Chapter 64: Chapter 49: The Banquet of Ascension

Abundant vitality burst forth from the peach tree, leaving everyone around absolutely stunned.

Lin Fang caressed the trunk of the peach tree, flooded with numerous realizations that life itself was indeed the most magical existence in this world.

From birth to growth and eventually to death, a creature harbors one of the greatest mysteries of time, and a happy smile appeared on Lin Fang’s face.

The next day, under the guidance of the White Ape, Gu Zhongtong began his practice of swordsmanship, and the news of the rejuvenation spread throughout the streets and alleys overnight, drawing countless people who came to admire the lush peach tree and sighed in wonder.

Not long after, a Young Daoist priest, holding an invitation, knocked on Lin Fang’s door.

"Who are you?" An eager Gu Zhongtong was the first to rush to the front door, seeing the young priest in a Daoist robe, and asked with some confusion.

"I am Qing Yu, specially here to deliver an invitation on behalf of my master," the young priest said politely, bowing slightly.

"Who is your master?"

"My master is the current State Preceptor. In three days, he will host a banquet for ascending to immortality. Having heard of your master’s profound Daoist magic, he specially sent me to extend an invitation." The young priest explained slowly with a smile on his face.

The crowd around, who were already buzzing with excitement, knew that those invited to this banquet for ascending to immortality were said to be among the immortals, but thinking of the rejuvenation of the dead tree, they felt this invitation was indeed deserved.

"A banquet for ascending to immortality?" Just because others knew didn’t mean Gu Zhongtong was aware. Just a few days ago, he was a beggar at the very bottom of society, how could he have known such information?

At this moment, Lin Fang’s voice came from behind, "Pass the invitation here and tell the State Preceptor that we will certainly attend the banquet." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Then I will await the honor of welcoming my senior at the banquet," the Young Daoist priest said, bowing once more before slowly leaving, his movements smooth and refreshing, making Gu Zhongtong very envious.

He felt this was true elegance and wondered when he could be like Qing Yu, the young priest.

"You shouldn’t envy him. As a swordsman, everything should be for the sword; all else is peripheral." The voice of the White Ape came from behind.

Gu Zhongtong looked back at Lin Fang, hoping for an answer from Senior Lin, as he believed Senior Lin to be wiser than his own master, something he had slowly observed over these days.

"Everyone has their own unique path, you needn’t envy others," Lin Fang’s gentle voice sounded, bringing comfort to Gu Zhongtong.

The little fox and the others, hearing the commotion, hurried over and curiously asked after seeing the invitation, "Big Brother Lin, can we go to this banquet too?"

"Of course we should go. Such a great opportunity, it would be a waste not to go and enjoy a feast," Lin Fang said as if it were the most natural thing.

This left Gu Zhongtong, who was still admiring Senior Lin’s refined demeanor, feeling somewhat stifled.

Three days later, the banquet for ascending to immortality began in the Chechi Kingdom. Numerous extraordinary figures entered the National Master Mansion to participate in this rare grand event.

At this time, the National Master Mansion was buzzing with activity. Numerous people outside stretched their necks, scrutinizing the guests arriving at the banquet, and whispered among themselves.

"I recognize him. That’s Temple Master Qin from Baiyun Temple; it’s said he is a true immortal."

"That one is really powerful. That’s the Demon Path Ancestral Master, supposedly a person who possesses mana."

"My goodness, the representatives of both the righteous and evil Daoist paths have gathered."

"Nonsense, this is a banquet hosted by the State Preceptor, who would dare not attend? Don’t forget, the State Preceptor is capable of summoning wind and calling rain."

"It is said that today the State Preceptor will also ascend the platform to perform a spell, summon wind and call rain, to alleviate the recent drought." Someone remembered the news and spoke excitedly.

"Speaking of which, we owe a lot to the State Preceptor these past few years, otherwise the people of Chechi Kingdom would have suffered greatly. It’s strange how these few years have been continuously dry."

In the midst of their conversation, they saw a group approach the entrance of the National Master Mansion, all unfamiliar faces and quite young looking. However, the Daoist boy at the gate was very polite, respectfully ushering them inside, even more so than he had for Master Qin and the Demon Path Ancestral Master.

"Who are these people, having such grand status, and yet so young?" This was from an outsider, unclear about the recent happenings.

"You just entered the city, didn’t you?" Someone asked with a laugh.

This person, quite honest, spoke in a normal tone, "Not to hide from you all, I just entered the city today, hearing that there is a once-in-a-hundred-years grand occasion at the National Master Mansion, I specifically came for this."

His straightforward attitude gave everyone around a good impression, and soon someone answered the questions in his heart.

"This group first appeared in front of Zhenwei Martial Arts School, where the white-clad individual defeated Old Hero Chu and claimed to be a friend of Ancient Sword One."

"Ancient Sword One, wasn’t he the one who was called the number one swordsman a hundred years ago, who slew the Flood Dragon at Qing Lake with his sword?"

"Who else could it be? After they defeated Old Hero Chu, they rented a room in Commoner’s Alley, and the miraculous thing happened there."

"There was a withered old peach tree in that courtyard, almost completely dead. Who would have known that the day this group entered, the dead wood came to spring! Overnight, that old peach tree became lush and vibrant with life."

The storyteller’s eyes suddenly sparkled as they spoke excitedly, "Immortality attained, dead wood meeting spring, these are indeed the acts of immortals!"

"Who could disagree? With such immortal-like beings, it’s natural for the State Preceptor to treat them with great respect; being respectful is only to be expected."

"I do wish to see what this so-called Ascension to Immortality Banquet looks like!"

"Indeed, it’s just a pity that we, mere mortals, do not have the privilege to witness the true appearance of immortals, but it’s still worthwhile to see the State Preceptor summon wind and call rain later."

A wall apart, separating two worlds; outside the wall was the world of ordinary people, and inside was the world of the sages with magic spells.

Inside the grand hall of the National Master Mansion, it was now filled with distinguished guests, many dressed in exotic garments, sizing each other up.

However, most people knew each other well, as the Chechi Kingdom was only so large, making it easy for their paths to cross often.

Thus, the atmosphere in the grand hall was very lively, with many acquaintances greeting one another, until Lin Fang alone entered the hall, and the previously noisy atmosphere instantly quieted down.

The curious eyes of the crowd fell on Lin Fang and his companions, and an invisible pressure seemed to permeate the air, making it feel almost suffocating.

At this moment, Gu Zhongtong was shaking all over, wanting to kneel on the ground, but his inner pride prevented him from bowing down. He was a descendant of Ancient Sword One, his teacher akin to a Sword Immortal; how could he disgrace their names?