Chapter 6, The Little Sea That Is Stuck Upside Down

Wang Lu was happily chatting with his attendant when someone suddenly interjected, leaving him momentarily stunned. He turned his head and asked, "Do you owe me money?"

It is strange, why do I feel that walking is easier than on flat ground

Hai Yunfan looked up at the sky and sighed, "Nowadays, apart from the five major sects, there are hardly any sects that can truly touch the path of immortality. With over ten thousand sects in the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, only these five have truly grasped the path of transcendence. Since one wishes to cultivate, it is only natural to pursue the path of transcendence; otherwise, one might as well be a comfortable emperor"

Wang Lu shrugged and smiled, thinking to himself that he simply was not one of those people; a bold life should be faced with a bare examination, what preparation is needed

Wang Lu turned his head to look around: "Indeed, there are many second-generation individuals; this standard is sufficient to host a grand banquet."

As the master and servant walked forward while conversing, they failed to notice that Hai Yunfan's expression had turned serious.

"Oh my, does that mean you have three thousand stepmothers?"

Looking at the youths passing by him, Hai Yunfan remarked, "It is worth mentioning that before this Ascension Conference at Lingjian Mountain, the five major sects had not opened their doors so widely for a hundred years. Even when there were occasional Ascension Conferences, they were heavily restricted. Therefore, this time is truly a moment of great significance."

Wang Lu clicked his tongue and said: "You young masters really cannot endure hardship; after just a short distance, you are already exhausted. At such a young age, you have been drained by wine and pleasure."

Wang Lu frowned: "On ordinary days, there is no shortage of fish and meat at home for you. Why are you as useless as those good-for-nothings? Is it just because you have to carry an extra lunch box? Is that really so hard to bear?"

Young master, have you always been this peculiar

Wang Lu was surprised: "You seem to know quite a lot."

What!

Without the luggage, Wang Zhong felt much lighter and once again kept pace with the young master as they ascended. This time, they walked for an unknown duration, surrounded by a sea of clouds and mist, even the brilliance of the Golden Bridge was somewhat obscured. The three of them walked in the center of the path, unable to clearly see even the edges of the Golden Bridge. Most of the earlier group had been surpassed, with only a few still ahead, but they too appeared to be out of breath.

Wang Zhong felt even more ashamed, lowering his head in silence

As they spoke, a group of three had been traversing the Golden Bridge for quite some time, gradually entering the mist. The Lingxi Town behind them had already shrunk to the size of a small box, and the young scholar followed closely behind the two, no longer daring to look back.

I don't have it!

Indeed, it has broken. Wang Zhong, you are truly impressive

The attendant Wang Zhong, who was following behind, was greatly astonished and could not help but ask, "How did you know?"

Fortunately, the Emperor of the Yuntai Empire

At this moment, even Wang Lu noticed the problem: "Is this road perhaps the Path of Absorption? Those who have broken their Pure Yang body will only grow more fatigued as they proceed? By the way, Wang Zhong, when did you lose your virginity?"

... ...

The average quality of this thousand-strong team is exceptionally high, mostly consisting of distinguished heirs. However, at the foot of Lingjian Mountain, they all remain silent and apprehensive, treading cautiously on the path to immortality. It is not easy to maintain composure, and those who can remain at ease are truly rare. Coupled with Wang Lu's stunning performance upon his arrival a week ago, he has now attracted considerable attention.

Wang Lu said no more, set down his luggage, and sat down on the ground. However, just as he had barely settled, the surrounding clouds dissipated, the golden light dimmed, and a lush valley suddenly appeared beside the master and servant

It seems there is none

This means that your father holds a high official position

In summary, why have you abandoned the promising path of the crown prince to come here

Oh?

So I told you from the beginning not to come, and now you put on this righteous and self-sacrificing facade... Wang Lu looked helplessly at the nearly paralyzed Wang Zhong, and ultimately shook his head, "Forget it, I can't just leave you here alone. I'll stay and rest with you for a while. Sigh, it seems that there are only a few people left ahead in the chase... Although I don't really know what the benefit of coming in first is, it's still an achievement after all."

