Chapter 262: Chapter 214 Reunion!
"I heard that an Immortal Master will come today to select people."
"Really? Which Immortal Master?"
"Not sure of the name yet."
"That’s great! If chosen, we could have the chance to closely encounter an Immortal Master, maybe receive their guidance, or even be bestowed pills or magic artifacts. That would be invaluable for us!"
...
On this day.
At Crown Lion Mountain, within Stone Gate Peak, groups of miscellaneous workers clustered in twos and threes, whispering and occasionally glancing toward the mountain’s outskirts.
The Nine Refinements Immortal Mansion is one of the most prominent Immortal Sects on Radiant Light Island.
Within the sect, there are hundreds of Qi Refining Immortal Masters alone.
The inner and outer sect disciples number in the thousands.
The disciples aside, Qi Refining Immortal Masters hold an esteemed position. Whether it’s cultivating medicine and alchemy or running various errands, they always require capable assistants.
Typically.
Qi Refining Immortal Masters have disciples under their tutelage, often outer sect disciples. The focus with disciples is on quality, not quantity, as disciples themselves need time to cultivate and cannot be overly distracted.
Thus, Qi Refining Immortal Masters often assign their disciples—or occasionally come in person—to Stone Gate Peak to select suitable individuals from among the workers to assist with managing the many mundane tasks inside and outside their mansions.
Within the Immortal Sect, Immortal Masters are numerous, and opportunities for Immortal Fate abound.
Thus, even the status of miscellaneous workers is highly appealing to loose cultivators of the mortal world around Radiant Light Island. Many individuals at Innate and Transforming Strength levels—figures heralded as ’Grandmasters’ and ’Great Grandmasters’ in the mortal realm—flock here relentlessly.
All to be near the source.
Hoping for the guidance of an Immortal Master or the gift of a spiritual pill to break their limitations and ascend to the level of Immortal Master.
Occasionally, the news of a worker being selected by an Immortal Master and subsequently advancing to Qi Refinement spreads, further invigorating the thousands of ’Internal Affairs Apprentices’ in Stone Gate Peak’s Internal Affairs Hall.
It also draws even more loose cultivators to come.
Such was the case with Song Dazhi.
He was one of the new workers recently recruited into the Nine Refinements Immortal Mansion.
Several individuals had accompanied him from Immortal Fate Island to join the Internal Affairs Hall. They gathered with seniors who also hailed from Immortal Fate Island.
However.
Unlike other workers, Song Dazhi came with different intentions.
For ten years.
Song Dazhi had painstakingly searched for the whereabouts of Dai Zong after learning that Dai Zong had joined the Nine Refinements Immortal Mansion. Fearing to abruptly seek him out and potentially disrupt Dai Zong’s Immortal Path, he dared not act rashly.
But he was unwilling to leave.
After much deliberation, he finally decided to join the Nine Refinements Immortal Mansion first. He wanted to understand whether avenging his father and killing mortals would have any repercussions on Dai Zong’s Immortal Path before deciding whether to tell Dai Zong about this matter.
"The Immortal Master selecting people."
"If I can follow closely beside an Immortal Master, unraveling these intricacies will be much easier."
Song Dazhi thought to himself and resolved to perform well this time, striving to be chosen by an Immortal Master.
Just as he was pondering.
The head steward of the Internal Affairs Hall walked in briskly and announced loudly, "The Immortal Master is occupied and unable to come. The Internal Affairs Hall will select personnel on their own, departing for ’Jade Pot Island’ in three days. This time, the numbers are substantial, so everyone has a chance. I hope you all put in your utmost effort."
The steward’s words carried hidden implications.
Those with keen minds and worldly wisdom got the hint immediately.
Standing next to Song Dazhi was Zhang Pei, another fellow from Immortal Fate Island. Leaning close, he whispered, "Usually, either the Immortal Master personally selects people or they send their disciples to do so. The Internal Affairs Hall steward has no authority to make such decisions, and it’s hard for him to gain any advantage from it. But now that the situation is like this, all the choices fall into their hands, and to secure a spot, some ’tribute’ is inevitable."
Having once mingled in the mundane world, Song Dazhi naturally understood such workings.
He nodded silently, seemingly lost in thought.
Up front.
After the steward relayed the Immortal Master’s requirements, he turned and left.
Leaving the workers behind in a buzz of chatter.
"Six individuals adept in cultivating and managing medicinal materials, all at Innate Peak."
