Chapter 184: Just Want a Glimpse

An immortal's abode was, after all, an immortal's abode. Despite Wei Wuwei's extensive experience, he was greatly awestruck upon his first arrival at Yuhai Mountain.

Upon entering Yuhai, one saw emerald green valleys, fragrant medicinal gardens, and flowers blooming across the mountains, creating a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere. Hidden valleys contained springs, while the highest peaks were wreathed in clouds and mist. A lingering charm persisted through all four seasons, with spiritual breezes constantly sweeping through. At night, stars gathered brightly, and during the day, colorful mists congregated. Upon closer inspection, one could see training grounds atop the highest peaks and buildings standing amidst the clouds on the mountaintops. Pavilions and ornate structures were plentiful, as were simple thatched and bamboo dwellings. Solemn, towering structures blended seamlessly with small bridges over flowing streams, all exuding a rich immortal essence and a long-lasting celestial charm. This was truly a Yuhai sacred realm.

Qiu Feng personally led Wei Wuwei and his son, Wei Yuansheng, to explore the scenery of Yuhai Mountain. He introduced them to its various scenic spots, and while being careful not to disturb other cultivators, also brought them close to some wondrous places to satisfy their curiosity.

During this time, they saw immortal cranes dancing in the sky and watched as mists and clouds, like silk ribbons, were collected into small vials in people's palms. They also encountered cultivating spirit children and immortal elders, some of whom were solemn and majestic, while others were gentle and amiable.

Some individuals appeared ethereal, untouched by the mundane world, while others, like ordinary folk, engaged in daily routines and trivial matters.

Aunt Crane, as Yuhai Mountain's guardian immortal beast for the past two decades, had her main duties in the outer Cloud Mist Mountain Range, not within the sacred realm itself. Therefore, she could not accompany them for the entire tour. However, seeing Qiu Feng's attentiveness put her mind at ease, and she had already notified the Wei family's servants waiting outside that they could depart.

Even though there were still some forbidden areas they couldn't enter, the scenic tour still took several days. This was primarily because Qiu Feng did not use wind-riding techniques to carry the father and son for most of the journey; instead, they walked on foot.

After all, they would be cultivating and living on Yuhai Mountain in the future, and no one would continuously carry them using flying techniques. For a long time, they would still have to rely on their own legs, so it was always good to learn the way around.

At this moment, they returned to the bamboo dwelling where Qiu Feng usually resided and cultivated, sitting on bamboo stools to rest.

"Yuansheng," Qiu Feng instructed, "remember to avoid disturbing other immortal elders as much as possible. If you get lost or find yourself in a place you can't leave, you can call out loudly for Daoist Crane to lead you out."

"Understood, Master!" Wei Yuansheng replied.

Wei Yuansheng had long since shed his initial apprehension. After a few days, coupled with Qiu Feng's benevolent nature as a master, the child's abundant energy had resurfaced.

Qiu Feng reached out and gently ruffled little Yuansheng's hair. This was also his first disciple in nearly two centuries of cultivation.

Even cultivators tend to be detached about many things, but their psychology can sometimes be subtle. In the past, Qiu Feng often helped his senior brother guide disciples, but he had never entertained the thought of taking his own disciple.

However, after seeing Wei Yuansheng, he immediately took a liking to the child. Coupled with his connection to Ji Yuan, he proposed taking him as a disciple and asked for Wei Yuansheng's willingness shortly after meeting Wei Wuwei.

The Wei father and son were, of course, more than willing. An immortal elder known by Mr. Ji must be a capable person, and their relationship would be somewhat closer. Furthermore, Immortal Elder Qiu only had Yuansheng as a disciple, which meant Yuansheng would certainly be more favored than the disciples of other immortal elders, who often had a string of students of varying ages.

After advising Wei Yuansheng, Qiu Feng also addressed Wei Wuwei.

"Mr. Wei," Qiu Feng said, "you are Yuansheng's father, and you should look after him more in his daily life. You may also cultivate the minor training methods of Yuhai. However, having been immersed in the mortal world for decades, your spiritual platform is clouded with dust and too heavily entangled with desires. Achieving great success will be difficult for you."

"Many thanks, Immortal Elder," Wei Wuwei replied sincerely. "It is already a great fortune to be able to accompany my son in his cultivation once more!"

Wei Wuwei sincerely bowed and expressed his gratitude. Only after arriving here did he realize that although he was not considered a disciple of Yuhai Mountain, he could still cultivate. However, as Immortal Elder Qiu Feng had said, his achievements would be limited due to his aptitude, but as long as he made some breakthroughs, there was still hope for further advancement.

