Qiu Zu: From an apprentice in a medicine shop to an immortal ancestor.

Chapter 124: Immortal Lou Da Zhen

One day ago.

Deep in the mountains, a vast expanse of green forest.

A young monk sat cross-legged on a bluestone, wearing a simple monk's robe. The color scheme was light and elegant, yet it couldn't conceal his extraordinary and refined temperament. His posture was upright, his face calm and peaceful, with a faint, almost imperceptible smile. His eyes were clear and deep, like a clear spring, surrounded by an aura that calmed the mind.

Not far from the bluestone, squirrels even frolicked nearby.

There was a strange harmony between man and nature, as if the young monk had blended into it.

Until…

“Swoosh!”

The trees in the distance swayed, and a strong wind attacked. The sudden change startled the squirrels, who fled in panic, and the tranquility of the moment vanished without a trace.

Immediately afterward, amidst a rustling sound, a woman walked out of the forest. She wore a tight-fitting outfit, cinched at the waist with a wide belt. Her long hair was tied up high, braided into strands, flying freely as she walked. A long sword hung on her back, revealing a unique heroic bearing.

The sword-bearing girl nodded in satisfaction when she saw the monk sitting cross-legged on the bluestone:

“Monk, your disguise skills are improving. If you hadn’t leaked a bit of your aura, I wouldn’t have recognized you.”

“Thanks to Immortal Yun Rou's guidance, I have benefited greatly.”

Monk Zhen Kong also sized up the sword-bearing girl and sighed:

“Immortal, your disguise and aura concealment techniques are truly amazing. Every time I see you, you look different. If I had become your disciple earlier, I wouldn't have been so embarrassed when I was wandering around the world, being hunted by the Demon Suppression Division.”

“Learning these skills is a last resort.”

Immortal Yun Rou shook her head, not pleased by Monk Zhen Kong's praise, but rather a little melancholy:

“I'm afraid my true form won't last long. Sooner or later, I will have to undergo corpse liberation to sever worldly ties, so I can only prepare early.”

“May the Buddha have mercy.”

Zhen Kong chanted a Buddhist prayer, feeling a sense of melancholy in his heart. However, he did not continue this old topic, and changed the subject with a smile:

“Immortal, it seems that I have found the Immortal Relic Secret Realm.”

“Found it?”

Immortal Yun Rou was immediately interested when she heard this, and the sorrow in her heart was swept away:

“The blood corpse I was tracking wandered too far, and I don’t know where the secret realm is. Monk, you were able to find it.”

“I attained the Heavenly Ear, and that blood corpse happened to have a trace of remnant soul. Hearing the remnant soul murmuring, I followed the clues and found the Immortal Relic Secret Realm.”

Monk Zhen Kong had no intention of showing off his skills, his face was calm, as if he was talking about an ordinary thing. After speaking, he remembered something and said:

“I also invited Qing Wei, but he still hasn't responded. I don't know what he's busy with.”

“Mysterious, who knows what he is busy with. Such a great immortal opportunity is in front of him, yet he can endure it. Could it be that there is something wrong with his cultivation of the [Ape-Mind Horse-Will Tempering Method], and he has spawned a demon?”

“That’s possible.”

Monk Zhen Kong nodded slightly, but comforted her:

“According to my observation, Daoist Qing Wei has an extraordinary temperament and Daoist cultivation, and he used a heaven-grade foundation-building object to build his foundation. Even if something goes wrong, he should be able to protect himself.”

“Hopefully.”

Immortal Yun Rou muttered. The decisive and efficient she pondered for a moment and quickly made a decision:

“Monk, this immortal opportunity is significant. Countless Daoists are flocking here, and the imperial court also attaches great importance to it, intending to fish in troubled waters and suppress us cultivators. It is full of dangers, and the opportunity is fleeting. Time waits for no one. Let’s contact him one more time. If there is still no reply, then we will not wait.”

“Great.”

Monk Zhen Kong agreed with what Immortal Yun Rou said, and immediately took out the [Miro Palace] jade talisman from his bosom, and immersed his divine sense in the sound transmission.

