Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 307: Yuan Miao Zong

The city is located by the river, and a large river flows through it. The city has a huge wharf built at a place where the river's current is gentle.

Under the sunlight, the river flowed endlessly, waves rose with the wind, and the surface was turbid, with countless warships and merchant ships shuttling back and forth.

Even from a great distance, one can see the shimmering reflection on the city wall, which is tens of meters high.

The majestic ancient city exudes an ancient atmosphere, and the three dark red characters "Yunzhou Prefecture" are clearly visible on the huge city gate tower.

Beneath the city gate, the gate, which was more than ten meters wide, was wide open, completely undefended.

Farmers used to ride oxcarts, pulling vegetables, fruits and grains into the city, while small vendors would push carts or carry two large loads on their shoulders and enter the city in an orderly fashion.

Occasionally, monks in robes, Taoist priests with whisks in hand, and scholars in scholar's robes would pass by, but more often, gang members and sects would ostentatiously pass through the city gates, carrying gleaming swords.

The pale yellow light of dawn shone on the faces of the crowd, each person displaying a different expression—joy, excitement, sorrow, anxiety…

But they all have one thing in common: behind them lies a distinct and vibrant force.

This place is a completely different world from the lifeless city of Anyan.

On everyone's faces, there was less confusion and bewilderment about the future, and more acceptance of order and hope for the future.

"So this is Yunzhou Prefecture...?"

Han Yi was filled with emotion. After months of travel, traversing nearly ten thousand miles and crossing the border of a large state, he had finally arrived in this unfamiliar Central Plains region.

"Brother Han, we..." Wang Yun patted Han Yi on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Let's part ways here. Yunzhou Prefecture is not like any other place. If you are mistaken for being on our side... I'm afraid... it will cause you a lot of trouble..."

What he's saying is indeed the truth. Tantai Xunzhen is involved in far too many things, things that Han Yi, a mere martial artist, cannot get involved in. Besides, Han Yi doesn't want to get involved either.

"Old Wang, thank you for taking care of me along the way. I will settle down in Yunzhou Prefecture in the future. I will carefully consider your suggestions."

Han Yi dismounted and bowed respectfully to Elder Wang to express his gratitude.

When he first met Wang Yunkai and his group, he did have some reservations about them. After all, no one wants to be dragged into a pointless chase and a period of life on the run.

But after spending so much time together, his unhappiness gradually disappeared.

Wang Yunkai and his group were not the kind of cruel and heartless people who indiscriminately killed innocent people. They also had their own difficulties and helplessness.

In addition, Wang Yunkai provided him with guidance and instruction along the way.

The book covers the local customs, geography, and daily life of Yunzhou Prefecture, as well as the distribution of major forces within Yunzhou and various secret techniques for martial arts masters to break through their limits.

They even offered him advice and planned his future path based on his characteristics.

Whether Wang Yunkai's actions stemmed from appreciation or a desire to make amends, Han Yi gained a great deal from these things.

Therefore, his words of thanks were sincere; he was grateful for the knowledge and experience the other party had shared.

"Brother Han, you're too kind. We've troubled you along the way." Wang Yunkai stroked his beard and smiled. "We'll be staying at Dongyang Academy for a while. If you encounter any problems, feel free to come here to discuss them. I have some influence in this city." "By the way, didn't we discuss your mottled internal energy and impure blood before?" Old Wang seemed to remember something and took out a yellow envelope sealed with red wax from his pocket.

"After much thought, I believe that if there is one place in Yunzhou Prefecture that can perfectly resolve the problem of your impure blood, then there is only one place that can do it... and that is the Yuanmiao Sect!"

Although I am not particularly capable, I still have the authority to recommend talented individuals to the Yuanmiao Sect every year. If you are interested, you can take this envelope to the Yuanmiao Sect and give it a try.

"Yuanmiao Sect, a letter of recommendation?!"

Han Yi was somewhat shocked.

Dongyang Academy is considered the premier place for training martial arts masters in Yunzhou. As the chief instructor of Dongyang Academy, Wang Yunkai has extensive connections and is capable of making this recommendation.

