Immortals Step into Heaven

Shangguan Zi shook her head slightly and chuckled, saying, "Fellow Daoist Zheng, there's no need to be polite. Since we're trading, we each get what we need. The spirit stones you provided are quite generous, and this talisman is a perfect match for you." Zheng Yuan felt a warm feeling in his heart. Although Shangguan Zi was a woman, she was generous and magnanimous in this trading market. "If there is such an opportunity in the future, I will definitely come back to cooperate with Fellow Daoist Shangguan." Zheng Yuan said sincerely. Shangguan Zi's beautiful eyes moved, and she replied softly, "That's great. Fellow Daoist Zheng is also a reputable person in this market. I feel at ease trading with you."

Zheng Yuan bowed slightly and was about to say goodbye and leave, but he suddenly remembered something, stopped and said, "Fellow Daoist Shangguan, I heard that there seem to be some unusual movements around this market recently. I wonder if you have heard anything?" Shangguan Zi's expression was slightly stern, and he said softly, "I have also noticed that there seem to be some unidentified people spying in secret. Fellow Daoist Zheng, you must be more careful when you go there." Zheng Yuan nodded in agreement, secretly alert in his heart. This market is full of mixed people, and you may get into trouble if you are not careful. Thank you, Fellow Daoist Shangguan, for reminding me. Zheng is taking his leave. After that, Zheng Yuan turned around, and his figure gradually disappeared in this slightly quiet wing, leaving Shangguan Zi standing there alone, looking at the direction where Zheng Yuan left, as if thinking about something.

Zheng Yuan stepped out of Tianbao Pavilion, the vermilion gate receding behind him, as if completely isolating him from the hustle and bustle of the recent transaction. He knew full well that in this perilous world of immortal cultivation, especially in this chaotic market, even the slightest carelessness could lead to catastrophic disaster. So, he suppressed his fervent desire to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill and forced himself to navigate the market.

His eyes, sharp as a torch, scanned the surroundings vigilantly, not missing any corner where danger might lurk. Finally, he found a secluded, quiet, and rarely visited corner. Zheng Yuan quickly pulled a set of pre-prepared clothing from his storage bag and skillfully donned it, muttering to himself as he unleashed a sophisticated concealment spell. Instantly, his form began to distort and shift, his features and form gradually blurring, replaced by the appearance of a middle-aged, casual cultivator with ordinary features and a familiar demeanor.

After completing his disguise, Zheng Yuan didn't rush to leave. Instead, he quietly lurked in the shadows, like a lurking cheetah, patiently waiting and listening carefully to the sounds around him. Time passed, and only the gentle rustle of the breeze and the faint clamor of the distant voices could be heard. He detected no signs of being followed. He breathed a sigh of relief, slowly taking a step, and quietly left Yunshan Market.

At this moment, Zheng Yuan's mind was preoccupied with a single thought: to quickly find a safe place to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill and successfully establish his foundation. He considered this the most crucial step on his path to immortality, and he couldn't afford to fail. He knew that every moment he stayed would increase the danger. Therefore, without hesitation, he sped towards Yunzhou City.

Thinking back to the Danqing Sect, Zheng Yuan's eyes flickered with a complex expression. It was there that his journey to the Immortal Realm began, filled with familiar teachers, fellow disciples, and unforgettable memories from years of cultivation. However, the situation was now volatile and fraught with danger. The thought of even Jindan cultivators leading their teams being ambushed sent a chill down his spine. What was the current state of the sect? Had it been infiltrated by enemies, or was it caught up in a vast conspiracy? He had no way of knowing. But he knew that returning now would be a dangerous undertaking. Therefore, he could only bury his attachment to the sect deep in his heart and resolutely forge ahead into the unknown, pursuing that glimmer of hope that would allow him to break through the difficulties and reach a higher realm of cultivation.

As Zheng Yuan entered Yunzhou City, memories flooded back. He remembered how, when he first entered the world of immortal cultivation, he and Li Xiuyun had briefly stopped in this city to purchase supplies. Back then, he was young and naive, full of longing and anticipation for the future. But now, things had changed, and he alone shouldered the hope of breaking through to his foundation, struggling to move forward amidst this precarious situation.

The city was bustling with people. Street vendors hawked all sorts of rare and exotic items, including shimmering jade pendants and paintings inscribed with flowers and plants. But Zheng Yuan had no intention of stopping. With hurried steps and a determined gaze, he walked through the bustling crowd and headed straight for the other end of the city.

Zheng Yuan's figure gradually disappeared outside the gates of Yunzhou City. With determined steps, he continued along the winding road towards Yucheng. Along the way, towering mountains and rivers rose like silent giants, while the river flowed endlessly, playing a clear and melodious rhythm. These magnificent scenes passed before him like a picture scroll. Zheng Yuan's eyes seemed to casually scan the surroundings, but inwardly, he was alert. Every sound of wind and every falling leaf escaped his ears, and he was wary of the dangers that might lurk in the shadows.

Zheng Yuan passed through Yucheng without stopping, heading straight for the mysterious cave that had once brought him great opportunities. Finally, the cave he remembered appeared before his eyes. The small entrance looked unremarkable, yet it held precious memories from the past. Zheng Yuan's lips curled up in a knowing smile, as if he saw himself when he first arrived here, ignorant yet full of longing. He paused briefly to gather his thoughts, then slowly stepped into the cave. The spiritual energy within the cave, though faint, was permeated with a familiar scent, the aura that had once changed his destiny. Memories of his past here flooded back to him, and Zheng Yuan couldn't help but immerse himself in them, savoring them carefully.

After being immersed in the cave for a long time, Zheng Yuan suddenly felt something in his heart, so he stood up and went to the tomb of Senior Li Wufeng. His thoughts could not help but drift back to the past. He was just an unknown blacksmith boy, accompanied by hammers and fire every day. If he had not unexpectedly encountered the immortal fate in this wonderful place, he would probably still be in that simple blacksmith shop, wielding hammers, hammering iron blocks, and spending ordinary and monotonous days in the clanging sound of iron. It was the arrival of the immortal fate that completely changed the trajectory of his destiny, allowing him to embark on the magnificent path of cultivating immortals and experience a completely different world. And the beginning of all this is inextricably linked to Senior Li Wufeng, so he must go to the senior's tomb and pay homage no matter what.

Arriving at the tomb, Zheng Yuan straightened his clothes, his expression solemn and dignified, as he respectfully performed the ritual of offering sacrifices. He then pulled a jar of fine wine from his storage bag and gently unsealed it, its rich aroma instantly filling the air. Zheng Yuan slowly poured the wine over the tombstone, letting it soak into the soil, as if expressing his respect and longing for the deceased.