Absolute Destiny Game.

Chapter 532 Meeting a colleague

"Brother Suifeng is also going to seek a chance at immortality?!" The man with antlers stared wide-eyed in surprise. "Oh my, that's really a rare thing! But brother, seeking immortality is not easy! The immortal said that you have to have some 'heavenly treasures' as 'sincerity' to be qualified to see the immortal and exchange for a chance."

Without a word, Xiao Jie untied the bag from his back and dumped it onto the table with a clatter. Inside were a pile of shimmering, spiritually vibrant objects:

Moonstone: Pure white like jade, cool to the touch, containing the pure power of moonlight, it is a rare jade formed over many years from the giant rock where the white wolf howled at the moon.

Earth Vein Blood Ginseng: A ginseng that resembles an infant and is entirely crimson, exuding a rich essence of earth and blood. He obtained it by chance when he was absorbing the spiritual energy of the earth vein at a node of the earth vein.

Lightning-Struck Wood Core: A piece of wood charred black as charcoal but containing a purple glow, taken from the core of a thousand-year-old tree that was struck by lightning but miraculously survived, containing a trace of the true meaning of lightning.

Cold Pool Jadeite: A milky-white jade stone the size of an egg, constantly emitting a chilling aura, obtained from the eye of a deep pool, a rare treasure formed from the essence of Gui water.

Golden-Eyed Demon Tiger Eyes: A pair of well-preserved tiger eyes with golden pupils, belonging to a monstrous tiger on the verge of transforming into a demon. They contain the power of sharp metal to ward off evil and are spoils of war he obtained when he was fighting alongside the army.

These are all treasures he discovered while struggling to survive in the wilderness, or spoils of war captured during his military campaigns. Each one is a rare and precious item.

He looked at the two of them calmly: Is that enough?

"Enough! That's enough!!" The burly man with the bear-like nose stared wide-eyed and nodded repeatedly. "The ceremony set by the immortal will be held on the fifth day of the eighth month at the top of Qixia Mountain! Many brothers from the army and powerful figures from all over the country will be there! We two will also go and join in the fun. If Captain Suifeng is interested in going, we can travel together."

Over the next few days, Xiao Jie inquired about the "Qixia Immortal" from various sources.

In Giantwood City, one of the surrounding towns, there are many rumors about the Immortal Qixia, but the contents are often contradictory.

Legend has it that this "Qixia Immortal" is mysterious and unpredictable. He only manifests himself once every 49 years at Qixia Mountain, opening an altar to preach the Dharma and helping those with affinity to become immortals.

There are many different theories about its origin: some say that it was originally a great power in ancient times, who was banished to the mortal world for violating heavenly rules, and needs to accumulate merits before it can return to the celestial court.

Some say he was the spirit of an ancient Qixia tree that had attained enlightenment, compassionate and wanting to enlighten the demon race to ascend to the Great Dao.

Some even claim with certainty that Kaiyang Xingjun, who stirred up the winds and clouds of Canglin hundreds of years ago and eventually ascended to heaven, received a word of enlightenment from this immortal, which helped him break through the illusions and ascend to heaven!
It is precisely because of the legend of Kaiyang Xingjun that countless demons flock to the Qixia Dharma Assembly each time. However, the path to immortality is elusive; although hundreds gather for each assembly and offer countless treasures, only one or two are ultimately chosen by the immortals and promised "conversion." It is said that those chosen are taken away by the immortals, either to cultivate in a grotto or to ascend directly to the celestial realm, where they live freely and are never heard from again. This mystery and difficulty only add to the allure of the event.

The more Xiao Jie learned, the stronger his expectations grew, but at the same time, a trace of doubt arose. From what he knew, how difficult was it to become an immortal? How could it be opened so "easily" on a regular basis? This Qixia Immortal's Dharma assembly was undeniably somewhat eerie.

However, he could no longer endure it and only wanted to become an immortal as soon as possible so that he could find out whether his life was real or illusory. Even if there were some doubts, he could not care about them anymore.

Finally, the fifth day of the eighth lunar month arrived.

At the foot of Qixia Mountain, a large crowd thronged. Xiao Jie followed hundreds of demons from all over Canglin Prefecture, climbing upwards along the rugged mountain path. Each of them carried heavy bundles containing what they considered their life's worth—various rare treasures, spiritual herbs, and ores. The air was thick with tension, anticipation, and a touch of fervor.

Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking view unfolds before your eyes.

