The End of the Immortal Path

Chapter 108 My light shines on the earth
Chishui Peak.

Near a corner of the street, Little Fatty was watering some medicinal herbs with clean water.

This is clear water extracted from the Chishui River, carrying some of the spiritual energy of the spiritual fruits.

It's perfect for irrigating medicinal herbs.

Their shop specializes in selling these medicinal herbs.

It's not an expensive thing.

It is mostly used to calm the mind and increase the speed of cultivation.

They are inexpensive, have a wide appeal, and are easy to raise.

This also means low barriers to entry and a large number of sellers.

So, while business isn't booming, it's not exactly losing money either.

Luo Xuan, dressed in a light blue dress, stood behind the counter, checking the ledgers.

The profits over the past few months have been ridiculously low, even less than those of shops in Luoyun City.

But coming here is a dream come true for many people.

After three months, she roughly understood why.

First, there's spiritual energy.

She didn't even need to take any pills; her cultivation had already broken through to the seventh level of Qi Refining.

Secondly, this is a big place where you can meet many people who can change your life.

However, these things have little to do with her.

She closed the ledger, looked at the chubby boy watering the plants, and sighed softly.

She naturally understood the implications of the collaboration between the Gao and Luo families.

The Luo family now relies entirely on the Gao family.

Furthermore, is this place, a sect, something ordinary people can come to?
Adding another person to the Gao family would require a considerable price.

Why would the Gao family go to such lengths to send her here?
Was it because the Gao family meant well?

Naturally impossible.

But the Gao family never mentioned that they had given her enough dignity.

But the problem lies with Little Fatty.

He has his own ideas and doesn't listen to his family's arrangements at all.

That's why she has the freedom she has now, as well as the resources of the sect.

"I heard that the outer sect is starting its assessment. I wonder what Jiang Ge's ranking will be. I hope he ranks high so that my second brother can understand what short-sightedness is," Little Fatty said while watering the flowers.

"His ranking shouldn't be low," Luo Xuan said, tidying her desk. "What's Jiang Man's cultivation level now?"

"I heard Fang Yong say last time that Brother Jiang has reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and it's a major foundation establishment overhaul," Little Fatty said, stopping the watering.

Upon hearing this, Luo Xuan was taken aback: "Jiang Man has reached the Foundation Establishment stage? Does your second brother know?"

"Doesn't he know?" Little Fatty asked Luo Xuan.

Luo Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "They should not know, otherwise they wouldn't have that attitude."

"He's in trouble then, but I can't tell him either. He said not to contact him unless it's important, and not to contact him even if it is." The chubby boy shrugged, not caring at all.

Those who underestimate Brother Jiang usually end up with only one outcome.

It's too late to notify them now.

Secondly, he couldn't leave; he still needed to continue selling spiritual herbs and then stay up all night cultivating.

I've started getting dark circles under my eyes lately.

But progress is rapid.

Reaching the fifth level of Qi Refining next year will not be a problem.

There is even hope of reaching the sixth level of Qi Refining.

"Can we see the rankings?" Luo Xuan asked.

Little Fatty shook his head slightly and said, "I don't think we can go up. Although there's no explicit rule, Second Brother said to try not to go up."

Luo Xuan nodded, seemingly unconcerned.

"Are you still open?" Cheng Yu walked in from outside and greeted Xiao Pang. "Young Master Gao, is Luo Xuan pretty?"

"Beautiful and dignified, a true young lady," the chubby boy answered truthfully.

"Oh no, your answer was too easy." Cheng Yu shook her head and went inside. After a pause, she asked, "I've sold out of my stuff, so I came over to chat with Luo Xuan. Do you mind?"

"You should ask her," the chubby boy said, puzzled.

Cheng Yu came to Luo Xuan's side and said, "Why are you frowning? I'm doing this for you. You can't do this. Do you want me to teach you how to be a little cunning?"

"This is a sect, you'd better behave yourself," Luo Xuan advised.

Cheng Yu didn't mind, but looked at the busy little fat boy and whispered, "Is it really him?"

“No one has mentioned it, but there’s no need to,” Luo Xuan said.

"What are you thinking?" Cheng Yu asked.

