Chapter 001: The Eightieth Birthday Celebration

The old man, with his hair as white as snow, had eyebrows and a beard that were also white. His eyes were bright and spirited, and his expression, though not angry, exuded an imposing presence, appearing full of authority. This is the stabilizing force of the Zhong family, Zhong Shan.

Perhaps it is fate that plays tricks on people; Master Zhong has no descendants, neither sons nor daughters. Although he has married eight wives and concubines, none have been able to bear children. It seems as if heaven has deliberately left a tremendous regret for Master Zhong's glory.

Even the former emperor of the Great Kun Kingdom has shared drinks and conversations with Old Master Zhong

On the highest floor of the attic, an elderly man is currently looking out at the guests who have come to congratulate him from all directions

The old man furrowed his brows, as if pondering something.

Noticing the eldest son's distress, Zhong Shan smiled and said, "You all go and make preparations. We will set off in three days. Zhong Tian, you should come with me as well. Without your service, I would feel quite uncomfortable myself."

"Well, it's not difficult. As long as you join a certain immortal sect and ask the masters or elders of that sect for a 'Breaking Restriction Pill' for me, that will suffice," said Old Master Zhong with some excitement.

Old Master Zhong is a legendary figure, having risen from humble beginnings to build a vast enterprise over the course of fifty tumultuous years. His life in the great Kun Kingdom resembles a mythic tale.

Only the elderly Mr. Zhong, with his white eyebrows, was seen entering through the side door, accompanied by his grandson Zhong Tian.

The hall was now filled with guests, half of whom were the adopted sons of Lord Zhong. The other half consisted of some important officials from the Great Kun Kingdom. Although Lord Zhong did not hold an official position, his status in the Great Kun Kingdom was still quite high; while not on par with the four great ancient families, it was not far off either

Zhong Shijiu, thirty-two years old, has reached the pinnacle of his abilities, which is quite a surprise to me. Old Master Zhong looked at his youngest adopted son with a faint smile on his face, showing the most affection for this youngest son.

"Foster father, the banquet is ready, waiting for you to begin the feast," said the middle-aged man with sincerity.

Qian San, on behalf of the family head, extends warm wishes to Old Master Zhong for a bright and prosperous life, and may he enjoy longevity like the pine and crane

"Yes, adoptive father," the crowd replied

Zhao Lin, on behalf of the family head, extends warm wishes to Old Master Zhong for a harmonious life and eternal youth

Once again, four middle-aged men bowed respectfully to Old Master Zhong.

Today is an important day, as it marks the 80th birthday of Master Zhong from the Zhong family

Su Xing, on behalf of the Emperor, extends his congratulations to Old Master Zhong for longevity and good health. A man in a purple robe immediately stood up and addressed Old Master Zhong.

"Well, do you know why your father has called you here today?" Old Master Zhong inquired

Zhong Laoyezi imparted various knowledge to his adopted sons, maintaining the vast family estate. He was very attentive to each of his adopted sons, all of whom were exceptionally talented in martial arts, as if he had chosen them as his sons based on their innate potential.

Old Master Zhong, throughout his life, did not enter officialdom; he was a businessman. However, in the Great Kun Kingdom, his status was exceptionally transcendent. Over the course of fifty years, the wealth accumulated by Old Master Zhong could no longer be measured in terms of weight; it was so vast that even the emperor was envious, surpassing even the fortunes amassed by those ancient noble families.

Zhong Laoye slowly stood up as Zhong Yizi left and gradually walked towards a courtyard at the back

Seeing that this minimalistic child had not yet heard what he had said, he immediately patted his chest and assured him, which made Old Master Zhong feel a sense of relief in his heart

There are deities in the world. Although some people consider this to be superstition, the Zhong family, being such a large clan, understands that deities are not illusory but rather exist. However, all along, they have been unable to find the proper means to connect with them. They have desires but do not know where to begin.

The guests spoke one after another, expressing a sense of humility, while Old Master Zhong merely nodded in response

What is appropriate and what should be done

Having raised so many adopted sons, finally seven of them have reached the acquired peak before the Longmen Conference. They should be able to succeed; at least one of the seven should succeed. As long as I can obtain a single Breaking Restriction Pill, that will be sufficient for me, truly sufficient.

In these past decades, have I not reached the pinnacle of my acquired abilities? Although I can no longer break through, have I not already succeeded? With just a single forbidden pill, I can cultivate to the innate level, and then advance to the highest, the supreme, and ultimately become an immortal. Will anyone possess a will as strong as mine? For the sake of cultivation, I have expended great effort to seek out a millennium of cold ice, sitting upon it to cultivate for twenty years straight. Those with exceptional roots in your sect, would they dare to challenge me at my current level of cultivation?

Upon hearing what Old Master Zhong said, everyone sighed in unison. Indeed, they had previously been quite interested in the family fortune; however, in the face of immortality, what do these assets amount to? They are nothing.

