Chapter 03: The Exquisite Courage
Tie Zheng smiled faintly and said nothing further. The Ghost Doctor glanced at him; the atmosphere in the chess pavilion was somewhat subtle. It was the Ghost Doctor who spoke first: "Have you really made your decision?" Tie Zheng nodded earnestly: "That is why I came to find you." He looked at Luo Qian, who was still in a deep sleep beside him: "This child, like me, is also a calamity immortal. Even if I do good deeds and lend him the Linglong Heart for five hundred years."
"Let us begin," the Ghost Doctor said as he opened his iron sandalwood medicine box. The upper layers contained various bottles and jars, while the bottom layer held a set of instruments resembling surgical knives, all crafted from exquisite celestial jade, thin as a cicada's wing, with a soft and radiant luster. The Ghost Doctor took out a piece of white jade from the medicine box and exclaimed, "With the mustard seed, the universe is contained; let the white jade be the hall; hasten!" A flash of white light passed, and the three of them found themselves in a hall made of white jade, surrounded by pristine jade stones, beautifully flawless. The Ghost Doctor took out a piece of white jade from the medicine box and exclaimed, "With the mustard seed, the universe is contained; let the white jade be the hall; hasten!" A flash of white light passed, and the three of them found themselves in a hall made of white jade, surrounded by pristine jade stones, beautifully flawless.
Mu Yue glanced at the old man's Luo Qian on his back and said: "In that case, this young man is not the esteemed master's beloved disciple. I had thought that the esteemed master was here to seek medical treatment for his beloved disciple."
The old man smiled faintly, stepping into the clouds with a single stride, crossing the heavens in two steps. In the space of a single movement of his legs, he had already entered the lofty abode above. "Are you also of the Mu lineage? What is your name?" "Mu Yue. The old gentleman has been here before, has he met my senior brother Mu Yang?" The old man chuckled, saying, "The disciples that the old ghost doctor takes in are all clever and quick-witted, making me, an old man, a bit envious."
Carrying Luo Qian, the old man moved swiftly as if flying. Remarkably, his speed on the ground surpassed that of Luo Qian flying with celestial techniques. In less than the time it takes to eat a meal, they had already emerged from the vast mist. It turned out they were in a boundless mountain range, and beneath the mist lay a deep valley.
"Lao Luo, what exactly do you want from me?" The fragrance of tea wafted through the air, but Du Lengning's impatient nature was not suited for sipping hot tea. Luo Qian said softly, "I came to ask you for a favor; please help me find someone who understands lightning spells." Du Lengning frowned, "That won't be easy. Cultivating lightning spells is not only difficult but also dangerous, and there aren't many in the celestial realm who practice it."
The massage chair was assembled. Luo Qian took out a battery and connected it to the power supply of the massage chair. Although this battery had a considerable charge, once the massage chair was activated, the energy indicator of the battery quickly dropped. In just half an hour, a large-capacity battery was completely drained. Luo Qian contemplated whether he should go down to the lower realm to obtain a car battery.
Du Lengning nodded repeatedly at his words, apologizing, "Old Luo, please don't take it the wrong way regarding the *book*; I didn't mean it that way." Luo Qian laughed heartily, "Then you must pay attention to this matter for me." Du Lengning patted his chest, "You can rest assured, it's on me!"
Du Lengning glanced at him and said lightly, "I am merely helping; I have no intention of smuggling with you." Luo Qian quickly replied, "Of course I understand that. If I were caught by the authorities, my lips would be sealed for sure, so you can rest assured. Besides, if I were caught, it would only lead to my demise. Even if I were to betray you all, it would not save me; why would I choose to die and also be seen as a disloyal spirit?"
Du Lengning felt somewhat troubled: "Old Luo, it's not that I'm cowardly, but you also know how strict the celestial realm is regarding unauthorized descents to the mortal world. It's one thing for you to engage in minor mischief, but if you were to produce a generator and it gets discovered, neither of us would be able to bear the consequences"
There is still a rice cooker in the warehouse. The immortals do not consume grains, but there are always some virtuous immortals who have ascended from the secular world and wish to reminisce about the feelings of their past. The celestial realm lacks great chefs and cannot produce any exquisite dishes; however, when it comes to making soup or cooking rice, this rice cooker is indeed a helpful assistant. The only issue remains the energy source.