"Six individuals proficient in discerning and refining minerals, also at Innate Peak."
"Twelve individuals with the strongest combat power at Innate or Transforming Strength Peak."
"A total of twenty-four slots."
"The chances indeed look promising!"
...
The workers debated fervently. Those who met the criteria were smiling widely, while those lacking the requisite cultivation were sighing in frustration.
Zhang Pei pondered the requirements and a delighted expression appeared on his face: "I’ve focused on learning alchemy before and have experience in cultivating and managing medicinal materials. This Immortal Master seeking workers in this area is perfect for me. Moreover, under their tutelage, I might be able to learn some genuine skills."
Excited by the prospect, Zhang Pei turned to Song Dazhi beside him, leaned close, and whispered, "Brother Song, I’m confident in my ability to cultivate and manage medicinal materials, but expertise alone isn’t enough. It’s also necessary to grease the steward’s palms. Unfortunately, I’m short on funds. Would you be able to help?"
As he spoke.
Worried that Song Dazhi might refuse, Zhang Pei quickly added, "Rest assured, Brother Song. Once I enter the Immortal Master’s service, I will be sure to repay you!"
"This—"
It was difficult for Song Dazhi. After hesitating briefly, he cupped his hands apologetically and replied, "Brother Zhang, forgive me. I also intend to compete this time, so I fear I won’t be able to assist you."
Hearing this, Zhang Pei’s expression froze momentarily. He solemnly added, "Brother Song, you may not yet be aware, but in this Internal Affairs Hall, there are countless workers at Innate and Transforming Strength Peaks. Standing out among them requires a significant investment. Additionally, because you don’t have any connections with the steward, it’ll be tough for you to succeed. Comparatively, the competition among workers specializing in cultivating and refining medicinal materials is much less intense."
Zhang Pei wasn’t wrong.
The steward might be corrupt and accept bribes, but he wouldn’t dare deceive the Immortal Master.
Among the six positions specializing in cultivating and refining medicinal materials at Innate Peak, favoritism might play a role, but genuine skills would ultimately determine the selection.
This approach automatically excluded a vast number of unqualified candidates. With Zhang Pei’s genuine capabilities, coupled with a sizable tribute to the steward, securing a spot would be practically guaranteed.
Much safer than Song Dazhi’s chances.
But—
"I sincerely apologize."
Song Dazhi cupped his hands and declined again.
Though Zhang Pei was momentarily displeased, he wasn’t one to show his emotions. He simply smiled and said, "No problem, no problem. I’ll seek help elsewhere."
"Wishing Brother Zhang much success."
Song Dazhi returned the gesture of cupped hands.
The two didn’t linger for idle chatter, each splitting off to pursue their own goals for their futures.
...
Three days later.
The twenty-four shortlisted workers gathered, prepared to head beyond the sect gates.
"Brother Zhang."
"Brother Song."
Zhang Pei and Song Dazhi were among the chosen. When they encountered each other again, they exchanged greetings and shared smiles, as though the minor friction from three days ago had already been forgotten.
Yet within Zhang Pei’s heart—
"I’ll be cultivating medicine and refining pills under the Immortal Master. My treatment and status will undoubtedly be far superior to that of Song Dazhi and the other mere fighters."
"No need to hold grudges."
Gazing at Song Dazhi, Zhang Pei couldn’t help but feel a surge of superiority.
Feeling smug.
The mountain gates came into view.
...
"Greetings, Immortal Master!"
Outside the mountain gates, a young man in green robes stood waiting with six disciples in yellow robes. As Zhang Pei, Song Dazhi, and the twenty-four workers arrived, they bowed respectfully to the green-robed man at the forefront.
The yellow-robed disciples are outer sect disciples of the Nine Refinements Immortal Mansion.
This green-robed youth was undoubtedly the Immortal Master they were to follow thereafter.
Each displayed extreme reverence in their demeanor.
Song Dazhi was no exception.
The green-robed Immortal Master didn’t acknowledge them. Instead, with a wave of his sleeve, a light boat appeared in the air, growing with the wind until it was large enough to accommodate over a hundred people, then it stopped.
The Immortal Master was the first to leap aboard.
Six outer sect disciples followed closely behind, urging the remaining workers, "Hurry up and board!"
And so.
The twenty-four workers also jumped onboard.
Having only recently entered the Immortal Cultivation World, Song Dazhi marveled at the magical artifact before him. He carefully observed the features of the magic boat before directing his gaze at the green-robed Immortal Master.
