Fanatical Old Man

Fanatical Old Man . . .

Li Mubai gestured dismissively as he spoke, "My presence here wasn't motivated by your plight, so there's no need for gratitude. This sword is truly exceptional; I hope you'll be able to harness its full potential in the future."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior," Qin Wentian replied with utmost respect. He recognized this elderly man as none other than the esteemed founder of the Battle Sword Sect.

"Founder, this young man is Qin Wentian. He's the one who broke the record of the grass hut. He left our sect due to a conflict with the Royal Sacred Sect, fearing that our sect would be implicated. However, the bond between him and us has remained strong," Xu Cang explained to Li Mubai, prompting the founder to take a closer look at Qin Wentian.

Breaking the record of the grass hut was a notable feat. Li Mubai cracked a smile as he inquired, "Impressive, young fellow. Do you have a renowned master teaching you?"

"I already have a master, and I'm unable to join other powers," Qin Wentian replied apologetically. Li Mubai, however, seemed intrigued and said, "That's a pity. I thought it would be difficult to find a master in this particle world and considered taking you as my disciple."

"Wentian, you should consider having Founder as your master. I'm sure your other master wouldn't object," Xu Cang suggested.

Qin Wentian shook his head and explained, "It's a long story. Sect rules prohibit me from taking another master or joining another power."

Xu Cang was puzzled. According to his knowledge, Qin Wentian shouldn't have had a master in the Royal Sacred Region. What was going on? Could it be that the immortal kings who attended the disciple recruitment event organized by the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor had taken him as a disciple? But the immortal kings had abandoned him; how could Qin Wentian still have a master?

Li Mubai waved off the concern, saying, "Don't worry about it. I'm accustomed to my solitude in the immortal realms and never joined any powers. I prefer to roam independently. I suggested it because it seemed that this young man was fated to encounter my Battle Sword Sect. But since he already has a master, it's perfectly fine."

Xu Cang nodded in agreement. "Founder, may I ask why you appeared here today? The Royal Sacred Sect's actions are extremely audacious. Why not pursue and eliminate them?"

Li Mubai explained, "I've actually returned occasionally in the past, but none of you were aware of my presence. I left a strand of my immortal sense on the grass hut, so when you dismantled it, I immediately sensed that the Battle Sword Sect was in trouble. That's why I returned. As I suspected, I found the Battle Sword Sect empty. I made my way to the Sacred Royal City after sensing the commotion caused by two large groups in battle. As it happened, one of those forces was yours."

"As for why I chose not to let you pursue the Royal Sacred Sect, it's because I want to leave you with a path to survival. I know the War Immortal Palace; although they may be considered average among the powers in the Immortal Realms, they could easily dominate the Royal Sacred Region. If that Immortal Han holds a high position and we push him to the brink, things could become unpredictable. On the other hand, if we avoid pushing them too far, he may seek reinforcements and stake a claim in this world. However, he likely won't go to the extreme of hunting each of you down individually if you scatter and hide in the shadows. If the War Immortal Palace decides not to interfere in the matters of this particle world, you lose nothing by dealing with the Royal Sacred Sect later."

"Founder, your wisdom is admirable," Xu Cang finally understood, appreciating the broader perspective that the Swordsaint had provided.

"Medicine Sovereign, what do you think they should do? Do you want them to disperse temporarily?" Li Mubai turned to the Medicine Sovereign.

The Medicine Sovereign pondered for a moment before nodding. "I must take responsibility for today's events. Despite my calculations, I didn't anticipate that Zai Jiang would join the War Immortal Palace and bring members of his sect here. Immortal Han from the War Immortal Palace displayed ruthless aggression, launching a bloody massacre without regard for the lives of the Royal Sacred Sect's experts. I believe it's wise for our forces to temporarily scatter."

Upon hearing the Medicine Sovereign's words, Qin Wentian sighed inwardly. He cast a single, sweeping glance at his surroundings, assessing the devastating losses they had suffered. It was as Li Mubai had stated: when confronting beings at their level, all mortals were mere ants, devoid of any qualifications to participate. Yet, regardless of the odds, the debt of vengeance would eventually be paid. His fists clenched tightly, echoing with a resolute determination.

The emergence of the War Immortal Palace had introduced an unforeseen variable into the equation, creating a complex web of consequences yet to unfold.

"Clear the battlefield, and for those who still have a chance to recover, don't skimp on the medicinal pills," the Medicine Sovereign commanded. "Afterward, you all shall temporarily disperse and await the outcome. I believe the dust will settle in a short time." His voice was calm, yet the weight of his words hung heavy in the air. If the Royal Sacred Sect were to seek the aid of the War Immortal Palace, swift reinforcements were inevitable.

