Mortal Cultivator: Lin Tianzun

Chapter 46: After returning from the fierce battle in the forbidden area, he used clever tricks to get the task
Lin Fan dragged his body, seemingly drained of strength, and trudged back to his residence. The familiar stone house, at that moment, was like a warm lamp gleaming in the pitch-black night, emitting a soothing atmosphere that drew his weary soul to its side.

As soon as he stepped into the house, he had no time to change his clothes that were covered in dust and blood. He hurriedly raised his hand, muttered something, and spiritual power surged at his fingertips, quickly adding a simple but extremely practical restriction to the stone house.

Although this restriction is not as profound, complex and exquisite as the sect's barriers, it is enough to resist all disturbances and prying eyes from the outside world when he is resting, creating a quiet and safe little world for him, allowing him to immerse himself in peace of mind.

After doing all this, Lin Fan's nerves, stretched to their limit, snapped, and he collapsed headfirst onto the bed like a heavy sandbag filled with gravel. Almost the moment his body touched the bed, he fell into a deep sleep, snoring like thunder, as if venting all the fatigue he had accumulated over the past few days through these vibrating sound waves.

Looking back on the past three days, for Lin Fan, it was simply a nightmare with no end in sight. He felt as if he were trapped in a Shura field, surrounded by the haze of death, and experienced one thrilling and brutal battle after another.

Every time he came into close combat with a monster, it was like walking on the edge of life and death. The monster's claws as sharp as knives and the scorching flames it spewed almost took his life every time. Not only that, he also had to be vigilant against the insidious sneak attacks of monks of the same level hiding in the dark. Any slight movement could make his nerves tense to the extreme in an instant, as if it was a string stretched to the limit and could break at any time. If he was not careful, he would fall into an irretrievable situation.

Time slipped away silently and slowly. Three days and three nights passed by like a fleeting moment, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Lin Fan finally awoke, feeling a sense of refreshment he had never felt before. He felt so energetic, as if he had been reborn.

He stretched out comfortably, and in an instant, the bones all over his body made a series of crisp and pleasant "crackling" sounds, like playing a vigorous melody, as if his body was cheering for his regained energy.

Then he stood up, walked to the window with light and energetic steps, reached out and pushed it gently, and with a "creak", the window slowly opened.

In an instant, fresh air blew in like a cheerful elf, mixed with the unique fragrance of grass and trees in Huangfeng Valley. It was a unique smell formed by the freshness of grass, the fragrance of flowers, and the ancient breath of trees. It instantly refreshed the heart and made people feel relaxed and happy, as if all the fatigue and worries were swept away by this fresh air.

Recalling the thrilling encounters in the forbidden area, Lin Fan couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. Those life-or-death moments played continuously in his mind like a movie, and every frame was deeply etched in his heart.

However, it was these unforgettable experiences that strengthened his faith. At this moment, besides lamenting the thrills of the past, he was filled with boundless anticipation for the spiritual journey that was about to begin. It seemed as if countless wonders and challenges lay ahead, waiting for him to explore and conquer, and every step was filled with unknown surprises and possibilities.

Lin Fan straightened himself up briefly, then, filled with anticipation and curiosity, headed towards the Baiji Hall. Along the way, he walked briskly, the scenery along the way flowing slowly beside him like a beautiful scroll slowly unfolding.

As we walked forward, a lush mountain range gradually emerged before our eyes. Trees covered the mountain with luxuriant branches and leaves, and the layers of green leaves intertwined with each other, forming a vibrant green ocean.

The sunlight pours down through the gaps in the leaves, forming golden beams of light, as if covering the forest with a layer of dreamy gauze, which is dreamy and beautiful.

The breeze blows gently, and the leaves rustle, like a beautiful music played by nature. The soft melody seems to be telling the story of the mountains and forests, making people immersed in it and forget all their worries.

Near the mountains, a magnificent palace stands tall. Its grandeur, with its flying eaves, brackets, carved beams, and painted buildings, reveals exquisite craftsmanship in every detail, embodying the painstaking efforts and wisdom of the artisans.

At the top of the palace, there is an ancient and heavy plaque hanging high, on which are engraved the three big characters "Baijitang". The characters are vigorous and powerful, and the strokes are strong, as if containing endless power. Looking from a distance, one can feel a solemn and dignified atmosphere coming towards them, and feel awe in their hearts.