The old man in the chess pavilion casually swept his hand, and a black chess piece flew out. Mu Yue only saw a beam of black light shooting towards him. He intended to dodge but found himself powerless to act. As the black light approached his body, he was well aware of his master's temperament. Although the black light would not cause him any harm, it was certain that he would be unable to speak for half a day.
Luo Qian waved his hand dismissively and said, "Don't worry, I'm not foolish. Generating a stable current with celestial techniques is essentially still a magical artifact, not a machine. What is there to be afraid of? Besides, I have no intention of making it large; we are only going to create a small one. I have seen small generators in the human realm that are only the size of a chair. What we are going to make will definitely be smaller than that, and no one will notice. A magical artifact generator will only supply enough electricity for one person. For example, with this magical artifact generator for your computer, you will never experience a power outage again. You won't have to worry about running out of battery while you're having fun and then come to me asking for batteries."
The ghostly physician instructed the Azure Water Qilin with a couple of sentences. The already intelligent Azure Water Qilin nodded its large head and obediently crouched outside the apothecary, its eyes the size of cowbells vigilantly scanning the surroundings. The ghostly physician entered the apothecary with Tie Zheng, pushing open a small door. A hexagonal, four-legged elixir furnace was ablaze, bubbling and emitting steam.
"I know it's not easy, which is why I came to find you," he said, pushing the magazine across the table. Du Lengning's eyes lit up as he pressed his hand against the magazine's smooth cover and chuckled, "Old Luo, I really admire your thoughtfulness!" Luo Qian replied, "Of course, given our relationship, when have I ever gone to the lower realm without thinking of you? Last time it was the five-button optical mouse, the time before that it was the professional gaming mouse pad, and the time before that it was the folding keyboard..."
Luo Qian arrived at Ningyao Mountain and sent a message talisman to Du Lengning. Before long, a flustered Du Lengning rushed out: "Old Luo, what brings you here? Speak quickly, my game is still on pause over there." Luo Qian pulled him aside: "Don't be in such a hurry. I came to discuss something important with you today. Let's find a place to talk properly." Du Lengning replied: "Oh, alright then. Come on, let's go up the mountain."
Having successfully extricated himself, Luo Qian felt a surge of joy and naturally would not be foolish enough to return and investigate further. He was also too lazy to ponder how he had escaped from the brink of death. After checking, he found that his belongings were still intact, with all the components present. He then employed his path-finding technique once more and smoothly located the way home, using his celestial arts to break through the void and depart.
On the mountain, atop a high peak, stands a small building, the most renowned tea house in Ningyao Mountain, known as "Guanyan Building." Directly opposite is the mountain gate of Yaoyuantang, which rises high above, with a sheer cliff plunging below. Du Lengning is a local power in Ningyao Mountain. Although the owner of Guanyan Building is also a sixth-tier immortal with considerable strength, he still relies on the "generous support" of Master Du. Therefore, upon seeing him arrive, the owner immediately vacated the best room on the upper floor and invited Du Lengning and Luo Qian inside. Du Lengning is a local power in Ningyao Mountain. Although the owner of Guanyan Building is also a sixth-tier immortal with considerable strength, he still relies on the "generous support" of Master Du. Therefore, upon seeing him arrive, the owner immediately vacated the best room on the upper floor and invited Du Lengning and Luo Qian inside.
"Do you know why I am looking for someone proficient in lightning spells?" Luo Qian said mysteriously. "How would I know what you want to do? Could it be..." Du Lengning, not being foolish, quickly realized what Luo Qian was up to. He closed the magazine in his hand and exclaimed in surprise, "Are you trying to bring a generator to the celestial realm ahead of time?" "Exactly!" Luo Qian slapped the table and laughed, "Haha. Only you understand me, Du Shao!"
The old man carrying Luo Qian stood in the corridor, chuckling as he asked, "Mu Yue, does your old master still enjoy betting with you?" Mu Yue replied with a smile, "My master, if he doesn't gamble for a day, feels quite stifled in his heart"
This is indeed true; Luo Qian pays great attention to cultivating his client base, thus maintaining excellent relationships with his clients. Moreover, Du Lengning is a valuable asset; how could he not make an effort to befriend him? After all, he has earned a substantial amount of money from his own endeavors, so why not use some of that money to buy small gifts to please him? It is certainly in his own interest to do so
Suddenly, a hand reached over from the side, pinching effortlessly with two fingers to catch the dark light. The old man carrying Luo Qian laughed and said, "Old Ghost Doctor, teaching your disciple in front of me, your audacity is quite remarkable." The elder in the chess pavilion had already seen him, silently observing for a while, and suddenly sighed, saying, "Brother Tie Zheng, have you made your decision?"
