Promise!

Chapter 216, Immortality (The End)
Learning from the lesson of the last farewell, Zhuang Jin and his party sent another message this time. They were returning to southern Yunnan, and the whole city was paying close attention. When the boat arrived at the dock in southern Yunnan, the shore was packed with people, with flags fluttering and drums beating.

Upon disembarking, the first three people to greet him were Shen Xianhong, Mu Yuantu, and Shen Xuchen. Now that Shen Xuchen had broken through to the Innate Realm, he was qualified to be on par with Zhuang Jin.

"Zhuang Sheng!"

"Haha, what a good son-in-law!"

"Uh..." Shen Xuchen opened his mouth, but the words "Brother Zhuang" stuck in his throat. However, the embarrassment was secondary. What shocked him more was the Zhuang Jin that he sensed through his martial arts intuition.

In the past, his vision was narrow, and his perception of Zhuang Jin was like a frog at the bottom of a well looking up at the moon, only able to see a corner. Now that he has broken through to the innate level, when he looks at Zhuang Jin again, his presence is as vast as mountains and seas, and his body is integrated with heaven and earth, giving a sense of harmony and perfection. The difference between him and Zhuang Jin is beyond reason, like a mayfly seeing the blue sky.

Previously, they were three or four realms apart. In the past three years, Shen Xuchen has been risking his life to catch up, and now he is only two realms apart. But the gap is actually much bigger. Take Zhuang Jin's current realm, for example. It is probably something he will never be able to reach in his lifetime.

However, that nightmarish training had greatly tempered his character and will, and Shen Xuchen quickly came to terms with it: 'A person like Brother Zhuang only appears once every few years. Compared to him, I've only brought shame upon myself. But if I only compare myself to my past self, I've already taken a giant leap forward.'

Another person in the arena with equally complex emotions was Mu Yuantu.

To be honest, after Shen Xuchen broke through, he was quite uneasy, fearing that the Shen family father and son would join forces with Zhuang Jin and do the same thing to him as they had done to Shi Yong, the leader of the Medicine King Gang. But now that he saw that Zhuang Jin was not hiding his cultivation level and had even advanced further, he was probably able to fight the three of them by himself. Seeing that Zhuang Jin and Mu Qing got along well, he felt relieved.

Three innate martial artists were the ones who came to greet them. The others were arranged according to their strength and proximity. It could be said that those who were not at the level of the Meridian Opening Master did not have the right to approach. Zhuang Jin greeted Ping Yongfeng and a few others, and the rest nodded in acknowledgment.

What followed was naturally a grand welcome and celebration.

……

Shen Xuchen's innate grand ceremony was combined with Zhuang Jin's welcoming banquet, so the location was naturally at the Shen family home.

Amidst the commotion, Zhuang Jin and Shen Xianhong once again arrived at the plum garden, standing on a high point and looking down below.

Zhuang Jin sighed softly and said, "Patriarch, that Lei Yuanshi, you..."

Now that he is at the third level of the Innate True Qi Realm, his body is in sync with heaven and earth, surpassing his opponent by two levels. Shen Xianhong could deceive Mu Yuantu and Shen Xuchen, but he could not deceive him. Today, on the first day of the lunar calendar, he noticed that the other party's vital energy was depleted, obviously because he did not use that Thunder Essence Stone to heal his injuries.

He would likely follow in the footsteps of the previous head of the Shen family, passing away before reaching the age of one hundred.

Shen Xianhong nodded slightly: "I gave that Thunder Stone to Chen'er."

For martial artists who cultivate lightning-attribute techniques, refining lightning essence stones can strengthen and widen their meridians, enhance their ability to withstand the pressure of innate true qi, and greatly increase their probability of passing the second of the three innate gates, the 'body gate'. This can also buy them more time for the third gate, the 'spirit gate'. Sometimes, this little bit of time can be the difference between success and failure, or even life and death.

—Shen Xuchen took the secret medicine three times and finally awakened his innate spiritual light. He did not use the Tongxuan Grass, but instead used the Thunder Essence Stone to widen and strengthen his meridians. He also underwent cruel special training, which tempered his will. It was under these factors that he was able to successfully break through to the innate level.

“I will use the Thunder Essence Stone myself to heal my injuries and live for another twenty or thirty years. Giving it to Chen’er will greatly increase his chances of breaking through to the Innate Realm… Now that Chen’er has successfully broken through to the Innate Realm, he can extend the life of my Shen family for another hundred years.”

Shen Xianhong had a very clear understanding of this.

Zhuang Jin's expression was complicated upon hearing this. He recounted the story of the old master of the Fei family back then, who, on his deathbed, gambled and took risks with his entire family in order to extend his own lifespan.

"There is great terror between life and death. When a person is about to die, the will to live will be amplified infinitely. This may seem to be a consideration for the individual, family, and offspring, but in the final analysis, it comes down to two words: longevity."

Shen Xianhong remarked with emotion: "In my view, increasing one's lifespan and continuing one's own life is a form of longevity; the continuation of bloodlines, offspring, and the continuation of the family is also a form of longevity."

