My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Upon hearing this, Lüyun covered her mouth in astonishment, unable to believe her ears.

Five hundred years? How long is that? The Great Xia Dynasty has only been established for a little over two hundred years!

What's more, a thousand years? Green Bamboo simply couldn't imagine it.

Master Lu was startled and retorted, "Miss Chu, are you saying that among cultivators, those at the Golden Core stage can live for five hundred years, and those at the Nascent Soul stage can extend their lifespan by a thousand years? This is... truly unbelievable! If there really are such immortal beings in the world, why are there no records of them in historical texts, and why have they not been passed down?"

He boasted of having a wide circle of friends, being well-read, and knowing secrets, but such things as immortality were like a dream, something he had never heard of.

Although those in the innate realm can prolong their lives and have a lifespan slightly longer than ordinary people, reaching over a hundred years, they will not exceed it by much.

The longest-lived person in the world is said to be the patriarch of the Bai family, who is said to have lived to be 200, which is already a rare occurrence.

Imagine if someone could easily transcend five hundred or even a thousand years of lifespan, wouldn't they be able to create an immortal dynasty, a foundation for ten thousand generations, and be unparalleled throughout history?!

In an instant, his mind was in turmoil, and countless thoughts rushed in like a river bursting its banks, impossible to contain.

Chu Lengyu dispersed the transparent little figure formed from spiritual energy and said leisurely, "The affairs of this world are like viewing flowers through the fog; the unknown is not without possibility. If I intend to hide, no one in this world will know my whereabouts."

Upon hearing this, Master Lu's expression darkened, and he murmured dejectedly, "Indeed."

He had already experienced the wonders of Chu Lengyu's illusions. If she intended to hide, change her appearance, conceal her identity, and escape the mortal world, indeed no one would be able to find her. (Note 1)

Seeing his condition, Lüyun considerately said, "Sir, would you like me to take you to a guest room to rest for a while?"

"No need, I'll just sit for a while," said Master Lu, waving his hand.

He forced a smile, but his brows betrayed his weariness and disappointment, as if an invisible force had drained away some of his energy.

Chu Lengyu originally intended to leave him to rest in the pine forest cottage, just like Lüyun had done, but seeing that the old man looked truly exhausted today and needed some peace and quiet, she changed her mind.

She then turned to Lin Li, who was standing beside her, and said, "Perhaps Patriarch Lin should take Alchemist Lu back."

Lin Li was flattered and quickly stood up, returned the greeting, and said, "You flatter me. It is my honor."

"Alas." Master Lu sighed, as if he had many feelings about the day's events. "I came in a hurry today, and many matters have not yet been properly arranged. I will take my leave first, return to the palace to pack my things, and then make further plans."

"Yes, alchemist, there's no need to worry," Chu Lengyu said gently. "The matter of spiritual herbs is not something that can be accomplished overnight, so there's no rush."

After saying that, she glanced at him and gestured for Lüyun to see him off.

Lu Yun understood immediately, stepped forward, and helped Master Lu out.

After the two of them left, Lin Li volunteered and asked in a sincere tone, "Since Miss Chu wishes to cultivate spiritual herbs, would you like me to collect seeds, procure tools, and recruit some herbalists to assist her?"

“These are indeed all necessary for cultivating spiritual herbs. However, we still need to discuss the specifics with Master Lu, and it is best to follow his arrangements.”

At this point, Chu Lengyu smiled and said, "There's no need to be so reserved in front of me."

Hearing this, Lin Li felt somewhat embarrassed, recalling how he had praised Chu Lengyu's appearance upon their first meeting, which he considered frivolous and offensive.

Although the girl was still young, he could no longer feel any contempt for her.

Chu Lengyu spoke again: "By the way, Patriarch Lin, I also need you to help me collect some detailed information about Jade Cauldron Pavilion and Mist Mountain."

“Okay, no problem,” Lin Li readily agreed.

Even if she hadn't said anything, he planned to gather information on this matter. But at this moment, he felt more guilty, regretting that he hadn't made more thorough preparations before coming to Pine Forest Cottage.

……

Sitting in the carriage on the way back to the palace, Master Lu kept a furrowed brow and a preoccupied expression the whole time.

During the journey, Lin Li wanted to ask him some questions to resolve his doubts, but seeing Lu Danshi's current state, he had no choice but to hold off on asking for the time being.

The two parted ways at the palace gate.

Back in the palace, and in his familiar alchemy room, Master Lu was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

He sat on the futon, trying to close his eyes and rest.

But Chu Lengyu's words, and the ever-changing, spirit-like figure demonstrating his realm, lingered in his mind, making him restless and unable to enter a meditative state.

If the path of cultivating immortality truly grants one a lifespan of thousands of years, as Chu Lengyu claims, who in the world could remain unmoved?

Master Lu closed his eyes and pondered deeply, weighing the options repeatedly.

Those fantasies about cultivating immortality clashed fiercely with reality. It felt as if two voices were locked in a fierce battle within him.

A voice spoke of the infinite possibilities of cultivating immortality, and the allure of eternal life and transcendence drew him in like a magnet.

Another voice reminded him that it was impossible for her to cultivate a miraculous elixir. Moreover, there was no such thing as a free lunch. Was there some unknown conspiracy or trap hidden behind this? Perhaps a slight misstep could lead to an abyss of no return.

Master Lu was filled with inner turmoil, but gradually, he recalled his many years of alchemy, his countless failures and subsequent rises, and his love and pursuit of the Dao of Alchemy...

He vividly remembered how he had spent countless hours experimenting and constantly improving to perfect a single elixir. When the elixir was finally refined in his hands, the heartfelt pride and joy he felt seemed to dispel all the weariness and suffering in the world.

He also recalled that when facing the challenges of Daoist alchemy, he often forgot to eat and sleep, immersing himself in research day and night, just to unravel the mysteries that had troubled him for so long. These efforts and dedication brought him many rewards.

Of course, what he can't forget even more are those moments when he couldn't get what he wanted and couldn't find the answers to his questions. Whenever this happened, a deep sense of melancholy and helplessness would well up in his heart.

Countless times he wanted to ask: The road ahead is blocked, where is the way out!

He was not one to settle for mediocrity; he yearned to explore the unknown and the limits of alchemy!

Once you attain enlightenment and return to your true self, what mountain path is impassable? (Note 2)

Just as Master Lu finally made up his mind to accept Chu Lengyu's invitation, a palace servant came to announce from outside the door, saying, "Master Lu, His Majesty requests your presence."

_______________________

Note 1: "Having escaped the mortal world, one need not inquire about the return journey on the long road."

—Lyrics from the ending theme song "Fanren" of the Chinese animated series *A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality*. Both the original novel and the animated version are excellent; highly recommended!

Note 2: Once you realize the truth, there is no mountain path that is impassable.

—"Staying Overnight at the Abode of Venerable Cheng" by Lu Lun (Tang Dynasty).