What is an immortal?

Dian Xiaosan hesitated for a moment, finally mustering the courage to say: "I have been stuck at the Returning to Void Stage for many years, always yearning to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, but have never been able to fulfill this wish. These years, I've assisted Fellow Daoists in refining the Dharma Manifestation Pill, gaining some insights, yet I always feel there's just a slight gap missing. Therefore…"

He blushed all over at this point, appearing somewhat embarrassed.

Yuan Ming, understanding his intent, continued for him: "So, the Master hopes I can lend you a helping hand by preparing the materials to refine a Dharma Manifestation Pill?"

Dian Xiaosan nodded repeatedly, saying: "Indeed, I hope Fellow Daoist will fulfill this request."

Yuan Ming pondered slightly, finding Dian Xiaosan's request not unreasonable, just about to agree when a subtle voice transmission reached his ears. He furrowed his brow slightly, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes, yet he didn't show a hint on his face.

After thinking for a while, he didn't directly agree to Dian Xiaosan's request: "While the Master's conditions are indeed reasonable, I have a better proposal here."

Upon hearing this, Dian Xiaosan lifted his head in confusion, looking at Yuan Ming.

At this moment, Yuan Ming flipped his hand, revealing a jade scroll in his palm.

"Inside is a Soul Cultivation Method I've modified, called 'Moonlight Technique', consisting of six layers. Compared to typical Soul Cultivation Methods, it takes an unusual path; although it doesn't allow you to employ Divine Soul Transformation and other soul cultivation methods, in contrast, it is extremely fast in cultivation with no bottlenecks. You only need elixirs that enhance Soul Power to quickly reach the Life Witch level." Yuan Ming explained in detail.

Dian Xiaosan, upon hearing this, felt slightly hesitant but soon fell into contemplation.

After a moment, he worriedly furrowed his brows: "This method may rapidly increase soul power, but without accompanying Divine Skills, even reaching the Realm of Life Witch, isn't it still hard to compete with magic practitioners?"

"Fellow Daoist's words are indeed correct. But if I can help you break through to the Seventh-level Alchemist realm, wouldn't that be even more advantageous when combined?" Yuan Ming smiled slightly.

Upon hearing the words "Seventh-level Alchemist," a fiery gleam flashed in Dian Xiaosan's eyes.

He asked excitedly: "Is what Fellow Daoist said true?"

"I can swear as a testament." Yuan Ming said solemnly.

"I trust Fellow Daoist won't disappoint me." After contemplating briefly, Dian Xiaosan finally made up his mind.

Yuan Ming handed the jade scroll to Dian Xiaosan and smiled: "Please diligently cultivate this method, on the day you succeed, I shall assist you in breaking through to the alchemist realm."

After Dian Xiaosan left, the smile on Yuan Ming's face gradually faded, replaced by a faint trace of helplessness.

He sighed lightly, thinking silently: "Senior Kong, I've made the promise to Dian Xiaosan as you instructed. Should he ultimately fail to become a Seventh-level Alchemist, I fear offending him."

At this moment, Kong's voice rang in his ear: "Rest assured, with my assistance, Dian Xiaosan will certainly break through to the Seventh-level Alchemist realm."

After speaking, a mysterious message subtly flooded into Yuan Ming's Sea of Consciousness.

Yuan Ming, carefully savoring this message, showed a hesitant expression: "This method demands much; Dian Xiaosan might not agree."

"He will agree." Kong's voice conveyed irrefutable confidence.

Although Yuan Ming still had doubts in his heart, recalling Kong's previous words were never wrong, his hesitation gradually dissipated.

He temporarily set aside the matter, carrying the Dharma Manifestation Pill and the bitter bamboo wooden hairpin, turned to seek Xi Ying.

Xi Ying was currently cultivating in seclusion; seeing Yuan Ming's arrival, she did not spend time on formalities.

She took the Dharma Manifestation Pill and bitter bamboo wooden hairpin from him, showing a satisfied smile.

"I need some time to prepare; at most half a year later, I will attempt a breakthrough." Xi Ying explained her plan to Yuan Ming.

Yuan Ming nodded, softly saying: "You just focus on cultivation; I will protect you here."

...

Half a year later.

The peaceful White Emperor City suddenly became tense; the originally quiet streets were empty, and every household had their doors and windows tightly shut, as if a great enemy was approaching.

The City Protection Array operated at full power, emitting layers of brilliance, safeguarding the entire city meticulously.

The cultivators within the city were anxious, speculating what significant event could be causing White Emperor City to be on such high alert.

Suddenly, the earth trembled fiercely, as if a colossal entity was about to awaken.

Immediately, spiritual clouds quickly gathered above the sky, seemingly summoned by something.

Meanwhile, a terrifying aura shot up from the City Lord Mansion, like a stormy sea, sweeping across the entire city.

Only then did the people realize that a powerful figure was breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm in the City Lord Mansion!

This full-city lockdown was actually to protect this person's breakthrough.

The phenomenon of breakthrough did not last long, but the majestic ambiance lingered long in memory.

As the nature's spiritual energy converged, a female emperor's Dharma manifestation gradually formed in the sky above White Emperor City.

Draped in luxurious attire, with an exquisite beauty, her eyes shone like torches, exuding an indescribable majesty and dignity.

Everyone gazed up at the female emperor's Dharma manifestation, their faces filled with awe.

The female emperor's Dharma manifestation scanned in all directions, finally settling on a corner of the City Lord Mansion.

