I have Immortality In The Cultivation World

What does it feel like to watch a ritual celebration held to honor oneself?

Zhou Yi only found it to be deeply mysterious,

The esteemed Daoist cultivator invited by the city lord, of course, took a seat among the distinguished guests, watching his own divine statue being worshiped by tens of thousands.

In the center of the city square, before the golden body statue.

The senior elder Jin Jing, wearing a beast skin robe and with a solemn expression, offered incense, sacrificed the five domestic animals, knelt in prayer, and recited the sacrificial text...

Behind him knelt thousands of Moyun City's citizens, dressed in linen and hides, with feathers in their hair, looking like uncivilized wild people from the mountains.

After Jin Jing finished reciting the sacrificial text, he circulated the Qi and blood in his Dantian, his voice carrying long and far for several miles.

"Golden God, protect us!"

"Golden God, protect us—" Explore new worlds at M-V-L

"Golden God, protect us—"

The voice thundered straight into the clouds, three prostrations and nine bows performed with uniformity.

The sound of beast skin drums came from all directions, no rhythm required, simply hammered with force, deafening to the ears. The drumsticks, fashioned from some kind of beast bone polished over time, had worn smooth like jade.

Zhou Yi's Divine Sense swept over and recognized that both the drum faces and the drumsticks were made from the Thunder Demon, and although the Spiritual Energy had been exhausted, a hint of their former might lingered.

As the ceremony in the square dispersed, ten or so figures wearing masks of tigers, leopards, jackals, and wolves descended, waving their weapons and howling wildly.

The drums grew more fervent, and suddenly, a piercing horn sounded.

Jin Jing had already changed his clothes, now donning a golden feathered cape shimmering as if descended from the heavens, he waved his hand casting a few gusts of wind that sent those dressed as demons flying.

Then, several dozens of demon figures surrounded Jin Jing at the center. Just as the situation seemed dire, a water buffalo, a turtle chancellor, a Golden Eagle, and a black tiger flew in from all directions, joining hands with the Golden God to vanquish the demons.

The plot was simple, telling the story of the Golden God protecting humanity, continually defeating demons.

There was lively fighting that captivated the heart, the thrilling sound of gongs and drums, and a festive atmosphere that made both the citizens of Moyun City and the visitors cheer.

"I am becoming a part of history, and at the same time, I am creating history!"

Zhou Yi murmured to himself, suddenly feeling a deep loneliness as he remained an outsider amidst the overwhelming excitement, standing alone in the world.

Before the Cultivation World was destroyed, loneliness was just loneliness, but now it became a desolate solitude.

"The loneliness of invincibility is worse than bitter cultivation! In this world, there is no longer anyone you can talk to, it's like talking to ducks if you are a chicken, like playing the lute to cows, slowly, you just fall silent and no longer wish to speak."

At this moment.

Jin Jing had finished dancing and, wearing the beast skin robe once again, came over to the guest area with a cup in hand.

"Daoist Zhu, I was occupied with hosting the celebration and have neglected you."

"It's not a problem."

Zhou Yi raised his cup and said, "This wine has to be several hundred years old, worth a thousand gold, but it seems I am the one to benefit."

"This wine is no simple matter. Back when the Golden God often visited the mortal world, every household went to great lengths to brew alcohol."

Jin Jing laughed, "Therefore, the lord's mansion holds a wine competition every year, selecting the top hundred jars of fine wine to be stored underground to this day, only to be brought out for distinguished guests to enjoy during the celebrations."

"No wonder..."

Zhou Yi nodded slightly, "It has a familiar taste."

Hearing this, Jin Jing didn't think much of it, assuming that with Zhu Gang's status, it wasn't strange for him to have access to centuries-old fine wines.

The two talked a bit more, making plans to go fishing in a few days. Jin Jing then proceeded to entertain other distinguished guests. The most important among them was the envoy from the Qing Kingdom, led by the third prince, who respectfully called Jin Jing "Uncle Seven."

The previous senior elder was Qin Zheng's maternal grandfather, which was also Jin Jing's grandfather. The two families were closely related within three generations.

After the sacrifice ended, the banquet began.

There weren't many at the distinguished guests' table, and Zhou Yi, a young Daoist, was quite eye-catching. However, those seated were no ordinary people, with either the strong-willed minds of Martial Artists or the deep schemes of officials, curiosity hidden behind smiling faces.

