Chapter 1, the White Cloud Immortal in the White Cloud Temple

Cangwu Mountain, Baiyun Temple

Both individuals practiced the "Songhe Changsheng Jue" passed down by the master of cultivation. In this contest for supremacy, the entire great hall seemed to resonate with the clear cries of cranes and the gentle sound of pines, one wave following another, endlessly continuous

Indeed, there are important matters to discuss

Fairy, you must have no business that does not lead you to the Three Treasures Hall

Perhaps it was the profound influence of Daoist Baiyun, or perhaps it was the two individuals' yearning for the path of immortality. Half an hour later, the talismans in their crown apertures suddenly calmed down, and a beam of red light shot up into the sky, emerging from the crown, resplendent like the evening glow spreading across the heavens

The young Taoist outside the window gazed with wide-eyed wonder, as everything that had just transpired in the grand hall opened a new door for him. Even though it was merely the tip of the iceberg of the immortal realm, it still captivated him endlessly

The floor of the grand hall is paved with large slabs of bluestone, smooth as a mirror and as hard as iron, where two young men are engaged in combat

Above the dark clouds, two talismans the size of palms floated up and down, emitting beams of red light. A whispering chant resonated throughout the grand hall, and everyone present was enveloped in a fragrant aroma that left them entranced.

In the center of the grand hall, Daoist Priest Baiyun sits atop a high platform, wearing a purple-gold fish-patterned crown. Clad in a celestial robe adorned with the Eight Trigrams and Nine Palaces, he stands seven feet tall, with a fair face and no beard, his skin as smooth as that of an infant. Holding a whisk, he possesses kind brows and gentle eyes, exuding an ethereal and dignified presence.

Suddenly, a burst of laughter echoed, in the void, the sound of bells chimed, an unusual fragrance wafted through the air, and flowers fell like rain

You two have indeed not been negligent, and your progress in the Songhe Longevity Technique is significant. Today, I shall demonstrate my great magical powers and the * diagram * book, allowing you both to officially embark on the path of immortality

With celestial affinity, one can embark on the path of immortality, seeking enlightenment, transcending the five elements, and existing beyond the three realms, achieving complete merit. Otherwise, in the end, one will be left with nothing but a pile of white bones and a handful of yellow earth

Upon seeing the expressions of the crowd inside and outside the main hall, Daoist Baiyun felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He clapped his hands above his head, and thick, inky clouds began to rise slowly. Countless dark scriptures fell like dripping water from the eaves, their brilliance flowing and ceaseless.

As soon as Daoist Baiyun's words fell, the entire hall seemed to be shrouded in a layer of frost, and an icy chill rose in the hearts of everyone present.

This ... ...

The two talismans cost an unimaginable price for an ordinary person; if these two fellows in front of me waste them, it would be too late even to turn them to ashes.

Peach Blossom Fairy, is there something you need?

"Hehe, Daoist, congratulations on acquiring two more excellent disciples."

"Daoist Bai, I have come today to present you with a great opportunity."

Vital energy enters the body, guiding the breath to form a symbol, and the two have truly embarked on the path of immortality

Alright, you may leave now

The hundred-acre peach orchard in the front is in full bloom throughout the four seasons, with its red blossoms more vibrant than fire

Outside the grand hall, a synchronized gasp was heard, as all the strongmen stared with red eyes at the two young men who were trembling with excitement, wishing they could take their place.

"Following the path leads to becoming a person, while going against it leads to becoming an immortal. The crucial step is right before you; where to go from here is up to you to decide."

In a moment of distraction, Jing Younan was startled. She raised her head and saw a female immortal gracefully approaching on the pink peach blossom petals in full bloom

With no retreat possible, the two could only grit their teeth and endure the various pains coursing through their bodies

Upon witnessing the suffering of the two individuals, Daoist Baiyun retracted the smile from his face, his voice turning cold and merciless, emanating an air of superiority. The performance of his disciples did not meet his expectations.

As if soldiers ready for battle heard the drumbeat of departure, two young men frantically channeled the elemental energy they had cultivated for years, continuously consumed by the talismans, sinking into the depths like a cow in the sea, unable to stir even the slightest wave.

Pine trees stand tall against the wall, evergreen throughout the four seasons

Boom

Haha, the golden talisman unlocks the heavenly lock, and the vital energy enters the body, bringing forth the celestial destiny

The red light radiates in myriad beams, the golden lotus blooms profusely, and an extraordinary fragrance wafts through the air. The Zhengqing Hall has almost become a paradise on earth, resplendent and magnificent

Along the way, one can only see intricately carved railings and painted beams, green vines entwined around blue stones, white lotuses resembling wheels, and clear spring water cascading onto the smooth lotus leaves, spinning in a playful manner

Two young individuals step forward simultaneously, using a pen to sketch in the air

Jing Younan leaned against the window, standing on tiptoe, her eyes wide open, determined to see clearly and distinctly

The voice is clear and melodious like jade, as if it were a decree handed down, leaving no room for doubt

Daoist Baiyun furrowed his brows, flicked his dust whisk, and a beam of clear light emerged, transforming into layers of luminous halos that spread out. The resonant chanting echoed in everyone's hearts, sweeping away the enchanting pink hues within the grand hall

In a state of confusion, the two individuals contemplated giving up

Upon closer inspection, Jing Younan is merely twelve or thirteen years old, with delicate features. However, her large eyes appear dull and lifeless, giving her a somewhat bewildered expression

The two young men, who had originally been tormented by pain to the point of delirium, suddenly shivered and regained their clarity. They were acutely aware of the anger of Master Baiyun.

