Chapter 441: Chapter 424: Path of Immortals and Mortals
"Heh heh, we can’t let the young ones outdo us."
The group arrived before the Primordial Divine Hall. Hann Yun had finally settled down, forced to suppress the seething jealousy in his heart.
Fan Ru placed his hand on the gate of the great hall. Without a doubt, Wang Meng’s impressive display had filled Sect Leader Fan with gratitude. He had brought Wang Meng along partly to give him an opportunity, but mostly in the hopes that he would look after Fan Hong. He never expected Wang Meng to be so helpful. It wasn’t that Sect Leader Fan was overthinking things; a man in his position had seen the fickleness of human relationships and understood the importance of reciprocity. He had simply forgotten that Wang Meng and Fan Hong were not like him.
’Time for this old man to relive his younger days.’
BOOM...
The great gates of the Primordial Divine Hall swung open violently. What did Primordial Cultivators matter? Throughout history, the new generation has always surpassed the old!
Fan Ru took the lead, eager to prove himself lest others think he was just here to leech off their efforts.
As the only woman in the group, Song Yifan suddenly noticed that the entire atmosphere had changed because of Wang Meng. She felt a budding eagerness to prove herself as well.
Upon entering, they found themselves in the main hall of the Primordial Divine Hall. It was worthy of the word "magnificent." Ancient Text Curses were scrawled everywhere, and the hall itself was in disarray, as if it had suffered some great catastrophe.
The group paid it little mind. Their Heart Spirits swept across the hall, quickly locating the sole entrance.
—The Immortal and Mortal Gate.
Lu Chenfeng smiled faintly. "What is Immortal, and what is Mortal?"
"Even if Immortals exist, they’re probably just stronger people," Fan Ru said.
"Brother Fan, how can mere mortals like us presume to fathom Immortals?" Yun Potian countered.
Fan Hong was noncommittal. "Becoming an Immortal is just a way to extend one’s life. Even if you comprehend the Celestial Dao, new problems will likely arise. There must be an issue with ascension itself, otherwise, where are all the Immortals?"
"Heh heh, I suppose we’ll only know once we ascend. For now, let’s walk through this Primordial Immortal and Mortal Gate."
The Primordial Divine Hall was bound to contain some miraculous Ancient Techniques. For cultivators at Lu Chenfeng’s level, experience was undoubtedly paramount.
Lu Chenfeng’s cultivation was the highest. "I’ll go first."
The Immortal and Mortal Gate resembled the maw of a great beast. The Wind Celestial Venerable took a step forward and vanished inside.
Mu Jiuling and Yun Potian followed close behind.
Fan Ru glanced at Wang Meng and Fan Hong. "Fan Hong, from this moment on, you must savor every step. Don’t let Wang Meng’s efforts go to waste."
"Uh, what exactly is going on?" Fan Hong was now completely baffled. ’What is all this? Why can’t anyone speak plainly?’
Fan Ru had come this time specifically for this Path of Immortality and Mortality. Primordial Cultivators were far more focused on ascension than modern cultivators. Back then, things weren’t so complicated, and sects were more loosely organized; ascension was the one and only goal. But things were different now. The purpose of a cultivator’s existence was no longer purely for ascension; to be precise, power and influence were more important.
Whether ascension or power, both were forms of desire, never straying from fundamental human nature.
And this Path of Immortality and Mortality was something created by the Primordial Cultivators to purify themselves. It was a Secret Technique only they could create.
After discovering this Primordial Divine Hall, Fan Ru was determined to bring Fan Hong here no matter what.
Bu Qingyun and Yi Fan went in. Hann Yun glanced at Song Yifan. "Yifan, you go ahead."
Song Yifan nodded and walked in. Immediately after, without so much as a glance at Wang Meng and Fan Hong, Hann Yun charged inside.
Fan Xiaoniao was clearly nervous again. "Mengzi, I don’t think I can do this. Damn, what if..."
Wang Meng clapped Fan Hong heavily on the back. "You have to face the music either way, so you might as well get it over with. Fan Xiaoniao, remember when we first met? Even back then, I thought you were talented and strong. Look at you now—you’re probably the first person to enter the Primordial Divine Hall without even reaching Minor Perfection."
