There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 275 The Immortal Dynasty's Twenty-Eight Thousand Years

Led by Zheng Qingtian, Chen Qing and the others rode in the escape light and soon arrived at a small town nestled against the mountains and by the water.

The town is called Xishui Town. It is not a big town, but there are many people coming and going on the streets, many of whom are martial arts practitioners carrying knives and swords.

Zheng Qingtian knew the way well and led everyone through several streets and alleys to a courtyard with a plaque that read "Yunluo Pharmacy".

"A traditional Chinese medicine shop?"

Chen Qing looked at the plaque on the door with a strange expression.

Zheng Qingtian's spirits lifted slightly, and he said, "Brother, don't underestimate this medicine shop. It took a lot of effort for my family to invite a renowned physician to run it! This old gentleman is known as the Master of Rejuvenation, and his medical skills are profound. He is said to be able to 'bring the dead back to life and restore bones.' There is almost no injury or illness that he cannot cure!"

Upon hearing this, Mang Shou Tuo was also moved: "You actually managed to get the Rejuvenating Master to help? That's impressive! I've heard that he has an eccentric temper, and even ordinary kings and generals would find it difficult to get him to help."

"Hahaha!" Zheng Qingtian's face lit up with a smug look. "There's a story behind this. Years ago, I was passing through the northern lands when this old gentleman was being chased by his enemies and was seriously injured. I took the opportunity to help him get rid of those ignorant fools and helped him recover. The old gentleman was grateful for my help and, seeing that my Lieyun Gang acted fairly uprightly, agreed to lend his name and occasionally give me some pointers."

He paused, then continued, "Since then, our Lieyun Gang has set up such pharmacies in all its branches, collecting medicinal herbs to treat the wounded, which can be considered as accumulating some merit. The old gentleman usually sits at the main headquarters, but this time he heard that there was quite a commotion here, and said he wanted to come and see for himself. When he arrives, I will definitely introduce him to you, my worthy brother!"

After hearing this, Chen Qing nodded slightly: "Since there is such an extraordinary person, I must see him for myself."

On the other side, before Zheng Qingtian even entered the door, a sharp-eyed waiter spotted him and quickly came out to greet him with a warm smile, while whispering, "Boss, you're finally back!"

Upon entering the courtyard, several elite members of the Rift Cloud Gang stood waiting. When they saw Zheng Qingtian, they clasped their fists and bowed, saying, "Gang Leader!" But when their gazes swept over the two leaders, Wang and Li, who were sealed by magic and looked dejected, they all showed expressions of surprise and confusion.

Zheng Qingtian waved his hand, gave some instructions, and then said to Chen Qing, "Brother, this place is quite quiet. You can rest here for a while. I'll go take care of some trivial matters. Oh, and prepare a few rooms for our distinguished guests." After saying that, he signaled his men to take the traitors and the pig demon Jin Yuanzhao to the side courtyard.

Chen Qing had no objections and was led to a secluded courtyard in the backyard to settle down with Mang Shoutuo, Ling Jue, and Yun Shuyue.

The courtyard is serene and quiet, with ancient trees that stand tall and provide ample shade.

After the gang member who had led the way left, Mang Shou Tuo couldn't wait to speak: "Young Master! Today's events were extremely dangerous. If it weren't for your keen insight in exposing the treacherous plot, the consequences would have been unimaginable! The outside world is full of unpredictable people and dangers at every turn. It is definitely not a place to stay for long! The East Sea is the key. The Lord and his wife are eagerly awaiting our return every day. We earnestly hope that you will prioritize the greater good and return with me as soon as possible!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing sat silently, carefully sorting through the fragments of memory in his heart.

According to his memory, Chen Qiu's parents and brothers are all alive, which is the reason for his entanglement in the mortal world.

His main purpose in entering the dream was to find the Dao Fruit of the Demon Buddha, but since he had taken on the identity of "Chen Qiu", he had to accept this cause and effect. It would be unreasonable to simply ignore it, and it would also be inconsistent with "Chen Qiu's" past performance. It might even leave a flaw, which could cause hidden worries when he steps into a higher realm in the future. However, if he agreed immediately, he might be bound to the East Sea and unable to move freely.

