Immortal Road.

Before the person even arrived, a vast expanse of blue clouds appeared on the horizon, and a strong wind surged in first, causing the birch forest to rustle and leaves to flutter everywhere. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought that a real spirit had arrived!
Crowds thronged the riverbanks, craning their necks to look out, jostling and pushing each other, causing many to fall into the water.

When they arrived, they discovered it wasn't a real spirit, but rather a person.

This man appeared to be no more than middle-aged, with a tall and straight figure like a pine tree, exuding an air of self-importance. Yet, his temples were gray, and he was surrounded by mist with every move he made. His brows and eyes were calm and sharp, and he rode a magnificent flying white whale, which carried its master to the front of the forest.

Everyone couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. They had been eagerly anticipating this for so long, thinking that a true spirit had arrived, but it turned out to be another important figure.

Elder Huang of Yunbian City was the first to step forward to greet them. The dignified ruler of the immortal city, a cultivator at the Void Realm, actually bowed slightly as he approached, showing his respect.

"We are honored to welcome the esteemed Patriarch Zangyan. We have been waiting for him since we received word from the sect."

"Elder Huang, there's no need for that. I haven't become an immortal yet. We can address each other as equals. There's no need for such formalities as 'patriarch'."

The newcomer calmly flicked his sleeve, dismounted, and the white whale raised its proud nose, not even glancing at the newcomer.

Elder Huang showed no dissatisfaction, because the mount's cultivation was no less than his own, and it exuded the aura of a seventh-tier demon beast!
"Hey! Not now? Well, it'll be soon!"

At this moment, he was quite perceptive and quickly stepped forward to offer a helping hand, a scene that opened the eyes of the cultivators watching from Yunbian City.

Is this the same Immortal City Elder who, in our past discussions, controlled the affairs of the South China Sea and was a master strategist?
They're being so obsequious. They don't even seem like true immortals. Why are they so respectful? Could they be a second-generation immortal?

However, some insiders quietly spread rumors among the crowd.

"Do you still remember Xuan Ge, the seventh patriarch of the Penglai Immortal Sect, in the Heavenly Palace in the Clouds? The one who was able to attract a true immortal to descend and personally guide him to ascension is none other than the current Patriarch Cang Yan!"

"It is said that this person had the potential to become a true immortal back then, but he has not broken through his cultivation level for ten thousand years. Instead of neglecting him, the Penglai Immortal Sect has paid more and more attention to him, which is truly unfathomable."

"That can't be right. I've heard that only True Immortals can live for tens of thousands of years! The lifespan of a Void Realm cultivator is generally four to five thousand years. How could he possibly be alive now?"

"You're clearly ignorant. The lifespan of someone in the Void Realm is limited, but one can borrow life from Heaven! After the end of one's lifespan, each time one survives a tribulation of decay, one can extend their lifespan by another thousand years! However, each tribulation of decay is stronger than the last, and one can only survive a maximum of five, which is known as the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man."

"The Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man? If that's the case, then over ten thousand years, wouldn't Zang Yan have survived all five periods of decline?"

"It's very likely, so he probably has no way out now. His time is up, and he's reached the limit of how many times he can borrow lifespan. He can only be forced to go back and try to become an immortal."

Amidst the whispers in the crowd, quite a few people who actually knew the inside story were sneering from the sidelines.

"Forced to become an immortal? What do you know? The legendary fifth tribulation of decay is far more powerful than the immortal tribulation! If one can survive the complete five signs of decay, becoming a true immortal is nothing more than a wave of their hand in their eyes. Becoming an immortal on the spot is just a blink of an eye!"

"Hiss~ Is this what it means to become an immortal on the spot?"

"A bunch of bumpkins, ignorant and uncultured. They have accumulated five thousand years more than others. How profound is their foundation for becoming immortal? Once their Yang God transforms and the laws take root, they will surpass ordinary immortals by countless mile. This is the true peerless genius. How can sparrows know the ambition of a swan?"

"Brother, your insight is extraordinary. Forgive our poor eyesight, but we do not know which great family you come from."

"Ahem, actually I learned it from ancient books on immortality, biographies, and miscellaneous anecdotes."

"Then what do you want to say?"

Lin Shan mingled in the crowd and eavesdropped. There were many different opinions on the scene, and it was impossible to tell who was right and who was wrong, but they were all described in a very serious manner, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

However, if you think about it for a moment, the fact that a cultivator at the Void Realm has lived for tens of thousands of years is inherently illogical.

The Five Signs of Decay of the Celestials? Is this a concept even found in the celestial realm?
When he saw Zang Yan's true face for the first time, he found that it was not quite the same as he had imagined. He did not have a particularly calculating sense of smell, but rather a kind and gentle demeanor.

During the conversation with Elder Huang, Commander Jin from the Ascension Platform also went up. He seemed neither humble nor arrogant, but the way he lowered his head and nodded while speaking still revealed his status.

Other cultivators at the Void Transformation stage from various places also wanted to go and chat with them, but they hesitated because of their pride and felt they were not worthy.

