Amidst the swirling clouds, a corridor stretched every five li, a pavilion every ten li. The corners of the corridors boasted upturned eaves, the palace walls enclosed courtyards tiled with shimmering scales, and the walls were painted a deep azure. Several palace willows stood tall, reflected in placid, clear waters interspersed with craggy, artificial stones. Immortal cranes soared overhead while immortal monkeys scrambled up the trees. Now and then, celestial maidens, like goddesses, drifted past, and occasionally, an elder radiating the aura of an immortal recluse would recline beneath the bamboo—truly a vision of the immortal realm.

In the ten years Lu Yuan had lived, the grandest residence he had ever seen belonged to the town magistrate. But frankly, comparing the magistrate's compound to the palaces here on North Peak was like contrasting mud with the clouds; the gulf between them was immeasurable. These fairies, veritable goddesses, made Lu Yuan’s eyes widen in astonishment.

Along the way, Lu Yuan had trailed closely behind Li Yuanbai, rushing about to complete the necessary paperwork for taking on disciples.

However, only Li Yuanbai knew they were running errands to finalize the enrollment procedures. Lu Yuan, in his youthful ignorance, had no idea what they were doing; his little mind was completely overwhelmed by the staggering spectacle before him.

The endless ribbons of rosy mist and seven-colored light that had greeted him upon first entering the Huashan Immortal Sect were now eclipsed by these vistas of corridors every five li and pavilions every ten li. Lu Yuan, who had spent his entire life confined to Donglin Town, was utterly awestruck.

So, this was what the world held—such magnificent sights.

It was truly the work of Immortals.

Yes, he would definitely become an Immortal Elder himself in the future. No, according to his Master, he should say a Cultivator.

He wouldn't trade this position for serving an Emperor.

Time passed swiftly, and the bureaucratic steps for disciple induction were finally completed. In a state of daze, Lu Yuan had somehow become a Tenth Generation True Disciple of the North Peak of the Huashan Immortal Sect.

At this moment, Lu Yuan had absolutely no comprehension of how precious a True Disciple truly was.

The Huashan Immortal Sect was one of the Five Great Immortal Sects of the Great Jin Kingdom—a colossal power that had stood for five millennia.

In reality, the Huashan Immortal Sect was quite selective about taking disciples.

First, they assessed one's temperament; second, one's innate constitution. Li Yuanbai had accepted Lu Yuan because, even as a child, Lu Yuan had risked his life to save another, proving his temperament was sound. Furthermore, his constitution was unlikely to be terribly flawed. This dual assessment, temperament first, constitution second, had already filtered out countless hopefuls, and the constitution check eliminated many more.

Consequently, only a tiny fraction of people managed to enter the Immortal Sect.

Yet, even a small number, subjected to five thousand years of accumulation, begins to mount up.

Besides, cultivators live long lives; existing for several centuries was normal. It was rumored that the longest-living person in the Great Jin Kingdom had already surpassed ten thousand years. Over five millennia, how could the Huashan Immortal Sect not be crowded? Not only were they numerous, but it was safe to say they were teeming. The Tenth Generation of disciples alone likely numbered several thousand.

And since each of the Five Peaks of Huashan accepted only ten True Disciples, the rarity of a True Disciple was self-evident.

Lu Yuan’s fortunate status stemmed from his Master Li Yuanbai’s high standing on the North Peak, coupled with the fact that Lu Yuan was Li Yuanbai's sole disciple. Thus, upon entry, he instantly became the most coveted North Peak Tenth Generation True Disciple, a meteoric rise.

Of course, Lu Yuan was utterly unaware of this fact.

Li Yuanbai escorted Lu Yuan through all the entry procedures. Lu Yuan was now ranked first among the North Peak’s ten Tenth Generation True Disciples, holding the sixth overall rank. Afterward, Li Yuanbai led Lu Yuan to his residence, the Changchun Ju (Evergreen Abode).

This Changchun Ju was situated halfway up the rear mountain of the North Peak.

The surroundings were densely wooded and lushly green. A simple fence separated the Changchun Ju from the outside world. While the fence appeared utterly plain, it concealed runes and restrictive formations that, when activated, formed formidable arrays. Naturally, Lu Yuan couldn't discern any of this now, so he simply followed Master Li Yuanbai into this secluded dwelling.

