Volume One: The Celestial Palace of Misty Clouds Chapter Five: Cultivating the Way of Immortals

Chapter Five: Cultivation of the Immortal Path

Though Zhou Hao and Yun Fang perhaps found the scene quite pleasant, it seemed the female immortal did not share their sentiment.

With a sword strapped to her back and cold, beautiful eyes, the female immortal saw the two on the bridge gazing at her in silence, so she spoke first: “Elder Yun Fang, greetings. I am Su Qing, disciple of Elder Li Qionghua. My master instructed me to deliver a letter to you in person. Please forgive the intrusion.”

Her voice, melodious as celestial music, lingered in the ears of master and disciple, rousing Yun Fang and Zhou Hao from their reverie. Yun Fang, as the elder, blushed deeply, thinking, “Ah, how unbecoming of me! After thousands of years, how do I lack even this bit of composure?”

Ashamed, the two strode into the courtyard before the bamboo cottage. The courtyard was meticulously swept, boasting a flowerbed and a vegetable patch. The gentle breeze carried the mingled fragrance of flowers and bamboo, intoxicating all who entered.

“So you are Elder Li’s disciple. No wonder you possess such grace.” Yun Fang now adopted a serious demeanor. “A guest is always welcome. Little Immortal Su Qing, you must have waited long. Why not come inside and rest?”

Su Qing hastened to decline, but Yun Fang instructed Zhou Hao, “Disciple, brew tea for our guest!” He then asked, “May I know what message your master has sent?”

Without leaving Su Qing room to refuse, Zhou Hao went inside to prepare tea. Su Qing’s face betrayed some embarrassment, but Yun Fang was already walking ahead, leaving her no choice but to follow.

“My master learned you had emerged from seclusion, so she specifically ordered me to deliver this letter today. As for its contents, I am not privy to them.” Su Qing spoke calmly, entering the bamboo cottage with Yun Fang.

Inside, the decor was refined. On the central wall hung a painting titled “Immortal Points the Way,” beneath which stood offerings and a small incense burner, its curling smoke aiding focus and tranquility.

Yun Fang, as the elder, sat at the upper seat; Su Qing, the junior, took the lower. They exchanged a few words before Zhou Hao brought in the tea.

Zhou Hao, once emperor among mortals, was passionate about tea. His brewing was meticulous, and the two cups of clear tea filled the cottage with a refreshing aroma, perfectly balanced and invigorating.

“Immortal Su, your tea—please enjoy.”

The first cup was naturally for the guest. Zhou Hao, holding a delicate white jade cup with both hands, presented it to Su Qing, whose plain robes seemed untouched by the mundane world.

Su Qing accepted the cup, her eyes poetic, her features jade-like. Her slender hands cradled the white cup, and she softly thanked him.

Zhou Hao smiled elegantly and turned to serve Yun Fang. Then he found himself a seat.

Su Qing sipped the tea, nodding in appreciation. She set the cup down, extended her right hand into the air, and a letter appeared on her palm. Rising, she handed it to Yun Fang, who accepted it gladly.

“Elder Yun Fang, the letter is now in your hands. I must return to report to my master and will not further disturb you. Farewell,” said Su Qing.

“Indeed, thank you for your trouble, Little Immortal Su. Disciple, see our guest out,” Yun Fang replied.

“Yes.” Zhou Hao hurried to escort Su Qing.

“Brother, there’s no need to trouble yourself. I’ll go on my own.” Su Qing, dressed in white and radiating cool composure, glanced at Zhou Hao’s innocent face and smiled gently.

Zhou Hao was stunned. Su Qing had been aloof and cold since their first meeting, yet now she smiled at him. Though the smile lasted but an instant, it was unforgettable—a smile that embodied the pinnacle of beauty.

Finally, Su Qing mounted her immortal sword and soared into the vast azure heavens, leaving Zhou Hao to snap out of his daze, his mind still full of that faint smile.

“Still not awake?” Yun Fang walked behind Zhou Hao and gave his left shoulder a hearty slap.

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“Master, the temple master and deputy temple master mentioned Su Qing earlier. From what they said, this female immortal’s cultivation must be quite high?” Zhou Hao asked.

“What, are you smitten?” Yun Fang teased, eyeing his naive disciple.

