The Long Journey to Immortality

"If there is anything you need the sect's assistance for, please feel free to ask."

Han Lu had no particular plans, nor did she intend to involve anyone else in the matter.

She replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader, but I can handle this matter on my own."

Upon exiting the secret chamber, Han Lu turned right, while Xinshan Jushi turned left, the two walking in opposite directions.

Thanks to the foul mouth of Xinshan Jushi, the relationship between Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi, which was already close to zero, has completely turned into a negative one.

Looking at the two who had become enemies so soon after meeting, Daoist Qingxu sighed, "Perhaps, only if Han Lu wins a decisive victory in two sparring matches a month later will the two be able to rebuild a friendly relationship."

After leaving the secret room in the Five Elements Mountain Courtyard and returning to her residence, Han Lu happened to run into Qiu Peng and Hong Tong, who had been turned away at the door.

He led her straight in, and without Qiu Peng saying a word, Han Lu knew why he had come here.

"You've come to ask me for treasures and medicine, haven't you?" Han Lu looked at Qiu Peng, who was a little embarrassed to speak, and explained their purpose.

Qiu Peng chuckled and said, "I beg Master's help to bestow some quick-healing and energy-replenishing pills upon my unworthy disciple, so that he can fight with all his might on the arena without worrying about possible injuries."

It was a small matter. Han Lu not only generously gave away a lot of pills, but also gifted Hong Tong several talismans that she had somehow obtained.

After advancing to the Golden Core Realm, these external objects were no longer of much help to Han Lu, and she was worried about not having the opportunity to make the most of them.

Since she was already there, Han Lu naturally didn't forget to introduce her newly accepted disciple to Qiu Peng and give him a "technical briefing."

Compared to Han Lu's unpleasant first meeting with Xinshan Jushi, Qiu Peng, Hong Tong, and Kong Du's first meeting was much better.

Watching her disciples and grand-disciples chatting happily, Han Lu murmured to herself, "Indeed, when it comes to taking on disciples, one should choose those with high emotional intelligence, like Kong Du."

Neither of them mentioned the jokes they made during the day.

Chapter 1088 Searching for People

The eight people discussed the matter in the secret room for about half an hour. After reaching a preliminary conclusion, Qingxu Daoist announced the adjournment of the meeting.

However, although the meeting was over, Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi were kept behind by Qingxu Daoist.

"Elder Zhenfeng, let me introduce you," Qingxu Daoist didn't intend to entrust Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi with anything important; he simply wanted to act as a go-between and introduce the two sect elders. "Xinshan Jushi."

In short, Qingxu Daoren does not add a lot of detailed descriptions like Xuanchengzi would when introducing himself in private.

“Elder Xinshan,” Qingxu Daoist introduced in Han Lu’s place, “this is Elder Zhenfeng.”

Equally simple.

Han Lu and Xin Shan exchanged a glance, neither of them able to discern much enthusiasm in the other's eyes.

"Hello." They said in unison, both greeting each other with the simplest gesture of clasping their hands in a gesture of mutual benefit.

Seeing that the two elders in the sect who were currently the last hope to reach the Nascent Soul realm did not like each other, Daoist Qingxu was somewhat disappointed.

All the words I had prepared were suddenly useless.

Qingxu Daoist could only say, "You two have a great chance of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage in the future, and the events of a thousand years from now will most likely be related to you."

"We can also get to know each other more often and exchange ideas on Taoist principles, just like making friends."

Qingxu Daoist spoke frankly. Although he did not have a good impression of cultivators like Xinshan Jushi who were too self-centered, Han Lu still cooperated and said, "I have indeed heard of Elder Xinshan's great name. I know that when Elder Xinshan was still a disciple, he was one of the most prominent figures in the sect. I would be more than happy to have more exchanges with Elder Xinshan and make progress together."

Han Lu's attitude was proper, which pleased Qingxu Daoist, and he smiled and nodded.

But when Qingxu Daoist heard Xinshan Jushi's reply, the smile on his face froze.

