On this day, golden light flashed across the vast sky, as if the blue heavens were torn open by a gigantic rift. The golden light shone down upon the earth like celestial radiance, illuminating the mortal world.
The first thing to pass through the sky was a majestic golden head, followed by a creature exuding supreme might that fully revealed itself to the mortal realm.
It caused everyone in the world to gasp in awe.
It was a true dragon!
On the back of the golden dragon stood a group of celestial beings dressed in cloud-like robes. Their demeanor was identical to the descriptions of immortals in ancient texts: untainted by the mortal world, ethereal, and divine.
These celestial beings were carrying an opulent-looking palanquin. However, the luxurious golden palanquin was empty, with no one seated inside.
These cultivators stood proudly in the heavens, respectfully calling out, "We have come to escort the young master home!"
As soon as their words fell, a divine rainbow shone down, enveloping Nie Fengyun.
Infinite brilliance wrapped around him, and a supremely beautiful fairy stepped forward, personally dressing Nie Fengyun in a set of noble and magnificent clothes.
At this moment, Nie Fengyun's divine aura was fully displayed, his bearing extraordinary.
His figure slowly ascended, rising to the golden dragon and the palanquin carried by the crowd.
A person as graceful as jade, no less.
Seeing this, many mortal women who had been teased by Nie Fengyun beat their chests in regret.
Many female cultivators also regretted their past actions.
They never imagined that the guy who once looked like a beggar was actually a scion of the Immortal Realm.
And they had given up the chance to rise to the top and enter the heavens.
Even just being a maid would have been something they gladly accepted. Serving as a maid in the Immortal Realm would be a great honor for their families!
Nie Fengyun wore a faint smile as he looked at Chu Yang, who remained in place. He said, "Brother, do you believe me now? I really am the scion of a top-tier family in the Immortal Realm."
"I wasn't lying to you!"
However, Nie Fengyun noticed that Chu Yang's expression remained calm, without a hint of surprise.
Chu Yang also smiled and replied, "I don't think I ever said I didn't believe you, did I?"
Hearing this, Nie Fengyun was momentarily taken aback. Then he saw the look in Chu Yang's eyes.
Having spent so much time together, Nie Fengyun understood Chu Yang well. That look clearly showed he had always believed him, unlike what Nie Fengyun had initially thought.
Nie Fengyun laughed heartily and extended his hand towards Chu Yang, saying loudly, "Brother, come with me to the Immortal Realm. Our days of hardship should end today. With me around, you can go anywhere in the Immortal Realm!"
Now that he could escape the sea of suffering, he naturally didn't want his brother to continue suffering in the mortal world.
However, Chu Yang smiled calmly and declined Nie Fengyun's invitation, saying, "Our paths are different; there's no need to force it."
"The Immortal Realm holds nothing for me. The mortal world is more relaxing. You, on the other hand, should cultivate diligently when you return. Don't waste your talent."
Nie Fengyun's expression turned complex, difficult to describe. He knew Chu Yang's character well.
Chu Yang would never agree to stay in his household and enjoy wealth without earning it. He had his pride and would never do something so undignified.
Knowing he couldn't persuade him, Nie Fengyun gave up. But this parting might mean they wouldn't see each other for a long time, and he felt a deep sense of reluctance.
Nie Fengyun suddenly shouted to Chu Yang, "Your sister is Chu Nannan, right? She ascended to the Immortal Realm. I remember."
"Don't worry. When I return to the Immortal Realm, I will find your sister. If my brother's sister suffers even a bit in the Immortal Realm, it will be my failure!"
Back when Chu Yang was in a coma, he constantly murmured Chu Nannan's name. Curiosity led Nie Fengyun to spend considerable time uncovering the relationship and their experiences.
Chu Yang felt touched. He looked at Nie Fengyun with a complex expression and said, "Thank you!"
"We're brothers. No need for thanks!"
"Chu Yang, remember, don't die in this mortal world. If you do, I'll feed your bones to the dogs!"
Nie Fengyun's eyes reddened slightly.
Chu Yang also felt a pang of sorrow. He responded loudly, "Don't worry, I won't!"
Then he turned away, waving his hand.
In the fading sunlight, the silhouette of this young man stretched longer, casting a lonely figure.
Nie Fengyun stood in place for a long time, murmuring to himself, "You must live well. Otherwise, even if I become a great emperor, it won't mean much."
...
Chu Yang was once again alone, wandering through the mundane world.
He felt a sense of confusion.
He didn't know where he should go.
Should he avenge the blood feud of his parents?
But now, he didn't even know how to seek vengeance. It wasn't that he couldn't find his enemies, but...
Aside from the blood feud, his only remaining relative, his sister Chu Nannan, was now in the Immortal Realm. He didn't know when they would meet again.
If he hadn't met Nie Fengyun and become brothers with him during this period, he truly didn't know how he would have endured this boring mortal life.
The mortal world was dull.
Sometimes, Chu Yang even thought about ending it all, dying to rid himself of the heavy burden he had carried for so many years, finally finding relief.
But on careful consideration, he realized he wasn't yet qualified to die.
The immense blood feud had not been avenged. He still had a sister waiting for him, and now he also had a brother like Nie Fengyun.
He couldn't die.
And so, Chu Yang traveled the world.
He was like an ascetic monk, passing through various empires, witnessing many conflicts among mortals and the intrigues and deceit among cultivators.
His eyes were devoid of light, indifferent to everything in this world.
It seemed as though nothing could pique his interest anymore.
Chu Yang didn't know where he had ended up or how long he had been walking.
He was like a walking corpse, wandering through the mortal world.
When he was thirsty, he drank from springs to quench his thirst. When he was hungry, he hunted and roasted meat to fill his stomach.
One day, he arrived at the foot of a Sword Dao sect's mountain gate.
Here, seven or eight disciples with silver swords were sparring with each other.
They suddenly noticed Chu Yang in the distance.
At this time, Chu Yang's clothes were tattered, his hair disheveled, and his face was extremely haggard.
However, the wooden sword on Chu Yang's back piqued the interest of these young disciples.
A young swordsman blocked Chu Yang's path and loudly asked, "Are you also a sword cultivator?"