As Chen Wu continued his journey under the guidance of the stars, he finally arrived at a small town. The sight that greeted him was a lively one, with the streets bustling with people. Stalls lined the large market square, merchants calling out their wares, and townsfolk haggling over prices. It was clear that this town was quite prosperous.
Curious about the place, Chen Wu struck up conversations with a few townsfolk. From them, he learned that the town was dominated by three martial artist families. These families specialized in body refining cultivation, focusing on strengthening the physical body rather than pursuing the path of Immortal cultivation. To his dismay, no one he spoke to seemed to have any knowledge of Immortal cultivation, and the existence of Qi Refining seemed to be a mystery here.
Chen Wu's heart sank a little, realizing that this town might not hold the secrets or resources he sought for his own cultivation. However, the bustling energy of the market and the strength of the martial families piqued his interest. There was potential to learn something, perhaps about refining his body alongside his Qi Refining.
Chen Wu stood at the edge of the bustling market, his eyes scanning the vibrant streets of the town that had become his temporary home. The memory of his disappointment upon learning that this town knew nothing of Immortal cultivation still lingered in his mind. Despite his hopes of uncovering Qi Refining secrets, the people here only focused on body refining techniques. But even in this setback, Chen Wu sensed opportunity.
The strength of the martial families intrigued him. Their mastery over the physical body was something he couldn't ignore. The energy of the town, the raw vitality flowing through its streets, told him there was much to gain here—if he made the right choice.
That's when Chen Wu did what he always did in moments of uncertainty: he consulted the stars. As a Star Child, a mythic-grade talent granted by the Immortal Simulation System, the heavens had always been his guide. Tonight, they didn't fail him. Gazing at the celestial map above, the answer revealed itself with unmistakable clarity. The Lin Clan, among the three martial families, was where his path would align. The stars whispered of fortune, of untapped potential. His rough calculations affirmed it—joining the Lin Clan would open doors that the others simply couldn't.
His current cultivation at level 7 Qi Refining had already given him a solid foundation, but now, guided by the power of the stars, Chen Wu saw a chance to integrate body refining with his Qi cultivation, taking him further along his path to power. The simulation he was immersed in demanded progress, and the Lin Clan was his way forward.
With his decision made, Chen Wu's resolve solidified. The Lin Clan was his way forward, the path that would allow him to unlock greater strength. Under the guidance of the stars and the Immortal Simulation System, Chen Wu stepped into his destiny, ready to merge body refining with his cultivation and claim the power he sought.
After navigating through a few narrow streets, I finally arrived at the grand entrance of the Lin mansion. The structure before me was breathtaking—an ancient Chinese-style compound, its towering walls and intricately designed rooftops reflecting the prestige of the Lin Clan. The air around it was heavy with authority, a clear testament to the clan's dominance in the town.
Two guards stood by the massive wooden gate, their expressions stern, eyes sharp as they surveyed anyone who came close. The sight of them alone was enough to remind me that the Lin Clan wasn't a place anyone could casually walk into.
As I stood there, contemplating my next move, the weight of my situation settled in. The Star Child talent had guided me here, but simply showing up at their doorstep wouldn't guarantee entry. How could I, a stranger with no ties to this town, convince the Lin Clan to let me in?
After a moment of consideration, I resolved to take a straightforward approach. There was no time for hesitation. With steady steps, I moved toward the entrance. Just as I neared the gate, the guards immediately stepped forward, blocking my path with crossed spears.
"Halt!" one of them commanded, his voice low but firm. His gaze raked over me, assessing my worth. "What business do you have here? The Lin mansion doesn't welcome just anyone."
The other guard remained silent, but his stance mirrored the first—unyielding and alert. I paused, knowing full well that this was the first test. If I couldn't get past these guards, I had no chance of joining the Lin Clan. I took a deep breath and revealed my cultivation.
As I revealed my cultivation, the reaction was immediate and overwhelming. The guards surrounding me began to tremble, their faces paling in sheer realization. In a matter of moments, they dropped to their knees, foreheads pressed against the ground in a show of deep respect and submission.
"Esteemed Immortal," one of them stammered, voice quaking, "please forgive us lowly beings for not recognizing you."
I was taken aback, unable to believe the extent of their reaction to my display of power. Such deference was unexpected, even from a minor clan. They had never encountered someone of my caliber before, and their response was a mix of awe and fear.
Feeling the weight of their worship, I waved my hand dismissively, releasing the spiritual pressure that had enveloped the space. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, and I spoke with a measured tone, "Stand up. There is no need for such theatrics."
The guards slowly rose to their feet, glancing at each other with wide eyes, still processing the realization of who stood before them. Their fear gradually transformed into a hesitant curiosity as they studied me.
"I need to speak with the Lin Clan leader," I continued, my voice firm but calm. "It is a matter of great importance."
The lead guard, still visibly shaken, nodded vigorously. "Y-yes, Immortal! I'll take you to him right away!"
He gestured for me to follow him, the awe in his eyes evident as he led me through the grand halls of the mansion. The ornate decorations and ancestral portraits spoke of a rich history, but I remained focused on the task at hand.
As we walked, whispers filled the air around us, tales of the "Immortal" echoing among the clan members. Their respect was palpable, and I could feel the shift in their perception. I was no longer just an outsider; I was someone of significance, a figure that could bring change to the Lin Clan.
Finally, we reached the inner chambers, where the clan leader awaited, surrounded by a few trusted advisors. As I entered, their eyes widened, and the atmosphere shifted once more.
Everyone inside the chamber trembled with a mixture of fear and curiosity as they gazed upon me. To them, Immortal cultivators were supreme existences, beings who looked down on mortals from the heavens. The question that weighed heavily on their minds: What was someone like me doing here at the Lin Clan? Although the Lin Clan held considerable influence in this small town, they were nothing compared to the Immortal sects hidden deep within the mountains.
As I entered the chamber, all eyes turned toward me. The members of the Lin Clan stood up instantly, their expressions full of reverence and awe. Before anyone could gather the courage to speak, I broke the silence.
"I've come to temporarily join the Lin Clan,"
I said, my voice casual, yet commanding.
A stunned silence filled the room before whispers broke out among them, confusion spreading like wildfire.
"Why would an Immortal want to join us?"
"This is unbelievable..."
Just then, a middle-aged man in his forties stood up, his expression torn between respect and bewilderment. "Esteemed Immortal, why would someone of your stature want to join the Lin Clan?
We lack the means to offer you any benefits."
I glanced at the man, my eyes scanning his face. "I assume you are the clan leader?"
"Yes," he responded hurriedly, bowing deeply. "This humble one is Lin Shucheng, the leader of the Lin Clan."
"You have no need to worry," I said calmly, my voice echoing in the silent chamber.
"I will remain here for a few years. During my stay, I will select someone from your clan and guide them on the path of Immortal cultivation."
The room was silent again, the gravity of my words sinking in. The Lin Clan members exchanged looks of disbelief, but no one dared to question me further.