Sitting on either side of Zhou Yi were two beast skin-clad men, introduced by Jin Jing as chiefs from the tribes that sought protection under Moyun City.

After the disappearance of the demon clans and the depletion of Spiritual Energy, humanity carried on with their Qi-Blood martial arts cultivation. The wild beasts of the great mountains were no match, and gradually, many tribes emerged.

It was unknown whether it was intentional or not, but the two chiefs seated next to Zhou Yi were not merely uncivilized martial brutes; they were literate, valued scholarship, and could converse with Zhou Yi about the Daoist scriptures.

After a few rounds of wine, the atmosphere warmed, and the hosts and guests were all cheerful.

The Crown Prince Qin Xiao came over, raising his cup he said, "I've seen Daoist Zhu, I am Qin Xiao, the younger generation. Uncle Seven mentioned your extraordinary way of taming beasts, and I've come to seek guidance."

Zhou Yi replied with a smile, "There's no extraordinary magic to it, just an ancient beast taming spell which I slightly modified to be driven with Inner Qi."

Nowadays, those practicing martial arts usually refer to the old Qi Refinement cultivation techniques as "ancient methods." Some of these have become obsolete with the times, while others have evolved and integrated into martial arts, like the Dual Cultivation techniques of the Hehuan Sect.

Qin Xiao's eyes brightened, many knew of the profound mystery of ancient methods, yet there were few who could reinvent them.

"May I ask which Daoist temple Daoist Zhu cultivates at? I often listen to Master Xuan Su of Baiyun Temple preach, and I have many insights into Taoist scriptures."

Zhou Yi replied, "I am not from the Nine Continents, the cultivation techniques passed down in my sect come from the Eastern Sea. I have long heard of the reputation of Baiyun Temple, and I will surely visit to discuss the Dao in the future."

"The Eastern Sea!"

Qin Xiao's face showed excitement, "Years ago, my father ordered the construction of a hundred massive ships. They were led by Master Xu to search for Immortal Islands in the Eastern Sea, I wonder if Daoist Zhu has a sea chart?"

"Venturing across the Eastern Sea?"

Upon hearing this news for the first time, Zhou Yi could not help but think of Qin Zheng, the rumored deranged tyrant, and sighed inwardly.

"With just a gentle nudge, I've set off raging tides in the annals of history! In the future, I must act carefully and prudently, not allowing myself to act impulsively..."

Every matter, no matter how circuitous, can be traced back to caution. This has become a habit over the centuries and will continue to be upheld.

Zhou Yi asked in response, "According to the records of my ancestors, Baiyun Temple originated from the Eastern Sea, and its heritage books should include sea charts?"

"It's impressive that the Daoist priest is aware of this. Indeed, the legacy runs deep."

Qin Xiao explained, "Baiyun Temple colluded with the Buddhist sect to compile false scriptures and denied the identity of Xuan Xiao Daojun as our founder. My father learned of this during his dream journey in Kunlun Wonderland and destroyed all the false scriptures. In the process, many heritage books were burned, including the sea charts."

"I see."

Zhou Yi took out a piece of beast skin paper from his sleeve and said, "My ancestor held Xuan Xiao Daojun in high regard. Your Majesty is setting things right, so take this sea chart with you."

"I will certainly report to my father and ask for commendation on the Daoist priest's behalf."

Qin Xiao bowed to receive the beast skin paper, and without even looking at it, he directly handed it to an attendant by his side.

Zhou Yi pondered for a moment and reminded, "The Eastern Sea is originally barren, there's no spiritual medicine to be found now."

A look of somber disappointment flashed in Qin Xiao's eyes as he shook his head slightly, choosing not to comment. Emperor Tai Shi had conquered most of the Qing Kingdom's territory, his personal martial prowess and prestige were as profound as mountains and oceans, and even if he had lost the hearts of the people in recent years, a prince should not speculate recklessly!

The banquet came to an end as evening approached.

Most of the guests had already left when Zhou Yi got up to take his leave, but Jin Jing unexpectedly asked him to stay.

"The Daoist priest often speaks of his fondness for ancient objects. Why not stay for the night? Tomorrow you can visit the Jin Clan treasure vault. If there's anything that catches your eye, it shall be gifted to the Daoist priest," Jin Jing said.

"Hmm?"

With some thought, Zhou Yi understood the cause and effect, likely because of the sea chart. Thinking deeper, Qin Xiao's presentation of the sea chart to Emperor Tai Shi would surely be rewarded.