“No interest,” Xinshan Jushi yawned and said indifferently, “Although Elder Zhenfeng is exceptionally talented and has outstanding combat power, I do not have the True Spirit Bloodline. It would be of no benefit to me to communicate with Elder Zhenfeng; it would only be a waste of time.”

Perhaps noticing the change in Qingxu Daoist's expression, Xinshan added a symbolic sentence, "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Master."

Xinshan Jushi's words almost made Han Lu, who always considered herself a "heartthrob," choke on her saliva.

If it weren't for the fact that they were fellow disciples and that Daoist Qingxu was present, Han Lu, who was usually quite well-mannered, would have even wanted to confront Layman Xinshan directly and tell him to stop beating around the bush and to speak clearly.

Han Lu wasn't stupid; she certainly understood the subtext in Xinshan Jushi's words.

The meaning is simple: Han Lu relies solely on his true spiritual bloodline, and I, the great genius Xinshan Jushi, look down on him.

Qingxu Daoren cursed Xinshan Jushi inwardly, but quickly spoke up to smooth things over, lest his good intentions turn into malice.

Just as he was about to speak, Han Lu had already drawn her sword.

"Oh, Elder Xinshan, do you mean you think you can defeat me just by using magic weapons and spells?" Han Lu felt much better after saying this, and then became even more aggressive, "Do you want to have a match?"

Tensions were high, and the situation in the secret room was developing in a direction that Qingxu Daoist did not want to see.

"Stop, stop."

Master Qingxu hurriedly stepped in to mediate, but when he tried to speak again, he found himself unsure of what to do.

Xinshan Jushi was rude first; asking him to apologize would only escalate the conflict.

However, if they were to target Han Lu, who has a relatively better temper, it would be seen as taking sides.

Faced with a dilemma, Daoist Qingxu decided to take an unconventional approach.

So, Qingxu Daoist, in a fit of desperation, said, "If you want to have a match, I support you, but you are not allowed to have a match in private. You can only have a match if I am present as the referee."

Unable to act as a peacemaker, Daoist Qingxu simply intervened in this inexplicable incident, hoping to use his own power to control the intensity of the conflict and determine who was superior, thereby truly resolving the conflict.

"How about we set a date sometime in January?" Master Qingxu suggested the date.

After glaring at Han Lu, Xinshan Jushi said, "I have no problem, but even if Elder Zhenfeng uses his true spirit techniques, I don't think I will lose."

Han Lu continued to insist on her previous statement, "No need, I can take you down using only ordinary methods."

Neither side would yield, so Daoist Qingxu mediated, suggesting, "How about we have one match under each of the two rules?"

Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi said in unison, "Okay."

Although they didn't get along and even fought as soon as they met, Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi often shared a tacit understanding.

In order to maintain fairness and impartiality, Qingxu Daoist, who had originally intended to keep Han Lu for a few more words, allowed the two of them to leave together.

He only spoke a few more words of advice before Han Lu left, also about the mission to search Xuanxuan Village.

"Elder Zhenfeng, please be careful when you go to Xuanxuan Village."

"If there is anything you need the sect's assistance for, please feel free to ask."

Han Lu had no particular plans, nor did she intend to involve anyone else in the matter.

She replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader, but I can handle this matter on my own."

Upon exiting the secret chamber, Han Lu turned right, while Xinshan Jushi turned left, the two walking in opposite directions.

Thanks to the foul mouth of Xinshan Jushi, the relationship between Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi, which was already close to zero, has completely turned into a negative one.

Looking at the two who had become enemies so soon after meeting, Daoist Qingxu sighed, "Perhaps, only if Han Lu wins a decisive victory in two sparring matches a month later will the two be able to rebuild a friendly relationship."

After leaving the secret room in the Five Elements Mountain Courtyard and returning to her residence, Han Lu happened to run into Qiu Peng and Hong Tong, who had been turned away at the door.

He led her straight in, and without Qiu Peng saying a word, Han Lu knew why he had come here.

"You've come to ask me for treasures and medicine, haven't you?" Han Lu looked at Qiu Peng, who was a little embarrassed to speak, and explained their purpose.