"Damn, you’ve really hyped me up. I’m going for it!"
Fan Hong squeezed his eyes shut and dove headfirst inside.
Wang Meng gave a wry smile. ’You really can’t get by these days without a little sweet-talking. Besides, Fan Ru wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble if he wasn’t fully prepared.’
’The Path of Immortality and Mortality, is it? I’m curious to see what’s so different about it.’
Wang Meng stepped inside.
Instantly, the scene before him changed.
How was he back in the mortal world?
"Boss, damn it, I got beat up again!" Zhang Xiaopang said, his face a mask of misery.
"We’ll get them back tomorrow!"
"I’m not worried about that, but I’m just so depressed. What should I do?" Zhang Xiaopang’s morale was indeed low.
"How about... we go peek on Hu Jing while she’s bathing?" Wang Meng suggested.
Instantly, Zhang Xiaopang lit up. "Brother Meng, you’re brilliant!"
Wang Meng gave a cool wave of his hand. "Brothers for life. You think I don’t know what’s on your mind?"
Zhang Xiaopang suddenly looked suspicious. "Brother Meng, don’t tell me you want to watch too?"
"Get lost! I’m making a personal sacrifice here for the greater good. Now go get some bricks!"
Zhang Xiaopang immediately scurried off to prepare.
Suddenly, everything vanished. Wang Meng seemed to be floating high in the sky, a feeling so mystic it defied description. Before him hovered a luminous gate. One step through, and he could ascend, comprehending the Celestial Dao in a way no one ever had before.
But when he looked back, he saw that the Holy Hall, where Zhang Xiaojiang, Hu Jing, and Yang Ying were, was under attack by Demon Cultivators. They were in mortal danger.
The chance for ascension was fleeting. Miss it, and it would never come again. The opportunity to glimpse the Celestial Dao was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, even among countless cultivators.
’What do a few mere mortals matter?’
’Besides, you have to abandon them one day anyway. If separation is inevitable, why care so much?’
The Gate of the Celestial Dao was slowly fading. Meanwhile, the Holy Hall was being overrun by countless Demon Cultivators. It was the most critical moment. Zhang Xiaojiang and the others were fighting desperately, every one of their expressions crystal clear.
’Make your choice. And time is running out.’
"If the heavens had feelings, they too would grow old. The righteous path in the human world is one of hardship and change."
Perhaps Wangtian had long ago grasped the true meaning of heaven’s will. That was why he followed it, severing his emotional ties and killing to achieve his goals, all to empower himself.
Moo Shan had also understood, but he chose to act against the heavens. He was truly worthy of the title "Heaven-defying Evil God." Even with the gate to godhood right before him, he would cast it aside like a worn-out shoe. What magnificent valor!
And Wang Meng?
Wangtian was Wangtian, and Moo Shan was Moo Shan!
And Wang Meng... was Wang Meng!
’My fate is my own, not for the heavens to decide! Who are you to make me choose? I refuse to choose at all!’
’The Path of Immortality and Mortality... what a load of bullshit!’
With a deafening ROAR, a white light filled Wang Meng’s vision.
Lu Chenfeng and the others were all there. From the expressions on the four Sect Leaders’ faces, they had all gained considerable insight.
Bu Qingyun sat cross-legged, the Young Sect Leader of the Cyan Cloud Sect having clearly benefited greatly. Hann Yun, Yi Fan, and Song Yifan also had joyful expressions. It was obvious that the Path of Immortality and Mortality was a rare trial for tempering the Heart Spirit, and everyone had reaped handsome rewards.
Only Fan Hong had yet to emerge. Fan Ru, however, appeared quite calm. "Brother Wang, did you feel anything?"
This form of address, "Brother Wang," placed Wang Meng on equal footing with him, causing Lu Chenfeng and the others to look over in surprise.
Wang Meng shrugged helplessly. "Seems my luck wasn’t very good. I didn’t feel a thing."
’This Path of Immortality and Mortality was designed for those who operate within the rules. Wang Meng himself was a heaven-defying existence; if he had made a choice, his cultivation would have plummeted. But Wang Meng was Wang Meng. He wouldn’t be fooled by some rigid set of rules.’
"Old Fan, what’s going on with Fan Hong?"
