"Immortal!"
Yun Yun hadn't expected that what Gu Changqing had taught Nalan Yanran was a cultivation method for becoming an immortal. While it couldn't be proven, she was inclined to believe him. After all, Gu Changqing was as extraordinary as a precious gem, and it wasn't impossible for Nalan Yanran to follow in his footsteps.
"Are there truly immortals and gods in this world?" Yun Yun asked in astonishment.
"If you reach the Dou God level, you would be considered an immortal or god," Gu Changqing replied casually.
A light sparkled in Yun Yun's eyes, as though she had realized something. "So, are immortals and gods simply beings of immense power?"
Of course, this "immense power" was far from ordinary. Since Gu Changqing had said Nalan Yanran was practicing an immortal path, Yun Yun felt she had no grounds to oppose their training. After all, she didn't fully understand the way to immortality.
However, to be cautious, she still consulted with Gu Changqing about many aspects of the immortal path.
"To be precise, the path to immortality should be called the cultivation path," Gu Changqing explained briefly. "It involves absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, the spirit of the sun and moon, refining oneself, and shedding the mortal shell to become a true immortal."
"To share in the essence of heaven and earth naturally requires the heavens' purification; tribulation lightning is one aspect of this purification. Every time you withstand the heavens' trial, your essence evolves, and eventually, you become an immortal that shares eternity with the heavens and shines with the sun and moon."
As Gu Changqing explained, Yun Yun's eyes brightened with wonder.
"The way of immortality—could it really lead to eternal life? Shining alongside the sun and moon?" She paused, then asked, "Between immortals and Dou Gods, who is stronger?"
"Immortals and Dou Gods both cultivate to reach their power, but true immortals have already broken free from the world's constraints," Gu Changqing replied. "They've escaped the heavens' cage and, in some ways, have achieved an eternal body. However, Dou Gods are still bound by the world and must draw on its power even in battle. Compared to the immortal path, Dou Gods are only at the Fusion Stage."
"The Fusion Stage?" Yun Yun was taken aback.
"There's also the Mahayana Stage and Tribulation Stage above it," Gu Changqing continued, "and only after surviving the great tribulation can one take the final step to true immortality."
"Is immortality really that powerful?" Yun Yun murmured, her astonishment growing. Just from Gu Changqing's description, she was drawn to the immortal path—an existence beyond the heavens' grasp. She wasn't ambitious and only sought quiet cultivation and a peaceful life. Immortality seemed an ideal pursuit.
"Is the Yunlan Sect Master also interested in the path to immortality?" Gu Changqing asked with a slight smile, seeing the interest spark in Yun Yun's eyes.
Becoming immortal was no simple task, though. Countless had fallen along that path. Though Yun Yun's talent was excellent—after three years of training, she had gone from a three-star Dou Emperor to the peak of Dou Emperor—becoming an immortal was still a far-off possibility.
Yun Yun shook her head, finally coming to a decision. "Mansion Head Gu misunderstands. I simply admire immortals, but the path of immortality isn't suited for me."
"Yunlan Sect Master has a commendable spirit," Gu Changqing said with approval.
Gu Changqing didn't immediately leave the Yunlan Sect. Instead, he stayed to guide Nalan Yanran's cultivation. With Gu Changqing's help, Nalan Yanran had already reached the fourth level of Qi Refining in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, and now, after another half year, she had advanced to the fifth level, roughly equivalent to a five or six-star Dou Master, but still a step away from the sixth level.
Gu Changqing directed Nalan Yanran to cultivate by consuming his essence of god and demon energy, using its powerful force to cleanse her body. Under his guidance, Nalan Yanran quickly broke through to the seventh level of Qi Refining.
At present, Gu Changqing was at the ninth level of the Foundation Establishment stage, having reached this level through intensive dual cultivation with Queen Medusa among the Snake Tribe, alongside consuming potent medicinal elixirs.
Though he could attempt to provoke the tribulation for Golden Core, he decided to temper his physical body further to ease his journey through the Golden Core tribulation later on.
Apart from guiding Nalan Yanran in her cultivation, Gu Changqing often spent time with Yun Yun, painting, playing music, and exchanging insights on art. Although they hadn't formally entered into a romantic relationship, Yun Yun greatly admired Gu Changqing's skill in the arts and would frequently seek his guidance in playing music and painting techniques.
Gu Changqing didn't hold back and generously offered his expertise, sometimes even guiding Yun Yun's delicate hand to demonstrate strokes on a canvas. Initially, Yun Yun would shy away and slap his hand in playful chastisement, asking him to mind his manners.
Over time, she grew comfortable with him, allowing herself to sit in his arms, guiding her hand across the canvas as they painted.
For instance, today:
"Yun Yun, the essence of painting lies in capturing the spirit," Gu Changqing whispered, gently embracing Yun Yun from behind. "It's easy to depict beauty, but harder to capture the soul. We mustn't just draw the mountain's shape but its core foundation."
Enveloped in Gu Changqing's warmth, with his hand guiding hers, Yun Yun found the painting coming to life. It was as if the mountain scene was more than a picture—it became a world of its own.
"This is incredible! So that's how painting should be done! Gu Changqing, you're truly—"
Turning her head in excitement to praise him, she accidentally brushed her lips against his.
Stunned, Yun Yun's eyes widened, and she instinctively tried to pull away, but Gu Changqing took the opportunity, holding her close as he deepened the kiss. Caught off-guard by his gentle but firm kiss, Yun Yun, though a mature woman of over thirty who had never been in a relationship, found herself melting into the moment.
It wasn't until she felt a slight pinch on her hip that she came to her senses, quickly pushing him away and slapping him across the face.
*Smack!*
Gu Changqing took the hit, his gaze calm and unruffled.
*Smack!*
In turn, he lightly swatted her round hips, causing Yun Yun to gasp and jump away, glaring at him in shock.
"You hit me, I hit you back. Fair, isn't it?" Gu Changqing remarked, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
"You… you just…," Yun Yun stammered, her face flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
"What did I do?" Gu Changqing asked with feigned innocence.
"Scoundrel!" Yun Yun huffed, stomping her foot as she shot him a final glare before fleeing the room.
From a nearby corner, Nalan Yanran had been hiding, a surprised look crossing her face.