Chapter 1444: Chapter 893: Conclusion_2

However, the gains from this meditation retreat can still be considered acceptable.

There was a slight acquisition of some sudden enlightenment.

“With a Golden Finger like mine, I only seek to increase my experience points, so I don’t pursue a deep understanding, which allows me to have multiple epiphanies, This comes with advantages and disadvantages: the advantage is that as long as I have sufficient experience points, there are no barriers across any realm, but the disadvantage is that I can’t cultivate on my own. Even with the greatest epiphanies, there won’t be any real value to the improvement of my realm’s strength. It’s more of a manifestation of my state of mind. Although the effects are not apparent for now, the utility must not be underestimated. My realm has improved too quickly, and it’s all been handed to me directly. Even though I’ve been around for such a long time, it has all been but a waste of time.”

Jiang Hui stepped out from the unfathomable and mysterious Asking Path Divine Bamboo Forest, enveloped in a faint scent of bamboo leaves coupled with the lingering essence of morning dew, as if he had just awakened from an ancient meditation, his eyes glistening with wisdom and transcendence. In the depths of the bamboo forest, mist swirled around, and every bamboo seemed to contain the ultimate truths of the world. And he was the fortunate one who had perceived a fraction of the secrets of the universe. However, as he stepped out of the bamboo forest, his thoughts suddenly paused, as if he had forgotten something of utmost importance. His brows furrowed slightly and a familiar figure flashed through his mind–Shen Zhinan.

Shen Zhinan, this name holds a significant place in Jiang Hui’s heart. Not long ago, Shen Zhinan, by a fortuitous coincidence, was acknowledged by the supreme authority of the Eastern Ghost Emperor. This acknowledgment meant not only that Shen Zhinan would become a force not to be ignored in the future Netherworld Underworld, but also a critical piece in Jiang Hui’s plan to unite the realms of yin and yang within the Underworld. However, reality is always full of uncertainties, and although Shen Zhinan achieved this honor, he still possessed a mundane body and was not yet able to take residence in the Netherworld Underworld to enjoy the undying and indestructible body of an immortal.

Liu Village, this hidden village tucked away from the secular world, is so full of spiritual energy it almost condenses into liquid, with Immortal Qi hovering around, as if every inch of the ground contains ancient rules and power. The villagers have lived here for generations, basking in this extraordinary blessing, their lifespans far surpassing those of ordinary people, yet even so, they cannot escape the natural laws of birth, aging, sickness, and death that afflict all mortals.

The sunlight, filtering through the sparse clouds, dapples the path paved with bluestone slabs, flanked by lush willow trees.

Spring departs and summer arrives, mountains and fields brimming with lush fruits, the air filled with their ripe fragrance, and a pleasant warm breeze caresses the face, bringing joy.

Tu Wa Zi visited the residence of Shen Zhinan and his wife.

In the small courtyard surrounded by bamboo fences, clusters of fresh flowers were blooming proudly.

Through the bamboo fence, the couple of Shen Zhinan was tending to their vegetable garden.

Their temples were graying, giving them a somewhat lean and haggard appearance, yet their spirits were bright and vigorous.

Shen Zhinan was dressed in gray cloth, legs tied up to facilitate work.

He was in his prime yesterday, but now he has entered the twilight years. Tu Wa Zi scratched his head, feeling slightly embarrassed.

He still remembered when he brought the couple here; Shen Zhinan had asked him when the Adult would summon them. He answered that he was not sure, but it shouldn’t be too long.

And indeed, it wasn’t too long.

Thirty-six years, for them, was but a passing moment; sometimes a nap might last longer than that.

In that respect, the Adult’s pace of meditation is already swift; after all, even the likes of them, far inferior to the Adult, would need at least a thousand years for a single meditation retreat.

But after all, Shen Zhinan and his wife are mere mortals.

Thirty-six years, for them, is definitely a very long time. How many thirty-six years can a human body endure?

Tu Wa Zi walked through the door without deliberately trying to mute his steps, heading straight for Shen Zhinan and his wife.

This amount of noise quickly alerted the couple,

“The Adult has arrived,” Shen Zhinan rubbed his somewhat dim eyes, recognized Tu Wa Zi, and hurriedly bowed respectfully.

Tu Wa Zi nodded slightly, his mind focused: “The Adult has ordered to see you.”

As he spoke, Tu Wa Zi’s gaze rested on Shen Zhinan.

Hearing this, Shen Zhinan quickly shook his head.

