Immortals Step into Heaven

A few days later, the morning light faded, its soft rays filtering through the mottled leaves, casting a shadow upon the tranquil clearing in the forest. Zheng Yuan stood tall, his black robe fluttering gently in the breeze. His deep gaze darted towards Zhao Linger, who was closing her eyes and regulating her breathing. He saw that her aura was gradually stabilizing, clearly indicating that her cultivation had stabilized at the seventh level of Qi training.

Zheng Yuan raised his right hand slightly, flicking his slender fingers. The six-star formation, as if summoned by some kind of force, transformed into six streams of light. He gathered them one by one and placed them in his storage bag, where they vanished in an instant. After doing all this, Zheng Yuan stepped gently in front of Ling'er. A faint smile crossed his lips, his eyes filled with gentle concern. He said softly, "Ling'er, now that we've concluded this, we should also set off for Yunshan Market. I'm sure it'll be bustling with activity there, and perhaps many opportunities await us."

Zhao Linger slowly opened her eyes, a bright light flashed in them. She gently stood up, patted the fallen leaves on her skirt, nodded slightly and said, "Everything is up to Brother Xiao Yuan's arrangements. Linger is also looking forward to the trip to Yunshan Market." After that, the two smiled at each other.

Afterwards, he took Ling'er on the road to Yunshan Market. Zheng Yuan summoned his flying sword, and the sword shone with light. He jumped lightly and stood on it, then extended his hand to Ling'er. Ling'er smiled slightly, held Zheng Yuan's hand, and also stepped on the flying sword. In an instant, the flying sword soared into the air, turned into a stream of light, and rushed towards the direction of Yunshan Market. Along the way, the wind whistled in his ears, and the mountains and rivers below passed by quickly like a scroll. Ling'er's hair fluttered in the wind, and her heart was full of curiosity and anticipation about the Yunshan Market that Zheng Yuan mentioned.

Several months after the two men left, some righteous men, having heard of the atrocities committed by the bandits in Liuyun Mountain and determined to rid the people of their misery, arrived to investigate. Previously, Liuyun Mountain had been plagued by bandits, who committed murder, looting, and other atrocities. The surrounding people suffered greatly, their lives were miserable, and everyone was terrified by their presence.

When the righteous men ascended Liuyun Mountain, they discovered that the once boisterous bandits had vanished without a trace, leaving the entire mountain in a dead silence. Filled with doubt and caution, the righteous men cautiously made their way deeper into the mountain. Along the way, the areas where bandits would have patrolled and stood sentinel were now deserted. Only the cold, eerie wind howled past, rustling the leaves and adding to the eerie atmosphere.

When they finally reached the heart of the mountain stronghold, they were stunned by the sight. Tens of thousands of corpses lay scattered across the stronghold, some still grappling with death, others piled high on top of each other, as if telling of the gruesome battles that had taken place. Around the corpses lay the remains of tattered weapons and clothing, rustling in the wind, as if revealing the cruelty of the catastrophe. The righteous men watched with shock and amazement, yet also filled with curiosity about this bizarre turn of events. What had utterly annihilated these once-powerful bandits, leaving behind such a tragic scene, lingered in their minds.

The setting sun was as red as blood. Zheng Yuan and Zhao Linger slowly passed near the Danqing Sect. Zheng Yuan's gaze involuntarily gravitated towards the sect, where the distant mountains, illuminated by the afterglow of the setting sun, exuded a faintly solemn and majestic atmosphere. His lips curled slightly downward, and he gently shook his head, seemingly lost in memories. After a moment, he turned to Zhao Linger beside him and slowly said, "Linger, over there is the Danqing Sect. Back then, when I first entered the sect, I was so ignorant. By chance, I entered the Danqing Sect and began my cultivation. So many years have passed in a flash."

"Brother Xiao Yuan," Zhao Linger blinked her bright eyes and asked with curiosity and anticipation, "Can Linger also enter Danqing Sect?" Her voice was clear and pleasant, gently echoing in this empty area.

Hearing Ling'er's words, Zheng Yuan seemed to be touched by a string in his heart. He sighed heavily, and his eyes revealed a complicated look, with helplessness and pity. After a while, he said: "Ling'er, this Danqing Sect is not suitable for you. I will not return to Danqing Sect for the time being.

Ling'er's large, watery eyes were now filled with anxiety. She took a small step forward, her hands subconsciously clenching the corners of her clothes, her knuckles turning slightly white from the strain. She tilted her head back slightly, her gaze fixed on Zheng Yuan, her lips slightly pursed. After a moment, she mustered the courage and asked in a soft, slightly trembling voice, "Brother Xiaoyuan, where are you going? Will you...will you take Ling'er with you?"

As the sky darkened, Zheng Yuan and Zhao Ling'er sat opposite each other, the flickering light and shadows of the campfire dancing on their faces. Zheng Yuan's expression was solemn, and he slowly spoke, "Ling'er, the technique you're practicing now was actually something I risked my life to snatch from a cultivator of the Shura Sect in my early years. The situation was critical at the time, and obtaining this Qi Condensation technique was a rare achievement. This is the only technique I have available for you to begin your practice. If you're determined to break through the Foundation Establishment stage and seek a higher realm, you'll probably have to find a way to join the Shura Sect." His eyes revealed a hint of helplessness and worry, fully aware of the difficulty and danger involved.

"Brother Xiao Yuan," Zhao Linger asked anxiously with a hint of determination in her eyes, "Where is the Shura Sect? How can Linger join the Shura Sect?" She clenched the corners of her clothes tightly with both hands, showing her inner nervousness and anticipation.

Zheng Yuan stared into the distance, pondered for a moment, and then replied, "The Shura Sect is located within the borders of Luoyan Country. It's a powerful sect, and its requirements for accepting disciples must be extremely strict. As for how to become a disciple, I have no idea at the moment. I can only arrive in Luoyan Country first, then explore the specific situation and adapt to the situation. However, the journey to Luoyan Country is long, and I don't know how many difficulties and obstacles I will encounter. Ling'er, you must be prepared." His voice was low and firm.

Zhao Linger nodded slightly, a look of determination in her eyes. "Brother Xiaoyuan, Linger is not afraid. As long as I can become stronger, and to be with Brother Xiaoyuan in the future, I'm willing to take any difficult road." Zheng Yuan saw this, his heart filled with pity and caress. He reached out and gently touched Linger's head. "Okay, since you've made up your mind, let's go to Luoyan Kingdom together. But along the way, you must stay close to me and don't run around."

The night unfolded like an endless expanse of black silk, heavy and dense, enveloping the vast world. A bonfire burned cheerfully in the forest, its crackling sounds shattering the night's silence. Leaping, flickering flames danced merrily, their orange-red light illuminating Zheng Yuan and Zhao Linger. Back to back, beside the warm fire, they drifted off to a sweet dream, accompanied by the chorus of insects and birdsong. They rested peacefully and soundly for the rest of the night.