Immortals Step into Heaven

I sincerely invite Fellow Daoist Zheng to join my Tianbao Pavilion. Our Tianbao Pavilion boasts a formidable reputation and profound heritage across the Five Kingdoms Continent, possessing countless resources and opportunities. Furthermore, our sphere of influence extends beyond the Five Kingdoms Continent; even within the vast and mysterious Thousand Cities Sea, our influence cannot be underestimated. Within Tianbao Pavilion, you will gain access to abundant cultivation resources, possess rare and valuable cultivation manuals, and learn from and exchange ideas with numerous masters. This will undoubtedly be of great benefit to your future cultivation. What are your thoughts, Fellow Daoist Zheng?

Zheng Yuan's figure faltered noticeably, a flicker of astonishment crossing his face, his eyes filled with surprise. He had never expected Shangguan Zi to make such a request at this moment. Recalling the hardships he had endured to build his foundation, and the numerous anxieties that arose afterward due to his unique constitution of five spiritual roots, a bitter feeling welled up in his heart.

Back then, in that remote place, he endured the pain of building his foundation alone, daring not to make a sound. Even after successfully establishing his foundation, he dared not return to the Danqing Sect, fearing that news of his Five Spiritual Roots foundation would spread. In the world of immortal cultivation, Five Spiritual Roots was considered mediocre, but his successful foundation building inevitably attracted covetous attention. Those with ulterior motives would surely believe he possessed some precious treasure or special opportunity, and would resort to any means to harm him. This was no mere fantasy; it was the reality of survival in this cruel world of immortal cultivation.

Now, Shangguan Zi's mention of joining the Tianbao Pavilion put Zheng Yuan in a dilemma. The Tianbao Pavilion's power was undeniable, but precisely because of this, its personnel were complex and information flowed rapidly. If he joined, the secret of the Five Spiritual Roots Foundation Building technique would likely become public knowledge in an instant. How could he then protect himself from the greedy gazes and malicious schemes of those with ulterior motives? Given the complex interplay of power dynamics and the vast power structure within the Tianbao Pavilion, a mere Foundation Building cultivator like him would be left with no chance of resistance if targeted, ultimately resulting in a tragic end with no trace left. Zheng Yuan's gaze hardened at this thought. He must carefully consider Shangguan Zi's proposal and must not let his impulsive actions lead him to irreparable consequences.

Zheng Yuan paused briefly, then looked calmly at Shangguan Zi. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, forming a faint smile. He spoke calmly, "Fellow Daoist Shangguan, I'm truly honored by your esteem. However, I'm a casual person by nature, and I'm most apprehensive about numerous rules. As you know, Tianbao Pavilion is renowned and has a large membership, so the rules must be countless."

He raised his head slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of yearning and determination. He continued, "I've only just established my foundation, just like a fledgling bird, eager to explore the wonders of the vast world outside. I want to venture out and explore the wonders and unknowns of this path of cultivation. If I were to join a sect now, being bound by numerous rules and regulations would probably suppress my heart's desire for freedom."

Zheng Yuan paused, a sly look flashing in his eyes. He looked at Shangguan Zi again, his tone sincere yet tinged with humor. "Maybe one day, when I'm tired of wandering around and have nowhere to go, I'll shamelessly come to Tianbao Pavilion and ask for a job doing odd jobs. I just hope that when that happens, Fellow Daoist Shangguan won't despise me for being so idle, and that he'll give me a meal and a place to stay."

Shangguan Zi stared at Zheng Yuan quietly, a hint of imperceptible disappointment flashed across her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and said with a soft laugh, "Friend Zheng Daoyou are joking. The door of my Tianbao Pavilion is always open to you. No matter when, as long as you want to come, there will naturally be a place for you.

Zheng Yuan bowed slightly, secretly breathing a sigh of relief. He maintained a humble smile and said, "I'll take note of Fellow Daoist Shangguan's generosity. I'll travel a bit and gain some experience. If the opportunity arises, I'll definitely visit you again."

After saying this, Zheng Yuan bowed again and turned to leave. Just as he took a few steps, Shangguan Zi's voice drifted from behind him: "Fellow Daoist Zheng, the path to immortality is long and arduous. You're out there alone, so be careful. If you run into any trouble, please send me a message. Since we know each other, my Tianbao Pavilion might be able to help you."

Zheng Yuan paused, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He turned around and saw Shangguan Zi standing there, her sleeves fluttering in the wind, a graceful figure. He nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Shangguan, for your reminder. Zheng Yuan is deeply grateful. I will take my leave now."

With that, Zheng Yuan resolutely turned and strode away. He knew full well that while he had rejected a powerful backer, he had also bought time to preserve his secret. The road ahead might be thorny, but he was unfazed, for freedom and security were what he cherished most at this moment. In this vast world of immortal cultivation, his own resources would suffice for him to cultivate for a long time, without the need to join a sect.

Shangguan Zi escorted Zheng Yuan out of Tianbao Pavilion and stood for a long time at the entrance, her gaze following Zheng Yuan's departure until he vanished from view. Only then did she sigh softly. This sigh was tinged with a hint of loss and helplessness. She knew that Zheng Yuan, though seemingly gentle and humble, was actually deeply stubborn and resilient. Once he made a decision, it was difficult to change it.

This time, Zheng Yuan declined the invitation to join Tianbao Pavilion. Given his cautious nature, he likely feared his secrets would be exposed, or perhaps he yearned for freedom and didn't want to be bound by the sect's rules. Whatever the reason, he would definitely stay as far away from this troubled place as possible. It's likely that he would never be seen again in Yunshan Market.

Shangguan Zi slowly withdrew her gaze, thinking to herself: In this world of immortal cultivation, everyone has their own obsessions and pursuits, and Zheng Yuan is no exception. Perhaps this brief encounter was but a tiny ripple in the long river of their lives, fleeting. But somehow, his presence had left an indelible mark on her heart.

She shook her head gently, trying to dispel these distracting thoughts. After all, as an important figure in Tianbao Pavilion, she also had her own mission and responsibilities, and could not indulge in such unfounded thoughts. After a moment, Shangguan Zi straightened her clothes, her expression returning to her usual calm and decisive expression. She turned and walked back into Tianbao Pavilion, leaving only a gradually receding figure behind, disappearing into the bustling market.