How did a bastard like him become an immortal?

Time flies, and four months have passed in the blink of an eye. The Elephant Dance Ceremony at the Marquis's residence is about to begin.

Li Muyun, who was sitting cross-legged in the small house, opened his eyes, and two beams of light shot out, his eyes shining brightly.

For four months, Li Muyun devoted himself to cultivating true essence and immortal techniques, rarely leaving his home.

The Marquis's mansion was abuzz with discussion. Some were amazed that Li Muyun had become an immortal overnight and could finally hold his head high. Others questioned how a good-for-nothing bastard like him could suddenly become an immortal. They wondered if it was all a lie, otherwise why would he be so low-key and still live such a cowardly life in his small courtyard?

Everyone was looking forward to this Elephant Dance Ceremony, wanting to see if Li Muyun would make a name for himself or revert to his original form.

Marquis's Mansion, Study.

Yuan Wuji and Wu Wudi stood respectfully on either side. In front of them stood a middle-aged man with a square face, dressed in a magnificent crimson robe, exuding an imposing presence.

Li Rentu placed his hands on the armrests of the chair, exuding an air of complete composure. He said calmly, "Has Li Muyun truly embarked on the path to immortality?"

Wu Wudi said respectfully, "My lord, we saw with our own eyes that Young Master Yun using his true essence to control the magic weapon that day, so it should be true."

Yuan Wuji gently waved his feather fan and said, "I am just a scholar and do not understand cultivation. If Young Master Yun really becomes an immortal, then we should congratulate the Marquis."

Li Rentu's gaze was deep as he slowly uttered two words, "So similar."

Yuan Wuji understood immediately, “Young Master Yun’s appearance is very similar to that one, and they are both immortals. That one is so beautiful that she could topple kingdoms, while Young Master Yun is so handsome that he stands out from the crowd. He is only fifteen or sixteen years old now, yet he has already won the heart of Princess Miaochan.”

A cold glint flashed in Li Rentu's eyes. "As a subject, everything is for the Tang Dynasty. If he truly demonstrates the potential for immortality through the Elephant Dance Ceremony, he may remain in the Marquis's residence. If he remains a waste, then he shall be exiled to the frontier. Step down."

Wu Wudi and Yuan Wuji exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. They then said "yes" and quietly withdrew.

Li Rentu flicked his finger, and a jade hairpin appeared in his palm. His expression was complex as he said, "I'd rather he were a cripple, not follow in your footsteps. Otherwise..."

......

On the huge obsidian training ground, dozens of young men and women from the Marquis's mansion stood there, the little ones whispering excitedly to each other.

At the center of the training ground stands a Celestial Martial Stone Tablet, which can test the aptitude and cultivation of human races. Only major sects and prestigious families can possess such a valuable item.

On the high platform to the right of the training ground is a large chair, upon which sits Li Rentu, the Heavenly Slaughter Marquis. Yuan Wuji and Wu Wudi stand on either side of him, and further out are four ladies.

Those participating in the Elephant Dance Ceremony included the two sons of the Marquis of Tiantu, non-direct descendants of the Li family, and the sons of the generals who served as advisors and strategists.

Li Tianci was dressed in a smart outfit today, looking very energetic, and was surrounded by many young men and women who fawned over him.

Two months ago, Li Tianci broke through to the eighth level of Martial Apprentice. As the son of a marquis and a man of exceptional talent, these off-line disciples naturally wanted to get closer to him.

"The Elephant Dance Ceremony is about to begin, why hasn't Li Muyun arrived yet? Is that little bastard scared?" A burly young man named Lin Feng, standing next to Li Tianci, asked.

Lin Feng had followed Li Tianci since childhood, and in order to please Li Tianci, he was always the first to bully Li Muyun.

Li Tianci sneered, "Today I want to see if he has really become an immortal or if he has resorted to some underhanded means."

Lin Feng chimed in, "That kid is a good-for-nothing. How could he suddenly become an immortal after being dealt with for so many years? He must have used some kind of trick last time, and this time he was exposed for what he really is."

