Immortal Road.

Sure enough, after obtaining the treasure, Elder Huang's attitude changed completely, and he stopped paying any attention to him.

At this moment, he turned to the second newlywed favored by the true spirit with a gentle smile and began using his usual methods.

Before leaving, Lin Shan followed the sound of the wind and vaguely heard conversations over there about 'registrar', 'beauty', and 'cave dwelling'.

No?

So you've used the same excuse as before and made the same promise to the next person, trying to get something for nothing!

He had previously had a good impression of Elder Huang, who was quite kind to lower-level cultivators, regardless of whether they were from the demonic or righteous path. He didn't rob them by force and even offered them many conditions. He himself felt that it was nothing special.

But who knew they were just making empty promises? They're pure fraudsters!

"Beasts! All liars are beasts!"

Lin Shan was indignant, feeling that he had given his heart and soul, only to be hurt in return, and suddenly realized how treacherous the world of immortals was.

But something even more dangerous was about to happen.

The boy carried him all the way north, turned around and left without looking back, the wind howling on his face, completely disregarding his feelings.

Lin Shan, feeling helpless like a chick, couldn't help but ask weakly:

"Where does the young Taoist priest intend to take me?"

Don't ask so many questions.

"But isn't Yunbian City to the south? It seems we're going the wrong way."

"I told you not to ask so many questions!"

The boy turned around, looking fierce and menacing; where was the once handsome and innocent boy he had been? Lin Shan was startled!
This journey covered hundreds of miles, taking them far beyond the outskirts of Yunbian City.

A vast sea of ​​clouds floats and rolls, and the green grassland stretches to the horizon. In the Cloud Wind Immortal Realm, this is the standard wilderness.

Finally, the boy stopped.

With a casual toss, he rolled up his sleeves and tossed Lin Shan onto the waist-high grass. Lin Shan looked around like a curious child, wondering what Lin Shan was going to do to him.

"The scenery here is beautiful and excellent; it's a suitable burial place for you."

Without saying a word, the other party took out a magic weapon, lifted up the grass under his buttocks, and dug a large pit in the sea of ​​clouds.

Then, without his consent, he casually drew a water mirror and started recording.

After a series of swift and decisive actions, capturing Lin Shan trembling in the pit, the true intentions were finally revealed!
Is what's meant to happen finally coming?

Lin Shan gave a bitter smile. It seemed that he would eventually have to kill to silence him. I knew that Elder Huang was so kind-hearted. He made empty promises and didn't keep them. Would he allow him to live afterwards?

So that's where he was waiting!

But what happened next was beyond his expectations.

To everyone's surprise, the boy didn't actually do anything. After finishing the job, he simply waved his sleeve with a forlorn expression.

"Okay, let's go."

"???"

Seeing the silly boy standing there blankly, the boy couldn't help but feel angry. But his expression kept changing, from a fierce and menacing look to one of jealousy and resentment, from relief and composure to maturity beyond his years. His inner journey was written all over his face.

With his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant mountains and clouds, he muttered to himself:

“You are a child of destiny. Today you have been favored by the true spirit. You will surely have even more good fortune in the future. It would be a pity for you to die like this. I would rather spare your life and make a good connection.”

"Let me tell you the truth, going back to the Immortal City is a dead end. All those official titles, beautiful women, and cave dwellings are just fleeting clouds!"

"I've followed Master for so long, and I still haven't achieved any official rank. I wouldn't even dare to dream of becoming a Golden Core stage female cultivator. My cave dwelling is still burdened with a three-hundred-year-old spirit stone loan. How could you, a nobody who just got lucky, possibly give it to me like that?"

"However, sometimes luck trumps everything. The fact that I'm giving you a break today is also a kind of luck."

Lin Shan looked surprised. Today's experience had somewhat refreshed his worldview. He discovered that the Immortal Realm was full of talented people!

Elder Huang is a liar, and his servants are cunning too?
The previous actions would have terrified a normal Foundation Establishment cultivator, but you've turned the tables and allowed the tiger to return to the mountain, transforming your master's tyranny into a victim owing you a favor.
I must say, this boy is something else.
Any cultivator who receives the blessing of the true spirit will surely have good luck. If they do not perish prematurely, they will have a bright future if they grow up!
Therefore, by doing thorough preparations and leaving evidence beforehand, he could not only ensure that he could report back to the master, but also lay the groundwork for building relationships in the long run, which shows that he had great ambitions.

At the mere Golden Core stage, he can already think about problems from the perspective of fortune and the future; he's quite a figure, neither too big nor too small!

Lin Shan nodded without saying much. Given his current situation, it was indeed not advisable to reveal too much.

The boy was unaware that it was precisely because of his good deed that he was spared from disaster, and at this moment he was still maintaining his composure, appearing aloof and arrogant as if he were a talented person who had not been recognized.