"Brother Zhong, look! That's the peerless genius of Penglai Immortal Sect, Zang Yan, whom I introduced to you yesterday. Why are you hiding your head?"

Chu Feng wanted to give him a proper introduction, but Lin Shan surprisingly lowered his head because he saw an acquaintance.

Beluga Ancestor!

Back in the mortal realm, this guy ascended to heaven with the Holy Lord of Penglai. However, the Holy Lord of Penglai was cursed and died, but who would have thought that this guy would successfully ascend?

If they recognize Lin Shan and report it to Zang Yan on the spot, then they're doomed.

That's why he quickly lowered his head to avoid attracting attention.

Fortunately, there were too many cultivators on the field, and he had the illusionary cloud to conceal himself, so it was difficult for a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to be discovered.

Over the past century, the White Whale Ancestor has followed Zang Yan, traveling through the Immortal Realm and breaking through to the Void Realm. His knowledge and experience have become much richer. When he returned to Cloud Edge City, he had a natural arrogance and comfortably closed his eyes while lying down beside him.

Alright, it's got a mount to carry!
Recalling his time in the lower realm, he was as fearful as a stray dog ​​when Lin Shan led his troops to invade the East Sea. He didn't dare utter a single word and hastily ascended to heaven.

Now the tables have turned, and the situation has completely reversed.

Lin Shan was also surprised. First, he didn't expect this guy to be able to ascend successfully. Second, even more unbelievable was that he got together with Zang Yan!
All of his personal matters will probably be exposed.

While he was secretly spying, he always felt a little guilty, afraid that he would be discovered by Cang Yan, because the other party's aura was too strong!
That kind of pressure lingered around us at all times, covering every corner of the world, and was incomparable to anything that someone in the Void Transformation stage could experience.

It was more like a true immortal who had refined the laws of nature descending to earth. Every move he made was perfectly natural and carried a profound Daoist charm. He had a premonition that the other party could easily suppress him with one hand!
"I can't afford to mess with this. I just ascended and already ran into someone like this. What a small world!"

Lin Shan inwardly groaned. He could only temporarily avoid the danger and hide himself. As long as he wasn't recognized by the White Whale Ancestor, he should still be considered safe.

Chu Feng, who was just watching the commotion, suddenly turned around and was a little confused.

"Huh? Who are you? No, Brother Zhong."

Lin Shan suddenly appeared out of nowhere, slightly adjusting his facial features, which terrified the group of Chu family members.

"It's nothing, it's just that there are too many people around here, so I'm trying to avoid any unnecessary trouble."

After he explained it briefly, everyone understood and didn't dwell on it too much.

After all, it's understandable that it's inconvenient to show up in public sometimes when you're traveling. As for the reasons, there's no need to explain; those who know, know.

The crowd's attention gradually shifted back from the important figure.

The difference in realms is too great, and looking directly at a powerful being is too blinding, making it easy to be injured by the opponent's aura. Today's focus is on observing the true spirit!

Finally, as they waited until the sun was high in the sky, a deafening cheer erupted from ahead. "Whoa whoa whoa~~~"

Lin Shan, Chu Feng, and the others quickly peered over again and discovered that a huge shadow had suddenly fallen over them, plunging the world into darkness before the light returned!

A gigantic bird, tens of thousands of feet long, glided past from afar in the sky. The immense pressure made everyone who passed by feel a tightness in their chest, as if they couldn't breathe.

Before long, they reappeared in the clouds below. A violent wind blew many cultivators into the sky, and even uprooted rows of spirit trees!

The large bird flew around, flapping its wings and soaring, circling back and forth twice before finally landing at the back of the group.

He stood tall along the river, observing the human monks on both banks.

Only then did everyone see the true form of the spirit!
Its entire body is covered in yellow feathers, its two claws are bright red, and it has six bird heads on its neck, each looking in a different direction.

One of the heads suddenly burst into song, and the other heads followed suit!

"Tap tap tap tap tap"

The sound was loud and clear, reaching the sky. Listeners felt refreshed and invigorated, as if their marrow had been cleansed and their tendons transformed. Many people experienced intense pleasure on the spot.

Even Lin Shan's expression changed. He felt as if some kind of secret had been opened within him, and he suddenly felt light and agile like a swallow. He couldn't explain why, but it was just very magical.

"Hurry and comprehend this! It is the cry of the true spirit, which has temporarily opened a crack in your Purple Mansion. Even for a true immortal, this is an invaluable opportunity!"

Xingjianxian finally showed some promise, subtly reminding him of something.

Lin Shan finally found his way and quickly focused his consciousness on the depths of his sea of ​​consciousness. Sure enough, he discovered a tiny crack. He peered through it and could see purple mist rising inside, with what appeared to be a mansion looming in the distance.

