Stronger from Earth-Chapter 124: Questioning the Heart

In the blink of an eye, a day passed. To a cultivator, this was just a moment. Wang Xuan, accompanied by He Fang, headed to the hall with the people of Hefang Mountain.

As ancient-style buildings flashed by beneath them, Wang Xuan finally realized how vast the Mountain Gate of Immortal Martial Mountain truly was, spanning at least a thousand miles in circumference.

He also met Senior Brother and his dao companion, Fairy Qingfeng. Upon their first meeting, Wang Xuan was somewhat surprised because Senior Brother Wu Zhutian and Fairy Qingfeng seemed even more compatible than the immortal couples he had imagined.

"Greetings, Senior Brother." Wang Xuan slightly bowed in respect.

Wu Zhutian nodded. His body was tall and streamlined, and his features leaned towards a softness that was even more beautiful than a woman’s. If not for the dominant aura that added to his grandeur, one might easily mistake him.

Fairy Qingfeng appeared youthful as ever at eighteen, and she would remain so even until her death when her path dissipated. Immortals retain their youth eternally, capable of maintaining their most beautiful moments.

Fairy Qingfeng’s smile was sweet, exuding a virtuous demeanor with every move. Wang Xuan had heard that it was she who managed Senior Brother’s peak, serving as a wise and supportive partner.

Now seeing her, it was indeed true.

"Are you Xiaoqi? You’re such a sturdy young man. If you have free time, do visit All Heavens Peak frequently.

Do you have a dao companion? Your sister-in-law knows many Female Immortals. Tell me your preference, and I can help matchmake you. Whether it succeeds will depend on you."

Wang Xuan hurriedly waved his hand: "Thank you for your kind intentions, Sister-in-law, but there’s no need to worry about dao companions. I already fancy someone."

Fairy Qingfeng’s smile became even more radiant: "That’s great."

This sister-in-law was indeed more socially adept than Senior Brother, and Wang Xuan realized it in just a few minutes.

Rumor has it that Fairy Qingfeng is decades older than Senior Brother Wu Zhutian, and back in the day, she was the one who was more proactive, resulting in their union.

After all, some men are truly not proactive.

"You are indeed impressive." Wu Zhutian glanced at Wang Xuan and could see through his foundation, superior to the average Mountain Gate disciple.

Compared to Senior Brother’s mature and steady nature, favoring focused cultivation, Second Senior Brother Hou Zhaohua was much more talkative, with the vigor and energy of someone in their twenties.

"Old Seven, entering Master’s mentorship is an extraordinary fortune. Do you know, among the second generation disciples, Master is a stalwart? The cultivation resources he has are plentiful.

However, to catch Master’s eye, you must also be formidable. You must strive to cultivate and reach the Earth Immortal level early, bringing honor to Master."

Hou Zhaohua patted Wang Xuan on the shoulder, showing closeness; among this group of disciples, their relationship was generally good.

"Third Senior Brother." Wang Xuan paid his respects to Wan Futu. In fact, just seeing this Senior Brother gave him an eerie feeling, as if he was looking at a sea of blood.

Endless resentful thoughts entangled around him, the Blood Evil Qi soared to the sky, and he was filled with the aura of war and massacre, truly a Killing God.

Wan Futu nodded slightly. If Wang Xuan were to follow the path of proving the Dao through slaughter, he would be a good candidate, but Master would likely not permit it, as the road is too dangerous.

"If you clash with the Federation Army or encounter trouble, you can contact me. Don’t let pride get in the way." Wan Futu moved gracefully yet was warm in demeanor.

This reminded Wang Xuan of his past self; the more light-hearted it seemed, the more decisive and ruthless the action would be once the killing intent arose.

Fourth Senior Sister stood beside Sister-in-law, and Wan Futu and Hou Zhaohua both glanced at her, as they, too, were once fond of this junior sister.

Unfortunately, while King Xiang had affection, the goddess had none. Words of love seemed non-existent in her heart, so since she showed no intention, they simply let it be.

"Old Six, your eyes are about to pop out. But just staring won’t help. Let Senior Brother share our experiences as failures, hoping you succeed." Hou Zhaohua clasped Chen Qingniu’s shoulder, winking.

"Well, thank you, Second Senior Brother." Chen Qingniu replied.

Wu Zhutian raised his eyebrows, saying: "Hou Zhaohua, if your surname were Zhu, or if you entered the school before me, it would be more fitting."

He was implying that Hou Zhaohua behaves foolishly like Pigsy and is lively like a monkey, lacking stability.

