A max-level player in Jade Dynasty: Awakening the Innate Dao at the start.

The morning mist over Qingyun Square had not yet been completely dispelled by the rising sun.

Strands of silk thread entwine between the white jade column bases and the ancient stone steps.

Zeng Shushu squatted listlessly on the first stone step, repeatedly tossing three polished wooden dice in his hand.

His eyes, however, kept glancing towards the depths of the clouds and mist in the direction of Shoujing Hall.

When I saw that familiar figure walking slowly and steadily towards the mountain gate through the thin mist,

He jumped up with a "hey!" and stuffed the dice back into his pocket, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Senior Brother Zhang! My dear Senior Brother! It's been a long time since you've come all this way!"

He strode over to her, his tone so exaggerated it was almost palpable.

"The three of us have been waiting here so long, the rocks are practically covered in moss, and the flowers have almost withered three times already!"

Zhang Xiaofan ignored his excellent singing and songwriting performance, and calmly glanced at the three people who were already waiting.

Lu Xueqi stood in the closest and quietest spot to the mountain gate.

Her moon-white Taoist robe was so clean and spotless that even the morning mist seemed to deliberately avoid her.

When Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, she merely nodded very slightly in acknowledgment.

In the deepest part of those cool eyes, a warmth, more subtle and genuine than a smile, rippled out.

Qi Hao stood about three steps behind her, his blue robe standing straight.

Her hair was neatly combed, and she maintained her serious and composed demeanor.

However, his complexion was far from pleasant upon seeing Zhang Xiaofan appear.

She gave a barely audible snort and turned her face away.

Looking out at the undulating sea of ​​clouds in the distance, I felt as if I wanted to avoid seeing it altogether.

Zhang Xiaofan didn't care about his attitude at all. He turned around and faced the towering blue clouds behind him.

The morning light finally struggled to tear through the last layer of clouds, and golden beams of light pierced through like sharp swords.

The needle struck precisely on the glazed golden tiles of the Yuqing Hall atop Tongtian Peak, reflecting a dazzling, almost sacred light.

Looking into the distance, towards Dazhu Peak, the bamboo forests covering the mountains and plains sway in the morning mountain breeze.

It transformed into a boundless, emerald-green ocean, with the faint sound of waves.

This is his fifth year in this world.

Over the course of five years, he cut down the seemingly endless black bamboo here.

He swept through the quiet and secluded ancestral hall and practiced the tedious yet solid Qingyun Sword Technique.

He endured the seemingly fierce but actually caring scolding from his master, Tian Buyi.

He also stood on the highest stage of the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament under the spotlight.

Qingyun had long been his only home in this unfamiliar world.

No matter how warm or protective a home may be, it is not everything.

Beyond the mountain gate lies a vast world waiting to be explored, and people destined to meet await.

There were opportunities that he had to seek, and even more so, there was the grand ambition he set out for himself, which seemed unattainable but was something he had to achieve.

Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath of the cool, fresh morning air.

It was as if I wanted to absorb all the memories of this mountain, this cloud, and the past five years into my very being.

Then, he resolutely turned around and looked down the mountain.

It is cast into that vast, unknown world shrouded in morning mist and cooking smoke.

"Let's go." He said, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable determination.

"You're leaving already?" Zeng Shushu blinked and leaned closer, seemingly feeling that something was missing from the ceremony.

"Senior Brother Zhang, at such an important moment of descending the mountain..."

Why not say something grand and inspiring, a parting message that will be remembered for generations?

That way, I can brag about it to others later!

"A message?" Zhang Xiaofan turned his head, looking at him with a half-smile. "What?"

"For example..." Zeng Shushu stroked his chin, trying hard to recall excerpts from plays he had heard.

"Wielding a sword in the mortal world, slaying demons and monsters, and defending the righteous path?"

Or perhaps, "Throughout the years, I will surely live up to my lofty reputation"? In short, it needs to have some grandeur!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaofan smiled slightly.