In fact, individuals like Wei Wuwei, who came in a "study companion" capacity, were not uncommon in Yuhai Mountain's history, but very few actually obtained cultivation methods.

The reason Wei Wuwei could cultivate was twofold: firstly, out of respect for Ji Yuan, and secondly, because Wei Wuwei's own fate showed signs of being indistinct. Generally, when a mortal is accepted into an immortal's sect, their fate becomes indistinct. Conversely, those whose fates already appear indistinct are usually not ordinary individuals, which ultimately gave Wei Wuwei an opportunity.

"Master," Wei Yuansheng asked, his curiosity piqued, "when will you visit Mr. Ji?"

"Now that I, your master, have settled you and your father properly," Qiu Feng replied, "I will soon depart for Ning'an County. If I hadn't settled you two properly, and Mr. Ji were to ask how little Yuansheng is doing, heh heh, how could I, your master, possibly answer him with a straight face!"

As Qiu Feng answered, his mind recalled their encounter from back then.

"Oh, that reminds me," Qiu Feng added, "your senior martial brothers and sisters on your grand-master's side also met Mr. Ji back then. And your senior martial sister Yiyi, like you, left a very good impression on Mr. Ji. You can get to know them better."

"Oh... right, Master," Wei Yuansheng then asked, "when can I go down the mountain to see my mother?"

Qiu Feng was amused by his disciple again; he had just arrived on the mountain and was already thinking about going out.

"At least not until you've laid down a foundation for your cultivation," Qiu Feng replied. "Furthermore, while Yuhai Mountain isn't entirely cut off from the mortal world, you must understand the saying 'time passes unnoticed in the mountains.' Sooner or later, your mother will experience birth, old age, sickness, and death, and you might even become detached from the Wei family itself."

"No, no!" Yuansheng exclaimed.

Wei Yuansheng shook his head vigorously, like a rattle-drum.

"Perhaps in the future, I might become detached from the Wei family," he said, "but my mother and my wet nurse, I will always think of them. If they fall ill, I must visit them, and I must care for them in their old age and attend to their passing. And also Xiao Cui!"

Qiu Feng looked down at his disciple. The child's eyes were clear, showing no signs of being too deeply entangled in worldly desires.

"It's acceptable, yes," Qiu Feng mused, "but for those with shallow cultivation to delve too deeply into the mortal world, it's easy to get lost!"

This was merely a common piece of guidance, but Wei Yuansheng puffed out his cheeks, furrowed his brow, and retorted again.

"That day, Mr. Ji told me a lot about his views on cultivation," Yuansheng stated, "and he also strongly agreed with what I just said!"

"Oh?" Qiu Feng asked, intrigued. "What profound insights did Mr. Ji share?"

Although Qiu Feng's voice was calm, his heart was already greatly intrigued. Perhaps, subtly, it was even a form of comparison in how one should guide a disciple.

Wei Wuwei felt a slight pang of anxiety. Although Immortal Elder Qiu Feng had a good temper, how could his son talk back to an immortal master? If it were him, he would have used a much more respectful way of speaking.

Wei Yuansheng, however, was not afraid in the slightest. His mind was clear, and he knew very well that his master would not blame him, so he continued to answer without any pressure:

"Mr. Ji said that if one gets lost in the mortal world while fulfilling filial piety, then it merely means one is not yet suited for immortal cultivation; it's better to remain immersed in the mortal world for now. How can one break free from the mortal world without first entering it? If you fear these things, how can you ever overcome them? There are no unfilial immortals in this world!"

Qiu Feng's expression showed no change. Watching his disciple, who was seemingly mimicking Mr. Ji's words from back then like a little adult, he felt a certain degree of inner shock.

Though these words were easily understood, they contained profound truths related to "knocking at the heart's barrier" and even "overcoming heart tribulations" in just a few sentences. Crucially, through the clear eyes of little Wei Yuansheng, Qiu Feng could see that he had thoroughly understood.

*'The future achievements of this disciple of mine will be considerable!'* Qiu Feng thought.

"The Great Dao is simple, Mr. Ji speaks wisely!" Qiu Feng acknowledged. "However, I stand by what I said: the foundation must still be laid first."

"Oh..." Yuansheng murmured.

Yuhai Mountain had held several private discussions internally and ultimately decided to let Qiu Feng, who had a past connection, visit the mysterious Mr. Ji alone.

