Longevity Candle

Phoenix!

Eternal Heaven!
The crimson divine bird in the sky possessed boundless and imposing immortal power and limitless magical strength.

The flames of Nirvana burned fiercely, transforming into a handsome young man clad in feathered robes.

"I've already taken him to the West, why bring him back?"

The phoenix's gaze was icy; years of resentment could no longer be suppressed, and crimson divine light pierced the sky.

The intense heat distorted even the void, and the seawater evaporated.

He took the peasant slave and the green lamp with him and went to the West, hoping that the power of peace and tranquility could keep the green lamp there.

I thought everything would go as planned, and the green lamp would forever remain in the West.

But, for some reason, Qingdeng came back.

He had also searched for a green lamp, but there were too many green lamps in the world, how could he distinguish which one was the right one?
If Jiang Zhu doesn't wake up, the green lamp will remain an ordinary green lamp, and no one will be able to sense it.

He had considered sealing the Green Lamp, but his immortal magic was powerless to do so; he couldn't even leave a mark on it.

The Netherworld Blood Sea trembled, and endless blood evaporated.

As an ancient spirit, the phoenix's magical power has long reached an unfathomable level.

Even if Hongyue Jiang Xiyue were to become a living being, she might not be a match for her.

Rumble

The Netherworld Blood Sea surged with waves, and terrifying light swept out.

Just as she was about to awaken Jiang Zhu, a brilliant silver light burst forth in the void, and space cracked open, engulfing the crimson divine light.

"Hmm?" The phoenix frowned, its gaze turning icy as it stared into the void.

A figure materialized and calmly looked at him: "Yunyou Sect, Yang Liu, greets the Phoenix of Eternal Heaven."

Jiang Xiyue's eyes showed surprise and doubt. How could Yang Liu of the Wandering Sect actually block the phoenix's immortal light?
"The aura of an old friend, reincarnation?" The phoenix stared directly at him, its eyes gleaming with golden light.

"Seeker."

A calm voice rang out, and a blue ox rode through the air. The sky was filled with wind and clouds, which transformed into a vast expanse of purple mist that covered the sky and the earth: "Li Wuwei of Taiping Nongdao greets the Phoenix of Eternal Heaven."

The phoenix's gaze shifted to him, its eyes once again showing a hint of seriousness: "You also carry the aura of an old friend. Has he truly completed the cycle of reincarnation?"

"I don't know." Li Wuwei shook his head and said, "This time, we asked Changshengtian to stop and join us in the search. Huang is among them."

"Phoenix." The phoenix's face was ashen. "You think that by controlling her, I will have to compromise?"

"It's not a compromise, but a journey together into the ancient cycle of reincarnation," Yang Liu said calmly.

"Ancient Reincarnation?" Jiang Xiyue frowned. "What Ancient Reincarnation?"

"Yang Liu, Li Changge, and I were born with an ancient celestial affinity, as was Shakyamuni."

Li Wuwei said calmly, "And you, you are somewhat similar to Jiang Xiyue back then."

"You mean I am the reincarnation of Hongyue Jiang Xiyue?" Jiang Xiyue was stunned.

"I don't know. Only by going to the ancient cycle of reincarnation can we find the answer," Li Wuwei said.

"Where is the Ancient Reincarnation?" the phoenix asked.

“Netherworld, three-headed raven,” Yang Liu replied.

The phoenix said coldly, "To reach the Netherworld, one must either die or seek the wood. But the wood has been destroyed, and it is unknown how many years it will take for a new one to be born."

“The Heavenly Court has a way to go to the Netherworld,” Yang Liu said. “It’s not just you, but also the spirits on the eighteenth floor, and even us, who were victims back then. But must we continue to be entangled like this for all eternity?”

The phoenix's face darkened, and it fell silent.

He hated the river candles and the green lamp.

Because he was killed by the Green Lamp more than once, even his wife Huang was suppressed.

The phoenix's face was grim: "Why didn't you appear before?"

“That’s what we want to know too,” Yang Liu said.

Over the long years, no flower similar to theirs has ever appeared.

But in this era, Jiang Yunmeng appeared, Jiang Xiyue appeared, and so did all of them, all gathered together.

It is quite unusual for so many outstanding talents to gather in one era.

"It might be the old crow playing tricks," Li Wuwei guessed. "Or perhaps, Heaven and Earth don't want us to come out, so the old crow returned to the Netherworld and released us."

Phoenix's expression shifted, its gaze turning cold as it looked at Jiang Xiyue, seemingly still unwilling to give up.

Jiang Xiyue grasped the green lamp, and the light of the sun and moon was already gathering around her, ready to awaken Jiang Zhu at any moment.

“Things within the eighteenth level should also return to the Netherworld, not remain in the mortal realm,” Li Wuwei said gently. “Although you are powerful, you cannot do anything to Qingdeng.”