Following his orders, the Medicine Sovereign, Li Mubai, and their retinues made their way into the Medicine Sovereign Valley, leaving behind the chaotic aftermath of battle.

Once atop an ancient peak nestled deep within the Medicine Sovereign Valley, they gathered to discuss a topic of utmost importance—the legendary Immortal Foundation Realm. Qin Wentian, Mo Qingcheng, and the others listened with rapt attention, eager to learn.

"Li Mubai, you've spent a considerable amount of time in the immortal realms. How far have you advanced in the Immortal Foundation Realm?" the Medicine Sovereign inquired.

This question intrigued everyone, as the Immortal Foundation Realm was shrouded in mystery, and they were keen to gain insight into it.

"Progress in the Immortal Foundation Realm is excruciatingly challenging," Li Mubai confessed. "Each step forward is as arduous as scaling the heavens. Breaking through to a higher level is even more daunting than establishing your original immortal foundation. Geniuses in the immortal realms can establish their immortal foundations within a hundred years, but reaching the Immortal King Realm would take several thousand years at the very least. The gap between them and us is insurmountable. Personally, I consider it satisfactory if I can advance one level every ten thousand years."

He sighed deeply, reflecting, "As of now, I'm only at the second level of the Immortal Foundation Realm. Immortal Han is in the same realm, also at the second level."

"In the legends, these immortals they speak of must belong to this Immortal Foundation Realm," Qin Wentian mused, grasping the significance. One could only become an immortal after establishing an immortal foundation.

"I can't wait to explore the immortal realms myself; it must be utterly captivating," the Medicine Sovereign expressed with a twinkle in his eyes, filled with anticipation.

"Captivating? Absolutely," Li Mubai confirmed with a hearty stroke of his beard. "The immortal realms are boundlessly vast. Even if I were to dedicate my entire lifetime to exploration, I would only scratch the surface. There are countless powers in the immortal realms—immortal empires, sacred grounds, celestial sects, forbidden regions—each harboring experts that will leave you awestruck. Don't be fooled into thinking that the War Immortal Palace is exceptional; in the immortal realms, it's merely ordinary, nothing remarkable. I once spent thousands of years touring the immortal realms, yet I've only glimpsed a fraction of it."

The Medicine Sovereign, Qin Wentian, and the others could only sigh in wonder. This was the world of the immortal realms—a realm beyond their wildest imagination.

"However," Li Mubai cautioned, "even though the immortal realms are enchanting, they're also unforgiving. Strength is revered, and the weak are trampled upon. Without power, you can't possess treasures; others will simply take them from you. You can't have a beautiful wife or daughters because, if you're weak, you won't be able to protect them."

With a somber expression, he continued, "That's why, in the immortal realms, those who lack strength and backing lead pitiful lives. Unfortunately, most inhabitants fall into this category. It's a world steeped in cruelty. Many cultivators become slaves, others are controlled by the powerful. Beautiful women suffer the most; they often endure tragic fates. Those formidable figures in the immortal realms pay no heed to the struggles of ordinary folk."

Qin Wentian pondered Li Mubai's words. He had personally witnessed the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor and the various immortal kings at the banquet. They had all worn friendly smiles and projected an air of amicability. Yet, after he was abandoned by the immortal emperor, they hadn't spared him a second glance. This arrogance, he understood, was deeply ingrained in their character—a disdain for the weak. It didn't matter how exceptional one's talent might be.

Weren't the individuals invited by the old Sacred Emperor from the War Immortal Palace precisely these types of people? They treated the lives of those from the Medicine Sovereign Valley and the Royal Sacred Sect as inconsequential, akin to ants. Their indifference was glaring.

"Senior, if the immortal realms are as merciless as you say, does that mean you must always be cautious and restrained?" Qin Wentian inquired with curiosity.

Li Mubai shook his head in response. "No, compared to particle worlds, I still prefer the lifestyle in the immortal realms. I live alone, without family or close ties, and I'm free from worries. As long as I keep a low profile, no one would bother to kill me just for fun. When you reach a high enough level of cultivation, your temperament changes, and not much can provoke your emotions. So, unless there's a compelling reason, these individuals wouldn't easily act. Additionally, the immortal realms are filled with adventure and countless pursuits await every day. The path of the strong, the fiery path of martial cultivation. My only regret is that I'm getting on in years, and my talent isn't exceptional. Otherwise, why would I settle for such a low profile? I would have long sought out geniuses from various regions of the immortal realms and challenged them."