After a while.

The two shook their heads.

There was no news.

“Forget it, this opportunity is not destined for Daoist Qing Wei. Monk, let’s go, you lead the way.”

“Okay!”

As they spoke, the two didn't say much. Their figures flickered and disappeared into the green forest. Before long, the squirrels ran out again, as if nothing had happened.

Not far away, a mountain stream, with clear currents gurgling and layers of clouds rising.

At first glance, the white mist was hazy, as if it were a fairyland on earth.

However, Immortal Yun Rou hesitated, her face full of caution. Even with the blessing of magic, her eyes could not see clearly through the white mist, and she became like a mortal. Her divine sense sank into it like a stone thrown into the sea.

Entering the fog alone would probably lead to getting lost easily.

“Monk, there is something strange here. Is this really the Immortal Relic Secret Realm?”

“Presumably, it is here.”

Monk Zhen Kong nodded, without much certainty in his heart. He thought for a moment and said:

“Immortal Yun Rou, follow me in. I will take care of everything.”

Immortal Yun Rou nodded. She had not yet undergone corpse liberation to sever worldly ties, and she usually did not dare to wholeheartedly cultivate “Form-Refining Martial Arts”. Her physical body was no match for a monk who cultivated both “Nature and Life”, and was only slightly stronger than a Houtian martial artist. Therefore, she did not force herself and nodded:

“Thank you.”

“It’s no problem!”

As he spoke, Monk Zhen Kong flicked his robe and disappeared into the white mist, with Immortal Yun Rou following closely behind.

Possessing the Heavenly Ear, he could hear the sounds of the heavens, the sounds of people, and the sounds of the three evil paths, all sounds, which were much more useful than divine sense. If there was any movement, the monk could distinguish it and take precautions in advance.

The monk listened in all directions, leading Immortal Yun Rou deep into the white mist, carefully guarding against unknown dangers.

However, to the surprise of the two, nothing happened along the way.

Apart from blocking sight and divine sense, the white mist had no other dangers.

After about half an hour, Monk Zhen Kong and Immortal Yun Rou walked out of the misty white fog, and their eyes suddenly opened up.

However, the moment she came out of the white fog, Immortal Yun Rou's expression changed.

Monk Zhen Kong was clearly in front of her just now, but in the blink of an eye, he disappeared.

A quiet and elegant mountain villa appeared before her eyes.

After the surprise, Immortal Yun Rou's expression quickly returned to normal. The Immortal Relic Secret Realm had its own tests, so this scene was not unexpected.

Immediately, Immortal Yun Rou looked into the distance, towards a mountain villa in the distance.

The villa was built against the mountain, with flying eaves and brackets, antique, red walls and green tiles, vermilion gates, and stone lions guarding the house on the left and right. The entire courtyard was extremely imposing, no different from the residences of wealthy families in the city.

A winding path in front of the door was covered with fallen leaves and gravel.

Surrounded by green trees, with rolling green hills in the distance.

It was a quiet mountain courtyard far away from the hustle and bustle of the world, making people feel peaceful.

“Lou Mansion.”

Immortal Yun Rou glanced at the gilded characters on the plaque of the gate, feeling suspicious, wondering what connection the Immortal Lu Zu's immortal opportunity had with the “Lou Mansion” in front of her.

Could it be that she was looking for the wrong immortal relic?

Was this the inheritance of another immortal's immortal technique? Or had she accidentally entered the cave of a senior cultivator?

Just as Immortal Yun Rou was surprised, the gate slammed open with a loud “bang”, and two graceful and incomparably beautiful women walked out of the courtyard.

Immortal Yun Rou was surprised in her heart.

The two women in front of her exuded a faint, ethereal Qi, which was very different from ordinary people.

“Celestial fairies?”

What cultivators cultivate is this “ethereal Qi”. Only celestial fairies can have such bearing.

“Guest, my Real Person invites you in.”

When Immortal Yun Rou heard “Real Person”, she was even more surprised in her heart. However, she did not say much. Since she had come, she was cautious and wary, and followed the two fairies into the Lou Mansion.

Inside the Lou Mansion, the courtyard was filled with rockeries and strange stones, and clear springs flowed, sounding pleasant. Several ancient trees stood tall, with stone tables and chairs placed under the trees.

A middle-aged Taoist, handsome in appearance and dressed in a Taoist robe, was sitting cross-legged in the pavilion. He smiled when he saw Fairy Yun Rou and pointed to the stone stool:

"Please sit down, young friend."

"Thank you, Senior, for the seat."

Fairy Yun Rou bowed respectfully and then sat down on the stone stool.

"This junior has been searching for immortal opportunities everywhere. Today, I am fortunate to meet Senior, truly a blessing."

"Hahaha, young friend, you indeed have a deep connection to immortality."

The middle-aged Taoist laughed heartily, quite proud:

"This humble one is Lou Daoming, skilled in the art of life. I have a close friendship with Peng Zu and Rong Cheng, and I have received books from both Taoist friends, achieving success in the immortal path of longevity."

As he spoke, Lou Zhenren flicked his sleeves.

Instantly, brilliant spiritual light transformed the courtyard. As the moon set over the cold pool, a line of twelve Yaochi fairies descended, performing a wonderful dance. Immortal music filled the air, and the entire courtyard seemed to become a paradise on earth.

Fairy Yun Rou was slightly startled, astonished by what was happening.

The next moment, more spiritual light shone. A celestial maiden from the heavens brought a cup of wine, another a pot of tea, a fairy maiden presented a bright red spiritual fruit, and a jade maiden offered a square stone, all presented before Fairy Yun Rou.

"Our meeting is fate. Here are four treasures; you may choose one."

Fairy Yun Rou was secretly alarmed, vaguely feeling that something was wrong. The opportunity came too easily, tinged with strangeness:

"Senior, we seek immortal methods, not treasures."

"I will impart the immortal methods of longevity to you later. However, entering my cave requires following the rules. If you don't accept a treasure, how can we determine fate?"

"This..."

Fairy Yun Rou was slightly startled. The moment the thought of leaving arose in her mind, a powerful force emerged from nowhere, pressing her onto the stone stool, unable to move her buttocks.

This kind of power was simply not something she could resist.

"Immortal Trial!"

Feeling the pressure of the mighty force, Fairy Yun Rou breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Having searched for immortal opportunities for many years, she could be considered well-traveled. Upon seeing the situation of being suppressed by the mighty force and rules, she knew in her heart that she had encountered a true immortal secret realm.

Knowing it was an "Immortal Secret Realm" and not mistakenly entering the cave of an evil cultivator, Fairy Yun Rou relaxed and immediately began choosing a treasure.

Immortal Secret Realms are generally trials left behind by immortals.

A proper "Immortal Examination" without fate might only involve some hardship and being teleported out of the secret realm, but it was generally not dangerous.

However, if the "Immortal Secret Realm" was invaded by a "Demon Lord of Obstruction," who usurped the nest, then there would be great danger behind the immortal opportunity.

The immortal opportunity would become a "Demon Examination," with a demon secretly causing trouble, extremely dangerous.

In other words, the biggest trouble she faced now was encountering a "Demon Lord of Obstruction."

Having come out to seek immortal opportunities, she had long prepared and was aware of the possibility of encountering a Demon Lord of Obstruction and experiencing a Demon Examination.

Immediately, Fairy Yun Rou's gaze fell on the four "treasures."

Tea, fruit, and wine were all things to be ingested.

Without distinguishing whether the current situation was an "Immortal Examination" or a "Demon Examination," she dared not easily consume unknown food. Immediately, she pointed to the "square stone."

"Senior, I choose this treasure!"

Lou Zhenren's expression changed upon hearing this.

The Lou Zhenren who had just been an immortal Taoist suddenly turned hostile, as if someone had grabbed his sore spot:

"You are worthy of this treasure!"

With that, Lou Zhenren suddenly stood up, drew the sword he wore by his side, with thunder patterns in his left hand and sword techniques in his right, chanting incantations:

"Male and female, predestined marriage, matched by the Old Man Under the Moon, perfect and flawless..."

