Chapter Sixty: The Immortal's Invitation

Thunder rumbled incessantly, and lightning flashed like wild threads across the dark sky. Cold rain pelted down relentlessly, as if the heavens mourned this bleak scene, washing away the dust of the world with tears.

My consciousness began to blur. I didn't look at the sky, nor at the ground. I gazed into the gaps in the cloudy sky, where I seemed to see a canopy of green leaves, feeling a cool breeze washing over me.

In the depths of that green shade, vines twisted and vibrant flowers bloomed in competition, creating a scene of surreal beauty. The intertwined, jade-like vines built a place resembling an immortal realm, so beautiful it made one forget the troubles of the mortal world.

"Is this my dream?"

Indeed, everything here was otherworldly, as if every blade of grass and tree had been transported from the legendary celestial palaces, all reflecting a shimmering light.

"This is the Divine Falls, called the Floating Jade Garden." A voice sounded behind me. I turned to see the familiar figure of the Dream Immortal, clad in his usual green robe.

Faced with this long-awaited reunion, I found myself at a loss for words. Awkwardly, I managed to say, "I hope you've been well."

"Well enough." He raised his eyes, and his golden pupils shimmered with a faint red glow, shining like the sun. His cold, stern face had not changed a bit.

"You haven't changed at all."

"But you have changed a lot," he said after a pause, his voice heavy. "You've become more composed."

I wasn't sure if this was praise or criticism.

"After all I've been through, I have changed. I've walked through the gates of hell many times, seeing death up close. Who wouldn't be afraid?"

"Are you afraid? You never used to say such things."

Used to? When had I ever said anything to him? Maybe I had, but I had forgotten.

I smiled slightly, mocking myself. "I was young and ignorant then. Now, having truly experienced it, I regret the things I said when I was naïve. Everyone grows up this way, don't they?"

"Everyone?" He scoffed. "It seems you've mastered being human quite well."

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold. Facing such a Dream Immortal, I felt a chill in my heart. It seemed that nothing in the world could stir his emotions. He was like... the god ruling over all living beings in heaven and earth.

Why would I think that?

I quickly shook my head to clear my thoughts and asked, "Is there something you need from me, Dream Immortal?"

"Yes." He nodded, transforming the vines into a table and tea set, and sat down, pouring tea for himself. "A transaction." He would not say more.

"What kind of transaction?"

"I was very satisfied with our last deal, so I want to make another with you." He flicked his sleeve and conjured a Moon Spirit Jade. "You want Que Han resurrected, don't you? I can promise to save him."

"Really?!" I couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement in my voice.

Previously, I had thought that since the Dream Immortal could use a jade pendant to save me, he might also be able to revive the Grand Immortal with some of his cultivation. However, as I hadn't been able to enter the dream again, I had given up on this idea.

"Before you wake, I will send you back to the Moon Shadow Sect. You need to find an opportunity to kill their leader."

Kill Quanyou...? Although he had a strange temper, he wasn't entirely devoid of humanity, much better than the leader of the Starfire Hall. Why did the Dream Immortal want me to do this?

"Are you unwilling?"

I met his cold eyes and quickly shook my head. "No, I was just thinking about something. I got distracted."

"That's good."

"Dream Immortal, after I wake up this time, will you take anything from me again?" I couldn't shake my grudge about him taking the memory of the Grand Immortal and me, so I wanted to be cautious.

"What I want will be taken after you wake."

"Can't you tell me in advance what you'll take? So I can be prepared."

"No, that is the condition for reviving him." His tone was icy, leaving no room for negotiation.

It was like having a precariously hanging bell over my head, never knowing when it would fall and crush me. All I could do was wait in fearful anticipation for that moment of helpless terror.

Facing the current situation, I could only brace myself and push forward.

Grand Immortal, I believe we will meet again.

I silently repeated this in my heart and closed my eyes. After hearing the Dream Immortal chant an incantation, my body felt light, as if floating on water, and then I landed firmly on the ground.

It felt like my soul had returned to my body. Everything that had just happened was vivid in my mind, unlike the fragmented scenes from past dreams; it felt more real, exceptionally clear.

I glanced around the room. The furnishings were somewhat familiar, yet it didn't seem like my own room. However, I was certain I was now in the Moon Shadow Sect.

Suddenly, I heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Following two shouts of "Greetings, Master," a sliver of moonlight pushed open the door and spilled into the room.

Quanyou entered, dressed in pristine moon-white robes, with a turquoise mark adorning his forehead and holding a staff, as if he had just conducted some sort of ritual. Seeing me, he was overjoyed, hastily setting his things aside and rushing toward me.

"You're not dead! Haha, you're really not dead, my dear, you truly surprise me," he laughed wildly, his demonic and crazed demeanor a stark contrast to his spotless attire.

I stared at this "madman," feeling a surge of disdain in my heart.

"Do you know how happy I am? Do you? I've waited all these years, and finally, I meet someone who took my Huai Shuo Pill and not only survived but also increased their power." He pinched my chin, his eyes glinting. "From now on, I will nurture you even more, make you great."

"This time, I didn't uncover the plans of the Qiongyun Sect and other factions. I only know they plan to join forces and attack soon…"

"It doesn't matter. The real purpose of sending you to Qiongyun wasn't to find out their plans. Knowing they will unite is enough," Hua Ying's voice suddenly rang out. She had entered the room unnoticed, dressed adorably in a pink dress.

"Hua Ying, how did you handle the task I gave you?"

"Reporting to the Master, most of the branch halls of Xinghuo Hall are devoid of life now. Hongyi is likely fleeing with his main followers. You can take their lives anytime," Hua Ying said lightly, arousing my suspicion.

Her cultivation didn't seem profound to me. How could she clear out Xinghuo Hall's branches in just a few days and force Hongyi into hiding? It all seemed too unbelievable.

Seeing my surprise, Quanyou smiled wickedly and explained, "I never keep useless people by my side. Even Hua Ying has been nurtured by me for a century. Of course, everyone has their own strengths."

I see. No wonder he had a room specifically for alchemy.

And I was merely his test subject to observe the effects of his concoctions.

"So, Qianqian was also your creation, right? Turning a living person into a ghost to cultivate for a thousand years, even erasing her memories." This was just a fleeting thought, but I couldn't help but voice it. "What do you intend to turn me into? A demon? Or a monster?"

Perhaps he never expected such bold questioning from me, even Hua Ying was stunned, half her mouth agape. His expression froze for a moment before his lips curled into a dark smile. He answered in a low voice, "A god."