Forging Immortality through the Dao Seed

"Relocate to Dragon Lake Dao Institute?"

Zhang Jing's eyes narrowed slightly, and then he slowly shook his head.

Though it was safe, what would happen to their livelihood?

They couldn't possibly spend their days interacting with the disciples of the Dao Institute.

"Principal, is there a place that's safe but suitable for the lifestyle of ordinary people? After all, they are mortals. Moving into the Dao Institute would inevitably bring about numerous inconveniences."

Zhang Jing asked seriously.

"Ha ha, I did not consider that. In that case, two hundred miles away from the Dragon Lake Dao Institute, there is a city for ordinary people, inhabited by numerous nobles from Nanli. Let your family move there. In case of any situation, the Dao Institute will be able to respond quickly."

"I thank you very much for your consideration, Principal."

Zhang Jing responded with a smile.

"No need for formalities! Zhang Jing, you have made significant contributions to the Dao Institute, I can guarantee that every generation of the Zhang Clan will have someone entering the Dragon Lake Dao Institute. Especially for your younger brother and sister, once they are grown and able to cultivate, I will personally guide them into the Dao Institute for careful nurturing."

The Principal's voice was decisive.

On the other side.

Hearing these words.

A thoughtful look emerged on Zhang Jing's face.

Then he smiled and said:

"Principal, I don't know when I will return, so please take good care of my family. However—"

He paused, seemingly recalling his last homecoming experience.

"As for my little brother and sister, if they wish to remain as mortals, let them be. If they want to cultivate, I will have to trouble you, Principal. These are resources I've prepared for them, please transfer it to them when the time comes."

Zhang Jing took out a storage bag and placed it on the table beside him.

Without waiting for the Principal's response.

He continued to speak, his tone suddenly becoming plain:

"As for the Zhang Clan... Principal, I appreciate your goodwill, and I have taken it to heart. However, the benefits offered by a gentleman should only last for five generations, and the Immortal Way is no different. Please protect them for the next one hundred and fifty years, and afterwards, let them thrive or perish on their own."

Zhang Jing knew the benefits his achievement of Immortal Base would bring to the Dao Institute, so he didn't refuse in his words.

Upon hearing this.

The Principal looked at Zhang Jing in surprise.

"Ah—"

He sighed deeply, then picked up the storage bag and slowly said:

"I understand, you can go to the Upper Realm with ease."

...

There were still ten days until the arrival of the True Immortal.

A faint atmosphere of rejoicing began to permeate throughout the Dragon Lake Dao Institute, with dazzling arrays of spiritual arrays spreading all over and lights reaching for the heavens.

This sight attracted many Outer Academy disciples who were unaware of the situation to talk amongst themselves.

At this moment.

The Immortal Island where Zhang Jing was.

Senior Brother Li curiously looked around, a hint of envy occasionally flashing in his eyes.

A vast Immortal Island.

The pervasive spiritual energy was even denser than in his own cave manor.

He found it hard to imagine just how dense the spiritual energy in their cultivation place would be.

Was this the treatment Inner Academy disciples received?

Not far from Senior Brother Li.

Lu Thirty-Eight was leading the way, while constantly warning:

"Senior Brother, we're almost there. Be careful not to step on the spiritual medicines I planted. The master is waiting for you just ahead."

"Understood, thanks for the reminder."

Senior Brother Li politely replied, his gaze unintentionally falling on the deer, his eyes complex.

This deer, following Senior Brother Zhang Jing, had truly received great fortune.

In just a few months.

His cultivation had advanced to the ninth level of Qi Refinement.

What's unfathomable was that this guy was still an Outer Academy disciple...

...

Not long after.

"Junior Brother Li, here are some cultivation resources," Zhang Jing pointed with one hand, and a storage bag silently appeared, slowly flying towards Li who was sitting upright, "I would appreciate it if you could distribute everything according to the list in the jade slip."

The storage bag contained a small part of the cultivation resources that Zhang Jing had exchanged when he left the small Void of the Ten Thousand Gods.