Wang Lu opened his eyes wide, feeling deeply disappointed. Throughout this journey of conversation and laughter, it was not only Hai Yunfan who was happy; Wang Lu, having lived in Wangjia Village for over ten years, was experiencing the feeling of finding a kindred spirit for the first time! When he previously mentioned that he would look out for him after they ascended the mountain, it was half a joke and half sincere words.

I ... ...

How could I possibly know? I haven't looked at the guide.

Hai Yunfan walked over to Wang Lu's side and whispered, "Be careful with your book boy; under the guise of loyalty, he seems to have developed a bit of rebelliousness."

However, we did not travel very far afterwards

Wang Lu sighed as he took over Wang Zhong's backpack and food box, effortlessly shouldering them.

Is this a time travel?

The book boy Wang Zhong, who was following behind, complained, "Young Master, this journey feels particularly exhausting; I can hardly hold on any longer"

That ... ...

Wang Lu replied in a deep voice: "Of course it is because of strength. When one possesses sufficient strength, why should one care about any obstacles? The path to ascension is, for me, no different from a smooth road"

That person gave a bitter smile and said, "Indeed, the wealthy often forget things..." He then cupped his hands in salute and continued, "I am Hai Yunfan, a resident of Yunzhou. We had a brief encounter in the lobby of the Home Inn seven days ago."

What is so extraordinary about this? If the villagers can't even walk the mountain path, they might as well be a pig. Moreover, this fellow, as a scholar's attendant, has his luggage carried by the young master. Who exactly is the young master here?

Then let the skin breathe... Forget it, give me the luggage, you go light.

It has been said that I have not seen you for the past few days

It is not that the destination has been reached, nor is it that Wang Lu is physically exhausted, but rather that the book boy simply cannot walk any longer

By the way, who are you

At that moment, a gust of wind blew by, and Wang Lu couldn't help but close his eyes: "What did you say?"

So what do you feel about books? Is it just a casual pick-up line

Hai Yunfan said: "Hehe, these individuals are not only of distinguished lineage; at least to my knowledge, more than 80% of them possess natural spiritual roots, which means they are organic cultivators"

... ... ''

Thus, Hai Yunfan chuckled: "However, speaking of which, at this Ascension Conference, the Lingjian Sect only requires participants to be under twelve years old, yet makes no mention of spiritual roots. Perhaps they have changed their stubborn ways? Among these one thousand people, the remaining one or two adults are merely here to gamble on this bit of luck..." After a pause, he added, "However, I truly do not have high hopes for this."

However, even so, the Golden Bridge still seems endless, with mist swirling ahead, obscuring the destination. Beside them, several weary youths have come to a halt, and before they realize it, the group has gradually moved to the front of the line

Hai Yunfan sighed: "I am watching to see if a heavenly thunder will descend. Having boasted so boldly before the gate of Lingjian Mountain, I would not be surprised if it provokes the punishment of heavenly thunder."

Alright, let's keep going... I don't even know when it will come to an end

The surrounding mist thickened, and within a radius of five meters, everything became indistinct and hard to discern. Wang Lu touched his chin and wondered, "Could it be that it has already drifted away with the gentle breeze, ascending to immortality?"

But when he turned around, Hai Yunfan had already disappeared, and when he asked Wang Zhong, Wang Zhong also indicated that he was equally perplexed

Although all the luggage had been placed on Wang Lu's back, as the two continued to move forward, the scholar's stamina diminished increasingly, ultimately causing him to nearly collapse to the ground and be unable to rise.

Hai Yunfan watched from the side, smiled, and said to Wang Lu: "You and the book boy are also remarkable, having persevered all the way to the present."

The golden bridge is wide, and the thousands of people (excluding attendants) walking on it appear sparse. Wang Lu, accompanied by his young scholar, strolls leisurely at the back, chatting and laughing, completely unfazed by the tense atmosphere of the others.

Hai Yunfan's eyes lit up as he listened: "So, you really know what obstacles lie on the path to immortality?"