It is the pursuit of immortality etched into the bloodline and genes that drives generations of bloodlines to persevere and give their all, resulting in countless epic tales that resonate with the world and create a magnificent tapestry of history.

Hearing this, Zhuang Jin thought of many things: 'In this vast world, among all living beings, from emperors and generals to ordinary people, everyone is vying for the right to pass on their bloodline. Perhaps they cannot achieve immortality themselves, but they can continue and pass on their bloodline, leaving their mark on the world and achieving immortality through their bloodline.'

"Some people write books, establish schools of thought, and pass on their ideas to the public, thus ensuring the longevity of their thought."

And what about me?

After examining his heart through the "Dao" character behind the Water Curtain Cave, Zhuang Jin already had the answer: "What I pursue is true individual immortality, boundless lifespan, shining as brightly as the sun and moon, and living as long as heaven and earth!"

'Immortality! Immortality!'

He gazed at the vast and boundless天地 (heaven and earth), feeling as insignificant as a mayfly within it: 'The path I've chosen is the most difficult, but the great path is never easy. If I had such talent, and didn't dare to try, how could I be content?'

……

Beyond the 'White Clouds' lies the bottom of the Wind Valley.

"Roar!"

The Windwing Thunder Tiger never expected that the two-legged beast would dare to return. After several years, it had not forgotten this enemy. Following the scent, it rushed over, roared, and pounced fiercely.

'You've barely mastered the two internal organs? You've made considerable progress, but you're still far behind me!'

Zhuang Jin shook his head slightly, his aura changed drastically, and the presence of a third-level Innate True Qi Realm cultivator shook the heavens and earth. With the Azure Lotus Sword in hand, he slashed at the enemy.

boom!
A sword aura flew out and struck the Windwing Thunder Tiger's wing at close range, causing an explosion. The power far exceeded that of the previous second level of the Innate True Qi Realm, causing the Windwing Thunder Tiger to lose its balance and fall from mid-air.

"Roar!"

The Windwing Thunder Tiger looked at Zhuang Jin in terror, roared, released its supernatural power, transformed into a tiger and pounced, while dragging its injured wing, it turned and ran away.

"Are you able to leave?"

Zhuang Jin raised his sword and unleashed a streak of sword light, cleaving through the tiger-shaped form created by the strange force. He moved swiftly to give chase, finally intercepting the Windwing Thunder Tiger after pursuing it for a mile.

—This Windwing Thunder Tiger has a powerful physique and the ability to fly. Don't be fooled by the fact that it is a realm higher than mine. If I hadn't hidden my strength at the beginning and had taken advantage of its unpreparedness, and had injured its wings right away, it would probably have been able to escape. This also shows how difficult it is to hunt beasts at the Five Viscera Realm.

"Submit, or die?" he asked calmly.

"Roar!"

The Windwing Thunder Tiger tensed its two front paws, panting heavily, clearly fearful and wary. However, upon hearing these words, a hint of humiliation flashed in its eyes, and it roared as it charged forward resolutely.

"Ugh!"

Zhuang Jin sighed, knowing the other party's choice. This time, he didn't hold back and used all his strength. He poured liquid innate true energy into the Azure Lotus Sword, and the bright light made the sword body faintly transparent. Then, he became one with the sword and his whole body swept past like a streak of lightning.

Swish!
As the man and the tiger passed each other, a magnificent tiger head flew up.

……

More than a month passed after the tiger hunt. After Zhuang Jin had a private conversation with the Shen and Mu families, he told Chen Yun and the other women about his impending departure.

……

"Yunniang!"

Zhuang Jin looked at Chen Yun with a complicated expression. She was the first woman he had ever been with in this world, and the one he loved the most. If it weren't for martial arts, he probably would have stayed with her for life.

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs." If it weren't for martial arts, he probably wouldn't have met Chen Yun.

"I am content with my husband's companionship over the years. I will stay here and wait for my husband to return."

As Chen Yun spoke, she bowed deeply and said, "May my husband's martial arts prowess flourish!"

……

“Qing’er, you…” Zhuang Jin looked over.

Mu Qing shook her head slightly: "My husband has already said everything that needs to be said, so there's no need to say it again!"

“I know my husband’s intentions. Don’t worry, my husband. I will take care of things here for Sister Yun after you go to the city. I will definitely protect this family for you.”

……

“My lord, there is no need for this. A great man’s ambition should be like the river, flowing eastward into the sea. There is no need to yearn for the gentle land.” Shen Xujun’s upbringing taught her that she would not hinder her husband from achieving great things. She thought she could let go and endure it, but at this moment, tears still welled up in her eyes.

'My dear husband, I know that in your heart I am not as good as Sister Yun, nor as good as Sister Qing, but my feelings for you are genuine.'

"Well, life is rarely perfect. In these past few years alone, I've been much happier than 99% of women in the world." She took a deep breath, suppressing the stinging feeling in her nose.

……

Besides Chen Yun and the other girls, Zhuang Jin also informed some other people.

……

Zhuang Jin and Ping Yongfeng sat side by side on the threshold, talking about the past and their departure.