A hint of joy flashed in her eyes, and she transformed into a streak of light, vanishing into the air.

With the disappearance of the female emperor's Dharma manifestation, the pressure over the city dissipated instantly.

With their senses returning, people began whispering and guessing the identity of the breakthrough individual.

At this moment, inside the City Lord Mansion, Xi Ying stood smilingly in front of Yuan Ming, her aura of Dharma manifestation naturally exuding, as if to flaunt her achievements to Yuan Ming.

"I've just broken through the Dharma manifestation Realm, not sure how much stronger I've become. How about we spar a bit?" Xi Ying proposed, her face full of eagerness.

"Sure, but I can't leave White Emperor City. Let's spar in the Shura Palace," Yuan Ming smiled slightly, not declining the invitation.

In an instant, the two figures vanished from their spot, reappearing inside the Shura Palace.

After sparring, both felt satisfied.

Yuan Ming not only witnessed Xi Ying's growth in strength but also found his shortcomings during the spar.

In the following days, the two stayed closely together, with Yuan Ming taking the opportunity to help Xi Ying stabilize her cultivation.

It wasn't until a few days later that they had some free time to sit down and discuss their future plans.

"In a while, I will return to the Sky Eagle Chamber of Commerce," Xi Ying said suddenly while half-lying in Yuan Ming's arms.

Hearing this, Yuan Ming felt a wave of sorrow in his heart, and after a moment of silence, he asked, "Can't you stay?"

Xi Ying sat up straight, speaking earnestly, "After breaking through the Dharma manifestation Realm, I am now qualified to enter the Elder Council. Now is the time to gather allies and gradually grasp power. Staying here makes it hard to participate in the power struggles within the Chamber of Commerce. The Sky Eagle Chamber of Commerce ranks in the top three in the Chuyun Realm; giving up this opportunity would be a real shame."

Yuan Ming sighed helplessly, saying, "I know your decision is right; it's just that we've been apart for too long, and our time together is so short."

"It's okay; once I've established myself in the Chamber of Commerce, I'll naturally come back to find you," Xi Ying gently caressed Yuan Ming's cheek, comforting him.

Yuan Ming held her hand tightly, embracing her, "Alright, you go ahead. But if you ever encounter any trouble out there, be sure to tell me, and I'll be there to help you at once."

Xi Ying nodded slightly, snuggling into Yuan Ming's embrace like a kitten.

"By the way, any updates on the follow-up content of the Moonlight Technique?" After a while, Yuan Ming suddenly remembered something and asked.

"Not yet. I still only have the Seventh Layer's mnemonic. Perhaps I can only seek it from the Bright Moon Palace, but I haven't had much contact with them yet," Xi Ying shook her head, saying somewhat helplessly.

"Nan Shangfeng seems to have some connections with the Bright Moon Palace; you can try to start from there," Yuan Ming said after a moment of contemplation.

"I know. You mentioned this clue to me before; I'll keep it in mind. I will handle the matter of the follow-up cultivation technique; you don't need to worry too much. If I really need your help, I won't hesitate to ask," Xi Ying nodded.

Hearing this, Yuan Ming felt somewhat relieved.

He thought for a moment, then took out a Storage Ring and a Jade Scroll and handed them to Xi Ying, "The ring contains thirty Vow Power Pills. Using the Great Wish of All Living Beings last time was truly risky, and unless absolutely necessary, you must not use it again. If you do need to use it, remember to take a Vow Power Pill first to prevent harming yourself from insufficient Desire Power."

Xi Ying nodded gently, placing the ring into her sleeve, then took out the Jade Scroll and began carefully reading its contents.

"Seven-Colored Flower, Heavenly Spirit Water, Star Iron... these materials..." Xi Ying furrowed her brows, her eyes showing confusion.

The materials listed on the Jade Scroll were all extraordinarily precious, with not only a large number but also of high quality, Seventh-level Spiritual Materials like stars scattered, dazzling the eyes.

"Some of these are auxiliary materials for refining Enlightenment Pills and Dharma Manifestation Pills, while the rest are needed for refining Spiritual Treasures. Xi Ying, when you go back, see if you can help me gather them," Yuan Ming said with an awkward smile.

"So many spiritual materials, and they're not cheap. Even selling the entire Sky Eagle Chamber of Commerce might not be enough to gather them," Xi Ying's beautiful eyes widened in surprise:

"Just collect them; as for the Spirit Stones, I have my own clever ways," Yuan Ming waved his hand confidently.

Although still concerned, Xi Ying put away the Jade Scroll and then took out a new Jade Scroll, handed it to Yuan Ming.

Yuan Ming took the Jade Scroll, finding it contains detailed management plans for White Emperor City and the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range.

The content was detailed and well-organized, especially the suggestions for buying and selling within the city to earn Spirit Stones, which were truly eye-opening.

"I organized this during my secluded cultivation; it should be of help to you," Xi Ying said with a hint of pride.

As Yuan Ming flipped through the Jade Scroll, a look of joy appeared in his eyes, "This is really a timely help! I was worrying about how to manage the forces; with this plan, White Emperor City's development now has a direction. Xi Ying, you truly are my wise companion!"

Saying this, he couldn't help but gently kiss Xi Ying on the forehead.

A blush spread across Xi Ying's face as she playfully punched Yuan Ming, but seeing his joyful expression, her eyes also revealed satisfaction and joy.

The two sat embracing, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

However, a thought suddenly arose in Yuan Ming's mind.

"Xi Ying, before you leave, there's another matter I need your help with."