Chapter 1

(The first two chapters have been revised, so the comments might not match. I apologize to everyone here. Please remember to refresh and read again.)

Xia Xun walked out of the cave where he lived. It had rained all night, and the air was particularly fresh.

All around were endless flower-covered mountains, planted with brightly colored flowers. A gentle breeze blew, and the brilliant petals swirled and danced in the sky, like a fairyland.

On the northwest peak, a graceful figure appeared, passing through the sea of flowers and slowly approaching Xia Xun's side.

She had bright, expressive eyes, a light and serene demeanor, wearing a white dress and a white skirt, with her long black hair cascading down like a waterfall, reaching her slender waist.

"I brought you a jar of Hundred Flowers Brew," she said.

The woman bowed slightly, placing the pastries on the stone table in front of Xia Xun, then took out a jar of Hundred Flowers Brew, filled the empty cups, and slowly sat down beside the stone table.

"Thank you, Miss Su," Xia Xun said gratefully.

It had been many years, but Su Wanluo would come every day without fail, often bringing Xia Xun something to eat or drink. Perhaps she wanted to win his favor, or maybe she was afraid he would starve to death.

What she didn't know was that Xia Xun was an immortal, and immortals could live without eating.

After all, the technique of abstaining from food wasn't for nothing.

This world was exceptionally beautiful, with food and drink every day, and a beautiful woman for company.

But Xia Xun wasn't happy.

He was indeed an immortal, but he was an immortal in the sealing period.

And the sealing period lasted for 200 million years.

...

The *Shiming* says: "One who lives long without dying is called an immortal."

In the end times on Earth, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth had withered, and for thousands of years, no one had become an immortal.

Back then, Xia Xun wasn't called Xia Xun; he was called Xia Yan.

Xia Xun was the name given to him by his adoptive mother when she found him as a crying infant.

As the last cultivator on Earth, Xia Yan had practiced in the mortal world since the pre-Qin period, living through one life after another, and eventually ascended to immortality.

When he first entered the immortal realm, he was received by the Lord of the Immortal Court, as no one had ascended to the immortal realm from the mortal world for thousands of years.

Sun Wukong, knowing he was from Earth, struck up a conversation, saying they were fellow countrymen, and kept pouring him drinks. The nectar of the Immortal Court was indeed delicious, and Sun Wukong's drinking capacity was astonishing. Xia Xun was eventually drunk by him.

Afterward, in a daze, Xia Xun accidentally entered a forbidden area in the immortal realm and saw Nüwa's descendants bathing in the Immortal Lake, causing a great disaster.

"Immortality has many rules, but safety is the first rule.

Drinking and misbehaving can make your loved ones cry."

"You're stripped of your title!"

Nüwa's descendants were the Holy Maidens of the Immortal Court, and they were still unmarried. In a fit of anger, they used the Heaven-Sealing Great Hand Seal, a technique used by Nüwa to mend the sky, which was said to be incomprehensible even to gods and spirits, and was hailed as the strongest technique in the immortal realm.

Although Xia Xun was a mortal immortal and a king-level existence in the immortal realm, the Heaven-Sealing Great Hand Seal could seal even the heavens, and Xia Xun was sealed for 200 million years before being reincarnated into this world.

His adoptive mother, whom he called Grandma, was an old woman when she found him, so he always called her Grandma.

On the day he turned sixteen, he went to the Ten Thousand Mountains outside the village for a trial, as was the village tradition, and accidentally triggered a formation, entering this small world.

It had been many years since he was trapped here, and Xia Xun thought about breaking free at every moment.

But he was now an immortal in body but lacked the powers of an immortal.

...

"Has Lord Xia considered it yet? Senior Wen has been waiting for your response," Su Wanluo said, materializing a vase out of thin air and inserting the flowers she had picked into it. "I'm not sure what flowers Lord Xia likes, so I brought the most beautiful ones."

"Miss Su is thoughtful," Xia Xun said, finishing the Hundred Flowers Brew in his cup and smiling at her.

At first, he was somewhat resistant to Su Wanluo's role as a persuader, finding it extremely annoying every time she came. But over time, he got used to it.

To the point where he even developed a certain dependence on her.

In this small world, Xia Xun had been lonely and bored for many years.

At first, he would write the character "zheng" on a large rock.

Every day, he would add a stroke, and after five days, it would form a "zheng."

As time passed, the rock, as big as a wall, was filled with "zheng" characters.

"I won't keep track anymore," Xia Xun said, tossing the rock aside and deciding to just get by.

He was an immortal, living through one life after another, and eventually becoming a mortal immortal.

So he was quite open-minded about many things, but the one thing he couldn't let go of was Grandma.

"Grandma must be very worried about me, not being able to find me."

"Maybe she thinks I was eaten by the wolves in the forest."

Another cup of Hundred Flowers Brew went down, and a hint of sadness appeared in Xia Xun's eyes.

"Lord Xia is homesick, isn't he?" Su Wanluo sat by the stone table, her hand supporting her chin, her eyes half-closed, as if thinking of something. "Senior Wen said that if you accept his inheritance, not only can you leave this small world and reunite with your family, but you can also become the greatest expert in the world. Is there anything better than that?"

"Oh, and Senior Wen also said that if Lord Xia accepts his inheritance, Wanluo can go with you and stay by your side, becoming your person."

Hearing this, Xia Xun smiled, shook his head, and continued pouring wine into his cup.

This scene had happened countless times.

The Senior Wen in Su Wanluo's words was Wen Ning, the ruler of this small world and the one who trapped him here.

"I'll do it," Xia Xun said, seeing Su Wanluo about to pour wine for him, and she quickly took the wine jar from his hands.

Xia Xun didn't fight her; if she wanted to pour, let her pour.

Her daily visits as a persuader were indeed annoying, and her kindness was for a hidden agenda.

But so what?

After being in this place for so long, having someone to chat with and relieve boredom was a great thing.

Especially since she was a beautiful woman.

After pouring the wine, Su Wanluo returned to her seat.

Perhaps she had realized that Xia Xun was a gentleman, so she knew her limits.

She knew how to use her charm but never did anything frivolous, like sitting on Xia Xun's lap or undressing.

She was afraid it would backfire and make Xia Xun dislike her.

He had drunk her homemade wine many times and found her skills improving.

"Miss Su, you're on your way to becoming a wine immortal," Xia Xun said, putting down his cup and praising her generously.

"It's all thanks to Lord Xia," Su Wanluo said, smiling. She wore a white gauze over her shoulders, and the breeze gave her a fairy-like appearance. A soft silk ribbon tied around her slender waist made her figure appear graceful and slender.

Her smile was charming, her eyes bright, like a beautiful woman in a secluded valley, elegant and extraordinary.

Since coming to this world, Su Wanluo was the second most beautiful woman he had seen.

Feeling that today would be another fruitless day, Su Wanluo wasn't particularly disappointed and didn't storm off.

In this small world, Xia Xun felt lonely and bored, and she was no different.

After all, women are less tolerant of loneliness than men.

Having someone to chat with was a great happiness.

Before Xia Xun came, Su Wanluo's days were like years.

But everything changed after Xia Xun arrived.

She had many things to do, all of which revolved around Xia Xun.

But she was willing and happy to do them.

"The sun has set, another day has passed," Su Wanluo said, looking at the sunset. "What would Lord Xia like to eat tomorrow? I'll make it for you."

Hearing this, Xia Xun hesitated for a moment, then looked up and said, "No need for tomorrow."

"Ah, did I make something Lord Xia didn't like?" Su Wanluo was frightened, quickly saying, "What was wrong? I can fix it."

Seeing Su Wanluo's panicked look, Xia Xun found it amusing at first, thinking she was silly, but then felt a bit sorry for her.

Although she was Wen Ning's person and served as his persuader every day, after so many years, Xia Xun felt that Su Wanluo was a good girl, just unfortunate and coerced.

She was also a pitiful person.

"That's not what I meant," Xia Xun said. "I meant that I'll cook for you tomorrow. You've been cooking for me for so many years, and I feel bad about it."

"Ah, I see," Su Wanluo said, relieved, thinking she had offended Xia Xun. If that person blamed her, she would be in trouble.

After all...

"Lord Xia's kindness is appreciated, but I'll still prepare the meal tomorrow. Just tell me what you want to eat."

Su Wanluo had been serving Xia Xun for over a hundred years, and some things had become a habit.

"No, I must do it tomorrow," Xia Xun said, shaking his head, looking very determined.

"Alright..." Su Wanluo hesitated for a moment but finally agreed.

"By the way, I feel ashamed that we've been together for so long, and I don't know where Miss Wanluo lives?"

As soon as he said this, Xia Xun realized it could be misunderstood and quickly blushed, explaining, "Don't misunderstand, Miss Wanluo. I just want to cook for you. You know, I live in a cave, which is quite simple and has nothing."

"If Lord Xia has other intentions, I would be delighted," Su Wanluo said, smiling, finding Xia Xun quite cute at that moment. "My place is quite far, and it's hard to describe."

She thought for a moment, then summoned a colorful butterfly from her sleeve. "Follow Little Butterfly tomorrow, and she will lead you to my place."

"Alright."

Xia Xun responded, finding the butterfly guide an interesting addition to his monotonous life.

"I'm leaving, see you tomorrow, Lord Xia," Su Wanluo said, slowly getting up from the stone bench.

"Alright."

Xia Xun nodded, watching her walk to the cliff's edge and disappear into the wind.

The sky gradually darkened, and Xia Xun prepared to return to his cave. He glanced at the butterfly perched on his shoulder and felt a bit of anticipation for the next day.

"Let's go to sleep."

Xia Xun smiled, getting up to head to his usual sleeping cave.