“Well, shouldn’t brothers and sisters within the sect get to know each other? Besides, I’m new to Cloud Mists and don’t understand the people or things here. I ought to learn more, right?” Zhou Hao replied evasively.

“Disciple, you needn’t say it. I already know. Su Qing is indeed exceptional. Elder Li Qionghua, my junior sister, has taken a remarkable disciple!” Yun Fang mused.

“Oh? So there’s that connection. Master, could you introduce me to your junior sister? Surely her outstanding disciple doesn’t have a Dao companion yet?” Zhou Hao’s eyes brightened.

“You rascal! I only let slip the relationship, and you reveal your scheming heart.” Yun Fang was surprised, but continued, “Still, it shows you possess a rare gentleman’s spirit. As the old saying goes, ‘A fair maiden is pursued by a gentleman.’ But let me be clear: you have no hope.”

“Why? Has Su Qing already chosen a Dao companion? Who is it?” Zhou Hao pressed.

“Young man, do you know how many male disciples are after such an extraordinary female immortal? Not only those from Cloud Mists Immortal Palace, but also disciples from the other sixteen palaces, all vying for her affection. Any one of them is a rising star among immortals. Could you outshine them?” Yun Fang poured cold water on him.

“You’re right. I’m so weak, I don’t even have the right to be noticed by her.” Zhou Hao shook his head with a wry smile.

To think that once Emperor Zhou, he was now at the very bottom in the Immortal Realm, unable to pursue even someone he admired.

“In thirty years, the disciples of all palaces will compete. The top three winners may enter a deceased great immortal’s cave to seize fortune. Disciple, I doubt you have hope.” Yun Fang sighed as he looked at Zhou Hao.

“A great immortal’s cave? What’s inside?” Zhou Hao asked.

“There are the scriptures, elixirs, and immortal treasures left by the strong. For lower immortals, these are tremendous opportunities—enough for one to achieve the rank of Golden Immortal in a single stroke.” Yun Fang explained.

“What? That miraculous? Only three spots? The competition will be fierce! But I don’t even qualify to compete.” Zhou Hao felt powerless.

“Well, it’s not your fault. You’ve only been an immortal for less than a day. The others have trained for centuries—lifetimes in the mortal world. Of course they’re stronger. But don’t lose hope. If you miss this chance, others will come. As long as you study diligently with your master, you’ll become a Golden Immortal one day.” Yun Fang encouraged him.

“Then teach me now, Master! How should I cultivate?” Zhou Hao demanded.

“Excellent, you’re now eager to learn. Let me begin your first lesson—Cultivation of the Immortal Path!” Yun Fang settled into his role with the dignity of a venerable elder.

In front of the bamboo cottage, master and disciple each sat upright on a meditation cushion as Yun Fang began the lesson.

“The Immortal Path is divided into six realms, each with its own title: Lower Immortal, Golden Immortal, Upper Immortal, Great Immortal, Immortal King, and Immortal Lord. A Lower Immortal possesses an immortal body—never hungry or thirsty, with sharp senses and a light physique, able to ride clouds and command artifacts, typically living about one thousand years. If one remains a Lower Immortal after a millennium, death is inevitable,” Yun Fang explained.

“So that’s how it is—a thousand-year lifespan! No wonder immortals are said to live forever. Even a Lower Immortal can live a thousand years. So I could do nothing and still live for a millennium!” Zhou Hao was secretly delighted.

“Disciple, that’s a mistake. Though Lower Immortals have up to two thousand years of lifespan, youth is not guaranteed. Just as mortals grow old and weak at fifty, so do immortals. After eight hundred years, a Lower Immortal’s power wanes, the immortal body ages, and this is called the Five Decays of Immortals—weakness of strength, blood, bones, skin, and soul,” Yun Fang clarified.

“As for Golden Immortals, they possess indestructible bodies and live around five thousand years. They master all sorts of immortal arts, can move mountains or fill seas in a breath, and their Five Decays usually occur at about three thousand five hundred years. A real example is your master—me!” Yun Fang pointed to himself.

“Incredible! Truly incredible! Master, I swear to train diligently, escape the Five Decays, and become a Golden Immortal as soon as possible.” Zhou Hao’s eyes brimmed with admiration.

Who wouldn’t wish for immortality and freedom?

