Zhang Yan conversed with her for a while. Not long after, ripples formed outside the Cave Mansion, as Tian Kun emerged with his upper body bare.
Although he was only eight years old, he appeared as tall and sturdy as a boy of thirteen or fourteen. On his shoulder sat a small child no larger than a palm, who seemed deeply affectionate toward him.
Upon entering and suddenly spotting Zhang Yan, Tian Kun froze momentarily, then hastily knelt on the ground, trembling and saying, "I did not know Master was here. Please accept this disciple’s salute."
Zhang Yan nodded slightly and said, "Rise, Kun’er." He glanced at the small child and smiled, "How do you like the little companion I found for you?"
Tian Kun turned to look at the Zhi Tong and replied, "Little Two is very good."
"Little Two?" Zhang Yan chuckled, unable to suppress his laughter. "That’s quite a straightforward name. As long as you like it, that’s fine." New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel·fire.net
On that day, among many elixir pills, there had been a bottle containing this Zhi Tong. Seeing that this disciple had grown up without any playmates and fearing he might become withdrawn, Zhang Yan had left the Zhi Tong for him. Moreover, this Zhi Tong’s true form was a One Qi Ganoderma; its purity and abundance of spiritual energy would greatly benefit Tian Kun’s cultivation.
Initially, Zhang Yan had worried that the Zhi Tong might be too mischievous to remain here long-term. But now, it appeared the two had become quite compatible.
Turning to Mrs. Chen, Zhang Yan said, "Mrs. Chen, today I will take your child back to the Mountain Gate."
Mrs. Chen’s eyes first lit up with joy, but then her heart was overwhelmed with reluctance. She bit her lower lip and forced a smile, saying, "Daoist, your great favor is immense. It’s his fortune to be under your mentorship. If he misbehaves in any way, feel free to scold him."
Just then, Tian Kun suddenly spoke up, "Master, I don’t wish to leave."
Before Zhang Yan could respond, Mrs. Chen’s face changed abruptly. She stood up sharply, pointed at Tian Kun’s nose, and trembled as she spoke, "Ungrateful son, what did you say? Dare to say it again! Do you know how rare this immortal opportunity is? Are you trying to spite your mother to death?"
Tian Kun, faced with his mother’s anger, knelt back on the ground with a thud. His face flushed red, but he didn’t retort a single word.
Zhang Yan’s expression did not change. He asked calmly, "Then tell me, why don’t you wish to leave?"
Tian Kun raised his head and said loudly, "I’ve asked Little Two as well. If this disciple follows Master to cultivate, it could be decades or even a century before I return. If I leave, who will care for Mum?"
Mrs. Chen froze upon hearing this. Staring blankly at her child, her eyes suddenly reddened. She stepped forward, pulling Tian Kun into her embrace, and wept, "Good child, it’s enough that you’re thinking of Mum. But you must listen and follow the Immortal to cultivate. Living forever and escaping the burdens of Hongchen—that will be the greatest filial piety for Mum."
Tian Kun said nothing, his expression stubborn. The Zhi Tong’s tiny face showed confusion, its curious big eyes darting around.
A hint of admiration flickered in Zhang Yan’s gaze. He nodded, "Kun’er reasoned well. Your Mum endured ten months of pregnancy and raised you through hardship. A mother’s love is greater than the heavens and must be repaid. Though we cultivators pursue the path of immortality, we do not sever all emotions and cast aside human morals. It would be wrong to subject you and your mother to the pain of separation."
After a pause, he turned to Mrs. Chen and said, "Mrs. Chen, your child is about to join my sect. If you wish, you may also accompany us to the Mountain Gate. Would you like that?"
"I can go to the Immortal Gate?" Mrs. Chen was astonished. Though she understood the necessity of being apart from her child so he could seek immortality, she had felt conflicted as mother and son were deeply connected. If there was such a perfect solution, how could she refuse?
Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Among the nine cities within our Mingcang Sect, with a population of over a million, many are the family and friends of disciples. Tian Kun, as my disciple, naturally means you may follow."
Although the common people of the East Splendor Continent numbered in the tens of millions, those with the aptitude for cultivation were scarce—one in a thousand. Within the nine cities of the Mingcang Sect, however, inhabitants were continually bathed in spiritual energy, enhancing their natural endowments significantly beyond ordinary folk. Most disciples chosen by master-disciple lineage originated from these cities.
"Mrs. Chen, stay here for now. I will leave Zhang Pan behind for care and assistance. Once Kun’er is settled at the sect, I will send someone to bring you there."
Mrs. Chen, filled with emotion, quickly performed a full court salute and said, "Thank you, Daoist, for your profound kindness."
She then grabbed Tian Kun and sternly admonished him, "Kun’er, your Master shows great favor to our family. If you ever commit deeds that insult your teacher or betray your ancestors, then you are no longer my son!"
Tian Kun, seeing his mother so resolute, immediately knelt again, nodding repeatedly in submission.
Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "Disciple, today you will go with me." With a wave of his sleeve, a gentle breeze wrapped around Zhang Yan and Tian Kun, carrying them out of the Cave Mansion.
Tian Kun’s vision blurred. When he looked again, he found himself standing upon gentle white clouds. Below spanned a vast, boundless earth—verdant plains, winding rivers like silver threads, and countless mountain ranges. Instead of fear, he felt only curiosity, reaching out to touch the misty wisps around him. But as his fingers caught the clouds, they slipped away, formless and elusive.
Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Disciple, sit steady now." With a technique, he propelled the cloud northward.
His current journey was not directly back to the Mountain Gate; instead, he leisurely flew toward a place known as Gulou Mountain.
This was the secluded retreat of Master Shi. Zhang Yan had once promised to bring his grand-nephew into the Xuanmen, and he intended to keep this vow.
After five days, Zhang Yan swept his gaze downward, finding the mountain shapes below matching Master Shi’s descriptions. He gently descended the cloud, choosing to avoid shocking the residents, and landed amidst a dense forest.
Leading Tian Kun out of the trees, they soon spotted a village nearby. Before them stretched farmland, crisscrossed with pathways, as the scent of fresh earth wafted through the air. Along the ridges, several children were playing, chasing birds in merry laughter.
In such rural places, outsiders were rare. Seeing Zhang Yan and Tian Kun approach stirred curiosity amongst the villagers. The children, waving sticks, eagerly followed behind, frolicking and shouting.
Zhang Yan was unbothered. Children’s hearts were pure and untainted; when they grew older and faced life’s responsibilities, they would lose this carefree spirit.
Not much further ahead, several figures emerged from the village to greet them. Leading the group was an elderly man with the bearing of a local dignitary, trembling as he advanced with a cane. Bowing deeply, his expression lit with excitement, he exclaimed, "Is this the Daoist of Ma Yi Palace? We have awaited you for long—how joyous to finally welcome the Immortal today!"
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with your recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support motivates me the most.)