Just then, a strong wind suddenly blew from the sky, stirring up sand and rocks, and the branches swayed wildly. The wind seemed to have eyes, heading straight for him.

Xia Xun knew the visitor was not friendly and quickly extended his hand to protect the butterfly, afraid it would get hurt.

In an instant, the wind enveloped him and swiftly carried him to the center of the small world.

...

...

When he became an immortal, he had endured the most terrifying nine-layered heavenly tribulation. A mere demonic wind couldn't scare him.

"Senior Wen, what do you want?"

The wind dissipated, and Xia Xun landed in the center of a vast square paved with green stone slabs. In front of him was an ancient stone statue, weathered and ancient, with no indication of who carved it or when it was placed there.

As night fell, the statue emitted a faint glow in the darkness, giving it a haunting presence.

"My time is running out."

A hoarse voice came from the statue.

"Oh?"

Xia Xun's lips curled into a slight smile.

"You seem happy?"

The voice of Senior Wen from the statue said.

"Just a little," Xia Xun said, not wanting to provoke him despite his deep hatred.

After all, for so many years, he had been well-fed and well-cared for, and Wen Ning even sent Su Wanluo to chat with him to keep him from being bored.

"Is it really that hard to be my disciple?"

Wen Ning said.

"I've already said this more than ten thousand times," Xia Xun said, sitting down in front of the statue and looking up at it. "I'll say it one last time today."

"I don't want to practice martial arts or cultivate."

"I just want to be lazy."

"..."

Wen Ning had heard this before and was at a loss.

If he were in his physical form, he might have spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Don't you want to be strong?"

Wen Ning said, trying to persuade him patiently.

"Of course, who wants to be a weakling?" Xia Xun said without hesitation.

"I've already said that you have a unique physique, a one-in-a-million martial arts genius. If you agree to be my disciple and accept my inheritance, you can become the greatest expert in the world," Wen Ning continued.

"Being your disciple would be exhausting, and I don't want to practice martial arts."

Xia Xun waved his hand, speaking the truth, not just an excuse.

Entering the forbidden area in the immortal realm was an accident, and he regretted it afterward.

But since he was reincarnated and sealed, Xia Xun had slowly come to terms with it. After all, once the 200 million years were over, he would become an immortal again.

It would be like being a diligent student who finally gets into their dream school, only to be sent back to retake the college entrance exam.

That feeling would be extremely frustrating.

Before ascending to the immortal realm, Xia Xun had gone through countless hardships and trials to become an immortal. He didn't want to go through that again.

So during this long sealing period, Xia Xun chose to be lazy.

Being lazy was enjoyable, and staying lazy was even more enjoyable.

Enjoyment was the goal.

Why bother with cultivation?

Moreover, he didn't think Wen Ning had good intentions in passing on his inheritance...

"Being someone else's disciple might be tiring, but being my disciple won't be," Wen Ning said patiently. "I will pass on all my lifetime's power and techniques to you, and you won't need to cultivate to become the greatest expert in the world."

"No, no, I'm afraid you're lying to me."

Xia Xun waved his hand, knowing there was no such thing as a free lunch.

"I am just a soul now, and I might dissipate at any moment. I just regret that my lifetime's techniques have no one to inherit them. When you entered this small world, it showed that we have a connection. Why can't you fulfill my last wish?"

Wen Ning sighed, giving a sense of decline.

Despite his words, Xia Xun felt a bit sorry for him for a moment.

Indeed, no matter how strong a person is, if they don't become an immortal, they will eventually return to dust, regardless of their cultivation or status.

Cultivation is a path that defies nature. If he hadn't withstood the terrifying heavenly tribulations, Xia Xun would have long been dead and his path extinguished.

"Senior Wen, when I was young, I made a vow never to step onto the path of martial arts. I just want to be an ordinary person, find a peaceful place, and a good partner. I'll plow the fields while she weaves, and live out my days in peace. Isn't that a happy life?"

Xia Xun slowly stood up, bowing to the statue with a sincere attitude and a perfect performance.

"Hmph." Wen Ning snorted inwardly, not believing such lies. Although the small world was rich in spiritual energy, and ordinary people could live longer here, it had been over a thousand years, and Xia Xun still looked like a young man. He didn't believe the lie about "never stepping onto the path of martial arts."

There was one thing that puzzled him. When Xia Xun first entered the small world, he had detected his body and found no trace of martial arts cultivation.

But how could someone without martial arts cultivation live for thousands of years without aging?

This puzzled Wen Ning.

But he didn't have time to think about it now.

He had waited too long and couldn't wait any longer.

"Xia Xun, do you really not want to accept my inheritance and be my disciple?"

Wen Ning's hoarse voice came from the statue, still sounding gentle but with a clear threat.

"No."

He stood straight in front of the statue, shaking his head. His voice was not loud but gave a sense of unshakable resolve.

"Then I'll kill her!"

As soon as Xia Xun's words were spoken, a deep voice came from the statue, like a thunderclap from the heavens, shaking the soul.