Phoenix's expression turned cold: "I can spare you trouble, but I won't help you with anything. I won't concern myself with anything within the eighteenth floor."

Having said that, he transformed into a crimson divine bird, spread his wings, and flew away.

"Thank you all." Jiang Xiyue bowed in greeting.

"I also want to thank you. The River of Oblivion in the Netherworld holds many memories and has been of great help to us."

Yang Liu said gently.

"The River of Oblivion still has memories?" Jiang Xiyue asked in surprise, as she had never sensed them before.

“That’s not your memory, so naturally you can’t know it,” Li Wuwei said.

Niu Youdao sighed softly, "Go find the old tortoise. We need to get back to our own business."

"Thank you." Jiang Xiyue bowed again and rode away on a cloud.

They exchanged a glance and then went their separate ways.

Following our senses, we crossed the ocean.

Three days later, Jiang Xiyue saw an island with blooming peach blossoms and Qi cultivators practicing there.

There were also Qi cultivators processing peaches, preparing to brew peach blossom wine.

Jiang Xiyue, holding a green lantern, arrived riding on a cloud, attracting their attention.

“Someone has arrived, carrying a blue lamp.”

A Qi Refiner said.

Yan Yu looked up at Jiang Xiyue who had arrived and calmly asked, "Why did you come to Peach Blossom Island?"

"Ancestor Yanyu," Jiang Xiyue bowed respectfully and said, "My name is Jiang Xiyue, I am Jiang Zhu's adopted daughter. I have been ordered to come to the North Sea to find the Old Spirit and deal with the dangers of the Eighteenth Level..."

She recounted the events, emphasizing the crisis on the eighteenth floor.

A new dynasty rises, a great era of immortals begins, a system of immortal officials emerges, and Qi cultivators slay demons and monsters.

Hearing about such an era, the Qi cultivators of Peach Blossom Island were also quite surprised.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Yunmeng of that time would establish such a dynasty.

Knowing that she had come to Beihai for a reason, Yanyu was unsure how to help: "There are some old spirits in Beihai, but they have no connection with us."

Those old elves did come to visit when the old tortoise first arrived.

But it was just a regular visit, and then there was no further contact.

Although the old tortoise is powerful, it wouldn't cause trouble for anyone for no reason.

In addition, Changshengtian has been managing the North Sea for many years. Not to mention the impossible thing of controlling elves, at least they can make friends.

If you offend your friends, why would the other old elves come to your aid?

No matter how powerful the things on the eighteenth floor are, they won't have much of an impact on these old elves.

“We have to give it a try,” Jiang Xiyue said. “If Changshengtian gives up attacking me, I believe he won’t make things too difficult for me.”

Yan Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Then go and give it a try. The most recent old elf is a giant deep-sea serpent, who has been sleeping at the bottom of the sea for many years."

"Okay, thank you very much, Ancestor." Jiang Xiyue said gratefully.

“You don’t need to call me ‘Ancestor.’ Since you are Jiang Zhu’s adopted daughter, you are my peer on Peach Blossom Island,” Yan Yu said.

She is Li Qingxuan's successor; Li Qingxuan was taught by Jiang Zhu back then. Having obtained the position of the Old Elf, Jiang Xiyue didn't delay, taking a jar of peach blossom wine with her as she entered the deep sea.

The deep sea is pitch black, so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face.

Perhaps because of the old elf, there wasn't a single fish to be seen around; it was eerily silent.

The aquatic creatures dare not come here, for fear of disturbing the great being that is slumbering.

An underwater canyon came into view, where a huge, mysterious creature was slumbering.

Jiang Xiyue arrived silently, radiating a faint light that made her stand out even in the darkness.

The enormous creature did not move until she reached the canyon.

"Jiang Xiyue from Peach Blossom Island has come to visit the old elf. This is newly brewed peach blossom wine from Peach Blossom Island," Jiang Xiyue said respectfully.

"Leave the wine, you may leave now." The aged voice echoed in her ears.

"Old elf..."

An aged voice interrupted directly: "I know your purpose. I have no interest in the eighteenth level or the Central Plains."

"What are you interested in?" Jiang Xiyue was not discouraged and said, "I can try to get anything you are interested in."

"There is nothing in this world that can interest me anymore," the old voice said indifferently.

At his level, he was already one of the most outstanding beings in the world.

Perhaps a large amount of incense offerings and merits would pique his interest.

Unfortunately, Jiang Xiyue didn't have any of these.

Should we send him to the Middle Kingdom to preach?
He doesn't have the time or inclination for that.

Jiang Xiyue pondered, "What about reincarnation? What about the ancient Heavenly Court?"

"Why should I be interested in a bunch of delusional madmen chasing after illusions?" the aged voice retorted.

Heaven or reincarnation are nothing but past delusions.

They pursued it with all their might and used everything they had to create it.

He would be very interested if it were a young elf or a great elf.

