Linglong Sect.
Countless cultivators gathered from all directions.
Some traveled by sword, some rode on clouds, and others commanded powerful flying beasts.
They all came for one purpose: to celebrate Fairy Changsheng's ascension to the position of Elder in the Linglong Sect.
Fairy Changsheng arrived at the Linglong Sect seventy years ago. With her innate talent for cultivation, she reached the Elemental Infant stage in just seventy years.
Such cultivation speed was unheard of throughout the entire Royal Dynasty.
However, what people talked about most was not just her talent, but her unwavering Dao heart.
She avoided disputes, formed no Dao partnerships, and was indifferent to the sect's power.
If anyone asked her why she cultivated so diligently, her answer was always the same: "Immortality!(Changsheng)"
***
"Niansheng, the ceremony is about to start."
A voice called out to Li Niansheng, who was lost in thought at the mountain peak.
Hearing the call, Li Niansheng sighed softly and turned around. It was Shui Linglong, her mentor.
Looking at Shui Linglong, Li Niansheng said softly, "Master, I don't want to be an Elder; I just want to cultivate quietly."
Hearing this, Shui Linglong replied, "You still can't let go of him?"
"I embarked on the path of cultivation for him. Without him, everything would be meaningless."
"But he's a mortal. Seventy years have passed, and he's now an old man with white hair. He might even be resting eternally underground. You two are from different worlds, don't you understand?"
Listening to Shui Linglong, Li Niansheng smiled faintly and said, "Master, you don't understand.
Brother Changsheng always keeps his promises. He said the road to immortality is long, and if I ever look back, he would be there behind me.
He said it, so he will do it."
Faced with Li Niansheng's determination, Shui Linglong could only sigh.
Since coming to the Linglong Sect, Li Niansheng had shown remarkable talent, but her obsession with that man grew stronger by the day.
The sect leader knew this, and to resolve Li Niansheng's obsession, the sect sent people to her hometown.
The purpose was to bring Chen Changsheng here.
Extending a mortal's lifespan by a few decades didn't require much resources, and if it could resolve Li Niansheng's obsession, it would be the best deal in the world.
Unfortunately, when the sect's people arrived, the coffin shop was already deserted.
After some inquiries, they learned that after Li Niansheng left, Chen Changsheng also departed.
Finding a mortal in the vast sea of people was no easy task.
Seeing Shui Linglong's silence, Li Niansheng smiled and said, "Alright, Master, I will take on the role of Elder.
Because only by becoming an Elder of the Linglong Sect can I gain more resources and better cultivation techniques. I don't want to stop on this path, because I know Brother Changsheng won't stop either."
With that, Li Niansheng happily skipped towards the distant sect gate.
Watching Li Niansheng's joyful demeanor, Shui Linglong frowned even more.
In these seventy years, only when Chen Changsheng was mentioned did a smile appear on her face.
But how long could this bubble-like fantasy last?
Immortality was something all cultivators yearned for, but no cultivator had ever achieved it, let alone a mortal.
If one day Li Niansheng's fantasy shattered, her Dao heart might collapse instantly.
Thinking of this, Shui Linglong could only sigh again.
Because this was an unsolvable problem.
***
Sect's Martial Arena.
"Shangqing Temple presents two Glazed Pills!"
"Heavenly Buddha Temple presents a Buddhist scripture..."
One gift after another was presented.
However, facing these items that made countless cultivators envious, Li Niansheng sat quietly in the Elder's seat, not even glancing at them.
It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from "pawread dot com".
After presenting the gift from the Heavenly Buddha Temple, Ikkyu scratched his head anxiously.
He didn't know how to present Chen Changsheng's wooden carving.
Moreover, Chen Changsheng was a stickler for promises. If Ikkyu didn't fulfill his promise, Chen Changsheng would never allow him to extend his lifespan.
Seeing the next sect about to present their gift, Ikkyu braced himself and said, "Please wait! I have another gift to present."
Ikkyu's words brought the entire ceremony to a halt, and all eyes focused on him.
The gift from the Heavenly Buddha Temple had already been presented, so this was clearly a gift prepared by Ikkyu himself.
In such a setting, a man presenting his own gift carried an unspoken meaning.
Hearing Ikkyu's words, Li Niansheng turned slightly, expressionless, and said, "That's thoughtful of you."
Li Niansheng's indifference was expected by everyone, and they watched with amusement.
The most promising heir of the Heavenly Buddha Temple had fallen for someone, and his target was the single-minded Fairy Changsheng.
This gossip would be talked about for at least twenty years.
"Gulp!"
Swallowing hard, Ikkyu, under immense pressure, presented the wooden carving with both hands.
Causing such a scene today, he expected a scolding from his master upon returning, and he might not be able to leave the Heavenly Buddha Temple for ten years.
When Ikkyu took out the "gift," countless divine senses scanned it instantly.
Upon discovering that the gift was just a simple wooden carving, everyone almost burst into laughter.
Young people always loved to do such flashy things.
***
In these seventy years, Fairy Changsheng had received many gifts representing heartfelt intentions.
But all the gifts were burned by Fairy Changsheng.
Just when everyone thought this time would be no different, Fairy Changsheng suddenly stood up.
***
Whoosh!
With the powerful cultivation of the Elemental Infant stage, Li Niansheng instantly appeared before Ikkyu.
Looking at the wooden carving in Ikkyu's hands, Li Niansheng's body trembled.
Picking up the carving, gently stroking the marks left by the carving knife, Li Niansheng once again felt Chen Changsheng's presence.
This unique animal shape was something only Brother Changsheng could create.
Brother Changsheng had indeed kept his promise; he had always been with her.
Thinking of this, Li Niansheng held the carving tightly and then revealed a smile that could outshine the world.
"I really like it. After the ceremony, come see me alone.
Remember, alone."
Guests: ???
Wait, what's going on?
Fairy Changsheng took a liking to a Foundation Establishment stage little monk.
Linglong Sect Leader: (͡°͜ʖ͡°)✧
Although Ikkyu's seniority, strength, and age were a bit lacking.
But that's not a big problem. Once those old monks at the Heavenly Buddha Temple retire, Ikkyu's seniority will naturally rise.
As for strength, that's a bit tricky. It seems Linglong Sect doesn't have any good dual cultivation techniques!
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan