LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 37: Tang Yusheng (1)
37 Chapter 37: Tang Yusheng (1)
The sect buzzed with the presence of the new Elders. Existing Elders welcomed the fresh faces, eager to exchange knowledge and grow together. The Qi Condensation cultivators were thrilled, anticipating more lessons from the esteemed Elders.
Among the new Elders, Xue Li, a fellow woman, harbored animosity towards me. I pondered whether she found me unattractive or envied my talent and friendship with the sect's Patriarch. Regardless, her anger escalated as disciples conversed about me rather than her achievements.
As I prepared to depart the sect, Xue Li intercepted me, her eyes burning with rage. She sought answers, hoping to uncover something that could be used against me. However, I refused to cower or remain inconspicuous. As an Elder, I needed not only power but also confidence and honor. Allowing her to treat me as she pleased would invite disrespect from other Elders.
"Can't you see I am leaving the sect?" I retorted, shrugging my shoulders. "Perhaps you excel in combat but lack the ability to think clearly..."
Her fists clenched, and a murderous glint flashed in her eyes. "YOU!"
But I stood my ground, undeterred by her hostility. Disciples gathered around, eavesdropping and fueling gossip. In that sect, even a simple fart wouldn't go unnoticed. It was that notorious.
Aware of my responsibilities, I asked Xue Li, "To whom do I need to explain myself?"
She bit her lip, defeat visible in her expression. "To the sect's Patriarch," she admitted, conceding her position.
With that, she turned and departed in silence. Her erratic behavior puzzled me. We had barely met, yet she exhibited tsundere-like tendencies.
Leaving the sect behind, I soared through the sky, heading towards Riverside, the village I once called home. The journey proved easier now, aided by my enhanced speed and the powerful flying spell acquired from the Golden Dragon Carp. Within a single day, I reached Riverside, ready to embark on the next chapter of my journey.
Upon arriving in Riverside, I was met by Dai Guiren, the mayor, who appeared overjoyed by my return, or so it seemed.
"Immortal Tian Li! You're back!" he exclaimed, bowing respectfully before me.
Having made a stop at my farm, it was during this visit that I crossed paths with Dai Guiren. He had been entrusted with looking after the property in my absence.
"How are things? Is everything in order?" I inquired.
Glancing around, I noticed the farm's tidiness, with the stables and other structures impeccably maintained, while the chickens and cows seemed to thrive.
"I don't recall having cows," I remarked.
Dai Guiren quickly replied, "I took the liberty of expanding and improving your farm while you were away! Your fish and animals are flourishing!"
At first glance, it appeared that Dai Guiren had diligently fulfilled his duties and even gone above and beyond my expectations. Such generosity would not go unnoticed or unrewarded.
"Dai Guiren," I began, locking eyes with him, causing a shiver to run down his spine. "In a year or two, I shall return with a longevity pill for you. I understand that you cannot cultivate, but this will at least extend your lifespan."
His expression morphed into disbelief, his face beaming with a wide smile, betraying his immense happiness.
Rather than bowing again, he lowered his head to the ground near my feet. "Many thanks, Immortal Li! Your kindness knows no bounds!"
The existence of such longevity pills was not uncommon, as there were two distinct types available—
one tailored for cultivators and the other for mortals.
Given that Dai Guiren was a mortal, acquiring the appropriate pill for him would be a simpler task. As we conversed, I inquired about the current state of affairs in Riverside.
To my relief, everything seemed to be running smoothly, with the most significant development being that Kang Duyi, the traitorous cultivator whose body had mysteriously vanished, had not returned to the village thus far.
"Uncle Li!"
While engrossed in conversation, a vibrant red-haired youth came bounding toward us. It was Tang Yusheng, the aspiring disciple I had come to bring back to the sect.
Overflowing with enthusiasm, he couldn't contain himself and blurted out, "Are you here to take me to the sect? Are you?"
Dai Guiren, wearing a smile, excused himself, saying, "I shall take my leave for now."
However, I had another request to make of him.
"Could you allow Tang Yusheng's parents to reside on my farm? I see no issue with it, considering I will be residing at the sect and may not return here in the future."
The request seemed self-evident, and Dai Guiren, seemingly having anticipated it, promptly responded, "No problem, esteemed Immortal Li."
Tang Yusheng appeared bewildered, struggling to process the unexpected turn of events. He could hardly believe what he had just heard. His family resided in a modest house in Riverside, whereas the farm I was offering him was significantly larger, equipped with all the necessary structures for self-sustainability.
"Shall we go and speak with your parents about this?" I suggested to Tang Yusheng.
Together, we made our way to their humble abode. Upon catching sight of me, his parents greeted me warmly, saying, "Immortal Li, you've returned! Please have a seat; we've just brewed some tea."
They treated me with great respect for two reasons: my immortal status and my reputation for treating others kindly. Additionally, I was prepared to take their son under my wing and provide him with guidance.
"Thank you kindly," I replied, settling into a wooden chair and taking a sip of the tea.
"There is something important I wish to discuss," I began, noting the apprehension on their faces, fearing that I might renege on my promise to bring Tang Yusheng to the sect. However, that was not my intention.
"As Tang Yusheng and I will be away in the sect for an extended period, I would like for you to relocate to my farm and make it your new home. In fact, I am considering transferring its ownership to your name."
For them it was something incredible, but for me it wasn't. Sure, I grew attached to my farm, but an immortal seeking immortality wouldn't live in the same place forever, and I needed power to find the peace I wished for.