"I was born into a poor family, but since embarking on the path of immortality, I have studied and practiced diligently every moment without daring to slack off in the slightest. That is how I have achieved the Golden Core of a Child!"

"In a major sect or sect outside, he would be a standard direct disciple! But to the master, he's nothing more than a servant who serves tea and menial tasks. I don't know how long this will continue."

"I hope that once you leave, you will be like a dragon entering the sea, or a phoenix soaring through the heavens, living a different and wonderful life for me. That way, I won't have risked my life to save you in vain."

"If you achieve something in the future, please give me a hand."

These words were carefully crafted. First, he explained that he was talented but had no control over his own destiny. Then, he painted a picture of the future for Lin Shan, saying that he had helped him get ahead. Finally, he pointed out the theme of not forgetting to repay the favor in the future.

The techniques were so skillful, one after another, that it was hard not to suspect that this wasn't the first time he'd done it.

In any case, it's better to avoid conflict.

Lin Shan smiled, took out a high-grade magic artifact befitting his Foundation Establishment stage status, turned around and flew into the distance, decisive and without the slightest hesitation, as if afraid that the boy would change his mind.

Only he knew that nothing stays hidden forever; no matter how seemingly foolproof the matter appeared, the truth would eventually come out.

So before leaving, he secretly transmitted his voice to the boy as a way of making up for his kindness.

"You can still leave now, but it's best not to go back. That's all I can say."

I watched Lin Shan stagger away.

The boy scoffed, clearly ignoring it and not paying much attention, though his opinion of him lowered.

"Although this child is blessed with good fortune, he is timid and dull-witted, so his future achievements may be limited. However, he has cast a wide net and made many connections over the years, so he will surely reap the rewards in the future."

He cleaned up the traces at the scene, humming a little tune as he went back to report.

What I just told Lin Shan is basically true. Don't be fooled by the fact that he is now a top genius in the Immortal City, he is indeed just a handyman by Elder Huang's side!

Without an official position and with his cave dwelling burdened by loans, having a female cultivator at the Golden Core stage as his maid is nothing but a pipe dream!

But he could endure all of this because following big shots allowed him to access many inside stories he couldn't understand, and to build connections for his own use. Wasn't this another way of casting a long line to catch a big fish?
After all, even the most talented Golden Core stage disciples in major immortal sects may not be able to come into contact with Void Realm experts.

On the way back, thinking about the future, Tongzi was still pleased with himself for successfully calculating the time again when he saw Elder Huang with a gloomy face.

It was past Chenshi (7-9 AM) in the birch forest. The True Spirit Bird had departed, the sun was getting stronger, snakes slithered through the grass, and the cultivators who had been watching from Cloud Edge City gradually left, leaving only a few scattered people.

Elder Huang's face was extremely pale at this moment. Several Void Realm cultivators were gathered around him, and another boy was kneeling in front of him, trembling and unable to get up. The reason was suffocating.

It turns out that of the two True Spirit Treasures that were just confiscated, the first one, the True Spirit Feather, spontaneously combusted on the spot and scattered with the wind!

So it's a counterfeit product!
Elder Huang has always been the one to deceive others, but he was actually deceived by a mere Foundation Establishment stage youth. Who could tolerate that?

The other Void Transformation stage cultivators were still watching the drama unfold, their words tinged with schadenfreude:

"Old Huang, the True Spirit Feather is the most valuable treasure that appeared this time. You actually got tricked by a little ant. If word gets out, people will laugh their heads off!"

"Qin Laogui, shut up! That brat dares to fool me, I'll make him wish he were dead!"

Just then, the boy who had released Lin Shan returned and was pulled in front of Elder Huang with a palm strike.

Grabbing him by the collar, she launched into a barrage of questions:
"Where did that kid go?"

The boy was still confused and terrified, but he tried to remain calm.

"Bury it as the master instructed."

"Where is it buried?"

“One hundred miles north of the Immortal City.”

"What about the things he had on him?"

"."

This is terrible. The boy let Lin Shan go, never expecting that the master would still care about it. After all, the man is dead, why would he care about the inheritance?
Elder Huang ruthlessly took all his belongings and began a meticulous search, but found no clues to any true spiritual treasures.

He was so enraged that he immediately flew into a rage!
"Tell me, where did you hide that kid's belongings?"

The boy stammered and couldn't answer. In his panic, he was so frightened that his forehead and the back of his head were covered in sweat. Just then, a calm voice came from behind him.

"No need to look anymore, you servant have already secretly let that person go."

"Master Zangyan?"

When Elder Huang saw the newcomer, he quickly asked why he had said that.

Zang Yan was holding another True Spirit Feather in his hand, which he had just obtained from a lucky little cultivator. However, that person obviously didn't dare to play tricks and readily exchanged some cultivation resources before being allowed to leave.

These are the only two True Spirit Feathers available this time.