Li Tianci clenched his fists so tightly they cracked, and said coldly, "Whether he's a true immortal or a fake immortal, today I'm going to cripple him!"

Under the complex gazes of the crowd, Li Muyun finally arrived, dressed in white, with a stunningly beautiful figure in a fiery red dress beside him.

All eyes followed that figure. Everyone stood up, and Marquis Tiantu bowed and said in a deep voice, "Princess Miaochan, your presence is an honor. We have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive us."

Shi Miaochan smiled faintly and said, "Lord Tiantu, there's no need for such formalities. I'm just here to join in the fun. You don't need to worry about me."

Although Shi Miaochan said that, everyone knew that she had come for Li Muyun.

Li Rentu set up a seat next to his, and Shi Miaochan thanked him and sat down without any hesitation.

Li Muyun then arrived at the square and stood calmly among the young men and women, drawing everyone's attention.

"Pretentious and attention-seeking!" Li Tianci said through gritted teeth. Li Muyun had stolen his thunder as soon as he arrived, which was truly despicable.

With Li Muyun's arrival, all the people from the Marquis's residence were present, and the Elephant Dance Ceremony officially began.

The Elephant Dance Ceremony consists of two steps: the first step is to test one's aptitude and strength using the Immortal Martial Stone Tablet, and the second step is to conduct a martial arts challenge.

As the host of the Elephant Dance Ceremony, Yuan Wuji finally arrived at the testing phase after a series of complicated rituals.

As time went by, many young men and women completed their tests before the Immortal Martial Stone Tablet, some happy and some sad. The rule of the Heavenly Slaughter Marquis's Mansion was that those who reached the fifth level of Martial Apprentice could stay in the Marquis's Mansion. If they did not reach this level, they would be exiled to other properties of the Marquis's Mansion outside the capital, which meant being far away from the center of resources and unlikely to achieve much in their lives.

"Li Tianci".

Yuan Wuji slightly cupped his hands, signaling Li Tianci to begin the test.

All the important figures on the stage were focused on this. Li Tianci was full of confidence. He strode to the Immortal Martial Stone Tablet, placed his palm on the stone tablet, and his true energy burst forth.

With the infusion of true energy, the Immortal Martial Stone Tablet hummed and suddenly burst forth with intense light!

[Ninth level of Martial Apprentice!]

These four words struck everyone's hearts like a boulder, leaving everyone in shock. A sixteen-year-old martial arts apprentice at the ninth level—a genius!

Li Rentu, the Heavenly Butcher, nodded in approval, "Not bad."

Liu Ruyue smiled radiantly, “Like father, like son. Your bloodline is strong, Lord Marquis, and it is only by divine grace that you have such talent.”

Li Tianci couldn't suppress the smirk on his face as he arrogantly and provocatively glared at Li Muyun amidst the envious and astonished gazes of the crowd.

Li Muyun merely met his gaze calmly, his eyes radiating confidence and composure. Martial Apprentice Ninth Level was indeed impressive, but now he was already...

Shi Miaochan, standing in the stands, curled her lip and muttered, "Tch! What's so great about him? You'll be proven wrong soon enough!"

"Li Muyun".

Yuan Wuji called out the last name with a complicated expression.

Li Muyun glanced around indifferently, and couldn't help but chuckle softly at the questioning, mocking, and disdainful looks he received.

Li Muyun looked at Tiantu Hou on the stands, and Tiantu Hou was also looking at him. His gaze was indifferent, as if he were looking at a stranger.

Taking a deep breath, Li Muyun's gaze became even more resolute, his brows radiating brilliance, and he exuded an extraordinary aura.

In an instant, everyone's eyes were fixed on the Immortal Martial Stone Tablet. Li Muyun slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and placed his palm on the cold stone tablet.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were fixed intently on the Immortal Martial Stone Tablet. Waste? Immortal? Bastard? Young Master?

This test will be Li Muyun's last chance to make a name for himself after being labeled a bastard for over a decade! It will also be the perfect opportunity to crush him!

A moment later, the Immortal Martial Stone Tablet hummed and vibrated, and its light suddenly burst forth!