"I haven't thought about it much. I'll listen to my father. Since he made his choice, I'll follow it," Luo Xuan said.

She paused for a moment, then asked, "And you?"

“I have a better chance than you in the sect,” Cheng Yu said with a smile.

Luo Xuan stared at Cheng Yu for a long time, seemingly trying to see through her thoughts, before finally asking, "When will that letter be clarified?"

"Shouldn't it be clarified by now?" Cheng Yu wasn't sure either.

Jiang Man could see that Luo Xuan's handwriting was different from the previous envelopes once he opened the message book in the Sixth Courtyard.

It wasn't her handwriting either, so they were all able to get away with it.

-

The first day of the assessment was not difficult for Jiang Man at all.

but.
The performance was not good.

The writing of the two books on the first day was about the body and the spirit, not much different from Yunqian Si's work.

But he only wrote a little bit.

After all, they've only just entered the first level.

These two subjects combined probably only amount to a little over ten points.

In particular, the assessment does not evaluate the level of the cultivation technique, but only the realm and strength.

We can only hope for tomorrow.

The test on the second morning was for Zang Ling.

Jiang Man noticed that the writing speed was extremely fast.

This is because I feel that my quality is good.

At least 60 points.

No wonder people say that the Hidden Spirits are the easiest to score points on.

The afternoon session will be the last one for cultivation.

Unsurprisingly, Jiang Man didn't manage to write much either.

feel
It's only a dozen or so points.

Finally, Yan Yiqiu announced the end of the assessment, and everyone left the courtyard.

As soon as they came out, Cao Cheng asked Jiang Man how the exam went.

Jiang Man sighed and said, "It's far from ideal."

He suspected that he wouldn't even get a perfect score of 100 across all four subjects.

this.
It was even worse than my first performance review at Yunqian Company.

Cao Cheng smiled and said, "Now I'm relieved. I'm leaving."

Jiang Man looked at the tall and thin Cao Cheng and felt that the other party was provoking him.

However, he didn't pay it any mind and went back to continue his cultivation.

We'll know the results tomorrow.

He originally thought he was quite capable, but after the assessment, he realized that he was still not diligent enough.

Continue practicing, and also squeeze out some time for casual conversation.

We need to eat faster.

Even though you've reached the foundation stage, you still need to eat.

Once you reach the Golden Core stage, you shouldn't need it anymore.

I've heard that the Golden Core Ancestor can feed on spiritual energy and doesn't need any other grains to fill his stomach.

The next day.

December 3rd.

It's the day the assessment results will be released.

Whether they were newly admitted to the Rebuilding Academy or the Foundation Academy, everyone was paying close attention to this ranking.

People from other sects will also pay attention, trying to win over more people.

Jiang Man arrived very early this time.

The others were similar.

This time, everyone sat calmly in their seats and waited quietly.

Soon, Yan Yiqiu walked in.

He was holding a stack of papers in his hand.

As she entered, her gaze swept over everyone before she calmly said, "Let's take a look at your scores and rankings first. Many of you probably already have some guesses in mind."

"This assessment was indeed somewhat unexpected."

She then handed out the papers she had in her hand.

When it was Jiang Man's turn, Yan Yiqiu gave him a deep look and said, "It's a pity your score was a bit low."

Upon hearing this, everyone was puzzled.

How bad is "bad"?
Jiang Man was taken aback, as he himself shouldn't be any worse off.

Do you really think your talent is just for show?

With natural talent as a foundation, and flawless elixirs as an aid.

There's no way I could be worse than others.

He then looked at his own information.

December 3rd.

Mist Cloud Sect.

Outer Gate Cloud and Mist Peak.

The front courtyard of the Foundation Building Academy, the ninth small courtyard. Name: Jiang Man.

Rank: 1 (out of 24)

Cultivation level: Beginner Foundation Establishment.

Physical body: First level of entry.

Spirit: First step to entry.

Minor: None.

Hidden Spirit: Medium.

Resources obtained: "Simple Yuan Condensation Method", "Simple Body Refining Method", "Simple Visualization Method".

Score: 98.

Comment: You are two points short of being able to freely choose to become an apprentice.

After reviewing the information, Jiang Man frowned.

Two points short?
That is indeed a bit of a pity.