In the vibrant spring season, the red apricot and peach blossoms bloom, with families and young women everywhere, and noble sons in every corner. Some travel in luxurious cars, while others stroll leisurely, all going out to enjoy the spring and partake in the festivities.

The Peach Blossom Fairy also retracted her smile, straightforwardly addressing the matter at hand.

As the crowd dispersed, the Peach Blossom Fairy gracefully approached the cloud bed, her steps light and delicate, a smile playing on her lips, "Hehe, Daoist, you are truly quite stingy."

Crane, free and carefree, longevity and good fortune

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone inside and outside the grand hall saw two young men with beams of red light atop their heads, as the primordial energy of heaven and earth surged in from all directions, entering through the crown and reaching directly into their dantian

In the end, not only the primordial energy but also the essence of blood entered the talisman, merging into a part of it. In an instant, the faces of the two young men turned pale at a visibly rapid pace, their legs began to tremble, and they appeared on the verge of collapse.

Behind Daoist Baiyun, two uniquely skeletal young boys stood with their hands down, holding a censer and a jade ruyi, radiating a brilliant light and exuding a cool fragrance that was captivating

In a secluded area among the mountain flowers, there stands a Taoist temple, featuring red bricks and green tiles, with flying eaves and pointed corners. An intricately carved purple copper incense burner emits the fragrance of high-quality sandalwood, adorned with illustrations of immortal tales, profound teachings of the Tao, landscapes of mountains and rivers, and the misty clouds over the vast marshes.

Master Baiyun laughed heartily towards the sky, his eyes filled with joy from deep within. His efforts had finally not been in vain

Daoist Baiyun opened his eyes, waved his whisk, and nodded slightly

Celestial fate, this is indeed a celestial connection

The Daoist Baiyun remained expressionless, as the two were well-acquainted and did not require pleasantries. Recently, he had been stuck at the third level of the Foundation Establishment stage with no progress, and the Daoist Baiyun had no mood to waste time.

The Taoist priest Baiyun suddenly rose to his feet, his gaze fixed directly on the Peach Blossom Fairy. His expression was a mixture of fluctuating emotions, encompassing shock, joy, fear, and more.

After crossing the stone bridge and passing through the corridor, after several twists and turns, Jing Younan arrived outside the Zhengqing Hall

At this moment, the strongmen in the audience had already gathered in a circle, forming a fan shape, their eyes fixed intently on the interior of the hall, occasionally emitting barely perceptible sounds of admiration, surprise, and envy.

Both individuals possess commendable talents and are diligent in their cultivation. In this round of competition, they are surprisingly evenly matched, with no clear victor.

The Peach Blossom Fairy nodded slightly, her eyes sparkling with clarity

Bathed in the brilliant rosy hue, Jing Younan stretched lazily, exhaled a long breath of stale air, and slowly walked backward.

Life is but a hundred years, and encounters with immortals are rare; one cannot attain eternal life.

In an instant, two talismans appeared out of thin air, suspended in the grand hall, surrounded by dazzling light, shining brilliantly.

As the sun sets in the west, the worshippers in the temple gradually pack their belongings and leave, and the entire temple returns to its usual tranquility.

Master Baiyun waved his hand, driving all the disciples out of the main hall. He was well aware of the formidable abilities of the Peach Blossom Fairy, and he could not allow the disciples he had painstakingly trained to fall into the hands of others

Outside the grand hall, the numerous strongmen, along with the young Taoist priest Jing Younan, all felt a sense of eternal freedom and joy blossoming from deep within their hearts, vibrant and lively, making it hard for one to resist the urge to immerse themselves in it.

Two young individuals suddenly felt a spiritual aperture within their minds being forcefully opened, a talisman the size of a palm floating unsteadily within, radiating thousands of beams of light, resembling a red sun rising, with blazing flames stretching for miles, its path illuminated by great brilliance

The divine talisman builds the path to heaven, unlocking the energy that naturally arises

Jing Younan, with her hair styled in a topknot and dressed in a plain gold embroidered cloud robe, stood beside the incense burner. With a serious expression, she clumsily and slowly offered incense sticks, about the thickness of a thumb, to the approaching worshippers, maintaining a formal demeanor.

It is unknown how long it has been; after the radiance dissipated, between the rising and setting of the red sun, slender red tendrils, as fine as hair, extended outward, connecting with the veins within and merging into them

The Daoist Baiyun emitted a long chant, rising up and pointing with his hand. Above his head, dark clouds surged with brilliance, and two blood-red talismans floated down like swift light, akin to a flash of lightning, directly entering the crowns of the two young men.

After the third sound of the bell and drum, the two young men each withdrew after receiving their signals and bowed respectfully

With a dazed expression, Jing Younan leaned against the window, motionless. In the depths of his vacant large eyes, a flicker of astonishment and confusion seemed to pass by, but it was fleeting, so much so that even the strongest man nearby did not notice it clearly

However, no one would mock the dazed young Taoist in front of them. Beneath the purple copper incense burner, the faint scent of sandalwood wafted upwards, accompanied by the barely audible sound of chanting in the air. In the hearts of every worshipper, an indescribable sense of reverence and solemnity inevitably arose.

The talisman pulsated violently in the spiritual aperture at the crown, as if it were alive

Hiss

Dong, dong, dong

As the evening breeze blows, it carries the fragrance of peach blossoms to the Taoist temple. A whiff of it refreshes the spirit, making one feel as if they are floating like an immortal