After some thought, Luo Qian took out a beautifully crafted game magazine he had purchased from the lower realm, locked his cave, and set out to find Du Lengning. The Remote Hall is also ranked among the top thirty sects in the immortal realm, with a large number of disciples. The mountain gate is located in a prime area of the immortal realm, on Ning Yao Mountain, one of the thirty-six mountains in the universe.
Tie Zheng set Luo Qian down from his shoulder. The Ghost Doctor asked, "Who is he?" "I found him on the way; like me, he is also a Robber Immortal." "Oh," the Ghost Doctor replied, somewhat surprised, "Robber Immortals are rare, appearing once every five thousand years. I didn't expect to see two of you in three thousand years from the Immortal Realm.
Du Lengning pondered for a moment and nodded: "What you said makes sense. Alright, let me think about who I know that has practiced lightning spells... it needs to be someone more reliable..." Luo Qian chuckled: "Du Shao, if you want him to be reliable, that's not difficult at all. Just find out what he likes, and I can go to the lower realm to get some for him. Once he uses it, won't he be just like us, all in the same boat?"
The old man crossed the canyon and entered the connected valley behind it. With a casual palm strike, he imprinted a mark on a massive boulder at the canyon's entrance. The boulder shimmered with a flash of spiritual light, shedding its weathered stone skin and transforming into an extraordinarily large piece of exquisite jade. At the same time, the valley was enveloped in a clear radiance, and a portal to a celestial abode appeared out of thin air.
Three jade needles pierced into the top of the head, and Tie Zheng's vision gradually blurred, his consciousness sinking into darkness
Between the two individuals engaged in conversation, they have already arrived at a continuous pavilion corridor. Green bamboo is cut into columns, and withered thatch is pressed into mud to form a roof. Green bricks pave the ground, and carved stones serve as a chessboard. In the center of an octagonal pavilion, an old man and a young man sit facing each other, engrossed in a game of chess. The old man has an ethereal presence, appearing and disappearing at times, firmly seated like a fisherman, stroking his long beard.
The ghostly doctor is a soul immortal, turning and floating away, having already covered more than ten meters without much effort. Tie Zheng grabbed Luo Qian from the ground and followed closely behind.
Although the mountain gate of the Remote Hall is located in Ningyao Mountain, Ningyao Mountain is not solely the territory of the Remote Hall. The immortal realm lacks cities, with the Three Heavens and Six Sources, the Twelve Islands of the Sea, and the Thirty-Six Mountains of the Universe resembling cities that gather a large number of immortals. However, while it is easy to visit these places, establishing a foothold in such locations is quite challenging. Without strength, one must rely on wealth, and the immortal realm is no exception. However, while it is easy to visit these places, establishing a foothold in such locations is quite challenging. Without strength, one must rely on wealth, and the immortal realm is no exception.
The ghostly doctor did not mind and waved his hand, saying, "You two can leave; I have something to discuss with your senior, Tie." Mu Yang and Mu Yue bowed and exited together
A refined immortal, stepping down from his tranquil cave, respectfully said: "If the esteemed elder recognizes our sect's 'Road Inquiry Seal', he must naturally be an old friend of my master, so there is no need for an announcement. Please, come in"
"Can we start now?" Tie Zheng asked. The Ghost Doctor nodded and pointed at Luo Qian: "Since you want to help him... carry him and follow me."
The Ghost Doctor nodded: "Alright, since you have made up your mind, I will not persuade you further. However..." Tie Zheng chuckled: "I understand: a ghost among immortals, a doctor among ghosts, with ghostly hands, worth more than gold. Your medical skills are certainly not cheap." He casually reached into his pocket, and a white jade talisman carved in the shape of a beast appeared in his hand. The Ghost Doctor took it, examined it, and nodded: "Good, a ninth-tier immortal beast, the Azure Water Qilin. My cave is situated in the east, which corresponds to the water element, making it perfect for guarding my entrance. Indeed, the renowned Iron Heart King of the immortal realm, making a move with a ninth-tier immortal beast."