But what kind of place is Yuanmiao Sect? It is a huge power that can suppress an entire prefecture!

Although it claims to recruit disciples based solely on talent and aptitude, regardless of status or position, and to be fair and just, having such a recommendation letter would undoubtedly exempt one from many additional tests and significantly increase the chances of successfully joining the sect!

Even for someone of Wang Yunkai's status, recommending someone to join the Yuanmiao Sect would not be something he could do casually; he would certainly have to pay a huge price.

so…...

Han Yi took a deep breath and shook his head in refusal: "Elder Wang, this is too precious!"

"Valuable?" Tantai Xunzhen suddenly interjected, her tone displeased. "You saved my life, is my life worth less than something like this?"

"No... it's just... this thing..." Han Yi could only manage a bitter smile.

"Alright, alright, Brother Han, take this." Wang Yunkai mediated, shoving the letter of recommendation into Han Yi's hand: "You need this, take it." Han Yi held the envelope, hesitated for a moment, sighed, and finally put the letter of recommendation into his pocket.

What Elder Wang said is correct. In this unfamiliar territory, a letter of recommendation from a top sect is indeed what he needs most.

"Thank you, Elder Wang!" He solemnly clasped his hands in thanks, and at the same time, he also bowed to Tantai Xunzhen.

Unexpectedly, Tantai Xunzhen suddenly dodged, and said seriously, "Han Yi, remember, I still owe you a favor. Before I repay your favor... don't die!"

"Definitely, definitely..." Han Yi smiled wryly and waved to their departing figures.

Although there was a veil between them, he could still vaguely see the concern in Tantai Xunzhen's eyes.

The sturdy horse galloped away at full speed towards Yunzhou Prefecture, its four large hooves throbbing.

The wind howled, and Tantai Xunzhen looked back, but in Han Yi's direction, there was only a small black dot, and nothing could be seen.

In the wind, Wang Yunkai said loudly, "Miss, this is the best way. Han Yi is just an ordinary person after all. Even if he has some strength, if he gets involved in our affairs, it won't be good for either you or him."

“I know what I’m doing…no need to say more,” Tantai Xunzhen said calmly. “However, I hate owing favors to people more than anything else, especially when someone has saved my life. If I don’t do something, I won’t feel at ease.”

Wang Yunkai was speechless; he knew it was just an excuse.

Tantai Xunzhen grew up in the inner palace, living a life of luxury and ease, receiving a good education. Her best quality was that she treated everyone equally and fairly.

So, although she appears cold on the surface, she is actually warm-hearted and kind-hearted. Furthermore, because of her special bloodline within the family, she found it difficult to make true friends. Ya'er is practically her only close friend.

However, he also committed suicide during this escape.

Han Yi was her first true friend, which is why she...

But... Wang Yunkai sighed.

Becoming a friend of Tantai Xunzhen... is no easy task...

......

......

Two days later.

Qingjiang Mountain, Yuanmiaozong, Lower Six Peaks.

"A letter of recommendation? Was it sent by Old Wang again?"

Miao Chang, the old Taoist priest in charge of recruitment, frowned as he looked at the yellow letter in his hand, feeling somewhat displeased.

Even though Wang Yunkai is the chief instructor of Dongyang Academy, he can only recommend one or two people each year to be exempted from the assessment and go to the inner academy for cultivation. However, this isn't the first time that old man Wang has been sending people into the sect. It's fine to recommend them, but it's been several years now, and the disciples he sends each year are either weak-willed or lack talent. In short, they are all mediocre talents, with no outstanding individuals.

Even if Old Man Wang did recommend a few talented people to the Yuanmiao Sect over the past few decades, the number was far too small and disproportionate.

On the envelope, Old Man Wang praised his disciple, Han Yi, to the skies, saying that his character and bone age were absolutely excellent, making him a top choice.

But that old Wang, when has he ever said the same thing? He stopped believing him a long time ago.

"These flowers in the greenhouse can never compare to a martial artist who has struggled and cultivated on his own and undergone trials..." Old Daoist Miaochang shook his head and flicked his whisk.

