Chapter 20 The Ascension Conference

This year, the Longevity Point is still placed on the essence of all things, with a drop of green liquid accelerating growth by eight months. Their current Longevity Points: Strength, 21. Speed, 21. Essence of all things, 8. Chen Xun's hair was a bit messy, his clothes dirty and unkempt. He and Big Black Cow had started living a wandering life, often playing with stray dogs on the roadside, laughter echoing. Two months later, they gradually arrived in the southern city. Chen Xun heard some news that Doctor Ning was not doing well. He personally delivered the century-old ginseng plant to the master's wife and then left directly. Another month passed, and Ning Sihun returned to the earth and sky, countless people bidding farewell, tears in their eyes. The Pingtai Medical Hall had benefited countless people. The Ning family was large, with many people wearing white headbands. Chen Xun stood silently on the edge of the crowd, seemingly unnecessary. The frosty wind howled, blowing past the edge of Chen Xun's memory, leaving only the gradually dissipating, irretrievable fragrance in the air. Living up to now, three people were the most important in Chen Xun's life. The first was the old village chief, who remembered them even in their most desperate times and was willing to repay the favor of a meal. The second was Old Sun, who gave them their first home when they first arrived in Panning City. The third was Master Ning, who taught him countless truths about walking in the world, seemingly making medical skills secondary. "They... seem to have all left." Chen Xun seemed unable to hold back this time, his mouth trembling continuously. He didn't even dare to look at Master Ning one last time. Big Black Cow just rubbed against Chen Xun, who held his head tightly. They continued to follow the crowd bidding farewell, as if if their steps slowed down a bit, Ning Si would walk even slower... The setting sun was like blood, its afterglow spreading over the southern city. From beyond the mountains came a few calls that sounded like returning geese, as if the vast horizon only retained their fleeting shadows. The Ning family carried the coffin further and further away, gradually disappearing at the city gate. Chen Xun stood there for a long time, tears streaming down his face. Countless people followed, their figures passing by him, their eyes filled with sorrow. Chen Xun led Big Black Cow to walk towards them, his steps heavy and slow, his eyes devoid of sorrow or joy. They left, completely leaving Panning City... Another year passed in a hurry. Countless wishing lanterns were flying in Panning City, and as the mountain wind blew, Chen Xun and Big Black Cow sat on the mountaintop, silently making wishes in their hearts. This year, the Longevity Point was still placed on the essence of all things, crucial for them. "Old Cow, let's go." Chen Xun smiled slightly, now much more mature, with a touch of sophistication in his demeanor. "Moo." Big Black Cow nodded, reluctantly looking at the wishing lanterns on the distant horizon. They used to release them in the city every year, even when they were in the Ningyun Mountains, they would return at the end of the year. The two figures slowly descended the mountain, their eyes carrying a mysterious meaning. At the foot of the mountain, a chubby boy with a shrewd look, dressed in luxurious brocade, seemed to be waiting for someone. "Chubby!" A shout came from afar, as Chen Xun led Big Black Cow over, a smile on his face, looking harmless. "Brother Xun." The chubby boy greeted with a hand gesture, looking old-fashioned, "The path to immortality is long, it's best not to be too attached to the mortal world." The chubby boy was at the third level of Qi refining, a well-known freelance 'intermediary' in the Ningyun Mountains, specializing in taking freelancers to participate in the annual Ascension Conference, earning a lot and having a great reputation. "Chubby is right." Chen Xun nodded with a smile, but inwardly sneered. Not attached? Then how come you were bought by some precious herbs, looking like you're just mingling in the mortal realm. But he understood, if the intermediary didn't say so, who would go to the Ascension Conference. "Brother Xun, are you still bringing a cow with you?" The chubby boy frowned slightly, as it would cost extra, "If you enter the immortal sect, it's better to deal with this black cow in advance." "Chubby, you're joking. With my aptitude, how can I just enter like that? I'm just going to broaden my horizons." "Brother Xun, your temperament is good. No wonder you could cultivate to the second level of Qi refining at such a young age." "Chubby, can't you see I'm collecting herbs? A few years ago, I accidentally ate a spiritual herb I picked." Chen Xun said carelessly, clearly a naive young man. They were now proficient in using the essence of all things to conceal their internal strength, making it impossible for outsiders to detect their true strength, a perfect way to 'live and thrive' and have 'plenty of food and clothing'. "I see." The chubby boy's eyes flashed with realization, dispelling some doubts in his mind. "Brother Xun, do you know why the major sects hold the Ascension Conference?" The chubby boy continued to lead Chen Xun and Big Black Cow deeper into the mountains. Along the way, they even encountered several freelancers, which startled Chen Xun. However, they seemed quite indifferent, as if they knew the chubby boy, glancing at Chen Xun and then walking away on their own. "I hope Chubby can enlighten me." Chen Xun humbly bowed, greatly impressed by the chubby boy. "In addition to sending disciples to recruit from various places, there are also many freelancers wandering outside." The chubby boy explained, "These people have embarked on the path to immortality for various unexpected reasons, including some talented individuals." "Chubby makes sense. It would be a loss for the major immortal sects if they were overlooked." "Ah, yes, I've been in this business for many years, and the number of freelancers is like a swarm of fish every year." The chubby boy sighed, constantly marveling, "This is also a great opportunity for the major sects to expand their power. Who wouldn't want to advance further?" "It mainly depends on people like Chubby, otherwise where would we freelancers have a chance." Chen Xun's words were sincere and deeply felt. The chubby boy suddenly patted Chen Xun's shoulder, his eyes showing a hint of admiration, deciding not to ask for more money. Having seen too many freelancers come to nothing, he was more open-minded than them. With no hope of foundation building, it was better to enjoy the mortal world. "Brother Xun, let me say one more thing." "Chubby, please advise." "The major sects have very high requirements for the cultivation aptitude of immortals. If there's no opportunity, it's best to be more open-minded and not be disturbed by inner demons." The chubby boy spoke sincerely, as he had never seen such an enlightened freelancer before. Previously, those freelancers were all arrogant and self-proclaimed immortals. It was only after they entered the Ascension Conference that they realized the harsh reality, often going mad and doing unpredictable things. "I will remember Chubby's words." Chen Xun stopped in his tracks, bowing solemnly. "Alright, let's go." The chubby boy smiled and continued to lead the way. They were about to reach a valley, surrounded by thick fog where you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. "Brother Xun, this is it, the Nine Star Valley." The chubby boy stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the fog, "This is a formation jointly established by the sects. If a mortal enters by mistake, they will be lost here and eventually sent out." "Can we just go in?" Chen Xun asked instinctively, his eyes filled with shock. These thick fogs were actually part of a formation, altering the celestial phenomena. "Of course, the formation can discern the cultivation of the practitioner." The chubby boy chuckled, "Well then, Brother Xun, farewell. I have to go lead other freelancers." "Thank you, Chubby." Chen Xun bowed, a look of joy in his eyes. The chubby boy nodded, turned and left, looking carefree. "Old Cow, we're here... the world of cultivators." "Moo~~Moo~~" Chen Xun and Big Black Cow stood outside, just like the day they first arrived in Panning City, trembling all over, even more excited than before.