Beside the palace, a vast complex of buildings nestled against the mountainside looms. Composed of over a thousand off-white stone houses, it resembles a gray ocean eroded by time, silently nestled in the embrace of the mountains, quietly telling stories of the past.

These stone houses are arranged in a staggered pattern, as if they were once carefully planned and laid out. However, the traces of time are too deep, and now they are covered with thick dust, like a gray curtain, covering up their former color and vitality. On the walls, in the cracks between the gray and white stones, a few weeds grow, trembling in the breeze, adding a sense of dilapidation and vicissitudes.

Many of the roof tiles are broken, and in some places even the mottled beams are exposed, like empty eye sockets, silently telling the ruthlessness and changes of time.

Many of the stone houses' doors and windows had long since lost their original appearance. Some doors sat half-closed, creaking in the wind as if ready to fall at any moment, the noises standing out against the silence. Other windows were left with only bare frames, their glass shattered, like blind eyes, hollow and lifeless, letting the wind and rain wash over them with all their might.

The furnishings in the house must have gradually decayed and scattered over the long years, leaving only some vague outlines, which makes people imagine the former bustle and prosperity of this place, but now there is only decline and desolation.

The path between the stone houses has also been worn down by time. The stone pavement is uneven and potholed, with moss growing in the cracks, making it easy to slip and fall. Extreme caution is required when walking along it. Weeds have grown wildly along the roadside, almost completely covering the path, leaving only a vague passageway, barely passable, as if revealing a forgotten time.

The entire building complex is filled with an old and dilapidated atmosphere, as if it has been forgotten in a corner by time. In the company of this mountain range, it has experienced the baptism of wind and rain alone and witnessed the changes of time. The former glory no longer exists, leaving only the devastated scene before our eyes.

Lin Fan looked at the stone houses before him and couldn't help but sigh, "In the original novel, this is where new disciples live. The conditions here are just too poor."

In the world where Baijitang is located, the high and clear sky is like a piece of azure silk, performing a lively flying spectacle.

Qi training disciples, in groups of two or three, piloted their own green leaf flying instruments, weaving through the area like nimble birds. These instruments resembled enormous emerald leaves, their veins clearly visible, each radiating a faint aura, as if imbued with life. Under the sunlight, they shimmered with a captivating light.

The disciples stood lithely and steadily atop their instruments, their sleeves rustling in the wind like dancing flags. Sometimes they shot straight up into the sky like arrows, disappearing from view moments later. Other times, they danced like butterflies, tracing graceful arcs through the air. Their agile figures drew envious glances from the disciples passing below, creating a vibrant scene in the sky.

During the flight, they exchanged experiences with each other, and their laughter echoed in the airspace, adding a bit of liveliness and vitality to this peaceful world, making the entire scene full of energy and vitality.

My gaze shifted downward, focusing on the imposing gate of Baiji Hall. This gate was crafted from thick bluestone, its surface engraved with intricate and exquisite runes and patterns. The runes shimmered with a mysterious light, and the patterns were lifelike, as if telling of Baiji Hall's long history and profound heritage, filling one with curiosity and awe.

On both sides of the gate stand two majestic stone beast statues, their eyes wide open, fangs bared, claws and teeth bared, as if guarding the peace of Baiji Hall, making anyone with evil intentions stay away and feel awe.

Beneath the towering stone gates of Baiji Hall, a constant stream of people weaved in and out, disciples rushing in and out, their footsteps stirring a gentle breeze. Each one had their own purpose, busy with tasks or striving for learning and growth. The entire scene was filled with bustle and vitality.

A disciple in green clothes emerged from the gate, his brows knitted into the shape of a "川" character, his face filled with anguish. He clutched a worn notebook tightly in his hand, densely filled with details of various missions, each word seeming to carry the weight of his pressure and helplessness.

He was seen mumbling dejectedly, "I've been to the pharmacy three times, and those alchemists still think the herbs are not old enough. If they keep going on like this, we won't be able to complete this month's task." He dragged his feet, and every step seemed to be stepping on mud. His shoulders drooped, and his originally straight back was slightly bent, as if he was crushed by an invisible burden. His whole body exuded an air of frustration and loss.

In stark contrast, a young woman in red strode in from the doorway. Her cheeks were rosy, her eyes sparkling, and her lips curled up, revealing two shallow dimples. Her entire body radiated joy, like a flower in full bloom in spring, full of life and energy.