If he had known about this earlier, he would have skipped class to study.

There's still plenty of time.

but
He was unaware.

Even if you don't skip classes, just reduce your mealtimes and reduce your time spent chatting.

So, there is an opportunity.

I've become lazy.

The break was too long and it delayed the progress.

It's alright, though, it's just a matter of choosing to become an apprentice.

Not a big deal.

With the old ox around, the teaching of those others was seven-tenths worse, and the speed was also surprisingly slow.

Learning systematically on your own can't be that fast.

Let's first borrow the old ox's extraordinary wisdom to improve our cultivation.

By this time, everyone had finished reviewing their own information.

Zhao Yaoyao sighed inwardly. She had thought she could at least be second, if not first.

Can.
third.

Who are first and second?

One is Zhuo Bufan, and who else is there?

An Rong?

Her chest is too thick, which must be affecting her cultivation; she definitely won't be able to reach the top two.

An Rong looked at her fifth-place ranking and sighed with emotion.

I was dragged down.

At this moment, Yan Yiqiu returned to her position and looked at everyone below, saying, "You have all seen the data and have some understanding of your scores and rankings."

The rankings will be released at noon.

"However, this is your first assessment, so you should also ask others for their cultivation insights."

She paused for a moment, then slowly began to speak: "Jiang Man."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Man stood up, puzzled.

"Tell me about your cultivation experience, or explain why you received those scores," Yan Yiqiu said.

Others wondered why Jiang Man was asked to share his cultivation insights.
Besides staying up all night, what other tips does he have?
Whether it's Yunxia Peak, other peaks, or the inner sect, everyone already knows that staying up all night to cultivate is a mistake.

Jiang Man looked at Mr. Yan and said, "Because I have good talent, and I am diligent."

"Does diligence mean staying up all night?" Yan Yiqiu asked.

“It should be working tirelessly, day and night,” Jiang Man replied.

"Everyone says that staying up late to cultivate is bad for your health, what do you think?" Yan Yiqiu asked.

Jiang Man calmly said, "We cultivate and observe at the same time; the strong never complain about their environment."

Yan Yiqiu looked at Jiang Man and the others who were puzzled, and slowly said, "Tell me what you think."

Jiang Man looked at the other person and said softly, "I stay up all night to cultivate, one day is equivalent to two days for you. You cultivate, I cultivate; you rest, I am still cultivating."

In other words, while you are standing still, I am still moving forward, always ahead of you.

Since I am ahead of you, shouldn't my heart be filled with joy and strength?
How can you say that your mind and spirit are damaged?

The weak have simply found an excuse for their laziness.

Yan Yiqiu remained silent for a long time before saying, "That's true throughout history."

"Is this the way it has always been?" Jiang Man looked at Yan Yiqiu and said calmly, "When the immortal sects are in great order, everyone can cultivate immortality. Mr. Yan still doesn't understand the weight of these words."

"Times have changed."

Yan Yiqiu looked at Jiang Man, her eyes showing emotion.

Others were puzzled and wanted to refute it.

But some people remained silent, deep in thought.

Yan Yiqiu calmly observed all of this and said softly, "Announce the rankings."

After he finished speaking, everyone fell silent, puzzled as to why the rankings had to be announced so suddenly.

Shouldn't the announcement be posted on paper at noon?
Ignoring the others, Yan Yiqiu slowly said, "In the Foundation Establishment front courtyard, the ninth courtyard, ranked first, Jiang Man, with 98 points."

Second place goes to Zhuo Bufan, with twelve points.

Before anyone could react in shock, she packed her things, turned around, and left: "get out of class dismissed."

At this moment, Jiang Man looked at everyone and shook his head: "I don't know how you guys can sleep at night with such low scores."

After saying that, he turned and left.

"Wait a minute." Zhao Yaoyao looked at Jiang Man and asked, "Where are you going?"

Jiang Man looked at her, puzzled, and said, "Of course, I'll go back and secretly cultivate."

Then he turned and left.

Everyone was silent.

Brother, what are you doing?
What's up with this?

Jiang Man returned to his lodgings and smiled at the old ox, saying, "Old ox, my light has already shone on the earth."

"Aren't you afraid that Cloud Peak won't have any spiritual energy to absorb?" the old ox asked.