The others looked on with envy. Compared to other treasures, the True Spirit Feather, being a feather from a True Spirit, was naturally far more valuable than anything else.

"The fact that he was able to make a fake in such a short time and fool you shows that he is not simple. His cultivation level is probably no less than yours. It's probably too late to catch up now."

Zang Yan played with the feather, a blue light emanating from his eyes as he meticulously examined its interior. A spiral thread swirled around, containing a water-based law, which was why he had specifically acquired this item!
"The other True Spirit Feather comes from the sixth head of the Green Bird. It should be related to the laws of the Soul Path, which means that the kid is very likely a Soul Cultivator. There is no need to take this risk. After all, even if you snatch it, you can't use it. The reward is not commensurate with the risk."

With just a little speculation, he pieced together almost everything.

Of course, this is just an analysis; whether or not to pursue it is entirely up to Elder Huang's own will.

At this moment, the boy he was holding was breathing heavily with his feet off the ground, his face was red and his eyes were bulging. Hearing this, he felt a huge wave of shock in his heart!
what?
The person I let go earlier was just as powerful as any of the others here. So, wouldn't that mean...?
A powerful being at the Void Transformation stage!
Recalling the advice the other person gave me before leaving, everything suddenly became clear.

This is clearly a trap. The other party left behind counterfeit goods and got away safely, but he became the scapegoat!
"Master, it's me..."

"Useless thing, what use are you!"

Elder Huang exerted a tremendous force, and the boy exploded and died on the spot. Before he could say anything, he turned into a cloud of blood mist and was blown away by the wind.

He naturally wouldn't take a mere Golden Core stage child seriously, and there was nothing to regret. The child kneeling at his feet was terrified.

The Void Realm cultivators nearby were indifferent to the matter, too busy gloating to care about such a trivial thing.
“Master, that is still a law, even for a True Immortal it is a treasure. Why don’t you take action yourself?”

Elder Huang was still unwilling to give up and wanted to persuade Zang Yan to take action on his behalf.

But all I got was a cold rejection.

"I already possess a feather of true spirit. The waxing and waning of Heaven depends on divination and is governed by fundamental principles. Now that I am about to return to Penglai to become an immortal, I should treat the interplay of cause and effect as subtraction, not as adding new variables."
How can you be sure that this very thought of yours isn't a trial for me?

There was something profound in these words, and the others listened thoughtfully, nodding in agreement.

Elder Huang was overwhelmed with regret, but he also knew that some things cannot be forced. He hurriedly took his leave and flew towards the Immortal City alone before everyone else could join him.

Watching his retreating figure soar into the sky, Commander Jin on the Golden Ascension Platform sighed:

"Fellow Daoist Huang's state of mind was suddenly stirred up. Anyone who experiences such a dramatic rise and fall would fall into the vicious cycle of gaining and losing treasures. I hope he can calm down as soon as he returns."

Everyone noticed something amiss, but what does it have to do with them?
Seeing this, Zang Yan didn't say anything, but patted the beluga whale that was dozing off beside him.

"Alright, that's enough for this matter. Come back to Penglai with me."

Everyone bowed and clasped their hands in greeting.

"Respectfully bidding farewell to Ancestor Zangyan!"

On the other side.

After Elder Huang arrived at Yunbian City, he couldn't swallow his anger any longer. He threw down the last remaining boy and coldly ordered:

"You go back to the Elder's residence first. I have some business to attend to. If anyone asks, just say I went to visit relatives and friends!"

The boy was much more honest than the previous one, and quickly bowed his head and agreed.

Elder Huang's eyes were sharp, and his heart was filled with raging anger. On the way back, every time he thought about how he had missed out on the True Spirit Feather, he couldn't help but feel regretful and heartbroken!

He considered himself too old and his potential exhausted, and he didn't even have the confidence to overcome the five signs of decay in the celestial realm. That's why the Penglai Immortal Sect sent him to this remote place to live a life of idleness and waiting for death.

Having finally caught up with the arrival of the true spirit, he planned to seize the opportunity to turn his life around. Even if he couldn't improve his cultivation, he could at least exchange it for some resources to help him survive the tribulation of heaven and earth and borrow a thousand years of life from heaven.

But all of this came to naught, and because of a moment of carelessness, the fat meat that was within reach was lost!

In the past, I was the one who lied to others, but this time I was the one who was lied to.

Tolerable or unbearable!
As a dignified elder of the Immortal City, he has held great power for so many years and has never suffered such humiliation. He must retrieve the True Spirit Feather no matter what!

It's understandable that Ancestor Zangyan is about to break through to True Immortal and doesn't want to cause any trouble, so he's too lazy to deal with this trivial matter. But he doesn't have many years left to live anyway, so he might as well go after that swindler!

"You'd better pray I don't catch you, or I'll make you wish you were dead."

A streak of light instantly turned back, speeding northwards towards the Immortal City. (End of Chapter)