Once inside the fence, a flagstone path led toward several exquisitely crafted wooden houses. Li Yuanbai remarked, "This is where I reside. You will live here with your Master from now on. Oh, and now I must tell you the Five Great Precepts of the Huashan Immortal Sect. Our sect is a venerable, righteous path, yet the Great Dao is simple, so we have established only five precepts."

Saying this, Li Yuanbai’s expression turned solemn, and he announced in a clear voice: "The First Precept of our sect: Do not deceive your master, destroy your ancestors, or disrespect your elders."

"The Second Precept: Never betray the sect. Should betrayal occur, we will hunt you down until the bitter end."

"The Third Precept: No internal strife or harming fellow disciples."

"The Fourth Precept: Do not collude with the Demonic Path or murder fellow cultivators."

"The Fifth Precept: Do not indiscriminately kill the innocent or mortals."

"I observed your excellent temperament; you were willing to help others even when you were in danger, which is why I accepted you. However, if you violate any of these five precepts, I will scour the ends of the earth to reclaim everything you have learned," Li Yuanbai stated sternly.

What a severe Master. This chance encounter, brought about by an accidental slip, had landed him such a strict mentor. But Lu Yuan wasn't afraid. His father had always been stern, yet he hadn't been helpless against Lu Yuan either. Recalling his father, Doctor Lu, putting on that stern face, and comparing it to Master Li Yuanbai's current expression, Lu Yuan suddenly noticed a slight resemblance between the two stern looks and chuckled inwardly.

Of course, Lu Yuan had no intention of violating these five precepts anyway. Deceiving his master, harming fellow disciples, or murdering peers were simply not his style. While he didn't aim to be a great saint, he certainly never intended to be a terrible villain.

To follow his own path, free and unrestrained—that was his style.

——————

In the days that followed, Lu Yuan settled into the Changchun Ju on the North Peak.

During this period, Lu Yuan managed to inquire of Master Li Yuanbai about the stages of cultivation.

It turned out the first major realm in cultivation was the Qi Condensation Stage, and the second was the Body Tempering Stage.

Both the Qi Condensation Stage and the Body Tempering Stage were subdivided into ten minor realms each.

The ten realms of Qi Condensation were: First, Manifestation of Qi Sense; Second, Generation of True Qi; Third, Twelve Primary Meridians; Fourth, Eight Extraordinary Vessels; Fifth, Minor Heavenly Cycle; Sixth, Qi Condensation Solidification into a Barrier; Seventh, Qi Manipulation Leaving the Body; Eighth, Fine Sinews and Minute Vessels; Ninth, Major Heavenly Cycle; Tenth, Grand Perfection. Each of these ten realms possessed distinct characteristics and was notoriously difficult to achieve.

The Body Tempering Stage also contained ten realms, but the precise division of these ten realms remained unknown. According to Master Li Yuanbai, when questioned, he had simply donned a stern expression: "You haven't even begun cultivating yet. You must first pass through the ten levels of Qi Condensation before you can possibly reach the ten levels of Body Tempering. You do not need to know the ten realms of Body Tempering now; one must not aim too high too soon."

As for the realm succeeding Body Tempering, the rumor was that it was the Longevity Stage. However, merely asking about the ten realms of Body Tempering had earned him a scolding with that stern face. If he were to inquire about the Longevity Stage, he would likely face an even harsher reprimand.

He shuddered. Recalling that stern-faced Master sent shivers down his spine. Better not to ask, definitely better not to ask.

Lu Yuan was now sitting in his own room, beginning to meditate, inhale, and exhale (Tu Na). He wasn't taught any profound techniques initially; his Master had said that starting cultivation only required basic inhalation and exhalation.

The morning sunlight streamed through the window.

Right, one exhale, one inhale. One exhale, one inhale. One exhale, one inhale.

Blast it, he almost fell asleep.

Lu Yuan jolted awake and resumed his breathing exercises. He was determined to become an Immortal Elder greater than any emperor; he couldn't slack off here. But the drowsiness was overwhelming. The more he focused on this simple breathing, clearing his mind, the more sleep tried to claim him. At that moment, Lu Yuan remembered a doggerel rhyme he’d heard back in Donglin Town.

“Spring is not a season for study, summer’s heat is perfect for sleep; autumn brings bugs and winter brings snow, just pack up your books for the New Year.” That poem was absolutely spot on.