At this moment, the hall is filled with guests seated at the banquet tables, surrounded by books and illustrations. The crowd is engaged in lively discussions, seemingly conversing about something, yet no one touches the food and drinks on the table

"Old Master Zhong arrived ... ... " a servant suddenly shouted

"They are all my sons. I will not hide it from you; indeed, as a father, I began my cultivation relatively late. Although I have spent a considerable amount of money to acquire numerous spiritual medicines, I have only been able to cultivate to the same level as you are now, with no further progress. I am already eighty years old, and it is no longer possible for me to break through. The Dragon Gate Conference occurs once every fifty years, and it is my only opportunity. I hope you will not let me down," said Old Master Zhong to his sons.

Even Old Master Zhong himself is unaware of how much money he possesses, as vast amounts of wealth flow into his name from all directions every day

"Dragon Gate Conference? Foster father, do you know where the Dragon Gate Conference is held? Only the four great families and the royal family would know that," Zhong Shijiu exclaimed excitedly.

"Zhong Di, Zhong Xuan, Zhong Huang, Zhong Yi, Zhong Liu, Zhong Shi Ba, Zhong Shi Jiu, you all have stabilized your cultivation at the postnatal level ten, haven't you?" Old Master Zhong inquired

The seventh day of the seventh month, the Great Kun Kingdom, Xuancheng Zhong Mansion

Today, the Zhong residence has its doors wide open, setting up eight hundred banquet tables. Whether inside or outside, even the street where the Zhong residence is located is filled with seating. Anyone who comes to offer their congratulations, regardless of their familiarity, is welcome to take a seat.

Only one of the slightly younger men said with some surprise: "Ten days ago, I had just reached the Tenth Layer of the Postnatal Realm. I was originally planning to give my adoptive father a surprise, but I didn't expect that he already knew in advance"

Everyone nodded in agreement

"The adoptive father has praised me too much," said Zhong Shijiu, as if he were suddenly shy.

As soon as the servant called out, the hall fell silent, and no one outside spoke either

Hmm! Old Master Zhong nodded

Outside the door, the sound of Zhong Tian's response could be heard

"I am grateful for your presence," Mr. Zhong said to the crowd

"Well, please take a seat," Mr. Zhong said淡淡.

At this moment, behind the attic, a stout middle-aged man came up from downstairs. Even though the old man had his back to him, the middle-aged man still slightly bowed.

In the past three days, all of Master Zhong's adopted sons returned to celebrate their adoptive father's birthday. Some, after paying their respects, immediately rushed off to their respective family businesses, while others were retained by Master Zhong.

Three days later, after the grand banquet had concluded, in the conference hall of the Zhong residence, Old Master Zhong sat alone at the head of the table, holding a red ball the size of a longan in his hand, gently stroking it as if it were the most precious possession he owned

"Yes, adoptive father." The crowd immediately exclaimed with excitement

What do you mean by that, old sir

After rubbing it repeatedly, the old man carefully placed it into a small cloth pouch after about a stick of incense had burned. He then threaded it with fine string and hung it around his neck.

"Adoptive father, I..." Zhong Tian hesitated somewhat, as he only possessed the cultivation level of the Eighth Layer of the Postnatal stage.

In a few days, it will be the Longmen Conference. You will accompany me to the Longmen Conference," said Old Master Zhong淡淡.

However, Master Zhong did not blame his wife and concubines; instead, he took in a large number of adopted sons. Now, Master Zhong has no fewer than 100 adopted sons.

Hmm! Old Master Zhong immediately nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes

The Breaking Forbidden Pill is not considered a particularly valuable elixir among these immortal sects. Its effect is merely to assist individuals in breaking through their innate limits. However, it requires a person at the Golden Core stage or above to refine it. Once you arrive at the immortal sect and learn the secret methods of the immortals, there is no need for such a thing, which is why it is relatively rare. In the past, I used all my family assets in an attempt to exchange for one with an immortal, but that immortal looked down upon it. To these individuals, everything in the secular world is no different from fleeting smoke. " The old master Zhong sighed.

This courtyard does not require any servants to attend to it, and no one is allowed to enter and disturb it, not even the sons of righteousness. Unless the elder master permits someone to enter.

Soon, under the leadership of Zhong Tian, seven other individuals entered. Among them, three were of similar age to Zhong Tian, approximately in their forties or fifties, while the other four were significantly younger, appearing to be only in their thirties or forties.

"Zhong Tian, your cultivation has already reached the Eighth Layer of the Postnatal Realm, hasn't it?" the old man said淡淡.

It should be, it should be!