"There you go again, Wu Zhutian, just wait. Within five years, I’ll enter the Realm of True Immortal. By then, you’ll be outshone, and even as Senior Brother, you’ll look lackluster compared to the Second Disciple." Hou Zhaohua snorted.

"Why are you two arguing again? What’s the point? Weak or strong, whoever is Master’s disciple will gain no more flesh based on rank." Wan Futu frowned.

Hou Zhaohua’s eyes were bright: "It’s very important. He once said if my cultivation surpasses his, the place of Senior Brother would be mine."

It was this very statement from back then that made the two of them persist in their rivalry to this day.

He the Sixth glanced at the two of them, and Hou Zhaohua immediately deflated, having forgotten that Master was present. The designation of Senior Brother wasn’t up to them to decide but was at the discretion of He the Sixth, unchangeable.

The two of them were merely competing for a breath of air.

Riding the clouds and mist, they flew past peaks, with Zhou Wu explaining to Wang Xuan to which vein they belonged; some were friendly with the Fifth Vein, while with others, there had been friction in the past.

It was only when a towering peak appeared before them that they descended, standing in front of the main peak of Immortal Martial Mountain, the legendary residence of Martial Immortal.

This peak was only marginally higher than Hefang Mountain, but to Wang Xuan, it seemed immensely profound, much like the Buzhou Mountain in mythology, the pillar propping up the sky.

Layer upon layer of terrifying array restrictions and one True Immortal Powerhouse after another added plenty of Immortal Qi to this mountain. A mountain doesn’t need to be high; with immortality, it thrives. The spirituality of Immortal Martial Mountain is likely unfathomably profound thanks to the Martial Immortal.

The entrance ceremony for every True Disciple takes place in the hall on the main peak of Immortal Martial Mountain.

Climbing the steps, disciples on guard bowed, guiding the group forward.

"Uncle He, Senior Brothers, please follow me. Your uncles are already waiting in the hall." said a disciple dressed impeccably.

Soon, Wang Xuan saw a massive stone stele along the stairway, inscribed with: Heart-Inquiry Stone.

After taking a few steps, he saw three large mirror-smooth stones laid on the ground.

When he stepped on one, he heard the sound of a great bell and a mighty voice in his mind asking: "Towards yourself, can you truly say you have no regrets?!

This question directly pierced one’s spirit.

With a tranquil heart, Wang Xuan thought, "What regrets could there be."

Taking another step, his heart was questioned again: "Towards the Immortal Martial Sect, can you truly say you have no regrets?

"I’ve never harmed the interests of Immortal Martial Mountain," Wang Xuan silently thought.

On the third step, questioned finally: "Towards my realm, can you truly say you have no regrets?

"Mother Star is the foundation of the Human Race; whoever betrays it shall face eternal damnation."

After these three steps, everyone remained unharmed.

He the Sixth glanced at Wang Xuan, who seemed unaffected, and felt even more satisfied.

Some people tremble under the questions of these three Heart-Inquiry Stones and struggle to advance, breaking into a cold sweat.

The Mountain Gate values character, especially so in Immortal Martial Mountain.

Ascending 999 stone steps, they entered a grand bronze hall, the so-called ceremonial hall.

"Yiyaya, why haven’t they come yet."

As soon as they entered the hall, Wang Xuan and the others heard a childish inquiry. It wasn’t long before a three or four-year-old girl tottered out, smiling at everyone.

A woman quickly followed behind: "Oh my little granny, slow down, don’t fall."

Wang Xuan found the girl incredibly adorable, evoking an urge to hug her, but remembering this was Immortal Martial Mountain, he acted with caution.

He Fang saw and sternly bowed slightly: "Greetings, Senior Sister Yue Yi."

The girl saw He Fang salute, remembered her identity, and awkwardly stood upright, then with a serious expression, said: "No need for excessive courtesy, Junior and Nephew."

Once He Fang straightened, the girl curiously sized up the group, especially the tall and robust Wang Xuan.

"Junior Brother and Nephew, haven’t you prepared any tasty or fun gifts for me? Yiyi will be unhappy!" She looked every bit a three or four-year-old child. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Fairy Qingfeng produced a wooden carving featuring the ten people present, including the girl, clearly freshly carved.

"It’s for Senior Aunt, so you can see us anytime." Fairy Qingfeng smiled brightly.

"You’re thoughtful." Yue Yi nodded like a little adult, then joyfully hugged the wooden carving, much like a regular child with a treasured toy.