[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-path-of-immortality":3,"chapter-the-path-of-immortality-the-path-of-immortality-chapter-115":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Path of Immortality",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2271265,4436,"Chapter 115: Hard to Speak","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-115",115,"\u003Cp>As far as the eye could see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he see a host of flying vessels and pavilions from various Xuanmen sects, moored outside the Xuanzhen Sect’s mountain gate, with radiant banners fluttering and auspicious mists swirling like rosy clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baihe Cave, Huanhua Sword Sect, Lianyan Mountain, Shuihuo Tower…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Layer upon layer of treasure-light surged skyward, shimmering and brilliant, dyeing the heavens above Xiao Ganshan with the hue of flowing luli, hazy and dreamlike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the styles of those flying vessels, they were clearly emissary delegations dispatched by various sects, their decks faintly dotted with figures—no small number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Xuanzhen Sect had long been at odds with neighboring Xuanmen sects, with blood feuds in their past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after Ai Jian had subdued all six nations’ cultivators with a single sword, forcing them to bow their heads in submission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fear and dread outweighed respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their inner motives were far from unified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only during festive occasions would each sect casually send one or two disciples to hastily offer tribute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would show their submission, then depart immediately, not wishing to linger a moment longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this grand spectacle—openly bearing their sect’s banners, arriving in flying vessels and pavilions, formally presenting invitations to pay homage—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even in his wildest dreams had he imagined it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even hearing of it was unprecedented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not seen a few Xuanzhen Sect disciples in their robes, riding aura-light, laughing and chatting as they came and went among the other sects’ vessels—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flanked by attendants, surrounded by disciples of other sects smiling obsequiously, clearly treated with great honor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang almost suspected the neighboring Xuanmen sects had finally united in fury, storming Xiao Ganshan to exterminate the entire Xuanzhen Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a scene—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from the pretext of the Yucheng Sect’s Dao-pulse examination—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang could think of no other reason these sects would abandon their pride, turning from arrogance to deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that Ai Jian had achieved a Grade-One Golden Core? Or perhaps even formed a Dharma Body or Primordial Spirit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang stared for a moment, a faint frown crossing his face, but he did not dwell on it. He veered around the other sects’ flying vehicles, circled the sky a few times, then descended toward the mountain gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he neared the peak, several disciples from the Officer’s Hall rose into the air, verified his identity, and waved him through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Xuanzhen Sect, Chen Hang was already universally known; after the Wanli Zhaojian Talisman incident at Fuyu Lake, his reputation had spread far and wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Officer’s Hall Daoists saw his cloud-chariot approaching, their eyes held uncertainty—until he removed his mask, they swiftly glanced, then bowed to signal entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All wore expressions of stifled curiosity, on the verge of speaking but holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chen… Chen Senior Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A delicate girl, no more than fifteen or sixteen, suddenly spoke up, ignoring the shock of her fellow disciples, stepping forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She darted a glance at Chen Hang, then quickly lowered her head, shyly murmuring:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother’s deeds in Fuyu Lake, slaying demons and defending the Dao—your name is legendary. Several Senior Sisters have—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ling’er!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man with a broad nose and deep-set eyes, clad in yellow robes, glared and barked, cutting her off mid-sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan Ping has already reached the Second Stage of Foundation Establishment—the Great and Small Transformation! Elder Yan even gifted him his Fire Crow Vase! I heard Yan Ping once boasted after a drinking feast that he’d flay you alive and peel your bones to send you down to the Abyss to keep Yan Zhen Senior Aunt company!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fire Crow’s essence within the vase is supremely yang and fierce; only overwhelming force can subdue it, or else it requires yin and turbid qi to break through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Senior Brother, be extremely cautious of Yan Ping—he’s narrow-minded, cunning, and deceitful. When you descend into the Abyss, watch your back. Don’t fall into his traps!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl named Ling’er shot the young man a sidelong glance, lips curling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She giggled and fired off her words in rapid succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she finished, she ducked her head and retreated behind the others, putting even more distance between herself and the young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, Sun Xiu Senior Brother, I’ve said my piece.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stuck out her tongue, feigning innocence, hands spread:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If there’s nothing else, shall we go back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The broad-nosed man, Sun Xiu, turned black with rage, rolled up his sleeves as if to beat her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he took a few steps forward, the Officer’s Hall Daoists rushed to block and restrain him in frantic confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time he finally broke free and looked again, the girl had vanished without a trace!