Compared to those with recommendation letters, he preferred independent cultivators who practiced alone, taking one step at a time, passing the tests steadily, and then continuously improving before joining a sect. Thinking about it, it makes sense. As an academy instructor, Wang Yunkai primarily interacted with academy disciples and students. These people might be highly learned, well-versed in scriptures, and extremely eloquent, able to make even the smallest things sound impressive.

But... martial arts training is not just talk; every stage requires physical and mental trials.

How many of those little guys who have never seen blood can survive?

Therefore, the people Wang Yunkai recommended each year were not only disliked by the old Daoist Miaochang, but also by many others within the sect.

"What's more... this old man Wang is already quite old, and I heard he's getting involved in the Tantai family's affairs again..." The old Taoist priest Miaochang frowned even more deeply.

Yuanmiao Sect is the largest power in Yunzhou, a pillar of strength within the region. Many forces have intricate connections with it, so its intelligence sources are extensive, far from the isolated situation people imagine on the mountain. "Forget it, what does this have to do with me, an old Daoist? Let them worry about it!" Old Daoist Miaochang's eyes darted around, and he finally picked up the letter of recommendation he was hesitating about submitting.

Anyway, he's just a lazy bum. Submit the recommendation letter, and let them decide whether it works or not. Don't offend anyone, as long as they don't cause him any trouble.

......

......

At the foot of the mountain, in Qingjiang Town, an inn.

Han Yi was lying on the bed, closing his eyes and concentrating on recovering from his injuries.

After more than half a year of recuperation, the damage to his meridians has been completely healed under the nourishment of the prescription given by Wang Yunkai.

"System," he thought to himself.

Name: Han Yi (17/200)

[Realm]: Mid-stage of Meridian Opening, Second-level Martial Master [Martial Arts]: Qianyang Gong (Entry-level martial art, Qianyang Jin, characteristics: Rejuvenation, Evil Extermination, Perfected Strength); Feilong Gong (Entry-level martial art, Youlong Jin, characteristics: Speed, Fire Poison, Ignition, Perfected Strength)

[Secret Technique]: Moon Concealment (Special Effect: Concealing Breath and Illusion); Reverse Scale Form (Special Effect: Strength Boost, Increased Speed, Enhanced Burst)

[Elemental Power Value]: 202

"The injury is completely healed, and not only healed, but the meridians are even stronger after they healed. It can be considered a blessing in disguise."

Han Yi opened his eyes and revealed a slight smile.

The Reverse Scale State is a form of explosive power he discovered by occasionally reversing the flow of the Qianyang Gong and Feilong Gong meridians. It is also his most powerful move to date, capable of harming both himself and others. It is equivalent to unleashing a trump card that can only be used when facing danger and desperately needing to unleash its full potential.

Originally, he could only maintain the Reverse Scale state for ten breaths. Any longer and it would burn his meridians, causing irreversible damage. One breath is about three seconds, so ten breaths would be about thirty seconds.

Now, the meridians, which seem to be getting stronger, appear to be able to last longer, at least fifteen breaths!

This means that his strength has increased slightly again without any additional assistance.

"But... why hasn't anyone from Yuanmiao Sect replied yet?"

His initial joy was overshadowed by dark clouds.

A few days ago, after parting ways with Wang Yunkai and his group, he arrived at Qingjiang Mountain following Wang Yunkai's directions.

This Qingjiang Mountain, perhaps it was originally just an open space at the foot of the mountain, or perhaps there was originally a town. In any case, Qingjiang Town was extremely prosperous, like a small town.

Han Yi randomly found an inn, put down his luggage and horse, and then went out to inquire.

Indeed, as Elder Wang said, the registration location for the Yuanmiao Sect is quite famous. Just by asking around, a kind person immediately points it out.

Without delay, he rushed to the registration point and presented the letter of recommendation.

The Taoist priests at the registration point didn't ask anything, only his address, and said they would report it and send someone to inform him whether it was successful or not.

Han Yi returned to the inn.

However, three days passed in a row, and although a message was sent, no one came to talk to him.

If this continues...