Longevity Candle

Chapter 82: All are members on the path to immortality

Wandering soul!

No wonder there are so many wandering souls in Yunmeng Kingdom.

It is nourishment from the wonders of heaven, and also the resources for prolonging life by following the way of heaven.

"What kind of strange object is that?" Jiang Zhu asked.

"You'd have to ask it, but its brain was damaged by Shuntiandao."

The old dragon pointed to the three-headed raven: "It is actually older than the old dragon, guarding that celestial wonder and preventing wandering souls from entering..."

Following the Heavenly Way, he searched for the past, severely injured the Three-Headed Nether Crow, and seized the wondrous object.

"Old Dragon only knows that it was left behind by Taiyin Youying, which they call Youmingtian. It gathers moonlight and binds wandering souls. Every year at the end of the year, three-headed raven will carry soul-guiding lamps to guide wandering souls away from the human world and to the places where they should go."

The Soul-Guiding Lamp was taken by the Heavenly Path. They originally intended to kill the Three-Headed Nether Crow, but whenever he was on the verge of death, the Netherworld would show signs of collapse, so they dared not kill him again.

“He often remembers something and wants to return to the Netherworld to retrieve the Soul-Guiding Lamp, but he can’t. After many battles, he has completely forgotten the Netherworld and his mind is in chaos.”

After listening to the old dragon's story, Jiang Zhu sighed deeply: "I originally thought that following the way of Heaven was a benevolent faction that was preventing the path of immortality and protecting the spirits."

"There is no such thing as good or evil. They are no different from those who seek immortality, except that they have embarked on a different path to immortality."

The old dragon said.

"Then why does the Dao of Following Heaven want to stop the Dao of Longevity from killing spirits to prolong life?" Jiang Zhu asked.

"In order to grow stronger, they will also kill the spirits of the Longevity Path to prolong their lives."

The old dragon recounted, "Those rescued elves, or their friends, will mostly join the Shuntian Dao after receiving its help. Of course, it may also be related to the Youming Tian."

Jiang Zhu pondered carefully: "The path to immortality requires the fate of mortal nations, and the path to following the will of Heaven requires wandering souls. They have used both the life and death of mortals."

“They are all seekers on the path to immortality,” the old dragon said.

"And what about you?" Jiang Zhu looked at him.

“Me? I’m considered his disciple.” The old dragon turned to look at the three-headed raven: “He taught me how to cultivate and gave me a lot of guidance, but I couldn’t help him.”

"So, you invited me here because you've taken a liking to Li Qingxuan," Jiang Zhu said.

"Then why did you bestow upon me the ability to guide souls? On this land, apart from the old crow's supernatural powers, you are the first person capable of sending away wandering souls," the old dragon said.

“I was wandering in the mortal world, and all those I met were by fate, so I bestowed blessings upon them. She followed her ancestral teachings and wanted to illuminate the wandering souls. Coincidentally, I knew the Taiyin Youying method, so I gave her a peach wood lamp.”

Jiang Zhudao.

"I thought you had designs on the Netherworld Heaven," the old dragon said disappointedly, having hoped to gain another ally.

"If you want to oppose the Way of Heaven, you must have won over quite a few allies, right?" Jiang Zhu asked. "The Way of Immortality?"

"Within the Yunmeng Kingdom, I can only protect the area around the Southern Ridge. As for the Path of Immortality, it is not the same as my path, and I do not seek immortality." The old dragon sighed slightly. "As for opposing the Path of Following Heaven, that would be too much to ask of me. I just want to do something for the old crow."

Having said all that, Jiang Zhu had more or less figured it out.

The old dragon wanted to ask him about the ancient Zhuzhao.

Back then, Li Qingping was able to unleash the ancient Candle Illumination, killing immortal masters, Taoists, and spirits of mountains and seas, giving the old dragon hope to fight against the Way of Heaven.

But Jiang Zhu didn't have that method, so he settled for the second best and wanted the soul-summoning ability of the peach wood lamp.

Seemingly sensing Jiang Zhu's thoughts, the old dragon spoke again: "The old dragon does not want the ability to guide souls, but hopes that she can persevere, clear away the wandering souls, do good deeds, and also weaken the Way of Heaven."

He added, "If she encounters difficulties, Lao Long can also help, at least to ensure her safety."

"Aren't you afraid of following the will of Heaven now?" Jiang Zhu asked.

"Old Dragon said that as long as we are near the Southern Ridge, Shuntian Dao cannot act recklessly." The old dragon proudly raised its head.

As an old elf, he also had his pride.

