[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-path-of-immortality":3,"chapter-the-path-of-immortality-the-path-of-immortality-chapter-501":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},2271651,4436,"Chapter 501: Return to the Sect","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-501",501,"\u003Cp>Not long after, on Changli Island, at Yupan Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang sat settled in the main hall, and Tu Shan Ge led all the island’s officers and squad leaders forward to respectfully pay their respects; they stood in neat rows, and a quick glance revealed over twenty people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bowing and exchanging a few words with Chen Hang, none dared to disturb him further, and they bowed deeply before withdrawing quietly from the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my absence, the island has changed greatly—even that Shouchun peach tree has grown thick and lush. As spring departs, summer arrives, autumn returns, and winter follows, time flies like an arrow, spinning swiftly as a weed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The scene before me now perfectly embodies this truth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang smiled and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yupan Peak is the highest point on the island, towering above all other peaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Chen Hang gazed outward from the hall and saw a hundred-zhang peach tree, thick enough to require dozens of men to encircle, standing beneath the sky; its canopy stretched vast and towering, reaching into the clouds, covering an area of over a li in diameter, its blossoms ever vibrant, its fragrance ever sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, a gentle breeze drifted by, and the misty aroma clinging to its flourishing leaves and petals seemed to drift into the hall, lingering faintly at the tip of the nose, elusive yet present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This peach tree, when traced to its true origin, began as the Shouchun peach seed gifted to Chen Hang when he first arrived in the Eastern Sea, grown step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, Chen Hang had journeyed far to the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea to seek cultivation in a cave heaven, and along the way he happened to meet Chen Chan and Cui Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After meeting and becoming acquainted with Chen Chan, and with her as intermediary, coupled with his then-achieved Sword Flight cultivation, placing him among the Purple Mansion Eleven on the Suidan Rankings, he had barely gained some reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, during his visit to Chen Lu’s Rouxuan Mansion, this man not only hosted him warmly with daily feasts, but also specially prepared a substantial gift as a token of greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shouchun peach seed was one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the greatest function of the Shouchun peach seed is to gather spiritual energy and condense qi; once planted, it fuses with the subterranean earth veins, subtly nourishing the land’s qi and elevating the spiritual vein’s grade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this effect is of virtually no use to Chen Hang today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For even if the Shouchun peach seed grows fully, it can raise a spiritual vein only to the “Geng” grade—and then no further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the spiritual energy of Changli Island has long surpassed the “Geng” grade; thus the Shouchun peach seed could offer no assistance, and instead benefited from the island’s abundant spiritual qi, growing better than ordinary Shouchun peach trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This seed was planted by Chen Hang himself after he became a True Disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he departed for Xiping Land, it had just begun to sprout from the soil, its tender shoots no more than an inch tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, it stands a towering hundred-zhang height, its branches coiled like dragon sinews, countless petals drifting in radiant profusion, displaying lush vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between the turning of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It truly does alter things and shift people…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang made no move, only standing with his hands behind his back, gazing quietly for a moment, his thoughts turning several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Lu, Chen Chan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang had never forgotten the aid these two had given him back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Chen Lu, it was simple enough; though Chen Hang had never returned to the Eastern Sea’s Rouxuan Mansion, he had maintained correspondence with Chen Lu, and after becoming a True Disciple, he had sent back a return favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Chen Chan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the end, it all circles back to Chen Yushu. This man is truly the root of all evils, the origin of all calamities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who else but he is the source of the world’s misfortune?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang shook his head inwardly, thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news that Chen Chan had angered Chen Yushu over matters concerning Chen Zhi and been cast into the White Tu River for punishment had long ceased to be a secret within the Great Primordial Demon Sect—nearly everyone knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Chen Chan was no obscure figure in the Great Primordial Demon Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a True Disciple of the sect, disciple of the Great True Person Fu Kuang, mistress of Meicen Mountain, and someone destined to ascend to higher realms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If such a prominent True Disciple vanished without cause, it would surely stir great unrest within the Great Primordial Demon Sect, sparking suspicion among disciples and breeding rumors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, on that day, Chen Bai and Chen Ying had led a host of Heavenly Demon Generals to openly seize Chen Chan and bring her back to the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disturbance this caused within the Great Primordial Demon Sect need not be elaborated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet upon deeper reflection, the underlying meaning made Chen Hang feel a faint chill…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Chen Chan had been forced into serving Chen Yushu and was regarded as his ally, her status remained that of a True Disciple of the Great Primordial Demon Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobility of a True Disciple—every Xudu cultivator knew this well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, a True Disciple, guilty of no wrongdoing, merely having angered Chen Yushu, had been stripped of rank and honor, forced to endure punishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had the Sect Master of the Great Primordial Demon Sect turned a blind eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Chen Chan’s own master, the Great True Person Fu Kuang, who held a prominent position within the sect, had uttered not a single word in her defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this incident, Chen Yushu’s influence within the Great Primordial Demon Sect had become truly difficult for Chen Hang to fathom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did the Great Primordial Demon Sect truly believe that after uniting the six sects’ destinies, Chen Yushu would surely seize the Immortal Throne and attain the Heavenly Immortal Dao?