"This is the Purple Mansion, which will slowly emerge after the Yang God. Before becoming an immortal, it lies hidden deep in the sea of ​​consciousness. Only a true spirit that is innately proficient in soul sound can open it. If you can stay by its side every day and draw in the energy of the Purple Mansion to nurture your primordial embryo as soon as possible, you will become a Yang God in less than ten years!"

Ten years? That fast?

He was secretly alarmed. He had only just broken through to the Void Realm, and his Yang God was a hundred and eight thousand miles away. Was the True Spirit Crying and Howling really that powerful?
At the same time, they tried to find a way to draw out the purple energy inside, but because the slit was too small, they couldn't do it and could only watch helplessly as it slowly closed, feeling extremely anxious and at a loss.

Most of the others present couldn't understand the intricacies, but they all felt a little bit of benefit. Only Zang Yan on the periphery suddenly opened his eyes and flashed with a sharp light. His aura fluctuated for a moment before he forcibly suppressed it.

"Master, what's wrong?"

Elder Huang sensed something was wrong and asked with concern.

"It's nothing. Zhenling's casual call almost forced me to break through on the spot. This isn't the best place. I should return to Penglai Immortal Sect as soon as possible and use the water-based laws to break through on the Eastern Sea; that would be much more perfect."

Zang Yan breathed a sigh of relief, but couldn't help but sigh.

"As expected of a true spirit, everyone on the list has at least the cultivation of a Celestial Lord, something we can hardly hope to achieve. Such a background is the envy of everyone!"

He didn't move; he just stood there watching from a distance.

The six-headed yellow bird strode across the middle of the river, glancing at the cultivators on both banks with its eyes darting around as if inspecting its subjects.

Everyone in Cloud Edge City went crazy, waving their hands and shouting, trying to attract the True Spirit's attention.

If you look closely, you'll see that none of them are empty-handed; they hold boxes, bottles, or plates, raising their offerings high in a gesture of begging for favor.

"Look here, Lord Green Bird! My family has worshipped you for generations. This year, we have even had two sets of twins, a boy and a girl. Please bestow a blessing upon the children!"

"Lord Zhenling, my grandson has been exceptionally bright since childhood. Please enlighten him. I don't ask for anything far ahead; I only wish that he can become a Nascent Soul cultivator in the future!"

"This box contains fifty varieties of millet that my family has cultivated for eight generations. They are all carefully bred and hybridized. Would you like to try some, just to do me a favor?"

"Bah! Who do you think you are to give me face? Lord True Spirit, look at me, this offering is of the highest quality, you won't be able to leave if you accept it."

"I have wasted eight hundred years of my life. Life is too short. I beg you, True Spirit, have mercy! I have given you all my possessions, just to exchange for a wisp of True Spirit energy to continue the lineage for my ailing and afflicted disciple. I beg you."

The shouts here were deafening; it was a massive wishing scene!
The cultivators on both sides of the river shouted themselves hoarse, waving whatever they were holding and spouting all sorts of strange and bizarre things.

Even Chu Feng and his seven underlings were not idle at this moment. Before the True Spirit Bird even arrived, they had already stood up and started warming up.

"Clang, clang, clang, brothers, hurry up and warm up your voices! When the true spirit comes over, shout along with me, remember the rhythm and don't stop! Hey you, second brother, where's the megaphone I asked you to bring?"

"There are eight here in total."

They hurriedly opened a red cloth bundle containing eight suona horns, distributing them to each person according to their size, and began testing the instruments on the spot. The preparations were quite intense, which ignited Lin Shan's enthusiasm.

It seems that if I don't prepare anything, I'll feel somewhat out of place with the general environment.

Chu Feng was quite kind; seeing that he hadn't prepared anything, he considerately asked him if he needed any help.
"Brother Zhong, a true spirit is a once-in-a-millennium occurrence. Now that we've finally encountered one, we have to try our luck. Quickly take out your most precious possessions; we'll see what happens!"

Those guys were pretty kind; while they were learning how to play their instruments, they didn't forget to give him advice.

"Don't worry, Zhenling won't even look at our paltry sums. If he does take a liking to us, that would be a blessing for you. You know, even a single hair from him is worth more than a lifetime of hard work for us!"

Lin Shan smiled helplessly at their enthusiastic attitude.

To be honest, I came to see Zhenling just out of curiosity and to join in the fun; I didn't plan anything special.

But since we're already here, we might as well do something symbolic, just in case we get lucky.

He checked his belongings, trying to figure out which items were more valuable.

After looking around, I found nothing of great value. After all, the true spirit is at such a high level, how could it possibly be interested in this pile of junk?

However, when his gaze fell upon the Spirit-Nourishing Pearl of the Breath of Earth, he saw the redwood immortal vine that had been obtained and planted from the Microcosm inside, which was separated from the pearl!
"Hmm? This one looks good, it might work!"

His eyes lit up; this was immortal wood, and it might even catch the eye of a true spirit.

Just as he reached in to pull it out, a faint voice suddenly came from inside, weak and powerless, yet with a hint of urgency:

"No, no, young friend, please don't be impulsive!"

Huh? Who's speaking? (End of Chapter)