He did not answer immediately, but instead turned his gaze into the distance again.

It was cast towards that boundless, desolate land that gradually became clear in the morning light.

His voice was very soft, as if he were talking to himself, yet it reached the ears of everyone present clearly:

"I came down the mountain because I wanted to see for myself just how big and wonderful this world really is."

He paused, a spark seemingly ignited in his eyes, and his voice held an indescribable fervor and longing:

"I want to travel all over the mountains and rivers, and to the four seas and eight wastelands."

Go meet interesting people and experience legendary events.

Witness all that is unknown, comprehend all that is mysterious. Even…

He paused slightly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the mountains and clouds before him.

Looking towards a higher, more distant, and more ethereal place, he spoke clearly, word by word:

"Let's give it a try, that legendary... path to immortality."

The words "becoming an immortal" were like two pebbles thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in the hearts of the other three people in completely different ways.

Zeng Shushu's smile froze instantly, his mouth slightly open, remaining agape for a long time.

Becoming an immortal? The Qingyun Sect has been established for over a thousand years, and its scriptures are as vast as the ocean.

Is there any verifiable record of any senior master who truly ascended to immortality?

It was none other than the legendary founder of the sect, Master Qingye.

When later generations reminisce, they only dare to use vague terms like "the patriarch has passed away."

Who dares to assert that he has become an immortal?

These two words are too heavy, too vague, so heavy and vague that even many senior elders are reluctant to speak of them.

But Zhang Xiaofan just said it out loud.

They spoke so naturally, so confidently, as if "becoming an immortal" was not some unfounded legend.

It's just a slightly more difficult road, but one that will eventually lead to the destination.

Zeng Shushu stared at Zhang Xiaofan's calm and serious profile for a full three breaths.

Suddenly, he burst out laughing and clapped his hands vigorously.

"Good! Good ambition! Senior Brother Zhang, just for those words, I believe in you!"

If you ever manage to open that immortal gate, I'll be in the most conspicuous spot on Tongtian Peak.

We'll erect the tallest jade statue for you, and offer you three sticks of incense every day—more diligently than we would offer to the Three Pure Ones!

Zhang Xiaofan didn't respond to his comment.

He simply flipped his wrist, took off the seemingly inconspicuous black fire poker from his waist, and casually tossed it into the air.

The staff flashed with a dark light and grew longer in the wind.

In an instant, it transformed into a solid rainbow beam over three zhang long, silently hovering about a foot above the ground.

Zhang Xiaofan leaped lightly and landed steadily on the rainbow light.

Only then did he turn around, glance at the three people with different expressions, and calmly remind them:

"If we delay any longer, the sun will set."

Before the words were finished, the dark rainbow light emitted a low, sharp whistling sound as it pierced the air.

His figure, carrying him, transformed into a shooting star-like trajectory, heading straight towards the vast sea of ​​clouds and the earth below the mountain.

Zeng Shushu was the first to snap out of his daze and let out a strange cry:

"Hey! Senior Brother Zhang, wait for me!"

He hastily drew his immortal sword, which transformed into a slightly flashy sword light, and hurriedly gave chase.

Lu Xueqi remained expressionless as the Heavenly Sword behind her rang out with a clear sound.

A sword light, as blue as autumn water, sliced ​​through the air, leaving a stunning yet serene trail that followed closely behind.

Qi Hao was at the very back, his face so gloomy it was almost dripping with water.

He watched the three figures ahead of him follow without hesitation, his chest heaving violently.

In the end, he gritted his teeth and summoned the Frost Sword, which, carrying a chilling aura, barely managed to catch up.

Four sword lights (or staff lights) of different colors and with different auras.

Forming a somewhat disorderly line, they pierced through the clouds and flew towards the vast world below Qingyun Mountain.

The fierce winds high in the sky were like knives, rushing towards them and causing their robes to flutter wildly and their long hair to fly backward.