Qiu Peng chuckled and said, "I beg Master's help to bestow some quick-healing and energy-replenishing pills upon my unworthy disciple, so that he can fight with all his might on the arena without worrying about possible injuries."

It was a small matter. Han Lu not only generously gave away a lot of pills, but also gifted Hong Tong several talismans that she had somehow obtained.

After advancing to the Golden Core Realm, these external objects were no longer of much help to Han Lu, and she was worried about not having the opportunity to make the most of them.

Since she was already there, Han Lu naturally didn't forget to introduce her newly accepted disciple to Qiu Peng and give him a "technical briefing."

Compared to Han Lu's unpleasant first meeting with Xinshan Jushi, Qiu Peng, Hong Tong, and Kong Du's first meeting was much better.

Watching her disciples and grand-disciples chatting happily, Han Lu murmured to herself, "Indeed, when it comes to taking on disciples, one should choose those with high emotional intelligence, like Kong Du."

Neither of them mentioned the jokes they made during the day.

[Author's Note] I've finished the Level 2 Construction Engineer exam. I hope I can pass the remaining two subjects. However, I genuinely don't know the technical parameters for 18mm steel bars. Even Level 1 Construction Engineers wouldn't know this. Who in their right mind would memorize all that?

Chapter 1089 The Fox's Tail

Over the years, new technologies have gradually spread from cities to the mountains and fields.

Back then, Xuanxuan Village treasured a waterwheel as a priceless artifact, which boosted the productivity of both villages.

Now, the village office used to entertain distinguished guests has also adopted new building techniques and materials.

The pillarless hall on the lowest level is the best place for banquets and important gatherings during weddings and funerals in the village.

The second and third floors are used for guest rooms and reception rooms.

With the advancement of technology, the range of activities that ordinary people can engage in has increased considerably. Although the small village still doesn't have many visitors a year, its exchanges with nearby villages and cities have increased significantly compared to before.

Merchants and distant relatives who occasionally come to the small village but have nowhere to stay will be arranged to settle here and given some simple but sincere treatment.

A celestial being like Han Lu, who comes from the Zhengyi Sect, is naturally an even more distinguished guest and must be treated with the highest level of courtesy.

As soon as Han Lu sat down in the simply decorated but rustic living room, villagers served her fragrant tea.

The tea used was naturally the best tea from the village, but in terms of quality, it was still not good enough for Han Lu.

Since Han Lu hadn't come to Xuanxuan Village to enjoy herself or show off, she didn't mind. After taking a symbolic sip, Han Lu also made plans for what she should leave in Xuanxuan Village as a "thank you gift for assisting the investigation."

"A month ago, one of our disciples should have come to Xuanxuan Village with a mission, right?" Han Lu asked directly.

The middle-aged man stood three meters away from Han Lu, leaning forward slightly to show respect.

“That’s true,” the middle-aged man explained. “Every year, the outposts outside the Zhengyi Gate in nearby cities help small villages like ours that lack labor by posting some unpaid tasks.”

“A month ago, during the busy farming season, our village entrusted the immortals of the Zhengyi Sect at a nearby outpost to help issue a task to assist in the harvesting of crops.”

"I remember that in the end, a young immortal named Kong Du came to our village to help."

"That immortal was kind and gentle, and he also knew a little about agriculture. The two days of cooperation were quite pleasant."

Han Lu asked one question, and the middle-aged man answered ten, recounting almost the entire events of a month ago in response to Han Lu's question.

Han Lu nodded slightly, quite satisfied with the middle-aged man's answer. "Was there anything strange or unusual about the cultivator named Kong Du when he left?"

When Han Lu used illusion magic to control Kong Du and investigate his experiences in Xuanxuan Village, she failed to accurately determine whether Kong Du encountered the phoenix inside or outside Xuanxuan Village and ultimately fell under the illusion magic, becoming a "tool".

That's why she wanted to get the answer from the villagers through simple questions.

"It is indeed strange," the middle-aged man recalled the situation without any hesitation, "that immortal was somewhat absent-minded on the afternoon of the last day, and his efficiency in helping was much lower. He even accidentally destroyed some rice and almost set a small granary on fire."