Invitation from Afar

Invitation from Afar . . .

After several months had passed, everyone had grown accustomed to life within the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. The vast territory of an immortal emperor-ranked force allowed for the stationing of millions of troops.

Qin Wentian's family and close friends resided in his courtyard. During these months, some had ventured out to explore the prefecture. They marveled at the immense strength of the immortal sect, further deepening their admiration for Qin Wentian's capabilities. This newfound respect fueled their desire for personal growth, compelling them to seek their own fortunes and become stronger. Thus, they yearned to broaden their horizons by embarking on explorations of the immortal realms.

Qin Wentian did not hinder their aspirations. The immortal realms were boundless, and while the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect provided protection, a life of safety alone would be monotonous and uninspiring.

Even for Qin Wentian, who had roamed extensively, he had merely scratched the surface of the vast immortal realms. The thirteen prefectures were but a fraction of this expansive world.

On this day, at a secluded cultivation platform, an ancient cauldron stood alongside Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng.

"Is it truly as perilous as they say?" Mo Qingcheng gazed at Qin Wentian with curiosity.

"Yes," Qin Wentian replied. "Within this cauldron lies the Sacred Luminance, a treasure that bestows holy radiance from ancient times upon stellar martial cultivators, enabling them to undergo a transformation of body and spirit. However, without a robust physique, one cannot withstand the Sacred Luminance's force. I have a friend with extraordinary talent and a powerful physique, but even he barely endured the baptism. Qingcheng, your current strength wouldn't suffice, so I advise you to cultivate your physique first."

Mo Qingcheng nodded in agreement. "I will heed your advice."

Qin Wentian gently cupped her face, and Little Rascal, nestled on the ground, seemed unusually proud, as if it had achieved something significant. This little companion, along with Purgatory, had once undergone the Sacred Luminance's baptism.

"Let's leave," Qin Wentian whispered, waving his hand to store the cauldron away. Both the cauldron and the Sacred Luminance were priceless treasures. In the future, when he had grown more formidable, he could leverage the Sacred Luminance to trade for valuable resources or request favors from peak-level characters. However, that time had not yet arrived. His current weakness made secrecy essential, for exposing the possession of the Sacred Luminance would undoubtedly invite dire consequences.

Returning to his courtyard with Mo Qingcheng, they were greeted by Luo Huan and Qin Yao, who were waiting for them. Upon seeing Qin Wentian's return, Luo Huan couldn't help but tease, "Look at you, inseparable lovebirds. Even your sister and senior sister have been abandoned."

"Sister Luo Huan, don't tease him anymore," Qin Yao chimed in with a smile. "Wentian, the teachers you've found for us are truly exceptional. Our progress has been remarkable, and the sect is generously providing us with cultivation resources. I feel like my potential has undergone a qualitative improvement. Even Father and Uncle have made astounding progress."

"Sis, those teachers are immortal king experts. I had to muster up some courage and invite them to provide guidance to all of us. As for the cultivation resources, you need not worry about them. Your cultivation levels are still relatively low, and it's crucial to solidify your foundations," Qin Wentian replied with a smile. In the vast realm of the immortal realms, the talents of Qin Yao and the others could be considered average. Enhancing their potential with the abundant cultivation resources was relatively straightforward. Due to their initial weaknesses, they could progress quite rapidly. However, it was important to remember that there were no shortcuts to cultivation, and they still needed to follow the path step by step.

"I know you're amazing," Qin Yao teased. "Have you been busy helping Qingcheng these past few days, or are you two planning to start a family soon?"

"Sister, don't tease me," Qin Wentian chuckled. "I don't play favorites. Qingcheng's current cultivation level is higher than yours, so her cultivation path naturally differs. Rest assured, any assistance I provide to Qingcheng, I will extend to all of you sooner or later."

"Okay, we know you won't show favoritism," Qin Yao replied with a knowing smile. She and Luo Huan were simply having some playful banter with him.

"Have you all settled into life here?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"Not bad. The environment here is excellent. Occasionally, though, I do feel like going out for a little adventure," Qin Yao remarked.

"Mhm, the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect is currently working on fortifying the entire Cloud Prefecture to make it impervious to invasion. Wait until their preparations are complete before venturing out," Qin Wentian advised. Even the capital city of the Cloud Prefecture was already vast, comparable to their entire particle world. Given Qin Yao and Luo Huan's current cultivation levels, leaving the Cloud Prefecture was beyond their capabilities, so there was no need for them to worry.

Qin Wentian was aware that numerous peak-tier powers resided in the capital city of the immortal realms. The information network was extensive, and the moment any external powers entered their territory, the major forces would be alerted. The capital city teemed with countless powers and businesses. Unfortunately, despite the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect's solid foundation, they were still far from capable of fully controlling the intricate web of powers within the Cloud Prefecture. Time and continued growth were essential to achieving such control.

"Senior brother!" A clear voice rang out, filling Qin Wentian with joy.