Ling Jue and Yun Shuyue exchanged a glance.

Ling Jue stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Uncle-Master, your primary purpose in coming down the mountain this time is to find our esteemed Grandmaster who is currently traveling. We finally managed to obtain some clues in Tingfeng City, but now we are stopping here. Is that perhaps..."

Yun Shuyue echoed softly, "Yes, Uncle-Master. The Sect Leader and the elders at Dingyuan Mountain have always been thinking of Grandmaster. Please don't forget."

As disciples of the Hidden Star Sect, they naturally hoped that Chen Qing could return to the sect or continue his journey to find a master, rather than get involved in the mundane affairs of the Marquis of Donghai's mansion.

Chen Qing looked at the two of them and said, "Don't worry, I won't forget. However, my master's whereabouts are elusive, and the time is not yet ripe. Forcing it will only make it easier to miss him. Besides, I have already grasped the path to the Golden Core formation. Once I break through this barrier and condense my Golden Core, it won't be too late to seek my master."

He smiled slightly, and a profound aura emanated from him.

Ling Jue and Yun Shuyue were slightly shaken. They sensed the unfathomable aura emanating from Chen Qing. Although they still had doubts, they couldn't help but believe him to some extent and said no more.

After persuading the two, Chen Qing pondered for a moment and slowly said to Mang Shou Tuo, "I understand Uncle Mang's intentions. Donghai is the foundation of my family business, and my parents and brothers are all alive. How can I not care?" As he spoke, he revealed a touch of melancholy and determination, "However, this time I went down the mountain, the elders of the sect ordered me to travel in the mortal world, temper my Dao heart, and seek an opportunity to break through. Now the opportunity is faintly emerging. If I retreat because of difficulties and give up halfway, not only will I fail the high expectations of my sect, but it will also be a regret for my own Dao path. After I settle this matter and break through the bottleneck, I will consider when to return."

His words were reasonable, and although Mang Shou Tuo was unwilling, he could not force him any further. He could only sigh heavily and say, "Since the young master says so, I, Mang Shou Tuo, will obey. I only hope that the young master will achieve his goal soon and return safely!"

Seeing that everyone had been calmed down for the time being, Chen Qing said, "I need to think quietly for a while and ponder the profound mysteries of the technique. You should all rest as well."

Upon hearing this, Mang Shoutuo, Ling Jue, and Yun Shuyue tactfully bowed and withdrew, each returning to their respective rooms.

The courtyard immediately fell silent.

Chen Qing sat down on the stone bench, his gaze slightly narrowed. Unperturbed by worldly affairs, he focused his attention on the clue he had just obtained. "The dilapidated world reflected in the mirror of that withered Zen temple, even if it has little to do with the demonic Buddha's path, is still a Buddhist secret. If we investigate further, we might be able to gain insights..."

As he was thinking, he suddenly noticed a thin young servant working not far away. A thought struck him, and he remembered the thing that had been on his mind most lately. So he took the initiative to call out, "Young man..."

"Oh? Is the distinguished guest calling for me?"

The servant looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a simple face but rather bright and lively eyes. He appeared to be more robust than the average servant, suggesting he had some basic martial arts training.

"What are your orders, young master?" The servant approached, bowed, and asked respectfully.

Chen Qing glanced at him and asked, "What's your name? How long have you been working here?"

The servant hurriedly replied, "I am Jun Zhibao, and I have been working as a handyman here for three years."

Your treasure?
Chen Qing couldn't help but take another look at the servant. Although he was dressed simply, he had a calm and composed air about him. He thought to himself that the name he had chosen was quite meaningful.

As he pondered, he continued, "I have lived in the mountains for a long time and have never heard of the outside world. I only recently came down from the mountain to travel. Tell me, what is the state of the outside world now? What year is it? Is the world still at peace?"

