[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-path-of-immortality":3,"chapter-the-path-of-immortality-the-path-of-immortality-chapter-76":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},2271226,4436,"Chapter 76: Who Understands the Silent Leaning on the Balustrade?","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-76",76,"\u003Cp>「……」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hao Qingyan was even more flustered than anyone else in the hall; his eyes darted rapidly between the two women, the numb expression on his face yet unshed when a new shock surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Manager.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu WanZhi kept her head bowed, staring fixedly at the hem of her pale purple brocade dress, then extended her hand again: 「Robe?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Oh, of course! Of course!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hao Qingyan instinctively smiled and reached for the Qiankun bag—when suddenly, every hair on his back stood on end, as if a razor-sharp blade had pressed against his spine! A chill ran through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained rigid for a long while, then slowly twisted his body, forcing a bitter smile as he turned to look back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, Wei Lingjiang’s expression remained unchanged, still that aloof, otherworldly demeanor—divine bone, jade form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hao Qingyan’s bitter smile as he looked at her, his face brimming with helpless resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She merely lifted her eyes slightly, as if nothing had happened, speaking coolly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Aren’t you going to continue describing the robe? Manager, please proceed.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Yes, yes, I’ll continue, I’ll continue.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few breaths, Hao Qingyan was drenched in sweat; he clumsily wiped his face, bowing nervously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Dear fellow cultivators, due to the imminent opening of the Huaiewu Cave, its interior is extremely perilous. The rules require a magic robe to enter—so…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swallowed hard, then forced a helpless smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Currently, Baojuzhai has only two types of protective robes: one is the ‘White Water Cloud Robe’ crafted by Xue Xuan, the Alchemist of Divine Flame Cliff—this is a mid-grade talisman artifact, inscribed with eighteen divine talisman seals, incredibly resilient! Even amid toxic mists and firebolts, it will not harm the body! Especially, this robe is woven from the essence-rock of the Water Mother, and when activated, rolling clouds and mist swirl around it—truly magnificent to behold!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to a jade table, upon which lay a pure white, simple long robe, wreathed in swirling clouds and mist, coiled like dragons and serpents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The other is the ‘Xuanji Treasure Robe’, forged by Xue Rong, the True Person and Xue Xuan’s uncle, of Divine Flame Cliff—this item—」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「I’ll take the ‘Xuanji Treasure Robe’. Please, Manager.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Hao Qingyan could finish, Zhu WanZhi suddenly lifted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She finally summoned the courage to glance at Chen Hang; her cheeks flushed crimson, even her earlobes and neck glowing pink, her eyelashes fluttering like a timid deer in a mountain stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Since it was forged by a True Person, the ‘Xuanji Treasure Robe’ must surpass the ‘White Water Cloud Robe’. The beasts inside Huaiewu Cave are savage—I think…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu WanZhi fixed her gaze on Chen Hang, then fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「But the ‘Xuanji Treasure Robe’ bears twenty divine talisman seals—it is the pinnacle of mid-grade talisman artifacts! Only one more refinement would elevate it to high-grade. Even on the third floor of Baojuzhai, it is a treasured centerpiece!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hao Qingyan forgot to wipe his sweat, stunned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sister Zhu, is this…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clearly knew the White Crane Cave group well; he sighed and bowed to Zhou Xingling, the leader:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Brother Zhou, the ‘Xuanji Treasure Robe’ is quite expensive, isn’t it?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Why look at me? Can I speak for her?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xingling, with his white hair and hemp cap and straw cloak, glared: 「Don’t drag me into this, Old Hao! You’re clearly trying to get me in trouble!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「This…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hao Qingyan sighed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gazes of the two women, he grew even more bewildered; Zhu Wanzhi’s Qiankun bag was within arm’s reach, yet he dared not reach for it—his sleeves hung stiffly at his sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Brother! Say something!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hao Qingyan finally snapped, pleadingly turning to Chen Hang, bowing deeply:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Brother, please say something!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang frowned, and at that moment, Wei Lingjiang lowered her gaze again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「How many robes do you still have in this shop?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「…Sixteen White Water Cloud Robes and seven Xuanji Treasure Robes.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hao Qingyan wiped the sweat from his brow, first bewildered, then explained: 「Such robes are extremely valuable—even some Foundation Establishment cultivators with true qi cannot afford them, so—」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wei Lingjiang had no patience to listen further; she simply tossed a small sleeve pouch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hao Qingyan opened it and froze in shock, stumbling backward several steps, colliding with a jade table and nearly falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「So much?!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, he cried out, his hands trembling like leaves in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「I’ll take all your robes.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang’s voice was cool, her gaze flicking toward Zhu WanZhi, then withdrawing without expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「All of them.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「…All of them?!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only was Hao Qingyan stunned as if struck by lightning, but even the White Crane Cave disciples were bewildered, murmuring in agitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「You!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu WanZhi panicked, glaring at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「What are you trying to do, Sister?