Starting with the creation of the Immortal Clan through the compilation of the family genealogy.

Chapter 11 A First Glimpse into the Path of Immortality
The atmosphere inside the Wufeng County government office was solemn and heavy.

The bloody stench of the extermination of the criminals had been washed away by the rain, and the broken gate had been replaced, but the sorrow and grim atmosphere that permeated the yamen lingered for a long time.

Meng Xihong sat upright behind the yamen desk, his dark blue official robes standing straight.

Before him lay several still-wet condolence documents and a small pile of silver wrapped in red cloth.

Below the hall stood several gaunt women with red, swollen eyes; they were the widows of the constables who had died in the battle of Black Wind Pass.

The children timidly hid behind their mother, their innocent eyes filled with fear and confusion.

Meng Xihong's gaze slowly swept over each grief-stricken face, his voice low and powerful, clearly piercing the silence of the courtroom:

"Zhang Kui's family, Li Meng's family, Zhao Tian's family... sisters-in-law, please accept my condolences."

He picked up a document and read it aloud, word by word: "Zhang Kui, a constable, fought bravely and died in the battle to suppress bandits at Heifeng'ao. According to the 'Great Li Constables' Compensation Order,' his family is entitled to a compensation of fifty taels of silver, and his children are exempt from taxes and corvée labor for ten years... His loyalty and bravery will be remembered by the Wufeng County Government, and this Chief... will remember it in my heart!"

He read very slowly, each word seemingly carrying a heavy weight.

After reading the document aloud, he personally and solemnly handed the document and fifty taels of silver wrapped in red cloth to the corresponding woman.

The woman took it with trembling hands, tears streaming down her face like broken beads, falling onto the cold silver ingot and document, leaving a dark, damp stain.

"Thank you... thank you, magistrate..." Her voice choked with emotion, filled with endless sorrow and a faint trace of gratitude.

Meng Xihong did not shy away from the pain in their eyes, but simply nodded slightly, his gaze calm and firm: "The government is your support."

If you ever encounter any difficulties at home, feel free to come to me or to your brothers. The blood of Zhang Kui and his comrades will not have been shed in vain. Wufeng County will never allow such villains to run rampant again!

His words were not flowery, but they carried a convincing and steady strength.

That fifty taels of silver for the relief was almost half a year's surplus for the yamen. He had pushed through the opposition and the county magistrate's complaints about "excessive spending" to approve it.

This is not just about money, but also about attitude! It is a tribute to the victims, an explanation to the survivors, and a crucial step for Meng Xihong, the new head of the government, to unite the people and establish his prestige!
After handling the compensation matters and sending off the grieving family members, Meng Xihong did not feel relieved.

He stood alone in the now-empty government hall, his fingers unconsciously brushing the hilt of the goose-feather saber at his waist. The cool touch calmed his chaotic thoughts slightly. In his mind's eye, today's divination quietly surfaced:

[Daily Divination, Today's Hexagram: Minor Auspiciousness. A hidden dragon lies in the abyss; it is auspicious to meet with an important person. Fortune is average; avoid being overly assertive.]

Meng Xihong's gaze drifted towards the back hall of the county government office. He knew it was time to "see the officials."

After more than a month, the Meng family courtyard was once again enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

Although the twins' full-month celebration was not a grand affair due to Meng Xihong's busy schedule and the sacrifice of his colleagues, it was still simple and warm.

Two square tables were set up in the courtyard, where Wang Po's family and several neighbors with whom they had a good relationship were invited.

Although Bai was still somewhat weak after childbirth, her complexion was much rosier. Holding the exquisitely beautiful twins wrapped in red swaddling clothes, her face was filled with satisfaction and happiness.

Meng Yanqing was curiously circling the table, her little nose constantly sniffing the aroma of food wafting in the air, her mouth watering.

Seeing his father return, he immediately opened his little arms and stumbled over, crying, "Daddy! Hug me!"

"How old are you? Still acting like a child?" Meng Xihong's solemn expression melted instantly as he bent down and picked up his son.

He walked over to Bai's side and looked at the two little ones sleeping soundly in their swaddling clothes.