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beauty misleads! Beauty misleads! Yan Ping’s feud is his own—what’s it to you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this gets out, forget Yan Feichen and the petty Yan Ping—just my Master’s punishment alone will be enough to drown me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiu was nearly suffocating with fury, silently cursing the girl hundreds of times in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he remembered his Master Yuanji Shangren’s temper—and his vision darkened further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Master said Elder Yan Feichen seems to have received word—he may wish to reconcile with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After much thought, since he’d already messed up,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>in a moment of silence,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang suddenly heard a whispered voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Xiu’s face still wore an expression of furious indignation, teeth clenched, the remaining sleeve rolled up in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secret voice continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the Fire Crow Vase is real, and Yan Ping’s hatred for you is real too. That man once… cough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I served beside Yan Zhen Senior Aunt for years—I know the truth better than any outsider. I won’t belabor the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just remember: when you descend into the Abyss, keep your guard up against him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice fell silent after that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang cast a long, deep look toward Sun Xiu’s position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s face revealed nothing—his concealment was flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, he activated his fetal breath, continued driving his cloud, and flew deeper into Xiao Ganshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Streams curved, valleys twisted, peaks pierced the sky, clouds churned without flying, waterfalls hung perilously without falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ganshan had eleven peaks, nine cliff ridges, and twenty waterfalls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the vast Southern Region, it had once ranked among the Four Hundred Sacred Mountains—a place of vigorous earth-spirit energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, Ai Jian would never have chosen it as his sect’s seat after careful deliberation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor would nearby Xuan and Mo sects have fought over its ownership, only to be slaughtered to the last man before relenting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Chen Hang entered the mountain’s heartland, he felt a subtle surge of primordial spirit energy rise from the peaks and valleys, striking into his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He channeled his Qi-Condensation method to dissipate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fetal breath increased by only the faintest trace—barely worth mentioning…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Southern Region’s spiritual energy is clearly depleted… Even here, it cannot escape the norm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder great sects like Wu Guang Sect and Huashen Mansion, though native to the Southern Region, have their mountain seats far from its heart. Is it that the deeper one ventures into the Southern Region, the scarcer the spiritual energy becomes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, upon reaching Luoxia Peak, Chen Hang descended his aura-light and landed before a cave entrance carved into the cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sky is darkening. Visiting now would be an intrusion. I’ll seek Xu Zhi Senior Brother tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at the dark red clouds above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his sleeve, he drew a flying talisman, whispered a few words, then tossed it upward—it hissed and shot straight toward Xu Zhi’s cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This flying talisman was used for communication, one of the mundane tools cultivators used daily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others included the Food-Creating Cauldron, the Dust-Cleansing Talisman, the Wine-Transforming Branch, the Beauty Pen, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because they were inexpensive, they were classified as mundane items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Chen Hang bought many Ghost-Repelling Talismans, the shopkeeper had tossed these in as freebies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sending the flying talisman, Chen Hang pushed aside the sealing stone and entered his own cliff cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unoccupied and uncleaned for months,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>every shelf, bamboo curtain, and tea table was coated in thick dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the dwelling was simple—no furnishings to speak of—and after using a few Dust-Cleansing Talismans, it was spotless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang glanced around once more, took a yellow apricot-colored meditation cushion from his space pouch, sat upon it, and silently began his cultivation meditation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night passed without incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, as the sun rose, painting the pale mountain mist gold and faint crimson, Chen Hang ended his meditation, summoned aura-light, and set out for Xu Zhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luoxia Peak and Xu Zhi’s Xiongqing Peak were not far apart, yet when Chen Hang arrived at his cave, no one answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No flying talisman remains outside the cave—clearly retrieved. Senior Brother never leaves his little domain to cultivate or refine elixirs. Where could he have gone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned to leave, he suddenly sensed something and looked downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a pavilion in the mountain’s belly came a chorus of giggling and laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of beautiful women surrounded a young Daoist with a long lute strapped to his back, crowding the pavilion so tightly no one could pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist’s face flushed crimson, visibly embarrassed, clutching his chest tightly, head bowed, desperately trying to escape the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But each time he moved, the women pushed him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a buffalo with both hind legs sunk in mud, no matter how hard it struggled, it could not escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang saw sweat beading on his forehead, his face flushed red; under the teasing of the women, he wished he could turn and dash his head against the pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother Xu Zhi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang’s heart stirred slightly; he stepped forward a few paces and finally saw the young Daoist’s face clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as if sensing something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The humiliated and furious Xu Zhi looked up blankly and saw a Daoist in white robes with wide sleeves standing before his cave entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He froze for a moment, then broke into ecstatic joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Junior brother! Junior brother? How did you return to the sect? Didn’t you still have several days before heading to the Abyss?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group of female cultivators surrounding Xu Zhi were startled, and quickly followed his gaze—before them, their eyes brightened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though still a few days away, it’s not far, and I must prepare early.