Longevity Candle

Chapter 136 Immortal, it's not good to fail

Yigu City was desolate once again, and the remaining people had to find a way to survive.

They searched the city for food, while the crops in the fields outside had been either burned or harvested.

The grain in every household in the city was also looted.

They went to the wealthy families first, but when they arrived, there was nothing there; the cellars had been completely looted.

However, some remnants remained in the homes of some poor families.

Old Wang was also looking; he was more experienced than the others and almost always found the right person.

Poor families don't store much grain, but the soldiers don't dig three feet into the ground, so some is left over.

Wealthy families know they have cellars, where gold and silver jewelry and other valuables may be found in various places, so they search very carefully.

Having experienced several raids, Old Wang was naturally very experienced.

The tabby cat and Jiang Zhu also helped find some.

After moving the grain home, Old Wang cooked a pot of porridge and carefully hid the copper coins he had found.

The tabby cat found a jar of wine, and the two people and the cat each had a bowl.

Old Wang squinted at his wine, quite content: "In this world, to have a sip of wine and a bowl of porridge is already a blessing."

He was content and didn't crave fancy food.

The war outside intensified, and the fighting never ceased in the divided nation.

Once the gate to the courtyard is closed, it's like entering another world.

Jiang Zhu's time was up, and he fell into slumber once more.

Old Wang lived a simple life, holding his tabby cat.

Time flies, and several months have passed. A new army has entered the city and settled in Yigu City.

The people were poor, but fortunately, the army did not loot again this time, giving them a way to survive.

Occasionally, battle reports would arrive from outside, allowing the people in the city to learn about the situation outside.

The Taiping Dao was destroyed, and many of the Qi cultivators died in battle.

The divided kingdom is plagued by internal strife, compounded by the powerful army created by the spirits of the mountains and seas and the immortal masters.

They broke through the defenses from the north, south, and west, and invaded this land.

Cities across the land suffered heavy losses due to burning, killing, and looting.

Jiang Yunmeng gathered information from various places, her face extremely grim.

None of the three armies made things difficult for the families that had sided with the elves.

The old snake king and his followers also entered the mortal world, protecting some families and struggling to survive.

However, with the three forces combined, plus the families of Ningguo, their defeat was only a matter of time.

Jiang Yunmeng had to speed things up and get everything arranged.

She once again proclaimed herself an immortal, using her martial arts skills to travel the world, emulating Li Qingping of yesteryear, accumulating fame and seeking dragon energy.

Although she was born a woman, she acted like a man.

The little dragon gave him a wisp of dragon energy, which, as the source, allowed him to quickly gather more dragon energy.

She traveled to various places to treat people.

Amidst the chaos, a magician is also doing his best to help those suffering in his own way.

He had already gathered a considerable amount of dragon energy and given it to Li Qingchen, who then passed it on to Jiang Yunmeng.

Time flies, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Yunmeng's dragon aura was already quite strong, but compared to Ning Guo at his peak, it was less than half of that.

After all, most of the dragon energy has already been seized by the mountain and sea spirits.

Jiang Yunmeng traveled to various places and felt that this kind of accumulation was too slow.

On this day, she sat alone on a desolate mountain.

The mountain was bare, with no trees in sight.

Everything, edible and inedible, was eaten clean.

Meanwhile, those families continued to feast on meat and fish; the chaotic world had no effect on them whatsoever.

"Back then, Ningguo was too lenient in driving away the powerful and wealthy."

Jiang Yunmeng's gaze was cold: "Mountain and sea spirits should stay in the mountains and forests."

"But we no longer wish to return to the mountains and forests."

A cold voice rang out, and above in the sky, a three-legged black wolf stared coldly at her.

“It’s you.” Jiang Yunmeng looked at him, a mocking smile appearing on her lips. “A three-legged wolf, this is truly the first time I’ve ever seen one.”

There was no pretense or pretense; we were enemies from the start, and both sides knew it.

"The people of Peach Blossom Spring really don't know their place."

A white lion materialized, its gaze chilling: "This place is far from Yigu City. Qingdeng can't save you, and Li Qingchen isn't here either. What other tricks do you have up your sleeve?"

"Just the two of you?" Jiang Yunmeng said calmly.

"of course not."

High in the sky, two more spirits appeared: a lizard and a bird with double pupils.

The four elves arrived together.

"Four elves, it is truly my honor to kill a mere Qi Refiner like myself."

Jiang Yunmeng grasped the Yunmeng Sword: "But I think you need to find a few more people."

"Don't worry, no matter who you ask, they won't be able to come," the Double-Pupil Bird said proudly.

If Qingdeng doesn't come out, even if the other spirits arrive, they will be intercepted.

"We will shatter that bit of dragon energy on you in one fell swoop!"

The white lion let out a cold shout, and celestial light gathered from its mouth, drawing out thunder from the sky.

