Amidst the mountains, mist shadows descend.
A vast round moon hangs bright and clear, seemingly just above the mountain peaks.
And beneath that full moon.
Chen Zhixing with fair complexion and unrivaled elegance, sits cross-legged.
Clad in white clothes as pure as snow, unstained by dust.
His hair dark as ink, seems gently imbued with divine radiance, cascading down his back.
As Chen Zhixing breaks through to the True Self Realm, his aura becomes increasingly ethereal, like one beyond the mortal world, ascending to immortality.
Especially his long and clear eyes, seemingly containing a splendid galaxy.
Were the poet immortal from the Tang dynasty of a past life to witness this, he’d perhaps sigh, ’If not seen on the jade mountain top, then met beneath the moonlit pavilion.’
"Finally attained the True Self."
Chen Zhixing smiles softly, sensing the quietly floating Great Tao Seed within his Dantian Divine Sea.
With a slight urge, this small Great Tao Seed can unleash terrifying power sufficient to overturn mountains and seas!
He can feel it distinctly; breaking through from Divine Travel Realm to True Self Realm is not simply from one to two.
It is a direct leap from one to a hundred!
The gap within is beyond mere words.
Suddenly.
From below the mountain comes a cacophony of noise.
"Senior, where are you?"
"Senior, I want to learn cultivation from you!"
"May I ask your prestigious name? Would you join my Barbarian God Sect? I’m willing to make you the Vice Sect Leader; after I pass away, you’ll be the Sect Leader!"
"Friend, I am Qian Wantang, might we become acquaintances?"
"Senior, are you married? I have a young lady at home, in the bloom of her youth, willing to be your concubine!"
"Sir, I am All-Knowing Scholar in the Cultivation Realm, may I record your details for spreading your fame?"
"Sir, I am Lvu Meng, claiming deep enlightenment in Power Tao, might we spar? If I lose, I am willing to become your disciple!"
"Lvu Meng, even if I were deaf, I would have heard your scheme! Senior, please choose me; I am uniquely talented with extraordinary roots!"
"All of you, get lost! Fortune-tellers say I’m destined for greatness, that one day I’ll don the imperial robe! Senior, choosing me is choosing a future ruler of the Central Dynasty!"
"Senior, do you have a son? If you don’t mind, I wish to become your adopted son in your old age!"
The cries of the clamoring crowd resonate below the mountain.
"So many aspiring talents here."
Chen Zhixing mutters, then with a step, transforms into a streak of light, disappearing amidst the vast mountains.
About half an hour later.
The crowd climbs the mountain top, only to see no trace of the senior, pounding their chests in frustration and lamenting the missed opportunity.
...
...
Meanwhile.
Lucky Inn.
In the celestial suite.
The open window suddenly thunders.
Soon after, a flash of light streaks by, and Chen Zhixing stands inside.
He stands at the window, reaches out to close it.
Then, his gaze sweeps through the room, seeing no disturbances or traces of others, he promptly lies down to sleep.
...
...
Next morning.
The sky is just breaking at dawn.
A steady knocking sound occurs, Chen Zhixing opens his eyes and pushes open the door to see.
Behind it, Elder Nether, looking vibrant and refreshed, smiles brightly as he greets:
"Third Young Master, did you sleep well last night?"
"Quite good, it’s Elder Nether who seems full of energy, renewed and lively," Chen Zhixing replies with a smile.
Elder Nether chuckles lightly, shaking his head with a smile, "Third Young Master, you truly missed out by not following me last night. Could you imagine the scene of deep conversation aboard the painting boat? The gentle waves ripple, the small boat sways slightly, I grabbed hair riding a horse, moving with the waves."
Saying this, Elder Nether closes his eyes, clicks his tongue as if still savoring it.
Chen Zhixing: "..."
Who knew Elder Nether had such a side!
Elder Nether slowly opens his eyes to glance with a smile at Chen Zhixing, "Third Young Master, you don’t understand. If you did, you’d surely be captivated, lost in delight."
After a pause, Elder Nether suddenly leans in, whispering, "Third Young Master, why don’t I record it on profound light mirror for you to watch next time? That way, you’ll be mentally prepared."
Chen Zhixing’s face darkens.
Oh goodness!
Are you cosplaying some secret amorous hero?
"Whether you record it or not, I don’t know, but I recorded your words just now, and I’ll hand them to Patriarch when I return," Chen Zhixing flips his right hand, revealing a profound light mirror dedicated to recording scenes in his palm.
"???"
Elder Nether’s expression freezes, looking at Chen Zhixing in shock.
Can’t handle it?
Are you joking?
Immediately, Elder Nether becomes anxious, shamefully saying, "Third Young Master, if this gets back to the family, where will I put my old face?"
"Put it on your beloveds," Chen Zhixing teasingly replies, seeing Elder Nether genuinely upset, he chuckles, "Just joking, what? You can tease me, but I can’t tease you?"
Elder Nether’s face changes color, finally raises his hand, giving Chen Zhixing a thumbs up, "Third Young Master, you’re clever!"
Shortly after.
The two leave the inn and head out of the city, preparing to continue their journey.
Along the way.
Elder Nether seems to recall something, saying solemnly, "By the way, Third Young Master, did you see someone breakthrough to True Self Realm outside the city last night?"
Chen Zhixing nods, "Yes, I sensed it, but I wasn’t purposely paying attention while cultivating last night."
Elder Nether’s face shows seriousness, "That person transformed five hundred powerful bull demons into his own dharma image. His power is bound to be monstrous; surely, another invincible True Self Realm emerges!"
Chen Zhixing shows a hint of envy, promptly lamenting, "True Self Realm... Ah, when will I reach True Self Realm?"
"Third Young Master, don’t lose heart. You’ve already entered Divine Travel at your age; reaching True Self is definitely assured. You’ll surely be stronger than that person last night," Elder Nether comforts by patting Chen Zhixing’s shoulder, then regretfully adds, "Unfortunately, had the night not been so charming, I would have gone to meet him and perhaps gain a strong ally for the Chen Family."
Chen Zhixing agrees, "Elder Nether speaks true."
The two continue chatting as they walk, soon leaving Hong’an City.
Finding a spacious and deserted place, Elder Nether flips his right hand, unveiling a flying ship in his palm.
"Chop!"
Elder Nether tosses the flying ship into the air, it expands with the wind, quickly becoming a vast ferry hovering in the void.
Chen Zhixing and Elder Nether step onto the deck.
Then Elder Nether raises his right hand, gesturing a seal, steering the flying ship to soar skyward, crossing the boundless sea of clouds, heading swiftly toward Wuxuan City.
Several hours later.
The flying ship traverses grand ridges and Yunhu Marsh.
A bustling city gradually appears from afar.
Wuxuan City, Ruan Family.
Arrived!