Jiang Man shrugged: "The strong never complain about their environment."

"The consumption of spiritual herbs will double," the old ox casually remarked.

Jiang Man fell silent for a moment.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"The results won't be out until noon, why are we going there so early?" Yu Wanyi asked, puzzled, as she headed towards the outer gate.

"We came out of Yunxia Peak relatively quickly," Senior Sister Xia said.

Upon hearing this, Yu Wanyi immediately laughed and said, "Does that mean I can leave as soon as I finish reading it, without having to see how happy everyone else is?"

They only need to go up the hill to see the rankings on the investment list; they don't need to see the entire ranking.

Because being recorded means there will be resource rewards.

Small hill.

When the two arrived, they found that there were quite a few people there.

They all wanted to see how their respective investors were ranked.

"Senior Sister Xia and Junior Sister Yu are here too?" A man who looked to be in his mid-twenties walked over, his arms crossed over his sword. "I remember Senior Sister Xia didn't have any investors this year, otherwise I would really like to have a competition."

Yu Wanyi looked at the person in front of her and said, "You should go and compare yourself with Senior Brother Lu to see if the people you invest in are more capable, or the people he invests in."

"No way, didn't I just humiliate myself in the past? I deliberately picked on the weak." The man looked at Yu Wanyi and said, "Junior Sister Yu, you've invested, right? Want to have a competition?"

"Help me check the rankings of the new disciples at Yunxia Peak Reconstruction Academy." Yu Wanyi asked for the rankings with lightning speed.

They didn't give the other side a chance to compete at all.

The rankings will then appear.

A person named Fang Yong from Luoyun City entered the rankings, but he was not an investor of Yu Wanyi.

The man holding the sword felt it was a pity that a bit of spiritual energy was missing.

Yu Wanyi shook her head, not caring too much, though she was naturally disappointed.

But we can't expect too much.

Just as she was about to leave, the person making the inquiry immediately said, "Wait a minute, the Foundation Establishment Academy has a note saying that if Senior Sister Yu comes to inquire, she should check the ranking of the new disciples in the Foundation Establishment Front Academy."

Yu Wanyi felt puzzled, but she still chose to search.

The rankings then appeared.

The names in the top-ranked row, in particular, seemed to radiate a brilliant light.

A brief introduction then appeared below the name.

This happened automatically, indicating that a dark horse has emerged in the investment world, turning the tide.

Jiang Man reported to the sect on August 17th as the first to enter the Yunqian Division of Luoyun City. That same evening, he entered the Qi Refining Secret Realm with a special reward. After thirteen days, he successfully established his foundation and returned to the Foundation Establishment Academy on Yunxia Peak. He will participate in the assessment three months later. He topped the list with an absolute score.

Investor Yu Wanyi.

You can claim the reward for the shortest Foundation Establishment stage.

Foundation Establishment Rewards.

The top award in the same department.

Dark horse reward.

A reward for having a discerning eye.

After the text appeared, the entire hall fell silent.

Those words shone like a blazing light in everyone's eyes.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

I recommend a very long book to a friend: "The Immortal of Immortality in the End Times".

　[Imperial Physician and Needle Immortal] [Poison Wine and Needle Man] [Daoist Couple in the Mortal World] [Needling]

　　Sages and worthies of the past are all lonely, those who cultivate immortality and attain the Dao leave their names behind... It is a pity that Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han eventually returned to dust, and Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizu of Song could not escape the fate of heaven. In the end times, no one can achieve immortality, and all are submerged in the dust of history.

　　Zhao Wuji transmigrated and became a royal physician. He found that something seemed wrong with this world. Those who had sought immortality and enlightenment seemed to have actually achieved something.

　　However, in this age of declining spiritual energy, cultivators operate behind the scenes, manipulating the world and strictly controlling the resources of immortal arts. He starts with just a needle, needing to heal the sick and administer acupuncture, refine elixirs and brew wine, raise Gu poisons and control souls, find a mortal partner, and cultivate the Nine Yin and Nine Yang to achieve immortality.
　　Seventy-two Earthly Fiend Techniques, thirty-six Heavenly Divine Powers... This is a story of a modern man seeking immortality...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)