tapped Zheng Tu on the forehead.

Zheng Tu felt as if something had suddenly entered his mind. However, because the amount of information was too vast, he could not digest it immediately. He could only sense that it was some form of cultivation method.

"Just now, I have imparted the rules of the Falling Immortal Sect and the Qi Refining stage method, the Falling Immortal Decree, to you. Simply focus your mind, and you will be able to glimpse its essence."

Following his master's guidance, Zheng Tu attempted to focus his mind on his spiritual platform.

Sure enough! Useful information appeared in his mind.

The most attractive part was the Falling Immortal Decree. It was the most fundamental method of the Falling Immortal Sect and a mandatory study for all disciples. Driven by curiosity, Zheng Tu focused his attention on the decree, attempting to look at the table of contents first.

"I have a few more words for you."

"Please speak, Master."

Zheng Tu was extremely respectful toward Wudao.

"Xiao Tu, though your talent is good, you must still work hard. You must know that in this world, there are countless extraordinary people. Those with talent are as infinite as the stars in the sky, but only a few can truly reach the peak and ascend to the Immortal Realm. Therefore, remember: do not be lazy."

"I will remember your teachings, Master," Zheng Tu replied respectfully.

"Good. As for cultivation, it must be done step by step. Especially for you right now—transitioning from a mortal to a cultivator is relatively the most difficult hurdle in the path of cultivation. Ordinary people spend a year or even longer to truly step onto the immortal path and become a cultivator. As for you..."

Wudao stopped mid-sentence, looking at his disciple with suspicion.

"You... broke through?"

Zheng Tu stood there, bewildered. He didn't even know if he had broken through. He had just silently recited the Falling Immortal Decree in his heart, and then he felt something crawl into his body, making him feel warm inside, as if he had drunk hot water.

Did he just turn from a mortal into a cultivator?

This was completely different from what he had imagined. It wasn't like there was some earth-shattering ceremony; at the very least, it should have felt amazing. Why did he feel nothing at all, and why did he even feel like he needed to use the restroom?

"Master, I only recited the decree once, I..."

"Mhm, you have broken through. You have gone from a mortal to a cultivator."

Wudao felt an indescribable sensation in his heart. Others needed one or two years to break through that bottleneck, yet his disciple had done it in the time it took to have a conversation. He truly was a person born to eat from the bowl of cultivation.

"Even though you have broken through, you must still remember my words: do not be lazy, and do not be too hasty, otherwise..."

Before he could finish, Wudao saw Zheng Tu looking like he was constipated, and a large bead of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"Master, I feel a force condensing in my body. It can't be that I'm about to break through again, can it!"

"Mhm, indeed, it is a sign of another breakthrough."

"Master, I'm sorry! It's my fault for not controlling myself and reciting the Falling Immortal Decree again!" Zheng Tu immediately apologized. It was all due to his curiosity. How could he let his master be embarrassed?

*Deep breath, deep breath.*

After adjusting himself, he finally managed to suppress the force in his body, preventing it from crashing through the bottleneck.

"You did well," Wudao nodded.

"Cultivation is like building a tower. The Qi Refining stage is the foundation. The more solid the foundation, the higher your future achievements will be. With your talent, you should not set your sights on the mortal realm, but rather there."

Wudao extended a finger and pointed toward the sky.

"This disciple understands." Zheng Tu nodded seriously.

"Mhm. You are tired today; rest early. If you encounter problems in your cultivation, come to Wudao Peak to find me."

Wudao prepared to leave.

"By the way."

Wudao stopped, raised his hand, and tossed out an ancient bronze ring.

"This ring was specially refined by me. If you encounter danger, concentrate your thoughts on this ring to call for help, and I shall appear."

Zheng Tu was delighted. He took the ring. "Thank you, Master."

"Mhm. Go rest."

Wudao transformed into a streak of light and departed.

Zheng Tu felt a great sense of relief. He turned back, looked at the shockingly simple thatched cottage, and shook his head.

"I'll set up a safe place to sleep first. I'll deal with everything else tomorrow."