"Mengchen, come over here," Qin Wentian called out, a wide smile gracing his face. In no time at all, a handsome young man stood before him.

"You've finished your seclusion. Impressive," Qin Wentian remarked, his eyes filled with pride as he regarded Jun Mengchen. His junior brother had undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming even more extraordinary.

"Senior brother, you emerged from seclusion much earlier than I did," Jun Mengchen replied with a laugh. Qin Wentian wasn't surprised by his success. Jun Mengchen had always possessed exceptional talent. He had also undergone the Sacred Luminance's baptism, and their cultivation bases now stood at the peak of the Celestial Phenomenon realm.

"When it comes to establishing our immortal foundations, the timing isn't too different," Qin Wentian replied with a smile.

"I heard that senior brother returned to your particle world. Are all these ladies my sister-in-laws?" Jun Mengchen asked with a hearty laugh. The three women around Qin Wentian were all beautiful, with Mo Qingcheng, in particular, exuding a transcendent aura, seemingly a celestial being. She and his senior brother Qin Wentian looked perfectly matched. In terms of appearance, she was no less stunning than Princess Qing'er. Jun Mengchen couldn't help but admire his senior brother's remarkable life.

"Don't talk nonsense," Qin Wentian scolded playfully before introducing the women. "This is your sister-in-law, Mo Qingcheng. This is my senior sister, Luo Huan, and my elder sister, Qin Yao. Everyone, meet my junior apprentice brother, Jun Mengchen."

"Mengchen greets sister-in-law, elder sister Luo Huan, elder sister Qin Yao," Jun Mengchen greeted politely, maintaining a childlike demeanor despite his newfound immortal status.

"You're such an obedient little brother," Luo Huan said, walking over to Jun Mengchen and ruffling his hair, leaving him looking somewhat bewildered.

"Sister Luo Huan, this..." Jun Mengchen seemed at a loss for words. Was Luo Huan treating him like a child?

"What's wrong? I treat Wentian the same way. Since you're his junior apprentice brother, there's no difference," Luo Huan giggled, not realizing the awkwardness she was causing Jun Mengchen. Glancing at Qin Wentian, who was wearing an amused smile, Jun Mengchen's eyes seemed to plead for help.

"Senior brother, when I arrived, the Emperor Lord asked me to deliver a message to you. He wants us to meet him," Jun Mengchen quickly changed the subject.

"The Emperor Lord?" Qin Wentian's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Yes," Jun Mengchen confirmed.

"Alright, let's go," Qin Wentian agreed. He spared Jun Mengchen from further teasing by Luo Huan and set off with him to the Emperor Palace, where the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord resided. However, the Emperor Lord was not present; instead, they were greeted by an immortal king known as the Taishan Immortal King.

The Taishan Immortal King had been a close companion of the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord for many years, their bond rooted in deep friendship.

"Senior," Qin Wentian greeted him respectfully.

"Wentian, we have a guest who sent you an invitation card," the Taishan Immortal King said, waving his hand to conjure an invitation card that floated toward Qin Wentian.

Accepting the card, Qin Wentian's smile grew as he read it. "Nanfeng Yunxi has successfully established her immortal foundation and become an immortal."

"Nanfeng Yunxi held the third rank on the Immortal Ascension Rankings long ago. Her success is hardly surprising," Jun Mengchen remarked. "Is the invitation from her?"

"Yes, it is," Qin Wentian replied. "The Southern Phoenix Clan wishes to hold an immortal banquet to celebrate her achievement. But given the clan's remote location, why would they send someone here personally to deliver the invitation?" He turned to the Taishan Immortal King with a puzzled expression.

"Why don't you go and find out?" the Taishan Immortal King suggested with a smile.

"Indeed, perhaps Nanfeng Yunxi has taken a liking to you and wants to use this as an opportunity to get closer to you," Jun Mengchen teased, eliciting an eye roll from Qin Wentian. He suspected that there must be more to the invitation than just a simple banquet.

"Senior, do you think I should go?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"Nanfeng Yunxi is a descendant of the Southern Phoenix Matriarch and a future successor of the Southern Phoenix Clan. She probably has numerous competitors. However, the Southern Phoenix Clan's stronghold, the Southern Phoenix City, is an expansive city under their complete control. The rules there are set by the clan, and it's one of the safest places in the immortal realms. Immortal kings are closely monitored when they enter that place. You can take this opportunity to gain more experience and broaden your horizons," the Taishan Immortal King advised with a smile.

"Alright, I'll head there with Mengchen to witness the magnificence of the Southern Phoenix City," Qin Wentian agreed. He saw this as a chance to embark on an adventure and further hone his skills. If the Taishan Immortal King thought it was a good idea, it must be a valuable opportunity.

"Good. You two can go prepare. Our Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect has already established a teleportation array that connects directly to the Southern Phoenix City," the Taishan Immortal King explained. Afterward, Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen returned to make the necessary arrangements. Qin Wentian took care of some matters and bid farewell to Mo Qingcheng and his friends before embarking on their journey to the Southern Phoenix City.