Even if they can't defeat Shuntiandao, they still have the ability to protect themselves.

Jiang Zhu said calmly, "Qingxuan's choice is entirely up to her. I will not make the decision for her."

“Of course not. If she stops sending away wandering souls, I won’t force her. We’ve lived through so many years, there’s no need to rush,” the old dragon said.

"Then let's do it that way," Jiang Zhu said. "I also hope that we can become friends."

"That's natural," the old dragon nodded.

"The reason I'm going to Nanling is to find a snake king," Jiang Zhu said. "If there are any inconveniences, I'll find another place."

“No need for that, she has already made her choice,” the old dragon said. “There’s one more thing, do you know where the wandering souls that were sent away ultimately went?” Jiang Zhu asked.

"You'll have to ask the old crow; the old dragon doesn't know," the old dragon shook his head.

Jiang Zhu got up and left. The three-headed raven was released and flew to his shoulder. Its three heads glared at the old dragon: "Old serpent, just wait and see. Once I think of a way, I will definitely lock you up and find a bunch of serpents to make you have a bunch of sons."

"Go to hell, I slept with your mother..."

"How dare you imprison your father..."

Jiang Zhu quickly flew out of the mountain and returned to the outside.

If it weren't for their deep affection, the old dragon might have actually killed the three-headed raven.

Which great elf could tolerate such insults?
The old dragon sighed deeply, filled with helplessness and sorrow.

Mortals who seek immortality often end up separated from their wives and children; emperors who seek immortality often lead to widespread suffering; what about elves and immortal masters who seek immortality?
Jiang Zhu sighed inwardly, "The path to immortality is difficult."

“Uncle Jiang Zhu, Crow Immortal.” A golden snake, as brilliant as gold, was perched on Li Qingxuan’s shoulder. It was only as thick as a little finger, but it contained a strong aura of power.

Unable to find fault with the old dragon, the three-headed crows turned their attention to cursing Master Yuhua: "Kid, just you wait, I'll make you drink my foot bath water sooner or later."

"I'm leaving now. See you next time, I'll beat you to a pulp."

"Have your wife cleaned up. I'll be here tonight. You stay outside and keep watch."

What a dirty curse!

Master Yuhua was clearly used to it, and laughed, "Then it's settled, I'll get married right away."

Three-Headed Raven: "..."

Jiang Zhu: "..."

Li Qingxuan felt that all her fantasies about immortals had shattered at this moment.

Jiang Zhu rode a cloud and took her away. If she continued to listen, the little girl would probably turn bad.

The three crows grumbled and left.

“Jiang Zhu, the immortal of Nanling, and Mingya Xian, seem to have some…” Li Qingxuan ultimately didn’t finish her sentence.

This is just like those wandering knights and thugs cursing in the street, filthy and disgusting.

“There are no immortals, just spirits born of nature, a group of seekers of immortality,” Jiang Zhu said.

"Seekers of immortality? Aren't they immortals and immortal masters?" Li Qingxuan asked.

"Whether they are immortal masters or elves, they are all part of the path of cultivation. Compared to ordinary people who seek immortality, they are merely cultivators who have stepped into the path of immortality."

Jiang Zhu turned to look at where the old dragon was: "They have never seen immortals, but they have all possessed supernatural abilities. People call them immortals. Over time, some of them have come to believe that they are immortals."

"And what about you?" Li Qingxuan asked.

"Me? A spirit in the green lamp, a wandering soul, or perhaps, a traveler through the years," Jiang Zhu said after thinking for a moment.

"Then why don't you seek immortality?" Li Qingxuan asked.

"I am not seeking immortality."

"Then what are you asking for?"

I'll tell you later.

"Then you must tell me, maybe I can help."

Li Qingxuan was very curious about what Jiang Zhu was seeking. His ancestors had never said what he was seeking. It seemed that he was seeking nothing, but when he woke up, he would look down at the world.

Back in the peach grove.

Jiang Zhu glanced at the golden snake, and Li Qingxuan said, "Immortal Master Yuhua said that this is a snake king enlightened by the spirits of the Southern Ridge. It has been nourished by a trace of magic power. Although it cannot enter the path of immortality, it has reached the limit of the mortal world and has some intelligence."

"Heh." Jiang Zhu shook his head: "The limits of the mortal world are within you."

This golden snake is indeed impressive, but the so-called limit of mortals lies in Yao Yao, Li Qingping, and also in the future Li Qingxuan.

This golden serpent could kill those who had touched the path of immortality with a flick of its finger.

The golden snake possessed some intelligence and could understand his words, but it dared not act rashly.

(End of this chapter)