It is unclear how much time has passed, but Luo Qian groggily woke up. A bright ray of sunlight was blinding, causing Luo Qian to furrow his brow. He propped himself up with his hands and looked down to find himself lying on a dry rocky ground. Standing up and brushing off his clothes, he gazed around and realized he was on a high cliff. The rocks were steep and jagged, with only a few tufts of dry grass growing in the crevices. To the north of the cliff, there was a vast expanse of white mist, endlessly shrouded in ambiguity. It seemed that this was the 'dead zone' he had once found himself trapped in.
Luo Qian felt that without resolving the energy issue, his business would not be able to grow significantly. He had long thought of an idea, but this plan required the assistance of a special immortal. In the immortal realm, he was merely a small fry, knowing no one. If he needed help, he could only ask Du Lengning to intervene.
Old Man Tie Zheng carried Luo Qian into the chess pavilion and, smiling, said to Mu Yang: "Today's chess game was interrupted by me, so it doesn't count. Therefore, your master's dirty and smelly medicinal robe should still be washed by him. " Mu Yang, being familiar with him, joyfully replied: "Thank you, Uncle Tie! Haha, my master is not one to renege on a deal. With the honorable Iron Heart King of the Immortal Realm as the judge, I did not lose, and you, sir, did not win either."
The young immortal opposite the old man did not share the same relaxed demeanor. His eyes were fixed on the chessboard, his brows tightly knitted. In his hand was a white jade chess piece, and in his palm, a swirl of colorful light. The light flowed and leaped from the white jade chess piece, which then disintegrated into a fine white powder. The old man chuckled, "Yang, you have lost again. Please also clean my medicinal robe while you're at it, hahaha..."
Returning to his own cave in the Fushan Mountains, Luo Qian spent an entire day assembling the massage chair—destruction is always much simpler than creation; disassembling it was easy, but reassembling it proved to be quite a challenge
Ghost Doctor's Path: "This is where I perform the surgery, and I assure you there will be no outside interference". In the Bai Yutang, two jade beds were slightly raised at both ends, forming a gentle arc. Tie Zheng first placed Luo Qian on one of the jade beds, then lay down on the other. The Ghost Doctor took out three green jade needles: "Are you ready?" Tie Zheng nodded, glanced at Luo Qian beside him, and silently thought: Linglong's courage has brought me to this day step by step, I hope it can also help him safely pass through five hundred years.
A long corridor from the bamboo pavilion leads directly to a medicinal chamber, where the simple fragrance of herbs can be detected from afar. The ghostly physician said, "Just in time to use the Azure Water Qilin you gifted me to protect us." He took out the beast-sealing talisman, infused it with a hint of azure light, and the white jade suddenly became dazzlingly brilliant. The light and shadow swirled, coalescing into a massive form. The Azure Water Qilin was a pale green all over, its skin like armor and its teeth like sharp blades. Surrounded by an aura of immortality, it truly lived up to its reputation as a ninth-tier celestial beast. Infusing it with a hint of azure light, the white jade suddenly became dazzlingly brilliant. The light and shadow swirled, coalescing into a massive form. The Azure Water Qilin was a pale green all over, its skin like armor and its teeth like sharp blades. Surrounded by an aura of immortality, it truly lived up to its reputation as a ninth-tier celestial beast.
Upon hearing this, Du Lengning was somewhat swayed: "Is it really no problem?" Luo Qian shrugged his shoulders: "What problem could there be? Those who spend money on such precious generators must be using our smuggled electrical appliances. Would they dare to report us to the authorities?"
"Du Shao, this matter is actually beneficial for you as well." Luo Qian took a sip of the "Hua Yu Xin Feng" in his cup, the fragrance lingering on his palate, and couldn't help but praise, "The Hua Yu Xin Feng from Ning Yao Mountain truly lives up to its reputation as a famous tea from the celestial realm." "What does it have to do with me?" Du Lengning asked casually while flipping through a magazine.
As the mist dissipated, I arrived at the mouth of the valley, where eleven narrow gorges connected to another valley. The grotesque rocks loomed, and the rocky gorges formed a line. The cliffs on both sides were steep, and the sky was a thin line of white clouds passing through the valley. A cold wind whistled, bringing a chilling atmosphere. Flowers clustered together, exotic trees provided shade, rare birds stirred, and the sounds of birdsong and insects filled the air, creating a scene reminiscent of a celestial realm. The spiritual energy here was abundant, far surpassing the meager cave dwelling of Luo Qian in the Fosh Mountain. However, at this moment, Luo Qian was still in a deep slumber, unable to appreciate such beauty.