Chapter 002: Longmen Valley

Yes, adoptive father!" Everyone immediately nodded excitedly

Gently placing the dragon-head cane on the bedside, Mr. Zhong relaxed his mood and closed his eyes, adjusting his posture in a cross-legged position. Next, it was time for the Longmen Conference, and he needed to be in the best condition to welcome this Longmen Conference.

Outside the valley, at this moment, there are some other people arriving from different directions, most of whom are unfamiliar. However, there is a group of six individuals that everyone recognizes at a glance

In the hearts of the loyal sons, questions abound as they gaze out of the glazed window, watching the lights swiftly recede, also aware that this iron house is moving rapidly.

In the evening, find a place to rest, as everyone needs to adjust to their best condition. However, Zhong Tian is engaged in the work of guarding, watching over all directions, and being on guard against fierce beasts and venomous insects

Haha, I didn't expect you to know this place as well; you are quite remarkable. The head of the Zhao family glanced at Zhong Shan, narrowing his eyes.

"Come in," said Old Master Zhong, leaning on his dragon-headed cane.

Zhongshan, in the memories of a past life, although there are many technological aspects that are not understood, the use of coal to heat water vapor, creating high pressure, which drives a piston to propel the earliest steam locomotive, is something Zhongshan is still aware of.

"The Dragon Gate Conference will be held." Zhongshan nodded.

On the third day, the train finally came to a slow stop

The entire passage was filled with countless iron bars, two of which extended infinitely into the distance

Three days, a full three days, the train traveled continuously for three days. The eight adopted sons knew that they had already left the Zhong residence far behind.

In front of the iron house, a dozen or so people stood. Upon seeing Old Master Zhong arrive, they all bowed deeply, clearly a prior arrangement made by Old Master Zhong

The crowd looked down in astonishment; the hall below was immense, and the depth was extraordinarily profound. Moreover, at the edge of the hall, there was a passage, a gigantic passage that seemed to extend into infinity. Along the outer side of the passage, there were lamps illuminating it, and at the edge of the passage, there was also a massive iron house.

Old Master Zhong certainly cannot be left to keep watch. As for the other seven adopted sons, Zhong Tian always feels that they are quite opportunistic. They only showed some respect towards him when they were younger; more often, it seems they act in front of their adoptive father, as if to perform for him. However, Zhong Tian is simple-minded and does not pay much attention to it. After all, their cultivation levels far exceed his own.

"I only brought a few juniors to gain some experience. Which immortal sect is the Zhao family head preparing to enter this time?" said Old Master Zhong

As he gazed at the extraordinarily beautiful woman, a flicker of complexity passed through Old Master Zhong's eyes

Looking at this iron house, Old Master Zhong couldn't help but exclaim, what is this? The train of the past, the most primitive steam train

Upon witnessing this scene, all the righteous sons were taken aback, including Zhong Tian, who had always served the old master Zhong, his eyes revealing a look of astonishment. How many secrets does the adoptive father still hold?

Moreover, a tremendous roar was heard from the front.

Then, sitting in the incredibly luxurious carriage, the group of righteous sons suddenly felt that this iron house was actually moving

Rumbling, rumbling ... ...

At the wall, there is a wolf head ornament. Old Master Zhong gently turns it, and the previously opened passage above closes once again

The Zhao family of the four prominent families in the Great Kun Kingdom

"Yes!" the crowd of righteous sons immediately responded.

After fifty years and the efforts of numerous skilled craftsmen, nearly twenty years were spent, and finally, the steam engine was developed. Subsequently, those craftsmen continued to experiment and refer to various texts, leading to the emergence of the very first train.

Subsequently, the head of the Zhao family naturally left first. Standing outside the valley, watching the members of the Zhao family enter, Zhong Shan also had a serious expression, squinting his eyes and pondering for a moment

Close the door properly, the old master Zhong said to the outside: "Set off."

The roar of the train over the course of three days gradually transformed the initial astonishment of the many children into a sense of acceptance

Subsequently, as they exited the hall, everyone saw that this was indeed a vast estate, staffed with numerous servants. Upon seeing the old master Zhong arrive, they all bowed in greeting. After the old master Zhong gave some instructions, the various adopted sons were led into their respective guest rooms by a steward-like individual.

Walking along the mountain path was arduous. Although we did not encounter any ferocious beasts, everyone faced poisonous insects, toxic plants, and miasma. However, Old Master Zhong was always able to produce the appropriate medicinal herbs, ensuring that each time we faced danger, we emerged unscathed

"Entering the Immortal Gate? Heh, you and I are of the same age; I am already eighty years old. Even if there are family members up there, it is impossible for me to gain entry. This time, I am merely bringing along some talented juniors to try their luck." The head of the Zhao family shook his head and smiled.

The direction taken leads to the mountains north of the manor, where the paths are rugged and there is hardly any road. If it were not for the fact that everyone is a martial arts expert, they would not even be able to enter the mountains. Moreover, the mountains are filled with poisonous plants and insects. If it were not for Old Master Zhong's decades of experience, they could very well have fallen victim to them.

Still underground, still at the edge of a hall, the crowd, led by Old Master Zhong, disembarked from the train and ascended along the same passage as before. Above, the ground was also a hall.

Walk! Old Master Zhong is walking ahead, slowly descending the steps.

At the forefront stood a man in a white robe, appearing to be only in his forties or fifties. However, the righteous ones knew that he was the head of the Zhao family, whose age should be comparable to that of his adoptive father, Zhong Shan. Yet, his youthful appearance was due to his cultivation having reached the innate realm.