Seeing Fan Ru drop the formalities first, Wang Meng didn’t stand on ceremony either. He could tell that Fan Ru’s gesture wasn’t mere pleasantry this time; it was genuine.
"Heh heh, it’s related to the Cultivation Technique I passed on to Fan Hong. When you first met him, wasn’t he a bit muddle-headed?" Fan Ru said with a faint smile.
Wang Meng thought for a moment. "Ah, yes. Back then, he would forget who I was every day. It was quite a while before he cleared up. Could it be..."
"Heh heh, that’s right. This is my Dharma Flower Sect’s Marriage Robe Divine Technique. Back when I practiced this technique, I barely survived. Fan Hong has been practicing it since he was a child. The boy is lucky to be alive, to have endured it. Now is the time for him to break through. I hope this Path of Immortality and Mortality can awaken him."
Fan Ru sighed with emotion. He had practiced it in a daze back then, lost in confusion for a long time. His Heart Spirit and Sea of Fate were in a constant state of chaos until a chance encounter led to an epiphany.
The key to the Marriage Robe Divine Technique is to destroy and then rebuild, to find order through chaos.
But at the critical moment, that chaos must be brought back into order, or one would remain muddle-headed for life.
Fan Hong was incredible in his own right. Not long after entering the Cultivation Academy, he gradually began to stabilize. Fan Ru knew the opportunity had arrived. He was his son, after all; the student must surpass the master.
"Now, it all depends on his own fortune," Fan Ru said.
Although the conditions were perfect, whether or not he could succeed was still up to Fan Hong himself.
"Wang Meng, my Dharma Flower Sect owes you. If you ever need anything in the future, just ask. Don’t be a stranger."
Fan Ru said. For a Sect Leader of his stature to make such a promise was a serious matter, especially in front of the other three Sect Leaders. The Dharma Flower Sect was by no means weak.
"Old Fan, I did this because Fan Hong is my friend. It has nothing to do with you."
"Haha, it seems I was being too formal. My mistake!" Fan Ru laughed, thoroughly pleased.
’That kid Fan Hong is much luckier than I was. What a fortunate life.’
The Marriage Robe Divine Technique?
Yun Potian and the others had clearly heard of it. ’This thing... people actually practice it?’
’It turns you into an idiot, and the symptoms vary. Ten who try, ten who go mad.’
The Marriage Robe Divine Technique was, in essence, a method of accumulating power for a massive burst. By harming oneself, one could receive compensation from heaven and earth. It seemed Fan Ru had great expectations for Fan Hong; he wasn’t just aiming for him to simply reach Great Perfection.
As for what those expectations were, under the current Star Alliance system, he was clearly aiming for the Holy Statue.
Everyone present clearly realized this. The Dharma Flower Sect’s ambitions were vast.
But even with this method, was success in breaking through to the Dream Mark realm guaranteed?
The chances were slim. It was just another case of taking chestnuts from the fire.
Lu Chenfeng wasn’t concerned with Fan Hong’s situation at all. Instead, he was extremely interested in Wang Meng. If he could get Wang Meng to join the Cyan Cloud Sect and form a Gemini Star with Bu Qingyun, the Cyan Cloud Sect would surely take a great leap forward!
Once in the top ten, advancing further was incredibly difficult. The established sects needed an astonishing breakthrough.
From Lu Chenfeng’s perspective, he had to look past the surface to the essence of things. The upcoming Battle of the Other Shore would be a direct reflection of each sect’s future strength. A talent like Wang Meng would undoubtedly be fought over fiercely after the battle. It was clearly better to strike first.
Speaking of which, he had Fan Ru to thank for letting him see Wang Meng’s true power. And here, there was really no one who could compete with the Cyan Cloud Sect for him. Among the Saint Cultivation Sects, the Cyan Cloud Sect’s reputation was second to none.
For several Great Perfection cultivators to wait for Fan Hong to emerge was indeed a great condescension on their part.
"Wang Meng, are you interested in joining the Cyan Cloud Sect? With your aptitude, if you want to advance further, you can’t rely on your own training alone."
Lu Chenfeng got straight to the point. Given his status, there was no need to beat around the bush, and this directness was in itself a form of high praise for Wang Meng.
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