Quantum Immortal

Six months had passed since the discovery of the ancient ruin on the border between the Golden Phoenix and Iron Mountain sects. At first, the excitement surrounding the ruin had been palpable—disciples from the sects, rogue cultivators, and even wandering mercenaries had all flocked to try their luck. They hoped to uncover a legacy, a treasure, or anything that could boost their cultivation. But those hopes had quickly turned to despair.

Not a single cultivator who entered the ruin had returned. The only news that emerged from the ruin was death. Corpses, mangled and broken, had been found just outside its entrance. Some bore signs of powerful spiritual traps, while others seemed to have fallen to internal conflicts, cut down by their fellow cultivators in the frenzy for treasure.

As time went on, fewer and fewer dared to enter the ruin. What had once been a frenzy had now become a grim waiting game. There were still a few bold—or desperate—souls who thought they could succeed where others had failed, but none of them ever returned. The allure of the ruin faded, and interest waned.

For Wuji, life in Green Willow City remained peaceful. It had been eight months since he arrived, and in that time, he had devoted himself fully to the study of talismans under Master Zhang’s guidance. His understanding of the basics had become solid, and although he was far from mastering the art, he had absorbed everything that Master Zhang had to offer him.

Now, 1 year and 2 months remained before the sect exams were held in Silverbrook City, but Wuji knew that the journey to the capital would take nearly seven to eight months from Green Willow City. He still had time, but Wuji had other plans. There were cities he wished to visit, places that had caught his interest during his time here. His curiosity, ever insatiable, pulled him toward the unknown.

With his decision made, Wuji had already informed Master Zhang of his departure. Today was the day he would bid farewell to his teacher and the city that had been his home for the better part of a year.

---

As Wuji approached Master Zhang’s shop for the final time, he found the old man sitting on his straw mat by the door, as usual. Master Zhang had always seemed to possess an uncanny awareness of his surroundings, and today was no different. His sharp eyes were already fixed on the entrance, as if waiting for Wuji’s arrival.

“Come in, Wuji,” Master Zhang said with a gentle smile. His voice, though aged, held the same warmth it always had.

Wuji stepped inside and sat across from Master Zhang, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. “Master Zhang,” he began, “I’ve come to say goodbye.”

Master Zhang nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on Wuji. “I knew this day would come, but it still feels strange,” he said with a sigh. “You’ve learned all the basics of talisman crafting that I can teach you. From here on, your journey will be your own.”

They spoke for a while longer, sharing a quiet conversation about Wuji’s time in Green Willow City and his plans for the future. Wuji spoke of his desire to visit other cities before the sect exams, and Master Zhang listened attentively, offering advice and words of encouragement.

As their conversation drew to a close, Master Zhang reached behind him and pulled out a book. It was old, its cover worn and weathered by time. The book had no title, and its pages looked fragile, as though they could crumble at the slightest touch.

Wuji’s eyes widened with curiosity, but before he could ask, Master Zhang spoke. “This book,” he said, “contains my personal understanding of talismans and the Dao. It is not a formal text, nor is it something I’ve ever shared with anyone else. But you, Wuji... though you are not my formal disciple, you’ve shown great promise. I am proud of the progress you’ve made.”

Wuji’s heart swelled with emotion. He had not expected such a gesture from Master Zhang, and the weight of the moment pressed upon him. “Master...” he began, but his voice faltered.

Seeing Wuji’s expression, Master Zhang smiled again, this time with a deeper warmth. “You’ve earned this, Wuji. Take it with you, and may it guide you on your path.”

Wuji, overwhelmed with gratitude, stood up and performed the traditional three kowtows—a gesture of deep respect that he had learned after living in this world for more than twelve years. He bowed deeply before Master Zhang, his head touching the floor, three times in succession.

“Thank you, Master Zhang,” Wuji said as he rose. His voice was steady, but his heart was heavy with the weight of parting.

Master Zhang nodded, his eyes glistening with a mixture of pride and sadness. “Go, Wuji. Your journey awaits. I will always remember our time together.”

With that, Wuji cupped his hands in the traditional farewell gesture and left the shop for the last time. He felt a mix of sadness and excitement as he walked the familiar streets of Green Willow City, bidding farewell to a few acquaintances he had made during his time here. They were simple goodbyes, and Wuji felt that the city, too, was ready to release him to his greater destiny.

---

As the sun set on the horizon, Wuji stood at the edge of Green Willow City, looking back one final time before setting off on the road toward Silverbrook City.

Unbeknownst to Wuji, the moment he passed the outer gates of the city, something strange occurred. Master Zhang’s talisman shop, the place where Wuji had spent countless hours in study, began to shimmer. In a matter of moments, the entire shop vanished into thin air, leaving no trace that it had ever existed.

It had been an illusion all along. But for Wuji, the teachings he had gained were as real as any stone or building, and the wisdom imparted to him would remain with him for the rest of his journey.

With the wind at his back and the road ahead of him, Wuji set off toward his destination, Silverbrook City. His journey was just beginning.