Immortals Step into Heaven

As mana poured in, the bag's opening slowly opened, and a soft glow instantly emanated. Ling'er narrowed her eyes slightly, and when the light faded slightly, she peered intently. She was instantly shocked, her mouth dropping open, her eyes wide. Nearly ten bottles of elixirs neatly arranged inside, each radiating a vibrant hue. Some were crystal clear, clearly no ordinary item. Next to the elixirs, magical instruments lay quietly on display, some radiating a cool metallic sheen, others inscribed with patterns. Most striking of all, Ling'er was the mountain of spiritual stones piled high in the corner. Thousands of them shimmered with a soft spiritual light, converging like a dazzling expanse of star sand. The rich spiritual energy overwhelmed her, a young woman new to the path of cultivation, and momentarily overwhelmed her.

It took Ling'er a while to come back to her senses. She turned her head and looked at Zheng Yuan, her eyes full of surprise and joy. She opened and closed her mouth, but couldn't utter a word. She looked as if she was "frozen" by the sudden huge wealth in front of her. She could only convey her inner excitement and shock to Zheng Yuan with her eyes full of surprise.

In her long-established mind, she still stubbornly clung to that outdated concept. Even with the passage of time, in her understanding, 100,000 silver notes could only be exchanged for a mere one spirit stone. To her, this seemed to be the unchanging principle of equivalence in the world.

Thousands of spirit stones seemed like an astronomical number to her. Each of those shimmering spirit stones contained spiritual power, and now thousands of them were piled together, emitting spiritual power that shook the air around them. Her eyes were filled with shock and amazement.

Zheng Yuan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He said softly, "Ling'er, after cultivating immortality, you will find that this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless rare treasures and natural treasures in this world, and their value and efficacy far exceed these spirit stones. When your cultivation level improves and your horizons broaden, you will understand. However, this is also the necessary step for you to embark on the path of immortality.

Zheng Yuan then began to explain the world of immortal cultivation to Zhao Ling'er. His expression was solemn, his eyes gleaming with the wisdom of a lifetime. He spoke slowly, "Ling'er, the world of immortal cultivation is vast and boundless, with numerous sects. The strong are as numerous as clouds, and the weak are like ants. Sects often fight openly and covertly for resources, territory, and inheritance. Magical weapons, elixirs, spiritual plants, and spiritual stones—these are essential for cultivation, but they also cause countless disputes. In this world where the strong prey on the weak, only by constantly improving your strength can you gain a foothold, otherwise you risk becoming a stepping stone for others at any time..."

The next day, Zheng Yuan asked Ling'er to stay in her room while he went to Tianbao Pavilion alone. Entering the pavilion, filled with carved beams and painted buildings and a rustic atmosphere, he sat in an elegant wing with Shangguan Zi. He looked directly at Shangguan Zi and asked, "Fellow Daoist Shangguan, is there anything major happening in the Danqing Sect?"

Shangguan Zi's face was filled with a complex expression upon hearing this. She looked at Zheng Yuan, sighed slightly, and said, "Fellow Daoist Zheng, you were right to leave. A few months after you left, a group of mysterious cultivators suddenly arrived. They came with great force and ruthless methods. In just a few days, they destroyed the Danqing Sect's long-standing foundation. That chaotic battle left corpses strewn across the ground, and countless disciples were slaughtered. The former glory was gone forever..."

Shangguan Zi picked up the teacup, took a sip, and continued, "That's true. The situation was critical at the time, but some disciples of the Danqing Sect fought desperately to break through and escaped. These disciples either hid in the city or went to other sects, each seeking a chance to survive. I heard that some of them carried fragments of the Danqing Sect's secret manuals, and some had special skills passed down from their masters. But now they are scattered all over the place, and their lives and deaths are uncertain. I don't know if these inheritances can continue in this chaotic world." Her eyes revealed a hint of regret and worry, as if she was deeply moved by the Danqing Sect's experience.

Zheng Yuan's expression shifted slightly upon hearing Shangguan Zi's words. A hint of anxiety and concern flashed in his eyes. He leaned forward slightly and asked hurriedly, "Fellow Daoist Shangguan, do you know if anyone else in the Danqing Sect is still alive? I've made several close friends within the sect, and I can't bear to see them suffer any misfortune. If you could tell me their whereabouts, I would do my best to help them."

Shangguan Zi looked at Zheng Yuan, sighed softly, shook his head slightly and said: "Fellow Daoist Zheng, I only heard that some disciples escaped. I really don't know who they are and where they are. The disaster was too sudden, and the information from all sides was confusing. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack to know the exact list of survivors. Besides, even if we knew it, the situation in the world of immortal cultivation is turbulent now. It is by no means easy to find them." Shangguan Zi's words were full of helplessness, and his brows were slightly frowned, as if he was worried about the chaotic situation.

A subtle flash of surprise and thought crossed Zheng Yuan's face. His narrow eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of solemnity in his gaze, as if he were carefully considering the deeper meaning of Shangguan Zi's words. After a moment's silence, he bowed slightly, his face a sincere expression, and said, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Shangguan, for taking the trouble to answer my questions. Zheng Yuan will always remember this kindness and be deeply grateful."

Shangguan Zi was dressed in a lavender robe, her sleeves fluttering, and she looked graceful and elegant. A faint smile graced her fair face, as bright and charming as a peach blossom in full bloom in spring. Hearing Zheng Yuan's thanks, she smiled softly, her beautiful eyes flickering with a hint of playfulness and cunning as she said, "Friend Zheng Daoyou, this thank you isn't enough. How else are you going to thank me?"

Zheng Yuan's face flushed slightly upon hearing this, and he looked slightly embarrassed. He coughed lightly, scratched his head, and his eyes wandered. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Fellow Daoist Shangguan, I truly don't know how to repay your kindness. If there's anything you need my help with, please let me know. As long as it's within my ability, I'll do my best."

Fellow Daoist Zheng, time flies. It's been years since we last met, and yet you've already successfully established your foundation! It truly is true that a person's absence after three days is truly remarkable! With such talent and accomplishments, you must have been a highly regarded disciple in the Danqing Sect. It's a pity that the Danqing Sect has now suffered such a devastating disaster, its destruction a moment too soon. It truly brings a deep regret. Upon hearing this, I'm deeply concerned for Fellow Daoist Zheng's plight. I imagine you're homeless now, too.