But now, he has seen through all of this and no longer wants to get involved in the world's troubles.

Jiang Xiyue remained silent, unsure how to extend the invitation.

"Go away, and don't come back," the old voice said indifferently.

Jiang Xiyue had no choice but to bow and leave the seabed to visit the next old elf.

She then found an old octopus in the deep sea, possessing boundless magical power.

But this creature, like the giant sea serpent, politely refused and used its tentacles to send her to Peach Blossom Island.

"Sigh." Jiang Xiyue sighed, not knowing what to do for a moment.

"Did you suffer a setback?" Yan Yu asked softly.

"They have no desires or wants, so even if the world turns upside down, it really won't affect them. I understand that."

I tried to beg them for help, but I couldn't persuade them; it's truly my incompetence.

Jiang Xiyue said.

She was already very sorry for disturbing these old elves, and since they were unwilling to help, she couldn't possibly blame them.

As for the greater good of the world, why should we suppress the old elf?
She couldn't bring herself to do something so disgusting, nor did she want to provoke the old elf.

The affairs of Middle-earth have nothing to do with the old elves of the North Sea.

“I asked the old turtle, and he also advised you to give up, or stay in Beihai and live a peaceful life.”

Yan Yu said, "The eighteenth floor is indeed dangerous, but it's not like we can't do without you."

“If everyone thinks like that, wouldn’t everyone just stand by and do nothing?” Jiang Xiyue said.

“They have no desires left; it’s almost impossible for you to move them,” Yan Yu said.

“Sigh, without desires or wants…” Jiang Xiyue paused abruptly, “Father seems to be that kind of person too, perhaps he has a way.”

Yan Yu paused for a moment, then said, "Perhaps we can give it a try."

Beings of the same kind, perhaps Jiang Zhu could persuade these beings.

Jiang Xiyue pondered and said, "Father will be asleep for another year, but I can help him wake up early."

"There's no need to be in such a hurry. You can take advantage of this year to visit them a few more times," Yan Yu pondered.

Jiang Xiyue nodded: "You're right. Then I'll stay on Peach Blossom Island, brew wine with you, cultivate, and visit them."

Yan Yu smiled and nodded; she naturally welcomed Jiang Xiyue to stay.

Jiang Xiyue settled down on Peach Blossom Island, picking peaches with them and enjoying the fresh air and mist.

Over the years, the peach blossom wine has been improved, and Jiang Xiyue shared what she knew with them.

They were also taught the methods of spiritual practice.

While on the old tortoise's back, Yan Yu and the others received a lot of guidance from it, and they all cultivated longevity techniques.

After three busy months, Jiang Xiyue once again took the peach blossom wine to see the giant sea serpent.

"What are you doing here again?" The old voice sounded impatient.

Jiang Xiyue said, "Senior, this is peach blossom wine that I brewed myself. I'm just bringing it to you to try, and I don't mean anything else by it."

She put down the peach blossom wine, turned around and left.

She went to see the old octopus again, but he refused to see her at all and sent her away before she could even put down her drink.

Jiang Xiyue was not discouraged and continued to visit the other elves.

She came to the depths of the North Sea, where there was a giant fish, and the water was colder than in other seas.

Jiang Xiyue didn't recognize this kind of fish, and neither did Yan Yu and the others.

Vast and boundless, stretching as far as the eye can see.

When Jiang Xiyue saw him, she was also very shocked. He was even larger than the giant sea serpent or the old octopus.

The old tortoise was less than one-tenth the size of him.

She put down the peach blossom wine and turned to leave.

The big fish never visited the old turtle; it only heard from the old elves that there was such a big fish deep in the North Sea.

She was just here to take a look; all the other old elves had already been visited, and it would be too impolite to leave this one unseen.

Jiang Xiyue did not mention asking for his help; she was simply visiting him.

Big Fish glanced at the wine jar; a whole jar of wine wasn't even enough to moisten his mouth.

He had never tasted human wine, nor eaten ordinary food.

After a slight hesitation, he still tried it. The taste was not bad, but there wasn't enough.

And so, Jiang Xiyue settled down in Beihai and often visited the old elves, though they still didn't give him a friendly look.

Half a year passed quickly.

After visiting them again, just as we were about to return to Peach Blossom Island, the sky suddenly darkened, and the sun was obscured by something.

Jiang Xiyue looked up and saw that the sky was already bright.

A roc, about half a person's height, appeared beside her: "Human, what are you doing in the North Sea?"

"I've come to visit the old elf, I come from the Middle-earth..." Jiang Xiyue didn't hide anything and told him about the Middle-earth.

The roc nodded: "Oh, what does that have to do with you?"

“That’s my homeland, just like the North Sea. If the North Sea falls into chaos, what will you do?” Jiang Xiyue asked.

"I'll continue sleeping. The North Sea has never been peaceful, but that won't affect my sleep." (End of Chapter)