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And perhaps the three World-Regulating Ancestors of the Great Primordial Demon Sect were not merely the Xuanming Five Manifest Dao Lords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the other two Dao Lords also hold deep expectations for Chen Yushu, believing he would dominate the future Xudu landscape and become lord of the vast southern lands?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this were truly the case,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Chen Hang, by comparison, would be inferior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, among the three World-Regulating Ancestors of Yucheng, Tong Xuan was Chen Hang’s most steadfast protector, and Wei Ling, due to his friendship with Tong Xuan and having witnessed Chen Hang’s sword talent, also held some appreciation for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Shan Jian—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had taken Zhang Shou as a registered disciple, Shan Jian’s favor for Ji Fakai far surpassed that for Zhang Shou, let alone Chen Hang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Ji Fakai entered the Yucheng Main Sect to cultivate, Shan Jian had poured immense effort into him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not master and disciple, their bond surpassed that of master and disciple!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And receiving the favor of the sect’s World-Regulating Ancestors meant not only rising power and a more solid foundation, but also access to the sect’s deeper secrets and its true world-sustaining treasures!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Yucheng’s Cosmic Thunder Pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or the Great Primordial Demon Sect’s Zhou Tian Chan Du…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If my suspicions are correct, perhaps in the final battle to come, Chen Yushu might even unveil the Great Primordial Demon Sect’s world-sustaining treasure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang’s gaze flickered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the current situation, even if he wished to aid Chen Chan in the White Tu River to repay her past kindness, he was powerless to reach her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet though Chen Yushu could not be easily defeated, eliminating him would take far more than a few centuries—he must plan carefully, and when the time came, it would be a life-or-death struggle requiring total commitment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before then, cutting down a few of his henchmen and damaging Chen Yushu’s wings was not difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chen Bai—he was once among the Ten Chief Disciples, nearly becoming a Yucheng True Disciple, then defected to the Great Primordial Demon Sect and became Chen Yushu’s loyal hound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Chen Chan was cast into the White Tu River, Chen Bai was among the most eager to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder if the Great Primordial Demon Sect will let him compete in the Danyuan Grand Assembly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of killing intent passed through Chen Hang’s eyes as he thought inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he did not know the exact rules of this Danyuan Grand Assembly, it was still a blessing and opportunity for the eight sects and six clans’ cultivators—not a killing ground designed solely for breeding demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though there would be victors and losers, casualties were unlikely to be excessive, or it would violate the original intent of each sect’s World-Regulating Ancestors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Chen Bai truly competes, Chen Hang would do his utmost to take his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if bound by rules and unable to act so freely, he would at least block him from entering the top ten, ensuring he gained no fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Chen Hang had been moved by the Shouchun peach tree outside the hall and sunk into thought,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To outsiders, he merely paused briefly, then shook his head slightly and shifted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lately, managing the island’s affairs must have been taxing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang turned and smiled at Tu Shan Ge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, please don’t say that—I merely handle trivial matters, hardly anything taxing; all major decisions are sent via spiritual message for you to decide personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to flatter, but if anyone is truly weary, it’s you—you must manage internal affairs, and even the external matters of Elder Xue Jing require your attention.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ge laughed loudly, waving his hands quickly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only oversee a few minor tasks, aided by many officers on the island—I’m busy only half a month each month, and still have time to sip tea. I’m truly carefree and happy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang pointed a finger at Tu Shan Ge and shook his head:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are humble acquaintances—no need for such formalities. I’ve seen with my own eyes how much effort you’ve poured into this island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During my recent cultivation trials beyond the heavens, I acquired several external herbs, some of which can nourish the spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, I’ll give them to you; take them to the Elixir and Talisman Hall and have the Daoists there refine them into pills—this will enhance their efficacy further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ge felt a warm surge flow through his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips trembled slightly, as if wanting to say something, but he held back, instead bowing solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And I see your cultivation aura has improved considerably lately—congratulations.” Chen Hang changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking of cultivation, Tu Shan Ge’s spirits lifted slightly, though not for himself—he had another reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speaking of cultivation, I have a piece of news to report to Master—it’s a small joy, but let me keep it a secret for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ge smiled smugly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I saw you, I immediately sent a spiritual message—but this person happened to be away; she’ll arrive shortly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I shall wait and see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang gave a slight thought and already guessed who Tu Shan Ge meant—but he said nothing, only nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, Chen Hang spoke with Tu Shan Ge of old times, exchanging casual words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every so often, Tu Shan Ge, Xue Jing, and Wei Yuan would compile reports and send them to Chen Hang for review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, though Chen Hang was not in Xudu, he was not unfamiliar with affairs inside and outside the sect; since nothing major had occurred, there was no need to dwell on it further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this wait did not last long—after half a cup of tea, a swift aura of light pierced through the clouds, flying straight toward the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang saw the aura woven from blue and green hues, glowing and flowing, refined and pure, clear and upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, its wielder followed the orthodox Xuanmen path—not a demon, ghost, or monster—and possessed considerable cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear female voice rang out from within the aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tu Shan Ningning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the emerald-blue aura vanished before the hall, flickering once before collapsing to reveal a figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a girl dressed in a lake-green gown, with flowing water-sleeves and silver bracelets on her wrists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She appeared sixteen or seventeen, her brows like distant emerald peaks, her skin as white as snow, exquisitely lovely; her eyes blinked with unrestrained delight, shimmering like sunlit lake waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her waist hung a longsword, ancient in design.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the aura emanating from Chen Hang, the sword trembled slightly, then emitted several clear, ringing tones, as if eager to fly to his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop making that racket!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ningning had been about to approach Chen Hang, but the sword at her waist suddenly disrupted her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She helplessly punched the blade a few times, finally silencing its chime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ge chuckled at the sight and turned to Chen Hang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After Master departed for the heavens, Ningning began studying swordcraft. Her natural talent surpasses mine—she’s the most insightful among our foxes. After much trial and error, she’s finally made some progress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why she was late to greet you—she was sparring with someone in the lower courtyard. Lately, she’s been insisting on leaving the island to slay demons and purge evil. I never knew she had such a reckless streak. Please don’t blame her, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ningning, hearing this, sheepishly rubbed her head and sniffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they hadn’t met in years, she showed no shyness upon seeing Chen Hang again—she was still the same, warm and familiar as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Swordcraft?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang paused briefly, then casually summoned a blade of qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ningning’s eyes lit up. She immediately launched her sword into the air, formed a hand seal, and charged straight at the qi blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the hall, light and shadow darted wildly; the clashing of metal echoed incessantly. A cold, brilliant glow flashed east, then west, leaving observers disoriented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about half a stick of incense, Tu Shan Ningning began to show signs of strain—her breath grew short—whereupon the qi blade slowly faded and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, how was it? How was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ningning, far from discouraged, retracted her sword and beamed with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang nodded slightly, then added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But your sword’s momentum is too sharp—you leave yourself no room to maneuver. In real combat, you’ll pay dearly for it. Sword control has three levels: method, technique, and momentum. Regarding momentum—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After instructing Tu Shan Ningning on the key points, Chen Hang reached into his sleeve and withdrew a crimson copper brazier, offering it to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This brazier had once been the protective treasure of the True Person Qian Lie of Miaobao’s Thunder Accumulation. But when he faced Chen Hang, he was effortlessly beheaded with a single sword stroke—his myriad techniques never even had time to manifest before he died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All his lifetime’s accumulations naturally fell into Chen Hang’s hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see your defensive methods are still lacking. I bestow this brazier upon you as a reward for your efforts. Do not grow slack,” Chen Hang said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this a magic treasure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ningning cradled the brazier with utmost care, overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll study hard and train my swordcraft—I won’t dare slack off even a little! I hope one day I can aid you, and when you journey to the heavens to fight, take me with you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ningning carefully stowed the brazier, bowed deeply, her small face solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ge chuckled again. Soon after Tu Shan Ningning departed, radiant with joy, a golden boat slowly emerged from the sea of clouds, glowing like a golden sun, heading toward the great hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today, with Master’s return, the island is bustling—even Elder Xue Jing has come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Shan Ge clearly recognized the boat’s owner and remarked with feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the golden boat landed, Chen Hang and Xue Jing exchanged formal greetings and exchanged pleasantries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After inviting him inside and exchanging a few more words, Xue Jing set down his teacup and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I came today not only to pay respects to the True Person, but also to report two matters that require your decision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?” Chen Hang gently set down his own teacup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re not major matters, but in my humble opinion, we dare not decide on them alone. We must leave it to your judgment, True Person,” Xue Jing said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Jing said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>",2761,"2026-06-19T22:30:06.574Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","7b03ae18f44a8a693c3137eb25159446c8eaa062db4141863465d84aec789f48","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-502","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-500",545,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-path-of-immortality-cover.jpg"]