However, he no longer needed them now.

It was just right for settling his karmic debts.

Zhang Jing didn't know if karma really existed in this world.

But... better believe it exists than believe it doesn't.

Upon hearing this.

Senior Brother Li's spiritual sense probed into the storage bag, then a shocked expression emerged on his face.

He took out the jade slip, looked directly at Zhang Jing, and asked with a puzzled tone:

"Senior Brother Zhang, what is this?"

"These are all people from the Outer Academy who have, in varying degrees, bestowed kindness upon me. It's only right that I repay them."

Zhang Jing smiled slightly.

Senior Brother Li directed his Spiritual Sense into the jade slip.

In an instant.

Li Hong, Zhang Yangchu, Ji Bochang, Tong Yao ...

One name after the other appeared before Senior Brother Li, and each name was followed by a corresponding cultivation resource.

Among them, his own name was listed first.

The corresponding resource was... Dao Enlightenment Tea!

Upon seeing this, Senior Brother Li's eyes unexpectedly turned red.

He had, of course, heard of the legend of the Dao Enlightenment Tea. It was said to offer one a chance at enlightenment, a benefit that could be described as heaven-defying.

He was originally destined to have no association with the Inner Academy.

However, with this tea...

Senior Brother Li felt he might still stand a chance of entering the Inner Academy.

His fate could change!

After a long silence.

He composed his thoughts.

He wiped the corners of his eyes and turned to look at Zhang Jing, puzzled.

"Senior Brother Zhang Jing, what is this?"

"I will soon be leaving to cultivate in the Upper Realm. I entrust this matter to you, Junior Brother Li."

Zhang Jing's eyes, as deep as an abyss, were unperturbed as he spoke.

"Li Hong understands. Please rest assured, Senior Brother. I will attend to this matter as soon as possible."

Senior Brother Li inhaled deeply, speaking solemnly.

His heart held no surprise for Zhang Jing's announced departure to the Upper Realm.

In his mind.

His Senior Brother Zhang Jing possessed a talent that had already surpassed any precedent. As for whether there would be another like him in the future, Senior Brother Li couldn't say.

Having such extraordinary talent.

Attracting the Upper Realm's attention was to be expected.

The legendary Upper Realm, abundant with gods and monsters, was his stage!

"Thank you."

After hearing Li Hong's promise, Zhang Jing replied calmly.

...

With that.

Everything was arranged.

Zhang Jing was sitting in the cultivation room, quietly waiting for the arrival of the True Immortal from the Upper Realm.

Ten days leisurely passed by.

On this day.

In the sky above Longze Lake.

An imposing bronze divine light suddenly appeared, instantly coloring the entire sky.

Oppressive! Terrifying!

The entire sky seemed to turn into a heavy bronze cap, permeated with an overwhelming aura.

In the next instant.

A divine being, surrounded by bronze light, slowly descended over the Dragon Lake Dao Institute.

Down below.

The Academy Principal and all the Pavilion Masters, along with the disciples from the Inner Academy who had been waiting for a long time, immediately fell to their knees and respectfully called out:

"Dragon Lake Dao Institute respectfully welcomes the arrival of the Upper Realm True Immortal!"

Among the crowd.

Zhang Jing stood upright in his spot, sticking out like a sore thumb.

It wasn't because he lacked manners.

Zhang Jing discovered that he couldn't move his body. Only his neck was free.

He couldn't help but look up.

He noticed that the divine figure, wrapped in bronze-colored light, seemed to have winked at him. At the same time, a young, amused voice sounded in his mind.

"Junior Brother Zhang Jing, I am Feng Wuyu. I am here to take you to the Clear Sky Profound Realm. And, you absolutely must not kneel. I can't accept that... "

Before Zhang Jing could react.

A fastidious voice echoed throughout the heavens and earth.

"All of you rise. There is no need for excessive ceremony."

"Thank you, True Immortal!"

Everyone fervidly cried out, then slowly got up.