Regardless of the visitor's true background or how long they had been "playing" in the mortal world of Dazhen, they were very likely a True Immortal of the Dao. Even if their paper crane message to Qiu Feng didn't explicitly say they only wanted to see him, they still dared not send too many people to offend such a being.

After all, the temperaments of cultivators of that level are sometimes hard to predict; their perspective on things could very likely be out of alignment not only with mortals but even with other cultivators.

Qiu Feng, however, felt little pressure. From their encounter years ago and his disciple's words, he had gained some understanding of Mr. Ji's character.

By mid-June, Ji Prefecture was already in the throes of scorching summer heat.

The fragrance of the jujube tree flowers at Ju'an Small Pavilion had long faded. There weren't many fruits on the branches, or rather, they had only just replenished the jujubes that were lost before. Dozens of small, reddish jujubes were still growing, bringing the total number of jujubes to ninety-nine.

On this day, Ji Yuan was still in the courtyard, studying "The Sixteen Stratagems of the Nine Heavens." The chessboard on the stone table was still the one gifted by Yin Zhaoxian, with black and white pieces arranged to form a game described in the book.

Ji Yuan was following the chess moves described in the book, reconstructing one of the games said to have been played between two grandmasters of chess. At every step, for both black and white pieces, he immersed himself in the thoughts of one side.

Meanwhile, Qiu Feng had already traversed the streets and alleys and arrived before the gate of Ju'an Small Pavilion. But before he could knock, the paper crane inside the brocade pouch he carried "came alive" again. It flew out of the pouch, spread its wings, and rapidly darted back into the courtyard.

*Knock, knock, knock...*

At the table, Ji Yuan looked up with a smile and reached out to catch the paper crane. This paper crane was quite special; he had imbued it with many techniques, and now its spiritual sentience was almost excessive.

The courtyard gate was knocked upon, and Ji Yuan softly said, "Please come in."

Qiu Feng took a deep breath, pushed open the courtyard gate, and stepped inside. He looked at the jujube tree in the courtyard and then at the person playing chess beneath it. Just like years ago, he appeared to be merely a mortal.

"Qiu Feng of Little Bamboo Pavilion, Yuhai Mountain, has come by invitation to visit Mr. Ji!"

As he spoke, he respectfully bowed, as if a junior meeting an elder.

Ji Yuan appeared to have been so engrossed in the chessboard that he hadn't noticed. Only now, hearing the voice, did he look up at Qiu Feng. He set down the bamboo slip and the white piece in his hand, and stood up to return the greeting.

"Mr. Qiu, there's no need for such formality," Ji Yuan said. "You and I share a certain destiny. If you don't mind, please take a seat by the stone table."

Qiu Feng acknowledged the courtesy with a nod and took small steps to sit down at the stone table. Ji Yuan took a cup from the tea tray and set it down for him, then personally poured a cup of tea.

"This is excellent tea," Ji Yuan said, "this year's Pre-Rain Spring from Chunhui Prefecture."

"Thank you!" Qiu Feng replied.

Qiu Feng picked up the teacup and took a sip. Its taste, while naturally not comparable to Yuhai Mountain's spiritual tea, was still good. His eyes, however, were fixed on the chessboard.

"Is Mr. Ji fond of chess?" Qiu Feng asked.

"Heh heh," Ji Yuan chuckled, "I had little interest before, but I was compelled to study the Way of Chess. Now I've grown to like it."

Though curious, Qiu Feng dared not ask further. After observing Ji Yuan's movements as he reconstructed the game, he went straight to the point.

"Mr. Ji," Qiu Feng asked, "why have you invited me here? Is it related to the rumors about the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets?"

At this moment, Ji Yuan picked up another chess piece and placed it according to the position written on the bamboo slip on the table, effectively repelling the black pieces' offensive through this "hand talk."

"Mr. Qiu, there's no need to guess," Ji Yuan said. "I cannot determine if those rumors are true, but they have indeed caused significant impact. A few years ago, fiends of the True Demon level appeared, and I happened to encounter them and joined forces with the Old Dragon to make an oath, forcing them out of Dazhen."

Ji Yuan, holding a black piece, looked up at Qiu Feng and first asked a probing question.

"But my true reason for inviting you here this time," Ji Yuan continued, "is to ask an inconvenient favor."

Qiu Feng thought to himself, 'It's really you!' Then he replied, "Please speak, Mr. Ji!"

"Hmm," Ji Yuan began, "I, Ji, have always been researching the Way of Edicts. I heard from the Old Dragon that Yuhai Mountain possesses a genuine Mountain Enfeoffment Talisman Edict... If I wished to request a look at it, what conditions would be required?"