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「It’s my own money—I can spend it however I please. Even if I throw it into water, I can still hear a splash.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang replied coldly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「What? Brother, do you have some profound opinion? Are you going to play the righteous defender again?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang looked at her deeply, his face expressionless as he turned away, his voice deliberately subdued, yet still betraying faint tremors:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sister, don’t go mad!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the sleeve pouch from Hao Qingyan’s numb hands, then bowed apologetically:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Apologies for the disturbance. Manager, please don’t hold it against us.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Of course! Of course!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the deal had failed, Hao Qingyan exhaled in relief—as if a ten-thousand-pound boulder had been lifted from his back, his whole body lightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「If we receive any low-grade robes in a few days, I’ll surely notify you and reserve one for you in advance!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Thank you.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang bowed again with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wei Lingjiang, watching Chen Hang offer the sleeve pouch, did not reach out to take it—her pupils grew even colder, icy and distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qing Zhi stood with her hands on her hips, eyes sparkling, staring without blinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Didn’t we already agree that one flying sword was enough for the extra payment?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few breaths, seeing Wei Lingjiang still motionless, Chen Hang gently pressed his temple, sighed inwardly, and bent slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Why are you competing with her over wealth? Are you trying to prove something?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「I’m not competing with anyone…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him lean close, their distance suddenly narrowed, Wei Lingjiang’s gaze flickered away: 「I—」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「I have my own plan regarding the robe. Sister, let’s discuss this when we return.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「You won’t take her robe?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Do you think so poorly of me?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pouch was extended again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang fell silent for a long while, then couldn’t help meeting his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, she lowered her eyes again—but reached out and took it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tightly pressed lips relaxed, ever so slightly curling upward—she said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Qing Zhi could no longer hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Um…」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She beamed, raising her chubby little hands enthusiastically:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「If you all hate money so much, maybe I could—just maybe—take care of it for you! Give it to me! Put it in my hands! I swear I’ll guard it well!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one paid her any attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang ignored Qing Zhi’s squirming, scooped her up, and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when Chen Hang also bid farewell to Hao Qingyan,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>nearby, Zhou Xingling—who had been watching the scene for a long time—came over with a grin, grabbing Chen Hang’s shoulder and pulling him toward a tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This white-haired Daoist had already heard whispers—he suspected Chen Hang might be his master’s final disciple—and since he’d always liked Chen Hang, his desire to befriend him grew even stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Sister Wen, we haven’t seen each other in ages. Why not let me treat you all to a small drink today?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang, who had already walked toward the stairs, was called back by Zhou Xingling; she hesitated, but didn’t answer immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Brother Zhou, I have matters to attend to—I’ll go ahead.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu WanZhi lifted her eyes, gazed deeply at Chen Hang, then walked away without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Hey… hey?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xingling was aghast, calling out several times, but received no reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Big Brother! Hah! You’re done for!」 one of the White Crane Cave disciples chuckled maliciously: 「If Sister Zhu reports this to Master Jiang Gulian, you’ll surely be punished again!」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「How’s that my fault? Isn’t it Chen’s fault?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xingling glared, utterly helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Why blame me?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhu WanZhi already far away, Wei Lingjiang had no intention of lingering; she saw Chen Hang barely nod to her before being swept away by Zhou Xingling and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled lightly and stepped out of Baoju Zhai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The street remained thronged with people, bustling and lively, full of noise and energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her arms, Qingzhi yawned listlessly, eyes wide like a dead fish, dazed and half-asleep—but before they had gone far from Baoju Zhai, Qingzhi suddenly let out a wail, thrust its neck forward, and snapped awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang also halted at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the corner stood a delicate girl, dressed in a pale purple embroidered skirt, with jet-black hair adorned by a slanted jade hairpin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang’s gaze lingered only briefly; she did not pause, but walked straight past her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you have anything you want to say to me, Sister Wen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wei Lingjiang ignore her, Zhu WanZhi lifted her chin, resentful, and said: “You’ve only known Brother just a few days—how much can you possibly understand his nature?! Why must you compete with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And how well do you know him? I know more about him than you ever will… and he is even colder than you imagine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Colder? Then does Sister Wen know that Brother was once forcibly abducted by Yan Zhen of Xuanzhen Sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu WanZhi suddenly sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang abruptly stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother suffered this great calamity in his youth, his origins wretched beyond measure. If Sister merely wishes to play, I advise you to abandon this notion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wei Lingjiang finally show a flicker of emotion, Zhu WanZhi fixed her gaze upon her and spoke slowly, word by word:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I’ve only met Sister a few times, I know you’ve always been as cold as frost, treating all things as if they were nothing—when have you ever shown gentleness or tenderness? Do you truly believe you can form any good fortune or karmic bond with someone like Brother?