The second son, Meng Yanwei, had delicate features, and a faint smile lingered on his lips even in his sleep. Meng Xihong's gaze lingered on his face for a moment, and he silently recited in his heart: "Lofty as a mountain, righteous and awe-inspiring. Young man, may your future be as steady as a high mountain, your knowledge as profound as a towering peak, and your righteousness awe-inspiring, living up to the name 'Wei' (meaning 'lofty')."

The eldest daughter, Meng Yanning, had a radiant face, and her breath carried a peculiar, almost transparent purity, as if she were surrounded by an invisible radiance. Looking at her, Meng Xihong's heart was touched, and a strong desire to protect her arose spontaneously.

“Ning’er… Ning’er… I do not ask for your glory and honor, but only that you live a peaceful and smooth life, free from all troubles and calamities. This word ‘Ning’ is my deepest wish for you.”

"Thank you for your hard work, my wife." Meng Xihong shifted his gaze from the child to Bai Shi, his voice so gentle it could melt hearts.

Bai shook her head, her eyes filled with happiness. She followed her husband's gaze to look at the two children and said softly, "Wei'er seems to be a calm and quiet person, and Ning'er is so well-behaved that it breaks my heart."

"My husband chose excellent names for them. 'Wei' is like a mountain, hoping they will be steady and virtuous; 'Ning' is like still water, hoping she will have a peaceful life. I only hope they can grow up safely and healthily." Her voice also contained the simplest and deepest love and expectations for her children.

Just as everyone was preparing to sit down and the atmosphere was warming up, a commotion arose outside the courtyard gate.

The county magistrate himself arrived, accompanied by his entourage and County Magistrate Zhou! He was dressed in casual clothes, with a warm smile on his face, and carrying an exquisite brocade box in his hand.

"Oh my! Magistrate Meng, congratulations! Auspicious dragon and phoenix, a blessed child from heaven, this is a great fortune for Wufeng County!" The county magistrate laughed loudly as soon as he entered the door, his attitude as warm as that of a neighboring elder.

The guests in the courtyard were flattered and immediately rose to pay their respects.

Meng Xihong's heart stirred slightly, but he showed no sign of it on his face. He quickly stepped forward to greet him, saying, "Your Excellency's presence at my humble abode is an honor and an insult to this humble official!"

"Hey, let's set aside official titles and just chat about everyday things today!" The county magistrate smiled and waved his hand, handing the brocade box to Madam Bai. "A small gift to bring good fortune and longevity to the two little ones."

The brocade box was opened, revealing two pairs of jade longevity locks of excellent quality, along with a congratulatory gift wrapped in red paper, which, judging by its thickness, was quite heavy. "Your Excellency's kindness is too great for me to bear!" Meng Xihong clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Well said! Well said!" The magistrate patted Meng Xihong's arm, his gaze lingering on his composed face for a moment. He lowered his voice, his words carrying a deeper meaning: "Xihong, you handled the Black Wind Pass matter very well! Clean and efficient, truly gratifying! I... am very pleased!"

"The peace and tranquility of Wufeng County will depend on you a lot from now on. Work hard, you have a bright future!" He emphasized the words "bright future".

Meng Xihong understood immediately.

The county magistrate's visit was not only a gesture of goodwill and a formal recognition of his position as a government official and his contributions in suppressing the bandits.

The phrase "a bright future" further implies that the county magistrate is willing to pave the way for things in the prefecture.

This is the real benefit that comes from consolidating power!

"This humble official will certainly do his utmost to live up to your expectations!" Meng Xihong replied solemnly.

Behind the county magistrate, the county clerk Zhou Maocai also came forward with a big smile, saying flattering things.

However, his left hand, hidden in his sleeve, seemed to be unconsciously caressing something cold.

When his gaze swept over Meng Yanning, who was being held in Bai's arms, it was not the usual affection of an elder, but rather as if he were assessing a rare treasure. Especially when Yanning unconsciously aroused the barely perceptible radiance around her, a trace of greed and eagerness, which he tried his best to conceal, flashed deep in his pupils, and the thing in his sleeve seemed to tremble very slightly.

Meng Xihong's "literary spirit and integrity" keenly captured this discordant chill, and a slight alarm arose in his heart, but on the surface he continued to chat and laugh with the county magistrate as usual, but he silently kept Zhou Maocai's fleeting and unusual reaction in his heart.