Inside, there is a large bed and some high-end cabinets. On the wall opposite the large bed, however, hangs a portrait, a portrait that has been framed.

"Let's go, enter inside." Old Master Zhong led everyone into that train carriage. The eight adopted sons were filled with astonishment; what is this all about? Aren't we supposed to be going to the Longmen Conference?

Before the image, Old Master Zhong stood quietly for an hour, then with a slight sigh, shook his head and sat down on the bed

Old Master Zhong is a legendary figure. Although he lacks substantial background, everything he has accomplished has earned him the admiration of all. As for his adopted sons, they are at most merely beneficiaries of his blessings

"Is that the head of the Zhao family?" The group of righteous sons clearly paused in surprise

However, Zhongshan has not made it public; it is sufficient for only oneself to know.

Hmm! Old Master Zhong nodded, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. He looked again at his seven adopted sons, all of whom had reached the pinnacle of their innate abilities, and finally nodded in satisfaction

"It is!" the more than ten people outside immediately said

Thus, I wish Master Zhao good luck said Zhongshan

The further one goes down, the more spacious it becomes. Upon reaching the lower level, there is a hall, a vast underground hall

After sending off the many righteous sons, Old Master Zhong also arrived at a small courtyard. Here, it was also the residence of Old Master Zhong within this estate. Gently pushing open the door, the interior was impeccably clean.

This is at the foot of Hengshan, this estate is my private property. You will rest here for two days to adjust your condition to the best. Two days later, we will head to Longmen Valley to participate in the Longmen Conference.

Two days later, outside the manor, Zhong and the old gentleman of the library led the way, followed by the eight adopted sons.

"Is everything clearly explained?" Old Master Zhong inquired

Looking at the environment of this place, the eight adopted sons felt a tightening in their hearts

Old Master Zhong's cane was seized early in the morning by his adopted son, Zhong Shijiu. Apart from the eldest son, Zhong Tian, the others were all at the peak of their abilities. The mountain path was rugged, yet they managed to keep up quickly. Only Zhong Tian lagged a bit behind, but Old Master Zhong still slowed his pace, patiently waiting.

Behind the head of the Zhao family, five young members of the Zhao family looked at the eight adopted sons of Zhongshan with a hint of disdain. However, upon seeing the old master Zhong, a flicker of respect passed through everyone's eyes. After all, the legend of old master Zhong was something that even their thousand-year-old aristocratic family in the Great Kun Kingdom could not help but admire.

Everything within the residence will proceed in an orderly manner, so you need not worry, adoptive father said Zhong Tian

Old Master Zhong, at this moment, was sitting there with his dragon-head cane, his eyes closed as if he were resting his spirit. Therefore, the righteous sons did not disturb him, but instead buried their doubts of this moment deep within their hearts

Farewell! said the head of the Zhao family

Therefore, a railway line was constructed underground

The group of righteous sons exchanged a glance, yet none dared to ask further questions

Subsequently, following Old Master Zhong, gradually, along with various factions, it moved towards the internal.

Old Master Zhong entered the bedroom, slowly walked to the portrait, and began to examine it carefully and earnestly.

All the children of Zhong Yi looked at each other in surprise, and then turned their gaze towards Old Master Zhong.

Gently, Old Master Zhong tapped the ground of the hall with his dragon-headed cane, keeping a steady rhythm.

Seeing the items brought by the adoptive father, it is not difficult for the righteous sons to guess that this path has certainly been traveled by the adoptive father many times and is very familiar to him

Three days later, in the Zhong residence, in a hall of the backyard, Old Master Zhong He leaned on a dragon-headed cane, observing the eight excited adopted sons before him

In the image, there is a woman, a beauty of unparalleled grace, with starry eyes and pearly teeth, her hair black and lustrous, and an exceptionally distinctive figure. She is adorned in a red fur robe, extending her delicate jade-like hand to grasp a remarkably beautiful flower. Bringing the flower close to her nose, she gently inhales its fragrance, revealing a faint smile. This smile seems to dim the very essence of the world around her.

A cunning rabbit has three burrows; how much more so does Old Master Zhong?

Hmm! Old Master Zhong nodded

Five days later, everyone finally crossed numerous mountains and arrived at the outskirts of a valley

Well, likewise, I wish the Zhong family to have someone who can enter the immortal gate" The head of the Zhao family squinted and glanced at the eight adopted sons as he spoke

In the astonished gaze of the gathered crowd, a section of the floor in this hall unexpectedly parted to the sides, revealing a passage leading underground

"Bao'er, have you already forgotten me? Why have you not returned until now?" A faint sigh and a hint of heartache appeared on Old Master Zhong's face

The image on the paper is very old, and it is evident that this image has existed for a very long time.

"Yes!" The crowd's children immediately nodded.

"Indeed, where in life do we not meet again? Master Zhao, have you been well since we last met?" Old Master Zhong said with a faint smile

Zhong Tian is a rather simple-minded person. Although he is the adopted son of the old master Zhong, his cultivation speed is not very fast, only at the eighth level of the postnatal stage. Zhong Tian does not hold much hope, merely wishing to witness the legendary Longmen Conference.

The steam train is rapidly traveling through the underground towards the destination set by Old Master Zhong

Old Master Zhong is wealthy, possessing a substantial amount of money, and naturally does not concern himself with such trivial expenses

Zhongshan? The head of the Zhao family immediately recognized the old master Zhong, who was holding the dragon-headed cane, and a hint of disbelief flashed in his eyes