Chapter 58: The Young Man Knocks on the Heart

Bai Yichen smiled lightly, not changing his expression, and with the jade gourd in hand, he charged forward.

Once inside, the area was once again shrouded in mist, obscuring his view.

It was autumn, and the mountains should have been painted in shades of red by the maples.

Yet as Bai Yichen ventured deeper, the mist gradually dispersed, revealing a clear view of lush trees and blooming flowers, with a clear spring trickling through the ravine, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

Walking along the winding path, he admired the tranquil valley, breathing in the fragrant aroma of the grass and trees, feeling an unexpected sense of ease and comfort.

As he approached, he saw a peach tree in full bloom, the gentle breeze causing its petals to float downstream.

There is a saying: "Peach blossoms drift with the flowing water, while I watch by the clear creek."

Next to the peach tree stood a quaint Daoist temple, with the words "Peach Blossom Temple" inscribed in bold, powerful characters on its plaque.

When Bai Yichen got closer, the door opened without wind, as if the owner inside had been expecting him.

A wave of refreshing spiritual energy greeted him, and Bai Yichen's eyes brightened. The Essence Qi here far surpassed that outside; if compared, it was like an oasis in the desert—a truly invaluable place for cultivation.

Seeing that no one else was around, Bai Yichen stepped into the temple.

How wonderful!

He immediately felt the Essence Qi in the temple was three times denser. Being within it made him feel comfortable, and it seemed like the Grandmaster realm was just around the corner.

Glancing ahead, Bai Yichen noticed the door to an old main hall was wide open. Without hesitation, he walked straight in.

Stepping into the hall, Bai Yichen felt an overwhelming sense of spaciousness. His eyes were drawn to a handsome young boy sitting cross-legged on a cushion, engrossed in reading a scroll of scriptures placed beside him.

Bai Yichen was taken aback at first, expecting to see an old Daoist, but he was surprised to find a youth who appeared to be even younger than himself.

However, he quickly felt a surge of joy. As someone who had long admired the world of immortals since his past life, he had harbored thoughts of seeking immortality since his arrival in this realm.

Wasn't this exactly what he had sought across many lifetimes?

Bai Yichen held the jade gourd in his hand, respectfully bowed, and spoke, "I am Bai Yichen, the twelfth abbot of Xuanzhen Temple. I have achieved Innate Perfection before the age of thirty. According to our previous agreement, I have come here to seek the Dao with the token of the late Master Tianfeng."

The boy glanced at the gourd in Bai Yichen's hand, and suddenly it flew from his grip, landing in the boy's hand effortlessly.

"No wonder," the boy chuckled lightly.

"When I was in seclusion a few days ago, I felt a sudden inspiration. It turns out to be the opportunity left by the late Master Tianfeng in the mortal Daoist lineage. But do you know that Master Tianfeng has been missing for almost two hundred years after he left to search for a top-grade Golden Core?"

A hint of disappointment flashed across Bai Yichen's face, but he quickly regained his composure and replied, "Then I hope you can pass on the Dao on behalf of my esteemed uncle!"

"Hahaha, what a clever little Daoist! Very well, since fate has brought us together, I sensed it when I emerged from seclusion."

The boy chuckled and then asked in return, "I see you have been here for quite some time; what do you seek? A master realm in the mundane world?"

"Not at all. I seek eternal life!" Bai Yichen's gaze burned with determination as he spoke firmly.

"Haha, eternal life! Even I wouldn't dare to speak lightly of that. Even Master Tianfeng could very well have perished on his journey. Yet here you are, a mere apprentice yet to complete your Qi cultivation, boldly claiming such a desire."

The boy sneered, and a powerful pressure surged toward Bai Yichen.

This power was immense—something Bai Yichen could hardly fathom. He felt utterly powerless, like a lamb being held on a chopping block, akin to a defenseless person suddenly facing a great beast.

Fortunately, throughout these years, he had never given up on the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method, allowing him to maintain a semblance of calm. He spoke slowly, word by word,

"The traces of immortals are hard to find; for the sentient beings in this mundane world, they are like dreams and illusions that cannot be grasped... Today, having this opportunity, I shall not waver in my heart's desire. Even if I face nine deaths, I shall have no regrets!"

This was truly Bai Yichen's heartfelt declaration. He had always sought freedom and true longevity, even immortality!

Not the false longevity of endless reincarnation, where one lacked control, but the genuine path toward enlightenment. Now that he had a chance to seek the Dao and find that broad path, he was determined to seize it.

The boy noticed that even after releasing a hint of his soul realm pressure, Bai Yichen remained composed and steadfast in expressing his aspirations for the Dao. A look of appreciation appeared on his face as he said, "Your composure is commendable!"

However, he quickly shifted from his relaxed demeanor, his expression turning serious as he asked, "Let me ask you this: Have you truly thought this through?"

"I recall you said you are the abbot of Xuanzhen Temple. Given your cultivation, you must be among the upper echelons of the mundane world. You are so young, with endless fame and fortune, surrounded by adoring fans and those enchanting beauties who could easily be yours. Are you really willing to give all that up?"

"In the realm of cultivation, however, you would be the lowest of the low—an ant. Countless beings would surpass you in cultivation.

You have no family backing, lack sufficient resources for cultivation, and while your talent may be considered good in the mundane world, in the realm of cultivation, it is merely average. There is no guarantee any sect would accept you as a disciple.

Even if you managed to enter a sect by relying on Master Tianfeng's opportunity, let me tell you something else: Master Tianfeng had past disputes with a certain noble disciple in his sect. That person has now achieved a Golden Core and has become an elder of the sect. Although he possesses the lowest grade of Golden Core, an achievement is still an achievement!

He may not harm a newly admitted disciple, but there will be others of your generation among the noble families. One day, you might find yourself caught up in some inexplicable conflict, and as a nameless nobody without any background, no one would come to your aid!"

The boy's voice echoed in Bai Yichen's ears like a demonic presence, continuing on.

"However, considering the bond we share today, if you choose to leave now, I will still grant you a spirit fruit that could aid your breakthrough to the master realm! Once you return to the mundane world, you might even have the opportunity to sit on the dragon throne!"

"So, have you truly thought it through?"

This question struck Bai Yichen like a heavy blow, deeply resonating within his heart.

For a moment, he found himself sweating under the pressure of the question and had to take a deep breath to compose himself.

But honestly, there were a few moments when he felt tempted.

Indeed, although he had been a king for nine thousand years, there was still quite a gap compared to a true sovereign who had lived for ten thousand years.

Why not just return to being an emperor, ruling over vast territories and enjoying the company of beautiful women, and wait until the next reincarnation to come back?

And there was the enmity with that family enemy of Master Tianfeng; if he reincarnated a few more times, he could let that grudge fade away as the other person grew old and died.

Perhaps one day, Master Tianfeng would break through and return with a powerful backing. Wouldn't it be splendid for him to then use this path to enter the immortal sect?