Tu Wa Zi nodded in satisfaction.

Although he spoke courteously to Shen Zhinan, that was because he himself had climbed up from the bottom.

But a mortal is a mortal. Given his own age, even if the ancestor of the other party were present, they would have to respectfully address him as junior; it really wasn’t necessary to be overly polite.

Of course, though he verbally indicated it didn’t matter, if Shen Zhinan truly said it didn’t affect him internally, that would be false.

He came here at twenty-three, and now he was already fifty-nine, only one year shy of the so-called “ear of compliance” age.

What a lengthy period of time had passed, all spent in this Immortal Realm.

In that small courtyard with black tiles and earthen walls of the past, reaching the age of sixty was already considered a blessing. Beset by starvation and the chill, he knew all too well the hardship of life, uncertain if he could even survive that long.

But to be overly concerned with that would mean he was ungrateful for what he had.

The one who had given them a chance to defy fate and change their destiny required nothing but a thirty-six-year wait, a nearly negligible price in comparison. After all, without this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he might not accomplish anything significant in those thirty-six years.

In a world full of strife, where people are burdened with heavy taxes and levies, even those with great aspirations end up crushed by the harsh realities of life.

When the night was quiet and he thought back to that small, weather-beaten courtyard with black tiles and earthen walls, Shen Zhinan always felt a sense of gratitude. During that era, reaching sixty was rare; many perished early due to hunger and disease. They, however, had the fortune to continue living well in this magical place.

Therefore, Shen Zhinan felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Jiang Hui. Because of this, he was filled with a sense of urgency and a sense of mission, eager to repay Jiang Hui properly.

By his side, the woman grasped Shen Zhinan’s hand, her eyes full of understanding. Though she said nothing, her gaze said it all.

As his partner, she naturally knew what he was thinking.

“Please follow me, sir!”

Tu Wa Zi’s eyes sparkled as he pointed at Shen Zhinan and spoke.

The village elder had only summoned him, so this did not include his spouse.

“Very well!”

Shen Zhinan hastily nodded, gave the woman some instructions, and hurriedly followed Tu Wa Zi toward the back mountain.

Atop the back mountain, wrapped in swirling mists, a gentle breeze wafted, carrying a hint of coolness and freshness.

Shen Zhinan finally saw the figure he had been longing for in his heart.

Just as otherworldly as before, draped in a white robe that seemed to blend in with the surrounding nature.

Seeing a Shen Zhinan whose face now bore the marks of time, Jiang Hui paused for a moment as if pondering something.

After a brief silence, Jiang Hui spoke in a calm voice, clear and piercing like a mountain spring, “Shen Zhinan, do you know what the opportunity I am bestowing upon you truly entails?”

Without hesitation, Shen Zhinan firmly replied, “The Adult once said that this all has to do with that Jade Plate.”

This scene had unfolded countless times in his dreams.

Jiang Hui nodded lightly, approval flashing in his eyes: “You’re right. The opportunity I mentioned indeed relates to that Black Jade Pendant. That pendant is not only a rare treasure but also represents the authority and glory of the Eastern Ghost Emperor. Shen Zhinan, this is your opportunity.”

Before the voice even faded, Jiang Hui waved his hand gently, as if strumming the most delicate chords of heaven and earth, and an invisible force instantly spread out.

The scene before their eyes changed dramatically as if wiped by an invisible hand.

The originally barren mountain peak became shrouded in a cold and mysterious gray fog, sweeping in from all directions like raging waves. Yet, as it was about to envelop them, it encountered an unseen barrier and suddenly dispersed, revealing the truth that lay hidden behind the mist.

A majestic and imposing palace appeared before Shen Zhinan’s eyes as the fog cleared. The structure was grandiose, with exquisitely carved beams and painted eaves, each brick and tile exuded antiquity and solemnity, and within that solemnity, an aura of Yin energy, especially under the dusky sky, resembled an iron-jawed mouth ready to devour.

Eastern Ghost Emperor Palace.

Mortals keep out!

Seated in the utmost eastern part of the Netherworld Underworld, symbolizing Yin days.

In charge of managing Taoshi Mountain and the Gate of the Ghost within The Underworld, its authority is immense.

“From today onwards, this will be your place of duty. Bite your tongue and drop nine drops of blood from the tip onto the jade pendant, and all of your doubts will be answered!”

Jiang Hui turned around, facing Shen Zhinan who looked astonished and at a loss.

Without hesitation, Shen Zhinan hurriedly complied.