The other three spirits simultaneously unleashed celestial light, their divine might overwhelming, as if celestial beings were descending to punish them.

"Please, Blue Moon, the Peacock Spirit of Nanling."

"Please, spirit of the Green Ox of Nanling, the Ox has its way."

"Please, Old Snake King of Peach Blossom Spring, come to my aid."

"Please, Immortal Master Peach Blossom Spring..."

bang
The sky exploded with a deafening roar, and blinding light flashed. In an instant, a vast and mighty force swept in.

Using the force of traversing the void, several rays of light appeared on Jiang Yunmeng's body, shooting straight into the sky, transforming into a phantom image, and gradually solidifying.

Peacock Blue Moon, Green Ox Niu Youdao, Old Snake King, and Little Dragon appeared simultaneously, instantly dispelling the heavenly might.

"A single thought..."

"Please, Western Emperor Xiu Tree, once again rouse the power of peace..."

"Please, Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, descend to the mortal realm..."

In an instant, from the distant west, one after another, elves descended across the void, their divine might overwhelming.

The power of peace and tranquility descended once again upon the land of Ningguo.

"When I lower my eyes, I am free from illness, disease, and calamity..."

An ancient elf, reflecting the phantom of the Emperor's Tree, carries the power of peace and tranquility.

Behind him, two white cranes soared with outstretched wings, while the Jingwei bird cried out.

The nine-tailed fairy fox, accompanied by its immortal master, reflects the illusions of the mortal world.

Rumble

When immortals clash, divine light shines brightly; if one is not enough, then a whole group will be invited.

The thunder in the sky was abruptly stopped, forcibly quelled by the powerful celestial light.

Even a single thought from the ancient Emperor Tree is terrifying.

With the addition of Blue Moon, Niu Youdao, and other elves, their combined strength was in no way inferior to theirs. For a time, the two sides were intertwined with divine light, and neither could gain the upper hand.

Jiang Yunmeng's gaze was icy: "Since you're not going to follow the rules, let's start a war. Please, Dream Island, Yunmeng..."

In an instant, the Cloud Dream Sword trembled, and an ancient aura revived, like an ancient immortal looking down upon the mortal world.

"go!"

Upon hearing the name and sensing its ancient aura, the Double-Pupil Bird did not hesitate for a moment and spread its wings to fly away.

If it were just these elf thoughts, they could still fight a war of attrition.

But the Double-Pupil Bird, as a member of the Way of Heaven, knows the name Yunmeng all too well.

Even though she didn't believe Yunmeng was still alive, the ancient aura was undeniable.

What if the Cloud Dream Sword really has some hidden tricks up its sleeve?

They had to admit that the arrival of the four elves still showed they had underestimated Jiang Yunmeng.

Watching them leave, Lan Yue said in a deep voice, "Everything is out in the open now."

“Yes, there’s no need to hide anymore.” Jiang Yunmeng pondered, “Now that we have a reputation and some dragon energy, I want to revive the Way of Peace.”

“Anything is fine,” the country bumpkin said. “What do you need me to do?”

"I wish to invite you to enter the mortal world and impart the Peaceful Cultivation Method," Jiang Yunmeng said. "Also, I wish to invite the Fox Clan to enter the mortal world and perfect the Illusionist's Method..."

She quickly shared her thoughts, and not only them, but also Niu Youdao, Lan Yue, the white crane couple, and Jingwei bird were invited.

"You want us to completely bring the immortal path into the mortal world?" Lan Yue asked, frowning.

"That's right, it's difficult for me to compete with them now. The army they've built is something that a normal army can't defeat."

Jiang Yunmeng said, "I want to invite you to enter the world and create different paths, bringing different hopes to all living beings. This is the solution I can think of to break the deadlock."

"Simply providing food is no longer enough to win over the hearts of the people; we need absolute power."

“But they probably won’t give you time,” Niu Youdao mumbled.

"They don't know Gu Qingxu's method of sealing himself into immortality."

Jiang Yunmeng said, "Your immortal masters can also participate."

“This method cannot be adopted. Once it falls into the hands of the common people, will they still have a way to survive?” Tian She Nu said in a deep voice.

If one proclaims oneself an immortal and kills without incurring any karmic retribution, then what way is there for mortals to survive?
"Do mortals still have a way to survive?" Jiang Yunmeng sighed. "No, they don't. That's why I ask you to enter the world and spread the Dao, to create a world of cultivation."

"If you succeed, you will all become the founders of your own sects, establishing your own schools and ensuring their continued prosperity and eternal legacy."

“This…” The elves were shocked, their eyes gleaming.

If such a world existed, why would they need to wait for the dynasty to fall into chaos before gathering offerings?

"Throughout history, the path of ghosts, gods, and immortals has been severed. I, however, am a quasi-ghost, god, and immortal, and will enter the world to create an unprecedentedly glorious era!"