The Immortal Master emanated an aloof presence.
He consistently faced away, preventing anyone from seeing his features. Yet, for some reason, Song Dazhi found his silhouette familiar and couldn’t help but stare a little longer.
The Immortal Master seemed to sense this.
Suddenly, he turned around, catching Song Dazhi off guard, and their gazes met directly.
Panicking, Song Dazhi lowered his head without seeing the Immortal Master’s face clearly.
As anxiety gripped him—
"Uncle Song?"
A familiar form of address came from ahead, making Song Dazhi’s heart skip a beat. He quickly raised his head.
"This—"
At last, he saw the Immortal Master’s face. The green-robed man’s eyebrows and features unmistakably belonged to his nephew, Dai Zong, who had vanished without a word a decade ago!
For a moment.
Song Dazhi froze.
...
The magic boat pierced through the air.
Standing at the rear, Zhang Pei observed the two figures conversing up ahead, his heart filled with envy, jealousy, and regret.
"Uncle Song?"
"This ’Dai Zong’ Immortal Master actually addressed Song Dazhi as ’Uncle.’ It appears their relationship is quite close."
"Song Dazhi is hitting the jackpot now."
"Ah! Who would’ve thought! If I had known about this connection earlier, I would’ve maintained better relations with him. Just imagine—if he had put in a good word for me with the Immortal Master..."
Zhang Pei’s remorse grew deeper.
He began calculating ways to mend ties and ingratiate himself with Song Dazhi.
It wasn’t just Zhang Pei.
The other workers watching Song Dazhi interact so familiarly with the Immortal Master were equally envious.
Even the six outer sect disciples recently accepted by Immortal Master Dai Zong started speculating about the worker’s relationship with their teacher, contemplating how to treat him in the future.
Unbeknownst to Song Dazhi.
As he relayed his experiences over the years and described how he came to join the Nine Refinements Immortal Mansion, he kept glancing at his nephew in astonishment, still unable to reconcile the sudden and unexpected reunion after a decade of searching.
"I see."
"Uncle Song, it must have been difficult searching for me all these years. I truly feel ashamed," Chen Jichuan remarked after hearing the straightforward account, understanding the hardships his uncle endured over the ten years.
He was somewhat moved.
It wasn’t sentimentality. He simply appreciated the dedication Song Dazhi had shown toward his father, as well as his uncle’s persistence and tenacity.
"It doesn’t matter."
"Seeing that you’re safe and flourishing, and achieving this success today, I can finally breathe easy. Your father, in the spirit world, can rest in peace too."
Song Dazhi expressed heartfelt emotion, genuinely pleased that his late brother Dai Xiong’s son had reached such heights, and happy for his brother’s sake.
"My father was killed years ago, and I will avenge him."
"However, I’ve been under a curse for years and have focused on Refining Demon techniques. I’ve just emerged from seclusion, and my neglected cultivation requires some consolidation. Once I’m settled, I’ll return to Da Chao."
Chen Jichuan explained to Song Dazhi.
Though he lacked attachment to Dai Xiong.
As far as status and reputation were concerned, Dai Xiong was still his father. Leaving his father’s murder unavenged would tarnish his name eventually.
Thus, the vengeance was non-negotiable.
Nevertheless.
Having just emerged from seclusion and received a new mission from the sect mandating him to establish authority at ’Jade Pot Island’...
His intent was to consolidate his cultivation while stationed at Jade Pot Island, refining pills, forging artifacts, purging surrounding demons to sharpen his combat skills, gaining insights into magic, and accumulating merit.
A timely return wasn’t possible.
"As an Immortal Master now, your lifespan is vast and plentiful, so there’s no rush."
Song Dazhi quickly reassured him, emphasizing his lack of urgency.
"I’m glad you understand, Uncle Song."
Chen Jichuan smiled and addressed him, "Your timing is perfect. I’m heading to Jade Pot Island, where many affairs require handling. I’ve deliberately selected six outer sect disciples and twenty-four Internal Affairs apprentices to assist me. However, I’m unfamiliar with their capabilities, and I’ve feared potential mishaps. Now that you’re here, I can rest assured."
He wasn’t merely being polite.
Song Dazhi had once loyally served Dai Xiong. His competence was undeniable.
Over these years, even after Dai Xiong’s death, Song Dazhi hadn’t given up searching for Chen Jichuan, earning further trust.
Entrusting him with mundane affairs would be entirely appropriate.
...