Although Jun Zhibao was somewhat puzzled as to why this extraordinary young master would ask such common-sense questions, he still answered honestly: "In response to your question, young master, it is now the 28,034th year of the Immortal Dynasty, and the current emperor is Emperor Taiying. As for the world..." He shook his head, "I am too ignorant to presume to discuss politics. I have only heard that the north and west are not very peaceful, and there are many disputes among sects and families in various places. It is not as peaceful as in previous years."

The Immortal Dynasty Era, 28,000 years!
Emperor Taiying!

Chen Qing's pupils contracted!
Nearly 20,000 years have passed since the time of Li Qing!
And that Emperor Taiying...

He recalled for a moment, and realized that he had never seen this name in the present world. Clearly, more than one emperor had reigned since Taijing!
"If there's nothing else, esteemed guest, I'll be going to attend to my duties now." Jun Zhibao bowed, and after receiving a nod from Chen Qing, he withdrew from the courtyard.

As soon as the servant left, a glint flashed in Chen Qing's eyes.

"Twenty-eight thousand years, the world has changed beyond recognition! I don't know how much has changed. Now that I have some free time, I should first restore my cultivation so that I can further explore this era and act more freely."

With this thought in mind, Chen Qing did not delay any longer. He immediately sat cross-legged on the stone bench in the courtyard, formed hand seals, and silently circulated his profound energy.

When he opened his mouth, it was like a whale sucking in water, and the surrounding spiritual energy surged in and flowed into his mouth and nose.

However, after only a few breaths, he frowned slightly and stopped.

"With spiritual energy so scarce, if one were to forcibly condense a golden core, with the accumulation of this body, one could at most reach two or three cycles. To attempt to reach nine cycles in one step and forge an unparalleled foundation is beyond one's capabilities."

He understood that the key to his ability to advance nine levels in one step in the mortal world, besides his rich experience and profound foundation, was the massive amount of resources he had prepared in advance with Liu Shuang'er's help, and the almost inexhaustible spiritual energy provided by the pseudo-Mysterious Gate in his abdomen.

"The preparation for this third body is still a bit rushed. After all, it's the first time entering a dream, and it's impossible to restore one's peak condition in one fell swoop. It will definitely take some effort."

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized the many differences between this later era and the Immortal Dynasty.

"The rare resources needed for condensing the Golden Core in later generations may not be so hard to find in this late Immortal Dynasty. With my status as the heir of the Marquis of the East Sea and the true disciple of the Hidden Star, it shouldn't take too long to mobilize resources and gather them."

Once he made up his mind, he called his two junior disciples, Ling Jue and Yun Shuyue, to his side, took paper and pen, quickly wrote down a few lines, and handed them over.

The two apprentices had only been gone a short while when they were called back. They were initially puzzled, but after taking the prescription and reading it, they understood.

"Fire-Refined Gold, Starry Night Crystals, Millennia-Old Warm Jade, Celestial Silver Sand..."

Ling Jue immediately looked troubled: "Uncle-Master, are you looking for these things? These items are all extraordinary and very valuable. The funds allocated by the sect will probably be..."

Before he could finish speaking, Mang Shou Tuo, who had rushed back upon hearing the news, peeked out and burst into laughter: "What do we have here! Young Master, your annual allowance has been saved for you, not a single penny has been touched! Using it to buy these things is just a drop in the ocean! Besides, the Marquis has already instructed that all expenses for your travels will be covered by the Marquis's mansion. If you need anything, just ask! Money and material possessions are nothing to worry about!"

Just then, Zheng Qingtian, having finished dealing with some trivial matters, strode in. Upon hearing that Chen Qing needed medicinal herbs and supplies, he immediately said, "Brother! You're being too polite! My pharmacy may not have much else, but it does have a good reserve of various medicinal herbs and minerals! The items on this list are readily available in the warehouse! As for the missing items, I will immediately send messages to the various branch headquarters, and within three to five days, I will be able to gather them and deliver them to you!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing felt reassured, knowing that the matter was settled. In this way, even if there were no other gains from the first dream of this third body, it would still be a perfect ending.

(End of this chapter)