Unlike others who habitually erected spiritual energy shields, Zhang Xiaofan proactively removed his own.

Let the cold, rough wind, carrying the unique chill of high altitude, hit your face and body without reservation.

It was a little cool and a little stinging, but it felt incredibly real and full of life.

This was after five years of seclusion on Qingyun Mountain, breathing the same spiritual energy.

There's something you can never truly feel when looking at the same bamboo forest and sky—

The wind is called "freedom".

Zeng Shushu, riding the sword light, struggled to fly to Zhang Xiaofan's rainbow light.

I had to raise my voice to drown out the howling wind:

"Senior Brother Zhang! What you just said... were you serious? You really intend to aim for 'immortality'?"

"What?" Zhang Xiaofan turned his head, the sound of the wind carrying his calm question to Zeng Shushu's ears, "Is it not allowed?"

"It's not that it's impossible..." Zeng Shushu scratched her wind-blown hair, a rare look of struggle and confusion on her face.

"But we've read through all the history books of our Qingyun Sect, and we've never seen anyone actually become an immortal!"

"Even the venerable Master Qingye, whose cultivation was as profound as the heavens, ultimately did not..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.

"Just because our predecessors couldn't do it doesn't mean that those who come after us can't."

Zhang Xiaofan's voice carried on the wind, clear and firm.

"The road is made by people walking it. The first person may have a hard time, walk alone, and may even fall halfway."

But as long as he succeeds, even if he leaves only a faint trace, it will be a tremendous guide and source of hope for those who follow.

Upon hearing this, Zeng Shushu fell silent.

He turned his head again and looked at the senior brother who was a few years younger than him.

Looking at that profile that remained calm even in the gale, looking at those eyes that gazed at the distant sky, as if they contained stars and flames.

Suddenly, an extremely absurd yet unusually clear thought uncontrollably entered his mind:

Perhaps... this person before us, this guy who created the miracle of breaking through to the Upper Clarity Realm in five years,

This prodigy with unbelievably high comprehension, this arrogant young man who dares to casually utter the words "become an immortal"...

Maybe he really can do it?

If even someone like him can't open the gate to immortality, then in this vast world of cultivation, I'm afraid there really is no one who can succeed.

Zeng Shushu sighed inwardly, and for a moment felt a pang of regret for his ideals.

(Eat all the delicacies in the world, see all the beautiful scenery, and incidentally improve your cultivation level so you can live a few more years)

...Isn't that a bit too unambitious?

Forget it, everyone has their own ambitions. He should be more realistic.

If I can cultivate to the Upper Clarity Realm in this lifetime, I can live comfortably for several hundred more years.

Explore all the interesting places in this vast land of China.

Having tasted all the delicious foods in the world, one would be content.

Becoming an immortal? That's too tiring and too far-fetched. Let a monster like Senior Brother Zhang worry about that.

Lu Xueqi flew on her sword to the other side of Zhang Xiaofan, remaining silent throughout.

Only when the wind subsided slightly would she turn her head slightly, using the corner of her eye to...

He quickly scanned that calm yet resolute profile, so close to his face.

His gaze held a complex and unfathomable emotion.

Becoming an immortal...

This goal is too big, too unrealistic.

So distant that she had never seriously considered it, and even thought it was just a fictitious concept existing in ancient legends.

But when he uttered those two words,

Strangely, she didn't feel the slightest bit of absurdity or impracticality; on the contrary, she felt a sense of...

This is how it should be.

It was as if he was born to reach a height that ordinary people could not attain.

Only Qi Hao flew silently at the very back of the group.

The expression on his face grew increasingly grim as time went on.

In terms of seniority, he joined the school the earliest, has been practicing for the longest time, and should have the most experience.

In terms of status, he was once the chief disciple of Longshou Peak, and should nominally be the leader of the team that went down the mountain for training.

But in reality? Zhang Xiaofan set off without a word of discussion.

Zeng Shushu and Lu Xueqi didn't even think twice before flying off, and no one even thought to ask their "senior brother's" opinion!