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“That’s enough. I haven’t reached those realms myself. Next, I’ll teach you how to begin cultivation. As a Lower Immortal disciple, you must train daily and absorb the essence of heaven and earth to increase your immortal power. You must learn immortal arts to coordinate your power with your body, gradually growing stronger. Most importantly, you need an immortal scripture to guide you. The scripture all Cloud Mists disciples use is called ‘The Azure Cloud Guide,’ said to be created by a legendary Azure Cloud Immortal King. Only the first volume exists, and today I’ll pass it to you.” Yun Fang produced a thin golden booklet from thin air.

The golden booklet was slim, just five pages. Its cover bore three black immortal characters—The Azure Cloud Guide.

Zhou Hao took it from Yun Fang, grinning with joy. He handled it carefully, as if it were a treasure, then opened the first page. Instantly, golden light flared, dazzlingly bright, fading only after a long while. The page was filled with black immortal script, detailing how to channel the essence of heaven and earth into the body and convert it to immortal power. Though only one page, its content was so condensed that it equaled an entire dictionary.

“I’ve now passed the Azure Cloud Guide to you. You may begin training. Remember, soak in the blue lake morning and evening for six hours each time. Also, every day at noon, all Cloud Mists disciples must gather in front of the palace to practice swordplay. Don’t forget! That concludes today’s lesson. The rest of the time is yours—train well, young man.” Yun Fang waved his hand, signaling Zhou Hao to go to the lake. By now, the sun had fully set, and darkness crept in.

Splash!

Arriving at the bridge, Zhou Hao leapt into the blue lake. The lake was not deep; the bottom was pitch black, but he saw several red Zhu fish swimming, emitting a faint glow. These Zhu fish had been resting under a few Heart Lotus plants, only to be startled awake by Zhou Hao’s plunge.

Raising his head above water, Zhou Hao’s upper body floated on the surface, his lower body submerged. Stabilizing himself, he began to cultivate according to the first page of the Azure Cloud Guide.

Beside him, a Heart Lotus bloomed beautifully in the night. Its leaves were green, but its flowers pink and delicate. Though the lake’s depths were dark, the surface was still a vibrant blue. The moon appeared, large and bright in the Immortal Realm, casting a dreamlike glow over the mountain.

On the blue lake, several water lilies unfurled their buds, pink blossoms rising shyly like maidens. The scene was enchanting: lake and lotus, pink meeting blue.

The Heart Lotus exuded a gentle fragrance, and Zhou Hao felt his mind clear, all worries gone, as if he had returned to infancy.

Suddenly, the spiritual energy of the place began to converge toward Zhou Hao. Though not much, streams of energy flowed into him like rivulets. Zhou Hao’s body glowed, motionless, fully immersed in cultivation—he had entered enlightenment.

Meanwhile, in the bamboo cottage, Yun Fang, seated on a meditation cushion, opened the letter Su Qing had delivered.

The letter read: “Brother Yun Fang, the Linglong Treasure Box you gifted me a century ago has been opened. As you suspected, the box contained that item. Now, I don’t know what to do. Please come to my immortal mountain!”

After reading, a cold glint flashed in Yun Fang’s eyes. He immediately rushed out of the bamboo cottage, soaring skyward to another immortal mountain with astonishing speed.

Time passed swiftly. Within the blink of an eye, night gave way to dawn. The brilliant red sun erupted with dazzling rays from the distant east. At this moment, Cloud Mists disciples flew by sword toward the highest peak, their silhouettes crowding the sky in lively procession.

“Oh dear, I almost forgot!” Zhou Hao was awakened by the piercing sunlight.

He was still soaking in the blue lake. Zhu fish bubbled at the surface where his upper body touched the water, nearly infuriating him, but he had no time to worry. He jumped out, landed on a cloud, and accelerated, almost tumbling off the cloud layer.

“Oh no, I have no sword! What should I do? I don’t know any spells to conjure a sword, and Master didn’t give me one. This is trouble.” As he soared, Zhou Hao suddenly realized a crucial issue.

Seeing that only a dozen senior disciples remained in the sky, and the sun was already halfway risen, Zhou Hao knew it was too late to return and ask his master for a sword.

No choice—when conditions are lacking, one must create them! Zhou Hao continued to speed toward the mountain shrouded in purple energy.