With the county magistrate's casual congratulations, the atmosphere of the full moon celebration became even more warm and harmonious.

Meng Xihong shared a few drinks with the county magistrate, speaking with neither arrogance nor servility, displaying both respect and composure, which pleased the magistrate even more.

After several rounds of drinks, the county magistrate, urged by his attendants, left with a slightly tipsy smile.

After seeing off the county magistrate and his guests, the bustling courtyard finally returned to tranquility. Madam Bai took Meng Yanqing and two wet nurses to soothe the children. Meng Xihong sat alone on a stone bench in the courtyard.

The night was cool and still, the moonlight like a ribbon, quietly bathing the courtyard.

He slowly closed his eyes, clearing his mind of all distractions.

After obtaining the [Immortal Bone], Meng Xihong had not yet had a chance to fully appreciate its mysteries. But as he immersed himself in it, he felt that his five senses, especially a kind of "spiritual perception" that transcended the five senses, were infinitely elevated and extended!
He "saw" a different scene. This world was no longer the world that could be seen with the naked eye!

The air was no longer empty. Countless tiny, dust-like "points of light," shimmering with a faint glow, floated and flowed lightly, like living fireflies!

They are everywhere, filling the space between heaven and earth, clinging to the branches and leaves of grass and trees, and even seeping into the soil beneath our feet!

These "spots of light" are of different colors: the green is full of vitality, the red is fiery and restless, the yellow is profound and steady, the white is pure and clear, and the blue is deep and distant... They constitute a colorful, rhythmic, and brand-new energy world!

Is this... spiritual energy? The very foundation upon which cultivators depend for their existence?

Meng Xihong's heart raced involuntarily, a surge of primal excitement and longing welling up within him.

He tried, like a toddler learning to walk, clumsily using his mind to touch and attract the blue light spots that were closest to him and emitted a cool and gentle aura.

The process was exceptionally difficult. The will was like an invisible tentacle, yet heavy and sluggish.

Those lively blue dots of light, like mischievous little sprites, would glide away lightly as his thoughts approached, elusive and hard to catch. Each attempt consumed a great deal of his mental energy, and fine beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead.

But he did not give up. The powerful insight and clarity of mind brought about by his "literary spirit and integrity" came into play at this moment!

He abandoned his impatience, calmed his mind, and carefully comprehended the natural, subtle rhythm of attraction to spiritual energy emanating from the [Immortal Bone].

Gradually, he figured out a bit of the trick. He stopped trying to forcefully "grab" it with his mind and instead tried to "resonate" with it, to imitate the faint and unique frequency fluctuations emanating from the [Immortal Bone].

Just a trace... just a trace!
A wisp of azure spiritual energy, thinner than a strand of hair, seemed to be summoned by some force. It finally broke away from its surrounding "partners" and, carrying a faint coolness, slowly and tentatively drifted toward Meng Xihong's brow!

Just as this wisp of spiritual energy was about to touch the skin!
"Om-!"

Meng Xihong's entire body jolted violently! It was as if a faint electric current instantly coursed through his limbs and bones, and a subtle yet incredibly clear coolness emanated from between his brows. Like a parched desert finally receiving a drop of sweet spring water!
Although this wisp of spiritual energy disappeared instantly upon entering the body, like a clay ox sinking into the sea, it failed to remain and be transformed into magical power.

But the feeling of establishing a connection with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and successfully drawing energy into his body was like a brand, deeply engraved in the depths of Meng Xihong's soul.

He suddenly opened his eyes! In his dark pupils, under the moonlight, two extremely faint yet real points of blue starlight seemed to flash and disappear! An indescribable sense of clarity, transparency, and closer connection with heaven and earth welled up within him!

It's done! Although it was just a wisp, and although it couldn't be preserved, Meng Xihong, a mortal who was originally a constable and had no affinity for immortality, truly... glimpsed the path to immortality under the heaven-defying power of the [Immortal Bone]!
He slowly raised his hand, opened his palm, and held it up to the bright moonlight. His fingertips seemed to still retain a faint coolness brought by that spiritual energy.

An irrepressible smile curved his lips, revealing a mixture of ecstasy, excitement, and boundless anticipation for the future.

The path to immortality is long and arduous.

However, my path begins today!

(End of this chapter)