Chapter 6

The Golden Bridge was wide, and the thousand-strong group (excluding the attendants) seemed sparse as they walked on it. Wang Lu strolled leisurely at the back with his book boy, chatting and laughing, showing no signs of the tension that gripped the others.

The average quality of this thousand-strong group was extremely high, most being prominent young masters. Yet, at the foot of Spirit Sword Mountain, they all trembled like cicadas in winter, walking the path to immortality with great caution. Maintaining composure was already a challenge, and those who could remain completely at ease were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Coupled with Wang Lu's impressive performance when he first arrived a week ago, he now attracted the attention of many.

While most people hesitated and observed, someone boldly approached, greeting him without any formality, as if they were old friends.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen you for a few days."

Wang Lu was chatting happily with the book boy when he was suddenly interrupted. He paused, turned his head, and asked, "Do you owe me money?"

The man was taken aback. "Not really."

"Then do I need to see you?"

"…Seems not."

"Then what are you lamenting? Just trying to make conversation?"

"…"

"By the way, who are you?"

The man smiled bitterly. "You really forget things easily, don't you…?" He then clasped his hands. "I am Hai Yunfan, from Yunzhou. We met in the lobby of the Rujia Inn seven days ago."

Wang Lu frowned, trying to recall. "Oh, you're that young man who kept asking me about the quest strategies… What do you want?"

"I don't dare to ask for advice, but I'm curious. Everyone on this path to immortality is tense, yet you remain calm and confident. I'd like to know the secret."

Wang Lu laughed. "Are you asking for strategies again? That's a bad habit. A qualified adventurer should take pride in independent exploration. What's the point of chewing on someone else's leftovers?"

Hai Yunfan's eyes lit up. "So, you really know the key points on this path to immortality?"

"How could I? I haven't read any strategies."

"Then…"

Wang Lu answered solemnly, "Of course, it's because of strength. With enough strength, why worry about any key points? The path to immortality is as smooth as a highway for me."

These bold words made Hai Yunfan's face pale, and he couldn't help but look up at the sky.

Wang Lu also looked up. The sun was bright, the wind was clear, and there wasn't even a bird in the sky. What was there to look at?

Hai Yunfan sighed. "I'm watching to see if a bolt of lightning will strike. Making such boasts at the gate of Spirit Sword Mountain, I wouldn't be surprised if it triggered a heavenly punishment."

Wang Lu was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "You're called Hai Yunfan? Got it, I'll remember to look out for you once we enter the mountain."

"Thanks." Hai Yunfan clasped his hands again, naturally moving closer to walk alongside Wang Lu, while the little book boy followed behind.

Wang Lu didn't mind, and as they walked, he asked, "I remember you're a second-generation official?"

"Oh?"

"Meaning your father is a high-ranking official."

"Sure, the emperor of the Yun Tai Empire."

"Damn, so you have thousands of stepmothers?"

"…"

"Anyway, why did you give up the promising path of being a prince to come here?"

Hai Yunfan smiled. "Compared to the mystic powers of immortals, what's the point of worldly power? As for cultivation, with the abilities of the Yun Tai royal family, it's not hard to send me to a regular sect. In Yun Tai, White Dragon Temple and Ciyun Mountain are both ranked within the top four of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance…" He smiled slightly, somewhat mockingly. "But compared to the top five sects of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, a mere fourth rank is as tasteless as chewing wax. Besides…"

Hai Yunfan looked up at the sky and sighed, "Now, apart from the top five sects, almost no other sect can truly touch the path of immortality. The Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance has over ten thousand sects, but only these five truly grasp the path of transcendence. If one is to cultivate, it should be the path of transcendence, otherwise, it's better to be a comfortable emperor."

Wang Lu was surprised. "You know a lot."

"Since I chose this path, I naturally had to gather more information… These aren't secrets, and who among those seeking immortality at the foot of Spirit Sword Mountain isn't fully prepared and cautious?"

Wang Lu shrugged and laughed, thinking to himself that he wasn't, as a fierce life should be like taking an exam without preparation. What preparation?