"You old man, you always tell me how you can't be bothered with the mundane world, yet you get involved in such matters?"

"The Daoist priest's insight is penetrating, indeed nothing can be hidden."

Jin Jing said helplessly, "No matter how tiresome it gets, I cannot sever my blood ties. As long as I bear the Jin surname, I cannot avoid it; my only choice is to choose someone to be close to."

Zhou Yi had seen such matters many times and reminded, "The Jin family is already a king of another surname, and there's no further progression, so they should remain independent."

"We don't get to decide on that. My cousin is no longer of the same status as before and does not need the support of Moyun City anymore," Jin Jing said with a sigh.

"Despite his control over the most powerful state in Cloud Continent, my cousin still isn't satisfied. Some time ago, he wrote to try incorporating Moyun City into Qing Kingdom, using it to rule over the hundred thousand mountains."

Zhou Yi did not continue to inquire why he was supporting Qin Xiao, as it must have been a private deal, and wondered aloud.

"I've heard that Moyun City lent its strong support so that His Majesty could ascend to the position of Crown Prince. Is there a reason for this?"

"More than strong support - my grandfather fought a three-day and three-night duel with that old immortal of the Qing Kingdom, and they both perished from exhaustion!"

Jin Jing said, "My cousin happened upon the original records of Martial Ancestor which detailed the emergence of Qi-Blood martial arts and the Golden God's guidance to Martial Ancestor. It's the supreme treasure of Moyun City!"

Centuries have passed, and the Golden God has become the faith and legacy of Moyun City, the original records of Martial Ancestor akin to divine relics left in the human realm.

"So that's how it is."

Zhou Yi felt somewhat embarrassed since he hadn't known of the Golden God faith at the time and only intended to return the original records through Qin Zheng.

…

The next day.

The treasure vault was located in the Jin family ancestral home.

The grand hall, built from long slabs of bluestone, had withstood the test of centuries, appearing somewhat time-worn.

Jin Jing pushed open the door and after entering, saw rows upon rows of shelves and piles of iron chests in the back.

"Daoist priest may not value mundane gold and silver, and I cannot compare in terms of heritage, so I can only offer these ancient objects as a token of gratitude," Jin Jing said. "Moyun City doesn't have much history; these items were collected by our clan members from the hundred thousand mountains, either for their unique designs or ancient origins, and have been stored here."

"Then I shall not stand on ceremony," Zhou Yi said.

He inspected each shelf in turn, though in reality, his divine sense swept across the hall, imprinting every ancient object in his mind.

Clay pots with bizarre patterns, jade stones glimmering with faint light, bones of unknown origin, bronze vessels with an archaic design… They were indeed ancient artifacts, but 99% of them were worthless. Zhou Yi quickly skimmed past them.

It wasn't until he noticed a palm-sized, dusty scale that Zhou Yi's interest piqued.

The scale surface was adorned with cloud patterns, neatly and symmetrically arranged, as if added by later hands.

"Could it be...?" Zhou Yi mused.

Seemingly wandering at random, he soon reached a corner shelf and picked up the scale for a closer look, comparing it with the reverse scale he had seen in the Dragon Palace Treasure Vault.

It was identical in shape and size but lacked the dragon's might.

Zhou Yi pinched the scale lightly, but there was no change; its hardness surpassed that of gold and iron.

"It must be a dragon's reverse scale. What an unexpected find! All the dragons of the hundred thousand mountains trace their origins to Greenwave Pond. Even if this reverse scale is not from the Dragon Emperor, there's a bloodline connection."

"There are many bloodline curse techniques within the demonic paths, and even in the orthodox cultivation world, there exist techniques for seeking people by bloodline or divination. A bloodline source is as valuable as an object imbued with someone's qi."

"I have taken a great step towards achieving my revenge!"

Zhou Yi tucked away the dragon scale and, having scanned the treasure vault with his divine sense finding no other useful objects, approached the door and addressed Jin Jing.

"This object and I must share a destiny. To accept such generosity from you for a mere sea chart seems unfair," he said.

As he rummaged through his sleeve, Zhou Yi produced a few grains of rice.

"I grow rice in my spare times, and some of the plants underwent a change, producing seeds unlike the ordinary. Jin Dao You also enjoys farming, so accept these seeds as a token of my thanks. In the future, you can even grow grain in the mountains!"