Jiang Yunmeng said with boundless pride, "Anyway, the world is already in such a mess, how much worse can it get?"

Since the path of immortality has already entered the mortal realm, then let's completely bring it in.

She can do everything that the mountain and sea spirits can do, and she can do it even better!

These spirits, though they love peace, also love incense offerings and meritorious deeds.

If there is a continuous supply of incense offerings, they can not only rapidly increase their magical power, but also extend their lifespan.

While no one seeks immortality, who wouldn't want to live a little longer?

"Then let's enter the world."

Having said all that, both Lan Yue and Niu Youdao were tempted.

The white crane couple were no exception. The Jingwei bird tilted its head and asked, "Then what doctrine should I preach?"

“Go and search for yourselves. I’ve already made up my mind.” Niu Youdao grinned and said, “Mortals like to use oxen to plow the land, and the Taiping Dao has been researching grains, so I will join the Taiping Agricultural Dao.”

“Jiang Zhu has already established the Illusionist school, but he doesn’t care about it, so I’ll take over,” Nine-Tailed Fox chuckled.

She was originally on the path of illusion, the path of an illusionist, which suited her perfectly.

"Then I'll have to trouble you all," Jiang Yunmeng said, bowing.

"There is one more thing. The true dragon is too young. Li Qingchen and I have discussed it and decided that I will transform into a dragon and lead the way for a while."

The old snake king said, "At that time, I will need your help."

The young dragon is too young to contend with the Dragon Blood Serpent.

Moreover, the Dragon Blood Serpent also has an old dragon by its side, who needs help.

"I'll contact you then," Bai Shuang said.

After the discussion, the elves left and returned to their original forms.

Jiang Yunmeng gazed at the distant mountains and rivers: "I will complete the unfinished path of Peach Blossom Spring. The path of immortality should also have order."

She wants to create an even more prosperous and peaceful world.

It is advisable to take care of the city.

The tabby cat and Old Wang lived an ordinary life. Although Old Wang would tease him, he also treated him like a human.

Drinking and eating are both served to the tabby cat.

Occasionally, I would hold the tabby cat and mutter a few words to myself.

He looked much older, and there was a hint of old age about him.

The tabby cat sat beside him, already sensing the approaching death.

Old Wang seemed oblivious, continuing his daily routine of setting up his stall every day.

His noodle shop business wasn't doing well; after all, life is tough these days.

But he still saved up money to buy alcohol, and also bought some for his tabby cat.

Another year, the peaches have ripened, but Old Wang's health has deteriorated, and he gets out of breath if he walks too fast.

He bought a jar of wine and a pot of braised meat, spending all his savings.

Jiang Zhu walked in from outside: "So you're really not planning to keep your life savings?"

Old Wang grinned, he didn't have many good teeth left: "I'll have you to see me off in my old age. When I die, I'll go to the mountains outside, dig a hole, and ask those people to make room for me. It'll be nice to squeeze in."

He was referring to the people they buried on the mountain during times of chaos.

"When I go to the underworld in the future and meet a three-headed crow, please give him my regards," Jiang Zhu said.

"Okay," Old Wang replied, then looked at the tabby cat: "Do you need me to pass on a message?"

The tabby cat glanced at him and shook its head: "I'm not familiar with the old crow."

"Let's drink." Old Wang picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and said with great satisfaction, "I'll try to live until next year, and when the peaches are ripe, I'll have you bury me."

"Live a few more years," Jiang Zhu said.

"Okay, I'll try my best." Old Wang took a bite of the meat, which he had stewed until very tender.

"Aren't you afraid of death?" the tabby cat asked.

"Of course I'm scared," Old Wang chuckled. "Who isn't afraid of death? But everyone has to die eventually. In this chaotic world, death is a release."

"No matter how chaotic the world becomes, it won't hurt you anymore," the tabby cat said.

Old Wang shook his head: "Sometimes I feel that my life has been too ordinary, but at the end, I feel that my life has been too wonderful, so wonderful that it is unreal."

"Wonderful? I can't tell." The tabby cat took a sip of wine and shook its head.

"Isn't it exciting to witness a peaceful and prosperous era collapse in the blink of an eye, or to see a chaotic world ravaged?"

Old Wang grinned and said, "In my old age, with the two of you immortals by my side, how could it not be wonderful?"

The tabby cat frowned: "Don't you want to become an immortal yourself?"

"I never imagined that you two immortals would end up keeping this old codger company. What good is being an immortal now?"

Old Wang said rather bluntly, "This old man doesn't know what I can give you."

“This glass of wine is enough.” Jiang Zhu picked up his glass. “I’ve drunk quite a lot of wine, and this is one that can be considered flavorful.”

The tabby cat took a sip of the wine, and it did indeed have a special taste.

Old Wang's eyes were glazed over as he murmured, "It's better not to become an immortal. If you become an immortal, it will lose its charm."

(End of this chapter)