The two walked side by side, the Golden Bridge stretching steeply upward. Despite the incline, neither felt tired, and they gradually moved to the front of the group.

Looking at the young men passing by, Hai Yunfan said, "By the way, the top five sects haven't opened their gates so widely for a hundred years. Even when they occasionally hold immortality conferences, there are many restrictions. So this time, it's truly a gathering of the greats."

Wang Lu looked around. "Indeed, there are many second-generation officials. This event is grand enough to be a grand banquet."

Hai Yunfan said, "Hehe, these people aren't just from prominent families. At least eighty percent of them have natural spirit roots, making them organic cultivators."

"What!?"

The book boy, Wang Zhong, who was following behind, was shocked and couldn't help but ask, "How do you know?"

Hai Yunfan looked back and smiled. "Don't underestimate me, the prince of the Yun Tai Empire. I can name most of these people… Besides, who would dare to come to Spirit Sword Mountain without some real skills? Among the top five sects, Spirit Sword Mountain and Kunlun Immortal Mountain are known for their ancient traditions. Spirit Sword Mountain is even more stubborn than Kunlun. To date, there has never been an artificial spirit root in the sect. For a mortal to climb the mountain would be to invite humiliation."

As Hai Yunfan spoke, Wang Lu was indifferent, but the little book boy's face grew increasingly pale, clearly thinking of the spirit roots in his backpack.

Hai Yunfan laughed. "However, this time, the Spirit Sword Sect only requires those under twelve years old, without mentioning spirit roots. Perhaps they have changed their stubborn ways? The remaining one or two percent of the thousand people are here to take a chance…" He paused, "But I don't really see it happening."

As they spoke, the three had been walking on the Golden Bridge for a long time, gradually entering the mist. The Lingxi Town behind them had shrunk to the size of a matchbox, and the little book boy, following closely behind, dared not look back.

Even so, the Golden Bridge seemed endless, with mist shrouding the path ahead. The young men around them were already showing signs of fatigue, and many had stopped to rest. Unconsciously, the three had moved to the front of the group.

Wang Lu clicked his tongue. "You rich kids are really not durable. A little incline and you're already out of breath. You must have been drained by wine and women at a young age."

This was a common jest, but Hai Yunfan looked surprised, opened his mouth, but said nothing.

The book boy, Wang Zhong, complained, "Young Master, this path feels particularly tiring. I'm almost at my limit."

Wang Lu frowned. "At home, you never lack fish and meat. How can you be as useless as those weaklings? Is it just because you're carrying an extra food box? What a wimp."

Wang Zhong was extremely aggrieved. "It's not that. This path feels especially strange. Even though we haven't walked too far, it's exhausting…"

"Then use your skin to breathe… Forget it, give me the luggage. You should travel light."

Wang Lu sighed as he took the backpack and food box from Wang Zhong, carrying them effortlessly.

"Strange, I feel like walking is easier than on flat ground."

"You're always so peculiar, Young Master…"

The master and servant continued walking, but they didn't notice that Hai Yunfan's expression had become serious.

Without the luggage, Wang Zhong felt much lighter and quickly caught up with his Young Master. This time, they walked for a long time, surrounded by a sea of mist. The Golden Bridge's glow was dimmed, and they could barely see the edges. Most of the group had been left behind, and only a few people were still ahead, but they were also out of breath.

Even Wang Lu noticed the problem. "Is this path draining our essence? Those who have lost their purity are getting more tired. By the way, when did you lose your virginity, Wang Zhong?"

"I haven't!"

"Then why are you sweating so much?"

"I…"

"Sure, you must have. You're really something, Wang Zhong."

The book boy was about to kneel. "Young Master, please don't say that…"

Hai Yunfan, watching from the side, smiled and said to Wang Lu, "You and your book boy are quite remarkable, to have persisted this far."

"What's so remarkable about it? In my village, if you can't walk up a mountain, you're no better than a pig. And this guy, as a book boy, has his Young Master carry the luggage. Who's the real Young Master here?"