As expected, the "Immortal Examination" contained a Demon Examination.

Fairy Yun Rou was slightly startled when she saw the other party's actions.

Choosing a "treasure" just now was the Immortal Examination, with great power added to her body, unable to refuse. After she chose the "stone," it was clear that she had triggered the Demon Examination.

The Demon Examination did not have the power of the "Secret Realm" rules to bind her, and she was free to move.

Feeling the other party's powerful aura, she did not hesitate and immediately planned to escape, leaving this place.

"Whoosh!"

A sword light flashed.

A sword light actually emerged beneath Fairy Yun Rou's feet, carrying her away into the sky, at an astonishing speed.

Clearly, Fairy Yun Rou was very afraid of the "Lou Zhenren" who was currently performing the ritual and used her true skills to save her life, fearing entanglement with the other party.

"Little beauty, want to run? You can't escape from my palm."

Lou Zhenren waved the magic sword in his hand, the moonlight shining brightly, with profound magic power:

"I now command with this sword that you return, unite as one, become a couple, hurry, hurry, as the decree commands!"

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"

The sword light was dazzling. In an instant, Fairy Yun Rou stepped on the sword light, escaped from the mountain courtyard, and flew into the hazy white mist.

However, at this moment, the moonlight was at its brightest, the moonlight flowing like water, falling on Fairy Yun Rou who was flying on the sword.

"Ah!"

A cry of surprise.

Under the pouring moonlight, Fairy Yun Rou seemed to be possessed, driving the sword light under her feet and flying back towards the mountain courtyard.

"No, no, no!"

Fairy Yun Rou was panicked and horrified.

Her consciousness was clearly very clear, but her body did not obey her commands, as if she was being controlled.

Even more terrifying was that Lou Zhenren's face constantly appeared in her mind, and a feeling of closeness constantly arose in her heart, as if she and Lou Zhenren's marriage was predestined, with a fate in the dark, a match made in heaven.

"What kind of evil magic is this?!"

Fairy Yun Rou exclaimed in her heart. She had sought immortal opportunities more than once or twice, but this was the first time she had encountered such a strange "Demon Examination."

"Hahaha, little beauty, our marriage is destined, this is fate!"

Lou Zhenren laughed and flicked his robe:

"Go and sober up first, this seat will favor you another day."

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"

The next moment, a strong wind rose, sweeping Fairy Yun Rou towards the backyard of the mountain.

A burst of darkness and lightlessness.

I don't know how long it took.

In a daze, Fairy Yun Rou gradually regained consciousness and immediately looked around, finding herself lying on a bed.

A sweep around.

The surroundings were dark.

In front of the bed was a pile of straw, a dining table, and iron windows covered with blood talismans.

With the dim light, it could be seen that nearby were prison cells with the same layout.

In the prison cells, there were frightened young girls looking around, and some were shouting, angry and desperate.

"Demon, come out and fight if you have the ability, what evil methods are you playing!"

"What kind of ghost immortal opportunity is this, it's too evil."

"It's over, it's over, demonic thoughts are entangled in my body, I'm afraid I'm going to fall here this time."

Fairy Yun Rou was slightly startled when she heard everyone's exclamations, and quickly understood what had happened.

The people in the surrounding cages were all fellow travelers seeking immortal opportunities.

Fairy Yun Rou was shocked, for no other reason than that she also felt demonic thoughts lingering in her body, constantly causing her to have the thought of "predestined marriage" with Lou Zhenren.

It seemed that the demon was subtly refining her little by little.

"This..."

Fairy Yun Rou was surprised and was about to say something when suddenly a strong wind rose, and the empty cage next door suddenly opened.

A graceful and charming woman suddenly appeared on the empty bed.

"Another unlucky one has come."

Fairy Yun Rou sighed and was about to communicate with this newly arrived "fellow sufferer" when her expression froze.

For no other reason than that she was very familiar with the aura of the woman in front of her.

Immediately, Fairy Yun Rou swallowed and transmitted a divine sense to the graceful beauty in the next cell:

"Monk, is that you?"