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang’s expression stiffened slightly; her arms tightened unconsciously around Qingzhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingzhi’s eyes bulged suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then slowly rolled back, tongue lolling out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are strangers passing by—how much do you truly know of me? Moreover.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang gazed coldly at Zhu WanZhi and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if Brother and I are completely innocent, even if something truly existed, it would never be your place to stand here and spout such nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken, Wei Lingjiang had no desire to linger another moment; she did not glance at Zhu WanZhi, but turned and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu WanZhi froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl’s brow furrowed slightly; she fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hongye Island, Xianke Ju.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white light streaked from the clouds above, vanished in an instant, then settled steadily outside the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Chen Hang ascended to the fifth floor of Xianke Ju, before he could reach the door or open it, Wei Lingjiang suddenly popped out like a rabbit from the adjacent room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang was slightly startled, bowed, and said: “It’s so late—Sister hasn’t retired yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“F… robe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang, unusually hesitant, stammered: “You—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve already bought it—the ‘Jiatie Yi,’ a lower-grade talisman artifact, inscribed with three Heavenly Treasure Great Seals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang shook his head: “It’s absurd, really—I once acquired one of these talisman armors when we defeated Miao Nanfeng and his bandits… but back then, I didn’t understand Huaiwu Cave Lord’s intentions, nor that he planned to reopen ‘Huaiwu Cave.’ Now, buying one again, the talisman coins have more than doubled—it’s a loss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve already bought it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart leapt; the hand she had extended quietly retracted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stood facing each other, silent, at a loss for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wei Lingjiang staring blankly at the floor as if flowers had sprouted there, Chen Hang hesitated, then took his leave—but just as he was about to close the door, Wei Lingjiang suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother… do you think my nature is hard to approach?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After asking this nervously, there was no response for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang lifted her head, uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At arm’s length.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang simply watched her quietly, his dark eyes holding thoughts she could not fathom—like a deep, unfathomable pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister, your heart is in turmoil.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang’s throat moved slightly; his voice remained calm, expressionless:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a great taboo in the Dao…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Wei Lingjiang could speak further, he firmly shut the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang stood outside for a long time in silence; after a while, she returned to her room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t give it to him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the side room, Qingzhi rolled and tumbled on the bed, staring at the sleeve-pouch in her hand and cried out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We went all the way back to buy that ‘Xuanji Bao Yi’—is this kid really that rude?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that I didn’t give it… it’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Lingjiang fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few breaths, her eyes slowly lowered; she smiled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s late—you’ve been complaining you want to sleep. Go to bed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just on the other side of the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang took two jars of wine from his Qiankun Bag and placed them on the tea table; the dormant Fu Can Laozu immediately cheered, broke the seal, and leaned over the jar’s mouth, plunging half his body inside to drink greedily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inner demon? Or heart demon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the little old man guzzle wildly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>after a long while, Chen Hang on the mat beside him suddenly asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s both inner demon and heart demon—strange and myriad, seeping everywhere, an obstacle to the Dao, dedicated to ruining one’s path!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Can Laozu lifted his head, belched, and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you decided yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang lowered his eyelids, offering no reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Liulishoushoudeng  in the room suddenly popped a wick; the shadow on the wall flickered, blurred, and distorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he finally spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Can Laozu was puzzled, but when he looked over, Chen Hang had already entered meditation on the mat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Can Laozu shrugged and bent again toward the jar’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Yizhen Dharma Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hang’s hand seals suddenly paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, ten thousand flames burst from within him, reducing the mental form to ash in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merge into one.\u003C\u002Fp>",2438,"2026-06-19T22:29:59.276Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","8bfd663e67dfcaeb35461bf580a1ef583dd9c2a785054d7da616aadb53c2c470","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-77","the-path-of-immortality-chapter-75",545,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-path-of-immortality-cover.jpg"]