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang made a formal bow and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems I came at an inopportune time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all! Not at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of the women’s momentary distraction, Xu Zhi summoned all his strength and finally squeezed free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a long breath, as if granted pardon:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You came at the perfect time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He learned that Xu Zhi had just refined a gourd of Defining-Paint Elixir, and somehow word had leaked, drawing a crowd of female cultivators to surround him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several promises that he would open the furnace again, each of them would receive one pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these sworn oaths, the women finally felt satisfied and departed together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, Xu Zhi wore an expression of escape from death, inviting Chen Hang inside and offering tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sat facing each other, chatting for a while, discussing details of Qi condensation and sword techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi had clearly heard of Yan Ping’s drunken boasts and was deeply worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, he strongly urged Chen Hang to decline the Abyss mission; but even if he could not easily persuade Ai Jian, he saw Chen Hang merely smiling in silence—clearly his mind was made up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After nagging for a long while, he finally gave up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, since you insist on going to the Abyss and it’s already unavoidable, Senior Brother has something to lend you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while longer of conversation,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi suddenly smiled faintly, gestured with his hand, and took down a sword from the wall, holding it horizontally in his palm and offering it to Chen Hang:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This sword is named Mai She, derived from the phrase: ‘The heart stores the meridians; the meridians house the spirit; the spirit dwells within.’ Though it is a low-grade talisman weapon, it reaches the level of the Nine Divine Seals—truly a sharp blade!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended his palm forward, proud:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I lend this to you for protection. I bought it myself and haven’t even imprinted it yet—this weapon will surely increase your chances of survival!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang paused slightly, set down his teacup, and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you sell Yang Shan Daoist’s Six-Yin Celestial Ghost Banner and Five-Light Pendant to buy this sword?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I appreciate your kindness, Senior Brother, but I also have a sword to give you. I was fortunate in the Floating Jade Marsh and acquired some wealth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang took out the Zhan Zhu Sword, taken from Qin Xian of the Blood Lotus Sect, and placed it on the table, bowing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since I began cultivation, you have aided me greatly. This is a small token of my gratitude—please do not refuse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi’s mind exploded in shock, his hand trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at Chen Hang in disbelief, then at the Zhan Zhu Sword, his eyes filled with horror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—cannot—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained frozen for a long while, then let out a bitter laugh and rose, shaking his head:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A mid-grade talisman weapon—it’s too precious. I cannot shamelessly accept it, and moreover—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi paused, then forced a bitter smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you afraid I’m an ungrateful villain? I fled from battle and caused my fellow disciples’ deaths—my reputation in this sect is far from good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why belittle yourself, Senior Brother? My own reputation in the sect is no better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang also rose:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve troubled you long enough. I won’t stay any longer. If you truly feel uneasy about the Zhan Zhu Sword, consider it merely borrowed—I’ll expect repayment once your cultivation advances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Xu Zhi could refuse again,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But then, Senior Brother, you’ll have to pay me extra interest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when Chen Hang had already stepped out the door did a voice slowly call after him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t kill Elder Gu Jun’s only son…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression shifted like dark clouds before a summer solstice downpour, finally settling into a profound, sorrowful grief:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Junior brother, I didn’t flee from battle—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gasped painfully, feeling his heart pound heavily, each beat laborious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shameful past and sorrow surged like a vast tide, flooding his mind again, threatening to drown him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother, no need to explain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang’s voice cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang turned his face away, refusing to meet those bloodshot eyes, saying only:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I believe you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhi slowly straightened, watching Chen Hang’s retreating back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long after he had vanished from sight, long after time had passed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slumped back into his chair, as if drained of all strength, drenched in sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his head, his gaze complex, and covered his face with his sleeve:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days passed swiftly, and soon the day to depart for the Abyss arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang sat on his meditation mat, practicing Qi condensation, when a heavy knock at the door startled him. He rose, straightened his robes, and opened the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the sight of the visitor outside, his pupils contracted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder Yan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang spoke: “An unexpected guest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>",2591,"2026-06-19T22:29:59.276Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4734977c4a742a386a670b3c147f2b61fc0fba15f12e9654b2e5b7dfdf582754","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-116","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-114",545,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-path-of-immortality-cover.jpg"]