"troubled you."

Just like when Zhuang Jin was first known as a "martial arts madman," only Ping Yongfeng would quietly bring him food and ask him to slow down. Now, many people only see Zhuang Jin's glory, but few would say "I'm sorry to trouble you" like Ping Yongfeng did.

Zhuang Jin thought of her grandmother in her hometown in her previous life. When others asked about her grades or how much money she made, only her grandmother would ask, "Are you eating well there?" This kind of simple and pure concern.

"Master Ping, I'm leaving." Zhuang Jin stood up.

"Hey!"

Ping Yongfeng silently escorted them a long way before speaking: "Many people live to a ripe old age, and the only thing they can be proud of in those years is the fact that they have lived to such an old age."

“I am fifty-three years old this year. Over the years, it is hard to say that I have anything to be proud of, but... Zhuang Jin, what I am most proud of in my life is that I taught you and enlightened you in the way of martial arts.”

"No one ever dictates how life should be. If something happens to you after you go to the capital... just come back. There's no shame in that!"

……

Lin Hong, Bi Kai... and finally Wu Hao.

The Wu family, including Wu Hao's younger brother and sister, had met Zhuang Jin and were quite close to her.

"Uncle Zhuang, everyone says you're the best. How best are you?"

"As for the others, those as tall as you are very powerful, but I am as powerful as someone as tall as me."

Zhuang Jin gestured and chatted with them.

"Wow!"

The little ones gaped and exclaimed in surprise, as if they had discovered something extraordinary.

……

Wu Hao told his younger siblings to go play while he stayed with Zhuang Jin. When he heard that Zhuang Jin was about to leave, he, who had matured a lot, seemed to return to the awkwardness he had when they first met, unable to say a word.

What he knew was that the bond and friendship they shared in their dormitory had led Zhuang Jin to change his destiny and that of his family, making their lives better and bringing them the happiness and warmth they had today.

"Brother Zhuang, I..."

"No need to say anything, I know."

Zhuang Jin patted Wu Hao on the shoulder, stood up and left: "Haozi, take care, we may meet again in the future."

He walked a distance, then turned back one last time. There was a warm scene of the Wu family under the sunlight, but as he turned away, it was all left behind.

Zhuang Jin knew that as long as he stayed in the prefecture, he would be the undisputed supreme fighter, the only one of his kind, enjoying the prosperity of the prefecture and having everything he wanted... He also had his confidantes, Chen Yun, Mu Qing, Shen Xujun, and Yu Qingjun. Here were the people he loved and who loved him.

With just one decision, all of this is within reach.

But he gave all of that up to take that difficult path, one that was fraught with hope and uncertainty, in order to seek immortality.

……

The first day of the fifth month of the fifty-ninth year of the Qianyuan era.

Zhuang Jin left Yunnan Prefecture with the caravan. Compared to the grand scene on the return trip, the departure was quiet, and no one saw him off—Mu Qing's plan began from this moment.

……

"Giving up what shouldn't be given up is cowardice; giving up what should be given up is wisdom; giving up what should be given up but shouldn't be given up in order to pursue ideals is youthful spirit and lofty ambition... I am not as good as that!"

Upon receiving the message, Mu Yuantu let out a sigh.

……

Shen Xianhong and Shen Xuchen were playing chess when they heard the news.

“I once told Brother Zhuang that if I ever achieved some success in martial arts, I would definitely go and see the world, but now…”

Shen Xuchen shook his head. Having enjoyed the benefits brought by the head of the Shen family, he also had to bear this responsibility and be bound by this shackle.

"Everything in this world has its gains and losses; it has always been this way," Shen Xianhong said softly as he stood up.

"Yes!"

Shen Xuchen murmured, looking up at the sky where a swan cried out as it took flight: "Brother Zhuang, I'm afraid I can't go. Please go and see the myriad sights of the world in my place!"

……

Chen Yun, carrying large scissors, was pruning the potted trees in the house, with Yu Qingjun assisting her as usual.

Outside the window, a swan circled overhead in the sky.

……

Wearing a cloak, Mu Qing climbed to the top of the building and looked towards the city gate, watching a swan spread its wings and soar into the sky.

……

Standing by the window, Shen Xujun picked up her pen, but felt that the paper was too short to express her feelings, and the words could not form a coherent sentence. She sighed and put it down.

She stood up and looked up. A swan was circling in the sky, then soared away and disappeared into the vast blue sky dotted with a few soft white clouds.

……

Amidst the rustling sounds of carriages and horses.

Zhuang Jin lifted the carriage curtain and looked back. Scenes and people appeared before his eyes, filling him with indescribable emotions. He lowered his eyelids.

Suddenly, he took a deep breath and turned to look at the road ahead.

There, a red sun rises slowly, bursting forth with countless rays of light, illuminating thousands of mountains and rivers in an instant. On the distant horizon, swans soar high, disappearing into the clouds above the nine heavens, heading towards that boundless and limitless place.

……

[Volume 1, The City of the Prefecture - End]

……

(End of this chapter)