On what grounds?

Just because he lost a move in the Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament? Just because he was the champion personally appointed by the sect leader?

Qi Hao gripped the hilt of the Frost Sword tightly, his knuckles turning bluish-white from the excessive force.

He stared at the three unusually "harmonious" figures ahead, especially the one at the very front, who seemed to be riding on dark light and had everything under control.

The long-suppressed rage in his heart, like dry grass doused with boiling oil, burned ever brighter, almost scorching his reason.

Just wait...

He gritted his teeth, thinking, "The mountains are high and the rivers are long; the road ahead is unpredictable."

There will always be times when you encounter thorny problems, are at a loss, and have no choice but to come back to me, Qi Hao, for help!

We'll see who's in charge then!

After flying on the sword for about two hours, below, at the boundary between the verdant mountains and plains,

The outline of a magnificent ancient city gradually became clear on the horizon.

The towering city walls, constructed of thick, bluish-gray stone blocks, resemble a silent, gigantic python.

It winds its way across the land, stretching for at least dozens of miles.

Inside the city, countless houses with black tiles and white walls stood side by side; it was afternoon at this moment.

Wisps of smoke are rising from the rooftops of countless homes, bathed in the warm, bright sunlight.

It weaves together a pale blue veil full of life, slowly drifting towards the horizon.

Further along the official road, carriages and pedestrians appeared like tiny ants.

They converged into slow-moving streams, heading towards the massive city gate.

"Heyang City! We've arrived!" Zeng Shushu's eyes lit up.

He immediately sped up and flew to Zhang Xiaofan's side, pointing excitedly below and introducing...

"Senior Brother Zhang, do you see this? This is the largest and most prosperous city within hundreds of miles!"

Let's stay here tonight, get some rest, and let you experience the warmth of everyday life!

Zhang Xiaofan nodded and took the lead in lowering the flight altitude.

The four men pressed their sword (or staff) light in a secluded grove of trees about three miles outside the city.

Having concealed all his spiritual brilliance and extraordinary phenomena, he walked towards the city gate like any ordinary traveler.

This is a customary rule in the cultivation world.

Unless absolutely necessary, cultivators should not easily display their extraordinary abilities in places inhabited by mortals.

So as not to disturb the world and cause trouble.

The city gate tower of Heyang City is tall and majestic, with a deep and secluded gate that casts a large shadow.

The soldiers guarding the city were clearly well-trained and had sharp eyes.

When they saw four young men dressed in the distinctive Taoist robes of the Qingyun Sect approaching...

The soldiers' eyes immediately hardened, and they quickly exchanged glances.

Instead of approaching to question them, they proactively stepped back to the sides.

They made way for a clear passage, their attitude respectful and filled with obvious awe.

Some residents who were preparing to enter or leave the city also witnessed this scene, and immediately began to whisper among themselves:

"He is an immortal from Qingyun Mountain..."

"You've come down the mountain again?"

"With the immortals here, our Heyang City is so peaceful, and those demons and monsters dare not approach..."

Although the sound was soft, Zhang Xiaofan and the others could hear it clearly.

He glanced to the side and saw the way the people were looking at them.

It was filled with simple awe, a faint envy, and a sense of security as if one had seen a "pillar of stability".

It was as if, upon seeing this azure Taoist robe, those legendary demons, monsters, and evil cultists would truly dare not provoke him.

This feeling of being genuinely trusted and relied upon by ordinary people touched Zhang Xiaofan's heart slightly.

The title of leader of the righteous path signifies not only glory and power, but also a heavy responsibility and expectation.

Zeng Shushu was clearly very familiar with the city of Heyang.

Like a seasoned guide, he led the three through the city's intricate and bustling streets and alleys.

Finally, it stopped in front of an impressive three-story restaurant.

The restaurant has a spacious facade and elegant yet grand decor.