Subsequently, everyone left the hall, returning in a state of excitement

The inner courtyard of the Zhong residence features a five-story pavilion, which stands out prominently like a treasure tower within the estate

Adopted children also have their own offspring, therefore, although Old Master Zhong has no biological children, he nonetheless has numerous descendants

Traversing space, haha, I am almost forgetting the novels on Earth. Traversing space, why hasn't it enhanced my physical abilities? Why am I still the same? Otherwise, over these years, I wouldn't have endured so much hardship. Indeed, this time I have gained a special ability. I can separate from my shadow. Otherwise, over these years, I wouldn't have endured so much hardship. Indeed, this time I have gained a special ability. I can separate from my shadow, forming a spatial shadow, and this shadow can also take on my appearance. Although separated by billions of miles, this shadow can be controlled by me, as if I possess another body simultaneously. The shadow has no thoughts; only I have them. Controlling two bodies with one person is a very peculiar ability. This has contributed to the rapid growth of my assets over the years, but what use is it? The shadow is constrained by my main body; no matter how high my cultivation level is, it can only reach the same height. It cannot break through the acquired limitations. I only need a starting point, a congenital starting point. Once I reach the congenital level, I will certainly perform better than everyone else and work harder than everyone else.

Li Ru, on behalf of the family head, extends warm wishes to Old Master Zhong for good fortune and boundless blessings

Then, under the guidance of this clock, he descended the stairs and slowly walked towards the banquet hall ahead

Clearly, this is a prince of the Great Kun Kingdom today

During this period, Mr. Zhong only made an appearance on the first day, and thereafter, he never showed up again

Entering the courtyard, he gently closed the main door. Old Master Zhong walked into the bedroom and sat by the bedside. Once again, Old Master Zhong took down the red ball that was hanging around his neck.

The child does not know. Everyone immediately shook their heads and looked at the adoptive father with curiosity, not understanding why he suddenly called them.

"Foster father, do you intend to use this broken forbidden pill to break through to the innate level?" Zhong Tian immediately inquired.

"I, your father, will take you to attend the Longmen Conference. One reason is that I hope you can free yourselves from worldly disturbances and enter the immortal gate from now on. The other reason, however, is that I hope you can assist me in a matter." Old Master Zhong's eyes suddenly brightened.

Interrupted by this voice, Old Master Zhong also came to his senses and turned to look at the middle-aged man

"Well, well, thank you, Your Majesty and the heads of the four great families. Please, everyone, take a seat," Elder Zhong said with a faint smile.

At this moment, the red ball seemed to emit a faint red glow, and on top of this red light, there floated some colorful streams of light

As everyone took their seats, the numerous adopted sons of Old Master Zhong stepped forward one after another to congratulate him on his birthday.

With more adopted sons, each of them harbored a glimmer of hope regarding the estate of Old Master Zhong. It was akin to the descendants of an emperor; none of them were to be underestimated.

Fifty-five years have passed. When I ascended Mount Everest in the year of the dragon, I found this red ball, which drew me through space to this place. This is a magical world, for here there are immortals. For fifty-five years, I have sought the gates of immortality countless times, only to be told that my cultivation is too late, my foundation is poor, my meridians are weak, and my age is too advanced. Throughout my life, I will never be able to attain the innate state of an immortal. Cultivating immortality? Is it just because I was in my twenties and had not yet begun my practice?" Old Master Zhong looked at the red ball, his brow furrowed.

"It is!" everyone immediately exclaimed, and Zhong Tian also wore an excited expression. Zhong Tian knew that he was unlikely to be selected, but being able to witness the scene of the Longmen Conference was an incredibly thrilling experience. At the very least, he felt that he would have no regrets in this life.

To the north of the hall stands a gigantic golden character for longevity, which has been specially bestowed by the current emperor to celebrate the birthday of Old Master Zhong

"Not bad, I will take you to the Longmen Conference. At that time, elites from various countries will gather here, most of whom are at the peak of the postnatal stage, and there are even innate powerhouses. Follow me, and strive to be noticed by some immortal sect, to be accepted as disciples, and from then on, learn the supreme immortal path, achieving immortality." Old Master Zhong also expressed some longing.

Zhong Tian, who appeared to be of a stout and honest demeanor, sat there in silence. Although somewhat surprised, there was not much joy to be found.

Although the old gentleman is advanced in age, he still possesses remarkable vitality. As he walked to the central seat, a gentle smile appeared on his face

"Father, rest assured, as long as I am favored by the immortal, even if it costs me my chance to enter the immortal gate, I will certainly obtain a pill for you." Zhong Shijiu immediately replied

At the same time, others also looked at Old Master Zhong with excitement on their faces

"Foster father!" The eight individuals who entered simultaneously bowed to Old Master Zhong.

Sun Li, on behalf of the family head, extends heartfelt wishes to Old Master Zhong for everything to go smoothly and for everlasting family happiness

"Adoptive father, you said that as long as it is achievable, I will definitely accomplish it," Zhong Shijiu immediately replied

"Yes, adoptive father, I will reach the eighth level the day after tomorrow, but I am already fifty years old this year, and I have no hope of achieving the innate level in this lifetime," sighed the middle-aged man.

From early this morning, a large number of guests have come to offer their congratulations, filling the hall with distinguished visitors, and the entire Zhong residence is suffused with a strong atmosphere of joy

... ...

The grand feast lasted for three days, a full three days.

Let them in," Mr. Zhong gently called out to the outside

"What is a foster father and a forbidden pill?" Only Zhong Tian asked in confusion

Eight people sit down immediately