I do not dare to claim expertise in books and teachings; I am merely curious. On this path to immortality, everyone is tense, yet you remain calm and composed, with a clear plan in mind. I would like to inquire about the secrets behind this.

Wang Lu opened his mouth wide, staring at the suddenly changing surroundings

Such grandiose declarations left Hai Yunfan utterly speechless, causing him to involuntarily look up at the sky

The person was also taken aback: "This has not happened."

Since we have chosen this path, we must certainly inquire more... These are not secrets, and who among those who have come to Lingjian Mountain seeking a chance for immortality is not fully prepared? Trembling in fear?

While most people hesitated and observed, there were some who boldly approached, greeting others without any reservation, their tone as familiar as if they were old friends.

The book boy is practically on his knees: "Young master, please don't say anymore..."

Then do I have the necessity to meet you

Oh! What happened?

Hai Yunfan spoke casually, while Wang Lu seemed completely indifferent. However, the expression on the young scholar's face grew increasingly grim, clearly recalling the bacon and other items in his backpack

What?

... ...

Wang Lu was also unconcerned, walking while asking: "I remember you are a second-generation official?"

Hai Yunfan shook his head: "Your demands are too high... Well, I have truly enjoyed our journey together, but all good things must come to an end. Let us part ways here."

Hai Yunfan turned around and smiled, saying: "Do not underestimate me, a prince of the Yuntai Empire; I can name most of the people here... Moreover, who would dare to ascend Lingjian Mountain without some real skills? Among the five major sects, Lingjian Mountain and Kunlun Xianshan are renowned ancient sects, and Lingjian Mountain's stubbornness surpasses that of Kunlun. To this day, there has never been an artificial spiritual root within its gates; would it not be a humiliation for a mortal to attempt the ascent?"

"That's easy to say." Hai Yunfan clasped his hands again, naturally moving closer to walk alongside Wang Lu, while the young scribe consciously stepped back to follow behind.

Hai Yunfan smiled: "Compared to the wonders of the immortal realm at www.hetushu.com, what flavor does the power of the mortal world possess? As for cultivating immortality, with the capabilities of the Yun Tai royal family, it is indeed not difficult to send me into an ordinary sect. Within the Yun Tai territory, the Bai Long Temple and Ci Yun Mountain are both ranked among the fourth-tier sects of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance..." As he spoke, his smile carried a hint of mockery, "However, compared to the five top-tier sects of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, even a mere fourth-tier sect tastes like chewing wax, not to mention..."

Hai Yunfan nodded in acknowledgment of Wang Lu's kindness, and then explained: "It's nothing much, I just feel that there is no need to continue striving upward; reaching this point is already sufficient."

Wang Lu was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Your name is Hai Yunfan? Alright, I will remember that. Once we enter the mountain gate, I will look out for you."

If you don't understand, then you don't understand. In any case, I have already found a position that suits me. Next...

Wang Lu smiled and said, "Are you here to ask for strategies again? This habit is indeed inappropriate. A qualified adventurer should take pride in independent exploration. What flavor is there in chewing on someone else's leftover sugarcane?"

I said, you ... ...

Wang Zhongwan felt extremely wronged: "No, this road feels particularly strange. Clearly, we haven't walked too far, yet I'm so exhausted that I can hardly catch my breath..."

Although he is a mere commoner from the mountains, Wang Lu truly does not regard Hai Yunfan, who is of noble birth as a prince, as an outsider

Then why are you sweating profusely

Wang Lu also raised his head; the sun was bright and the wind was gentle, with scattered clouds, and not a single bird in sight. What is there to see?

What was originally a common jest, upon hearing it, Hai Yunfan displayed a look of surprise, opening his mouth but saying nothing.

Wang Lu furrowed his brow, seemingly trying hard to recall: "Oh, you are the young man who questioned me about the task strategy... Do you have any advice?"

Wang Lu still does not understand

The two individuals walked side by side along the golden bridge, which ascended steeply but neither felt fatigued, gradually moving ahead from the back of the line

The attendant did not wait for Wang Lu to speak and hurriedly said: "Young Master, you should go ahead alone; Wang Zhong is incompetent and can only escort you this far"