A black plaque with gold lettering hangs high above the door, bearing three large, bold characters: "Shan Hai Yuan" (Mountain and Sea Garden).

The waiter at the entrance, who was in charge of greeting customers, had sharp eyes and spotted the four distinguished-looking young men in Taoist robes from afar.

His eyes lit up instantly, and a smile spread across his face.

He jogged up to greet her, bowing low, his tone almost fawningly enthusiastic:

"Gentlemen sir, your presence is an honor to our humble establishment! Please come in and take your seats!"

Their respectful attitude bordered on humility.

Zeng Shushu was clearly used to this kind of scene. He casually waved his hand and stepped into the lobby of the restaurant first.

The lobby was spacious and bright, and was currently about 60-70% full.

Although the noise wasn't deafening, it was still quite lively.

When the four young men dressed in Qingyun Taoist robes walked in, the previous laughter and conversation noticeably subsided.

Many diners secretly glanced up, their eyes filled with curiosity and awe;

Many people, however, subconsciously lowered their heads and focused intently on the bowls and plates in front of them.

It was as if they were some kind of priceless treasure, and they dared not look directly at the "immortals".

The waiter led the four of them carefully, avoiding the tables and chairs.

They were led up the smooth wooden stairs to the second floor and shown to a private room by the window.

The environment here is much quieter, and the windows are open.

It faces the busiest main street downstairs.

The flow of vehicles and people, and the myriad aspects of daily life in the city, are all within sight.

"Esteemed immortals, what would you like to have?"

The waiter deftly wiped the already gleaming tabletop with a snow-white towel slung over his shoulder, his tone becoming increasingly cautious.

Zeng Shushu didn't even glance at the bamboo menu on the table; he immediately launched into his speech, clearly having already prepared it in advance.

"For stewed mackerel, use the biggest and freshest one;

Braised pork knuckle from Lingquan, stewed until very tender;

Next, let's make your signature Jade White Tofu Soup.

"Yes, serve four bowls of spirit rice first."

"Excellent! You're a true connoisseur, ordering only our signature dishes!"

The waiter quickly noted it down, then asked with a smile,

"Would you like to try our homemade 'Green Bamboo Wine', Immortal Master? It's refreshing, won't give you a headache, and is perfect for relieving fatigue..."

"No need." This time it was Lu Xueqi who spoke, her voice clear and cold like an ice spring, leaving no room for negotiation.

The waiter shrank back, bowing and scraping hastily.

"Yes, yes, I understand! I'll go tell the kitchen right away, it'll be ready soon!"

After saying that, he backed down the stairs.

Qi Hao frowned almost imperceptibly as he looked at Zeng Shushu's familiar demeanor, his tone somewhat complicated:

"Junior Brother Zeng is indeed very familiar with Heyang City."

"Hey, I've only been here a few times."

Zeng Shushu sat down with a smile and poured himself a cup of tea.

"I used to get bored with cultivation, and occasionally..."

Yeah, I sometimes sneak down the mountain to have a treat and change my mood.

The food at the canteen on the mountain was alright.

You could eat that every day, year after year, and your mouth would get so bland you'd feel like a bird could fly away!

"Sneaked down the mountain?" Qi Hao frowned even more deeply.

"Aren't you afraid of being discovered by your teachers and punished according to the sect rules?"

"Punishment?" Zeng Shushu shrugged, a nonchalant look on his face.

"My father is the head of Feng Hui Peak. If he catches someone, he'll just give them a stern scolding at most."

What can they really do to me if I'm locked up for two days?

Besides,

He changed the subject, his tone tinged with a hint of smugness.

"Every time I sneak away, it's not just for fun."

If you hear of any minor demons or monsters causing trouble around Heyang City,

Or if any family encounters some strange trouble, I'll conveniently resolve it for them.

Wouldn't this be considered making amends for past mistakes? The good deeds and bad deeds should cancel each other out!

Upon hearing this, Qi Hao fell silent. He simply picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The tea was good, with a pleasant aroma, but upon tasting it, a bitter taste that was hard to describe was noticeable.