The mountaintop has been leveled by human hands to create a huge platform, shrouded in mist and shimmering with rosy light, giving it a somewhat ethereal, otherworldly feel. Although there are no grand palaces or Taoist temples, the arrangement is quite meticulous: in the center of the platform stands a simple yet ancient jade altar, surrounded by forty-nine apricot-yellow flags that flutter and rustle even without wind, their surfaces covered with mysterious runes that emit a faint spiritual glow.

In front of the altar, dozens of prayer cushions were neatly arranged for those seeking an audience to kneel and sit. Several gnarled ancient pines dotted the surrounding area, adding to the serene and ancient atmosphere. The entire area was shrouded in a thin layer of rosy light that seemed to distort the light, causing the sunlight to shimmer with iridescent colors, creating a dreamlike "celestial" atmosphere.

Xiao Jie followed the others into this "celestial realm" shrouded in rosy light, his sharp gaze sweeping over the surroundings, his astonishment growing even stronger.

On either side of the altar stood twelve handsome young Taoist boys with red lips and white teeth, all dressed in moon-white robes, holding whisks, their expressions solemn. Further out, thirty-six Yellow Turban warriors, each over twelve feet tall, with bulging muscles, clad in golden armor, and expressionless faces, stood like statues cast in gold and iron, wielding heavy golden maces and giant axes, their imposing presence radiating a powerful sense of oppression, guarding the center of the altar.

On the lotus platform at the very center of the altar sat an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face, exuding an air of otherworldly grace. He wore a purple robe with a sash embroidered with the Eight Trigrams, a hibiscus crown, and held a white jade whisk. His long beard reached his chest, his complexion was ruddy, and his eyes seemed to gleam with divine light. A pure aura surrounded him, and his appearance was solemn and dignified, truly resembling an enlightened immortal!

This is the legendary Immortal Qixia!
He really does have the air of an immortal.

However, Xiao Jie's brows furrowed slightly. He had seen "immortals," at least in his memory. Whether it was Shenjizi, Xuanxuzi, Dangmo Zhenren, or Martial Immortal... those people were either aloof and cold, or imposing and unpredictable, or unrestrained and unruly, but without exception, they all appeared extremely young and handsome, at most a composed middle-aged man.

The old man before him, with his white hair and beard, looking frail yet exuding an air of "immortality," was completely different from the image of an immortal he remembered, making him instinctively feel a little strange.

But strangely enough, judging solely by his appearance and the atmosphere he created, the old man before him seemed more like the "old immortal" of mortal imagination than the "immortals" in his memories. Could it be that his memories were truly just a dream?

At this moment, Xiao Jie began to doubt himself.

The Dharma assembly began. Those seeking an audience stepped forward one by one, respectfully offering their treasures. The Immortal Qixia, however, did not even glance at the treasures; his seemingly murky but actually piercing eyes merely scrutinized the presenters.

For most people, he would simply nod slightly, and the young Taoist beside him would wave his hand, signaling them to step aside and wait. Only when encountering those demons with powerful auras, dragon-like blood, extraordinary talent, radiant spiritual light, or a composed demeanor that clearly indicated they were masters, would the old immortal show a hint of approval and nod slightly. At this time, a young Taoist would step forward and quietly guide that person to stand in a specially designated area on the other side of the altar.

At these times, the chosen ones are invariably overjoyed and extremely excited. Clearly, these are the lucky ones who have received "divine favor" and will be "converted."

Xiao Jie watched coldly, his sense of unease growing stronger. There were far too many people "capable of salvation"! Although they were still a minority in proportion, out of several hundred people, twenty or thirty had already been guided to special areas! If they could all truly become immortals, wouldn't that be a joke?
His pupils suddenly contracted when his gaze swept over a burly figure with two horns on its head and a fierce aura in the special area! That person was none other than the infamous demon king "Mountain-Splitting Rhinoceros" Niu Dali, who had been notorious during the rebellion a few years ago!

This person had fought against Xiao Jie on the battlefield, but was later defeated and fled, disappearing without a trace. I never expected him to appear here!
Niu Dali seemed to recognize Xiao Jie as well. He grinned, revealing a ferocious and provocative smile, and said in a low voice, "Hehe, don't look at your grandpa Niu like that! Xiao Yue, that woman, is so arrogant. Isn't she just relying on the immortal backing her up? When I, old Niu, become an immortal, let's see how she can still jump around!" He gestured behind him with his chin.

Xiao Jie followed the gaze and was even more shocked! In this special area, there were several of the most famous leaders and top-tier demons of the rebel army back then! Some of them still had their portraits hanging on the state government's bounty posters! The bounties were frighteningly high! Fortunately, on this "immortal mountain," intimidated by the majesty of the immortals, they dared not act rashly for the time being.