Hai Yunfan shook his head. "Your standards are too high… Well, it's been a great journey together, but all good things must come to an end. Let's part ways here."

"Huh!? Why?"

Wang Lu's eyes widened, feeling disappointed. This journey had been enjoyable for both him and Hai Yunfan. Wang Lu, who had lived in Wang Family Village for over ten years, had never felt such a sense of finding a kindred spirit! When he said he would look out for him after entering the mountain, it was half a joke, but half was also sincere.

Though he was a simple villager, Wang Lu didn't treat the prince Hai Yunfan as an outsider.

Hai Yunfan nodded at Wang Lu's kindness and explained, "There's no particular reason, just that I don't feel the need to force myself to go further. This is enough for me."

Wang Lu still didn't understand.

"If you don't understand, that's fine. I've found my place. Next…"

Hai Yunfan walked to Wang Lu's side and whispered, "Be careful with your book boy. He's named for loyalty, but he has a rebellious bone."

At that moment, a strong wind blew, and Wang Lu closed his eyes. "What did you say?"

But when he turned his head, Hai Yunfan was already gone. When he asked Wang Zhong, Wang Zhong also indicated that he was confused.

The mist around them grew thicker, and within five meters, everything was blurry. Wang Lu stroked his chin. "Did he ascend to immortality with the wind?"

"Huh?"

"Never mind, let's keep going… I wonder when this will end."

—

However, they didn't walk much further.

It wasn't because they had reached the end or because Wang Lu was tired, but because the book boy couldn't walk anymore.

Even though all the luggage was on Wang Lu's back, as they continued, the book boy's strength drained faster and faster, until he almost collapsed to the ground.

"Hey, you…"

Before Wang Lu could speak, the book boy quickly said, "Young Master, go on ahead. Wang Zhong is useless and can only bring you this far."

"So you should have stayed behind from the start. Now you're putting on a brave face…." Wang Lu looked at the almost paralyzed Wang Zhong, then shook his head. "Forget it, I can't leave you here. Let's rest for a bit. We're almost catching up to the front, and I don't know what the benefit of being first is, but it's an achievement."

Wang Zhong felt even more ashamed and lowered his head.

Wang Lu didn't say more, put down the luggage, and sat on the ground. But as soon as he sat down, the mist around them cleared, the golden light dimmed, and a lush valley suddenly appeared before them.

Wang Lu opened his mouth wide, looking at the sudden change around him.

"…Is this a portal?"

---

However, they didn't walk much further.

It wasn't because they had reached the end or because Wang Lu was tired, but because the book boy couldn't walk anymore.

Even though all the luggage was on Wang Lu's back, as they continued, the book boy's strength drained faster and faster, until he almost collapsed to the ground.

"Hey, you…"

Before Wang Lu could speak, the book boy quickly said, "Young Master, go on ahead. Wang Zhong is useless and can only bring you this far."

"So you should have stayed behind from the start. Now you're putting on a brave face…." Wang Lu looked at the almost paralyzed Wang Zhong, then shook his head. "Forget it, I can't leave you here. Let's rest for a bit. We're almost catching up to the front, and I don't know what the benefit of being first is, but it's an achievement."

Wang Zhong felt even more ashamed and lowered his head.

Wang Lu didn't say more, put down the luggage, and sat on the ground. But as soon as he sat down, the mist around them cleared, the golden light dimmed, and a lush valley suddenly appeared before them.

Wang Lu opened his mouth wide, looking at the sudden change around him.

"…Is this a portal?"

---

However, they didn't walk much further.

It wasn't because they had reached the end or because Wang Lu was tired, but because the book boy couldn't walk anymore.

Even though all the luggage was on Wang Lu's back, as they continued, the book boy's strength drained faster and faster, until he almost collapsed to the ground.

"Hey, you…"

Before Wang Lu could speak, the book boy quickly said, "Young Master, go on ahead. Wang Zhong is useless and can only bring you this far."

"So you should have stayed behind from the start. Now you're putting on a brave face…." Wang Lu looked at the almost paralyzed Wang Zhong, then shook his head. "Forget it, I can't leave you here. Let's