He remembered his master, Master Cangsong, on Dragon Head Peak; his face was always serious and never smiled.

I recalled the meticulous, almost strict, rules and regulations of Longshou Peak that allowed no transgression whatsoever.

Although both were disciples of the Qingyun Sect, Zeng Shushu could rely on his family background.

They could so "carefree" sneak off down the mountain to travel and enjoy themselves, and even call it "chivalrous deeds".

And he, Qi Hao, as the eldest disciple of Dragon Head Peak,

Every move they made was being watched by countless eyes; the slightest misstep...

Even if it "damages the prestige of Dragon Head Peak", how could we dare to overstep the bounds in the slightest?

On what grounds?

Just because he has a father who is the head of the household?

Qi Hao lowered his head, staring at the shimmering emerald green tea in his cup.

The resentment and anger in my heart are like pebbles thrown into water.

The ripples spread outwards in concentric circles, lingering for a long time.

Shan Hai Yuan was extremely efficient; in no time, several of their signature dishes were served.

The stewed mackerel was served in a large, finely crafted celadon bowl. The broth was milky white and rich, like milk, and the large chunks of fish were snow-white and delicate.

It sits quietly in the soup, garnished only with a few bright green scallions and two or three thin slices of ginger.

The rising steam brings an enticing aroma that blends the freshness of fish, the spiciness of ginger, and the fragrance of scallions.

Zeng Shushu couldn't wait any longer and picked up a large piece of fish, blew on it,

He put it in his mouth, squinted his eyes in satisfaction, and mumbled a praise that was difficult to understand:

"Mmm...this is the taste! Fresh! Tender! Smooth! Absolutely amazing!"

Zhang Xiaofan also picked up a small piece and put it in his mouth.

The fish meat requires almost no chewing as soon as it touches the tongue.

It melts naturally, and a fresh, sweet taste instantly fills the mouth.

The slight spiciness of the ginger perfectly dispelled the last trace of earthy smell, leaving only the purest and most authentic freshness.

He spent three years as the head chef at Dazhufeng and also spent a lot of time studying food at the Ancestral Temple, so he has his own insights into culinary arts.

"The heat control is impeccable." He put down his chopsticks and offered a fair assessment.

"The ginger slices were blanched beforehand, which removed the spiciness while retaining the aroma, without overpowering the fish's original flavor. This fish..."

He gently stirred the fish in the bowl with his chopsticks.

"The meat must not be out of water for more than an hour, otherwise it will become tough and lose its tenderness."

Just then, the waiter brought up another dish. Hearing this comment, his eyes lit up even more, and he couldn't help but chime in:

"The Immortal Master is truly an expert among experts! His words hit the nail on the head!"

The smelt fish at our Shanhaiyuan are all caught fresh from the flowing waters outside the city before dawn.

The water is transported to the shop in specially made wooden buckets, and it's still fresh before it's cooked!

If the ingredients are even slightly substandard, the shopkeeper will skin us alive!

"No wonder." Zhang Xiaofan nodded.

"The ingredients are so fresh that they can be cooked in the simplest way to bring out their best flavor."

The chef's skill lies primarily in preserving the freshness of the ingredients.

Just as he was about to reach for another piece of fish belly with his chopsticks, at the other end of the second floor...

A voice suddenly came from the direction of the private room near the staircase.

The voice was delicate and melodious, like jade beads falling onto a plate, yet it carried a hint of undisguised anger and petulance:

"What 'freshest mackerel'? I think it's clearly a bunch of stale stuff to fool people!"

The fish meat tastes like wood chips and has absolutely no freshness!

Is this how you, Shanhaiyuan, do business?

Although the sound wasn't loud, it seemed particularly clear and abrupt in the relatively quiet second-floor environment.

In an instant, all the diners on the second floor, including Zhang Xiaofan's table, involuntarily turned to look in the direction of the sound—