The girl was holding an exquisite sandalwood box in her arms, which contained the parts of the magic weapon she had just completed. Runes flowed on the surface of the parts, emitting a warm luster. It was obvious that it was a work of great care, and it embodied her hard work and efforts.

"It's finally done!" She whispered excitedly, her steps as light as if she were walking on clouds. She couldn't wait to present the results to the responsible elders, strive for more opportunities to learn and practice, and was full of expectations and longings for the future.

Two other disciples were walking together, conversing in low voices. One of them looked grave, shaking his head repeatedly. "That last job repairing a magical instrument was incredibly difficult. We lost twice as much material as expected. Not only did I not earn any contribution points, I even lost a lot."

His companion patted him on the shoulder and consoled him, "Don't worry, let's take on something simpler next time. I heard that if you can help the inner sect elders organize the library, the reward will be very generous." As they talked, they quickened their pace, and their figures quickly merged into the gate of Baiji Hall, disappeared in the crowd, and continued to work hard on their own path of cultivation.

On both sides of the gate, the deacons in charge of registration stared intently at the disciples coming and going, waving their brushes constantly, the pen tips rustling on the paper, and quickly recording each person's entry and exit time and the items they carried.

Occasionally, a disciple would come forward to ask about matters related to the mission, and the deacons would stop what they were doing, answer their questions patiently, and solve their problems in a gentle tone, and then quickly get back to their busy work.

The entire entrance of Baiji Hall, with the figures of disciples of all shapes and sizes coming and going, presents a busy and down-to-earth scene, vividly showing the various aspects of life brought about by miscellaneous tasks. Every disciple is working hard for his or her own goal, forming a corner of this world of cultivation full of vitality and vigor.

Lin Fan walked into the Baiji Hall and immediately saw a spacious hall. In the middle of the hall stood a counter, behind which stood several disciples in charge of reception.

Some of them were sorting out accounts, and the abacus beads in their hands were being ticked quickly, making crisp sounds; some were communicating with disciples who came to consult, listening patiently to their questions and then giving detailed answers. They were very busy, and the entire counter area was filled with a busy atmosphere.

Looking around the hall, rows of shelves were neatly arranged. These shelves were filled with all kinds of immortal cultivation supplies, the dazzling array was enough to make one dazzled.

There are magical weapons of various styles, like small flying knives, with blades flashing with cold light, as if they can easily cut through the air; luminous compasses, with pointers rotating flexibly, and the runes on them emitting a mysterious aura; there are also swords emitting strange light, with slender sword bodies and exquisite patterns on the sword bodies, as if they contain powerful power.

There are also quite a few talismans, each one carefully placed in a special box with mysterious symbols drawn on them. Those symbols seem to have life. It is said that chanting the spell can inspire powerful power and exert magical effects.

In addition, there are many bottles and jars filled with cinnabar. These cinnabars are brightly colored, some are as red as fire, warm and unrestrained; some are as green as jade, deep and mysterious. They are all precious materials that are indispensable for practicing and refining magical instruments.

Lin Fan walked straight towards the Qi Refining disciple who was in charge of distributing tasks. When their eyes met, he subtly handed over three low-level spirit stones and gave him a slight wink.

The disciple understood what he meant and quickly put the spirit stone into his sleeve, a smile on his face: "Senior brother, what task do you want to take?" Lin Fan glanced at the task bar and pointed to the task of looking after the figs: "This one." The disciple readily agreed and quickly completed the formalities.

This task seemed simple, but it was exactly what Lin Fan wanted. All he had to do was deliver a certain amount of figs each year, and he'd receive the sect's reward. For him, using the Taiqing Jade Purifying Bottle to stimulate the birth of a child would make the task a breeze.

The most important thing is to ripen the spiritual medicine seedlings picked in the forbidden area as soon as possible, otherwise all the spiritual medicines will die after a long time, and the trip to the forbidden area will be in vain. These are rare spiritual medicines and are difficult to buy from the outside world.

Therefore, it was necessary to find a place with few people and a formation to protect it in order to safely ripen the elixir. After receiving the task, Lin Fan, carrying the task jade slip, left the Baiji Hall with a brisk pace, ready to start a new cultivation plan, take a solid step on his path to immortality, and continuously move towards higher realms.

(End of this chapter)