"Wentian, you may not be aware of this, but in the immortal realms, if your talent is exceptional, countless opportunities await. Invitations from major powers, adventures into forbidden lands and sacred grounds to claim treasures—all brimming with excitement. Talented individuals enjoy endless delicacies and companionship; beauties practically fall into their arms. Hahaha!" Li Mubai laughed heartily, revealing his free-spirited nature. Unfortunately, his talent simply didn't match his aspirations.

In this particle world, his talent ranked among the very best. That was the only reason he had managed to ascend to immortality and leave this world. Yet, in the immortal realms, he was deemed quite ordinary—a member of the common masses.

Qin Wentian sensed Li Mubai's yearning for greatness and his disappointment at his own limitations.

"The immortal realms!" Qin Wentian gazed upward at the sky, his heart filled with anticipation for that distant world. Could his parents have hailed from the immortal realms? And what about Qing'er? Her roots were deeply embedded in the vast expanse of the immortal realms. Surely, she had an extraordinary background as well?

...

The Royal Sacred Sect launched yet another assault on the Medicine Sovereign Valley. Rumor had it that the return of the founder of the Battle Sword Sect had spared the valley from calamity. Consequently, the forces of the Medicine Sovereign Valley temporarily disbanded.

For a time, the Sacred Royal City regained a semblance of calm. However, the victor had not yet emerged, and the hearts of the people remained anxious, knowing that the battle for supremacy was far from over.

Deep within the hallowed halls of the Vermillion Bird Immortal Palace, a profound transformation was taking place. Di Tian, the alternate self of Qin Wentian, sat in deep contemplation. In the distance, an old man and a young man observed him intently. Di Tian had grown accustomed to their presence over time, persisting through countless trials, and now, he glimpsed a flicker of hope. The old man harbored a sense of anticipation, eager for Di Tian's success.

At this pivotal moment, a golden scroll adorned with intricate runes hovered above Di Tian, emanating a radiant cascade of runic lights that bathed him in their ethereal glow. After what seemed like an eternity, Di Tian's eyes slowly opened. He rose to his feet, and the picture scroll transformed into countless runic inscriptions, engulfing the sky in a mesmerizing dance as they swirled and merged into Di Tian's being. The runic light eventually dissipated, leaving Di Tian's eyes gleaming with the same piercing determination as Qin Wentian's.

For Di Tian was none other than an extension of Qin Wentian himself.

"Senior, is it complete?" Di Tian inquired, his gaze fixed on the old man standing at a distance.

"What do you mean by 'complete'?" The old man chuckled heartily.

"I've passed the test, can I now inherit and control this immortal palace?" Di Tian inquired eagerly.

The old man's laughter resounded even louder. "You're getting ahead of yourself. You've merely passed the first test, and you're already dreaming of inheriting and controlling this immortal palace?"

A look of disappointment washed over Di Tian's face, rendering it unsightly.

"Your journey is long, my young friend. You've merely taken the first step. There's still a considerable distance to go. As for exploring the immortal realms, leave that task to your other self. Your present focus should be on my guidance and molding you into something extraordinary," the old man declared. His words took Di Tian aback—this old man knew about the dual existence?

"This particle world is minuscule. Today, you've barely met the minimum requirement. I will expose you to different worlds to foster your growth. Some particle worlds are remarkable and formidable, each offering unique experiences. I will mentor you to ensure you establish your immortal foundation by the age of one hundred. Only then will you have truly passed the test."

The old man's gaze was profound, akin to a vast expanse of starry sky. He peered at Di Tian and continued, "Henceforth, the astral soul you cultivate within this body must be exclusively of the sealing type. You will rely on the inherent connection with this sealing-type astral soul to embark on the path of becoming a masterful sealer. The Great Dao of Sealing attains its pinnacle at the very end; no other attribute energy can rival it. It is the ultimate."

Di Tian's eyes flickered with skepticism. He couldn't identify this old man, but it was only natural for someone who had walked the path of sealing to extol its virtues. As for the claim that sealing was the ultimate, Di Tian harbored doubts.

"Do my words arouse doubt?" The old man chuckled once more. "Is spatial energy not potent? What about time energy or light energy? All of them possess immense strength, but sealing energy reigns supreme. At the culmination of every path, only sealing energy can shackle and imprison anything in the world. It can seal your opponent's cultivation base, restrain their speed, lock away time, obscure light, and even enclose an entire world. Tell me, do you still doubt that the path of sealing is the mightiest of them all?"