Forging Immortality through the Dao Seed

City Lord's Mansion.

In the vast courtyard.

Pavilions, towers, green bricks, black tiles, changing scenery with each step.

The design is indicative of a sense of spiritual cleverness.

Tiny mountainous rocks and peculiar stones are scattered, subtly forming a magical array, attracting endless Immortal Spirit Qi from the surrounding land.

In various parts of the courtyard.

Tables are arranged one after another, laden with Immortal Fruits and delicacies, Immortal teas, and Spiritual Wines, displayed generously as if money didn't matter.

A legion of beautiful maidens with charming faces weave among the tables.

As time passed.

Every table is now filled with cultivators of diverse attires, men and women, old and young alike.

The only commonality among these people is that their cultivation reaches at least the Foundation Establishment Realm.

At this moment.

Almost everyone's attention is focused on the straight central avenue in the courtyard.

From time to time, figures emanating formidable auras walk by, directly entering the inner courtyard, causing a flurry of discussion among the crowd.

"President Shi of the Dragon Hunting Association!"

"Pavilion Master You of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion!"

"Gale Sword Immortal of Winter Wine Market!"

"Young Master Yu of Qingshen Market!"

"..."

"Phew- , the City Lord's Mansion has actually invited all the Golden Pill Realm Cultivators in the Three Elements City today, what a generous move!"

Someone counts the powerful figures who just passed by, and exclaims in admiration.

Another person then takes over the conversation.

"The Junior City Lord has been accepted into the Yellow Sand Law Realm as a formal disciple, so it's only normal for the City Lord's Mansion to celebrate this way, right? After all, he has leapfrogged to become a disciple of the legendary immortal path, with immortality in sight!"

...

Inner courtyard.

Compared to the outer courtyard.

The number of cultivators here is significantly less, and much quieter.

At a table in one corner.

Zhang Jing is leaning back in his chair, looking relaxed as he curiously observes his surroundings.

Next to him are several Golden Core Realm cultivators.

These are people Zhang Jing knows.

They are Golden Core Realm cultivators from pavilions near Qingshen Market where he currently resides.

"Taoist Friend Zhang, take a look."

A middle-aged man in black robes next to him nudges his chin subtly, pointing to the three young cultivators with a proud demeanor sitting on the main platform at the front, and says with a respectful tone:

"Those three are said to be the senior brothers that the Junior City Lord met in the Yellow Sand Law Realm. Rumor has it that the two men are surnamed Wang and Nong respectively, while the female cultivator's surname is Lan. Tsk, befitting of disciples from the Immortal Path, even though we are all in the Golden Core Realm, it is obvious that we are not on the same level."

"Haha, Taoist Friend Yu, don't belittle yourself."

Zhang Jing comforted with a laugh.

But who would have thought.

Hearing Zhang Jing's words.

The man in the black robe instantly becomes serious and says:

"I am not joking. Yu once witnessed a Golden Core Realm disciple from the Taiyi Sect in action, and I must admit, such power may haunt me for the rest of my life. It was too strong, so strong that it surpasses my understanding of the Golden Core Realm."

Saying this.

He can't help but give a bitter smile:

"It was after that when I came to know that the gap between the same realm, and between us loose cultivators and disciples of the Immortal Path is despairingly vast."

"Indeed."

"Even though we are all in the same realm, the gap between us is as huge as the difference between heaven and earth."

For a moment.

The other Golden Core Realm cultivators sitting next to Zhang Jing unanimously express their sentiments.

From the side.

Observing the nonchalance on Zhang Jing's face.

The man in the black robe kindly advises:

"The strength of Taoist Friend, who has gained the praise of Young Master Yu in the Qingshen Market, is undoubtedly recognized by all of us. However, there are always people beyond people, and heavens beyond heavens. One should always maintain a heart of reverence."

"Thank you for the reminder, I will keep it in mind."

Zhang Jing nods and smiles.

Between their conversation.

Two bright lights vault from the sky, gently landing on the main platform.

"Haha, today is a grand day to celebrate my son's entrance into the Boundless Tai Yi Taoist Gate for cultivation, hence the special arrangement of this Ascension Banquet, everyone, eat and drink well."

A hearty voice suddenly echoes in everyone's ears.

There is a faint yet terrifying pressure in the voice.

"Dharma Phase Realm?"

Zhang Jing's eyes flash.

An expected expression instantly appears on his face.

He knew that in Three Elements City, there has to be more than just one Dharma Phase Realm cultivator stationed outside Lingshu Mountain.

Otherwise, how could they dare to covet the Lingzhu Mountain Sacred Place?

And the other two forces, Yushui Sect and Dragon Sky Sword Sect, are likely not to be outdone.

...

Time slowly passes.

Zhang Jing and a few others are still casually chatting.

When suddenly.

A young man about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, full of youthful spirit, dressed in a green robe, is seen walking straight towards them.

Several young men carrying dishes and wine follow behind him.

"Why is the protagonist of this Ascension Banquet, Qi Lianyang, heading towards us?"

A voice filled with surprise and a hint of nervousness sounds from Zhang Jing's side.

An interested grin suddenly appears on Zhang Jing's face.

He clearly felt that this Taoist Brother named Qi Lianyang, has kept his attention on him all along.

Clearly.

This man had come for him.

As for the reason -

His eyes quietly land on Li Xie, who is trailing behind Qi Lianyang, his face full of sycophancy.

Zhang Jing more or less has a hunch.

Not long after.

Just as he had anticipated.

Qi Lianyang walks straight to Zhang Jing, lowers his head, his eyes flickering.