Xiao Jie was instantly caught in a fierce internal struggle: Should he immediately descend the mountain to report the crime and lure the state army to encircle and annihilate these serious criminals? Or...?

"Next! Number 197!" the Taoist boy's clear voice rang out.

Xiao Jie glanced at the wooden sign in his hand that read "197"—it was his turn.

Well, since we're already here, we might as well see what this "immortal" is up to first, and then we can make our own plans later. He took a deep breath, pushed through the crowd, and walked towards the old man on the lotus platform.

As he approached, the Immortal Qixia, who had been half-closing his eyes, suddenly opened them. His turbid gaze swept over Xiao Jie, and a barely perceptible hint of surprise and...greed flashed in his eyes. He put on a warm smile, nodded slightly, and then turned to whisper a few words to a young Taoist boy holding a sword beside him.

The sword-wielding boy immediately stepped forward, gestured to Xiao Jie to "please," and said in a detached tone, "You, come this way with me."

Xiao Jie was surprised: He had actually been chosen too?
The lengthy "Ascension to Immortality" ceremony lasted for almost the entire morning before concluding. Including Xiao Jie, a total of thirty-eight "destined individuals" were chosen. Xiao Jie could clearly sense that each of these people possessed a powerful aura and formidable strength; they would all be powerful figures in Canglin Prefecture.

"Hahaha! This is awesome! I've really become an immortal. Let's see how that woman Xiaoyue can still swagger around in front of me!" Niu Dali couldn't contain his excitement and whispered to his companion.

"Brother Niu, don't be too happy yet."

Beside him, a sinister snake demon named Bilinjun poured cold water on the situation, saying, "With so many people, how can everyone have a chance at immortality? I bet there will be a rigorous test coming up! Legend has it that only one or two people can truly 'ascend to immortality' at each Dharma assembly. The one who laughs last is the real winner!" His eyes gleamed with calculation.

As Xiao Jie listened to their discussion, his unease grew stronger.

Led by two young Taoist disciples, the group passed through a hazy glow of dawn and arrived at a magnificent stone hall built against the mountain behind the mountaintop platform. The hall's doors were wide open, revealing a deep and dark interior.

Just as everyone was preparing to step into the stone hall with mixed feelings—

"Hahahaha—!" A deafening burst of wild laughter, filled with smugness and mockery, suddenly erupted from the depths of the stone hall! The laughter was arrogant and unrestrained, a stark contrast to the otherworldly and dignified image he had projected on the altar earlier!
All the demons were stunned! That laughter sounded... far too unfriendly! Some of the slower-witted ones even unconsciously chuckled twice.

"You bunch of furry, horned mountain spirits and monsters!" The maniacal laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by a chilling, contemptuous rebuke. "You've truly been blinded by greed! You filthy creatures dare to dream of becoming immortals? Keep dreaming!"

Before the words were even finished, a strange change occurred inside and outside the stone hall!
"Boom!" The stone hall doors slammed shut! At the same time, the light around the platform fluctuated violently, and dozens of Yellow Turban warriors, who had previously stood like statues, suddenly came to life! Their eyes blazed with golden light, and they raised their heavy golden hammers and axes high, stomping heavily as they surrounded the thirty-eight "destined ones" from all directions, trapping them firmly in the open space in front of the stone hall! The leader, a golden-armored warrior, was nearly three zhang tall, like a small mountain cast in gold and iron, his giant hammer flashing with blinding lightning! Xiao Jie looked at his blurry yet resolute silhouette, and his heart skipped a beat—he vaguely felt that the man looked familiar!

I desire... to become an immortal?
"What?!" "Immortal, you...!" The demons were shocked and instantly fell into chaos!
The Immortal Qixia slowly rose from the lotus platform, a cruel and greedy smile on his face, looking down at his panicked "prey": "You are nothing more than materials for me to refine the Nine-Turn Ascension Pill. However, I'm not entirely deceiving you. When your flesh, blood, and souls are refined into the pill and merged into my body, helping me achieve immortality, you will naturally be considered 'one with me' and 'share the immortal blessings'! Hahahaha!"

Xiao Jie trembled violently, as if struck by lightning! A long-forgotten job title, carrying boundless chill, instantly broke through the lock of his memory and clearly appeared in his mind!
A demon refiner! This person is not an immortal at all, but a demon refiner who is skilled in refining demons and extracting their essence!

This is like running into a competitor.

(End of this chapter)