The Journey of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 1005 - 550: Birthday Gifts (Part 2)

She is no longer the mortal young girl who first left the mountain village.

The hardships of traveling westward, the cultivation gained through arduous efforts, and the authority within the Hidden Stream have all finely polished her demeanor. First, they carved out sharp edges, and then they refined it into a smooth and restrained manner, transforming her into the gentle elegance she possesses in the court today.

There are a few gazes that are very familiar to her. She sees the delayed admiration in the eyes of Miluo’s smiling face, sees Huangfuming making a funny face behind the Old Grand Dowager, and sees the angry looks directed at her from the Jin sisters—Jin Manyi is dressed in a delicate pale purple Linglong Hundred Flower Skirt today, while Jin Manyan wears a plain white skirt with a red robe overlay, making them appear like little maidens. This pair of sisters stand there, attractively drawing the eyes of young talented men. Beside them stands a scholar with a dark beard wearing a dark gold robe. His gaze directed at Ning Xiaoxian harbors seventy percent scrutiny and thirty percent displeasure. Could this person be the Sect Leader of the Jin Family, she wonders.

And then, of course, there is Quan Shifang’s deep gaze. As their eyes meet momentarily across the crowd, they both quickly look away. His eyes are deeply black as though impenetrable by light, and his thin lips are tightly pressed into a line, even his prominent chin is clenched.

It’s clear that his heart is burdened and restless. Ning Xiaoxian sighs inwardly, thinking that it should end here.

Her thoughts are ongoing, yet her face remains calm as she walks slowly to the Old Grand Dowager. The Old Grand Dowager has kind eyes, appearing truly blessed, with her full head of silver hair neatly gathered at the back, dressed in a Purple Gold Hundred Bat Robe, indeed looking very spirited. Ning Xiaoxian bows respectfully. Although she is the highest-ranked person in the Mirror Sea King’s mansion, the Old Grand Dowager is, after all, a mortal, and cultivators do not perform grand ceremonies to avoid lowering their status. This bow from her is already very formal.

As she stands still, Qingluan steps out from behind her, holding a tray in her hands, which contains the longevity gift from the Hidden Stream.

The tray is only about one square foot, and the three gifts on it are covered with red cloth. Compared to the congratulatory gifts from other sects, the items on this tray appear very small in size. Cultivators do not value wealth, so here, no one would send items like golden sculptures or towering coral pieces; everyday treasures sent out like this would only be laughed at. However, the objects on the Hidden Stream’s tray are indeed very small, causing many to crane their necks to see what lies beneath the red cloth.

The Huangfu family is unique, mostly composed of mortals, without spiritual power or demonic power. The Immortal Pills and magic artifacts often exchanged between Immortal Sects would be unreasonable to present, as they would be a blatant insult. Therefore, the Mirror Sea King’s mansion Old Grand Dowager’s birthday genuinely tests everyone’s gift-giving skills.

The Jin sisters gazed coldly at the Hidden Stream’s group, their expressions far from friendly. Jishi Building had just finished presenting their gifts, and the Hidden Stream’s gifts would surely be compared to Jishi Building’s congratulatory gifts by others.

Jishi Building, with its large family and abundant business, naturally offers very precious items. Not to mention, when a Hundred Birds Chao Feng Dan Xia Robe was taken out from the gift box, it released dazzling radiance like the rising sun, capturing everyone’s attention. This robe is adorned with three Spiritual Pearls: Fire Avoidance, Water Avoidance, and Dust Resistance. After putting it on, the Old Grand Dowager can keep her body free from mortal water and fire’s intrusion, and it avoids dust, ensuring that the wearer’s breath is the freshest air. Don’t let it be mistaken as merely a gorgeous Feather Robe; should it be used by a cultivator, they could even avoid the miasma of the deep mountain forest. Many ancient cave mansions are protected by such penetrating miasma.

The other gift from Jishi Building is the Lifespan Extension Pill. As is well known, very few people can master the recipe for Lifespan Extension Pills, and this elixir defies the Heavenly Balance. The heart demons encountered by cultivators who refine the Lifespan Extension Pill are stronger than those faced by others; let alone, the God Slaying Thunder faced during the Crossing Tribulation tests one’s inner heart intensely. Therefore, although this elixir is renowned, its presence is only occasionally seen at large sales events.

This is precisely what the Old Grand Dowager needs most. How many more twenty years can a mortal’s life offer? Not to mention, she has already reached an advanced age, so living another four or five years would be a mercy from Heaven.

Ning Xiaoxian was not present just now, and those around did not know that the Mirror Sea King’s mansion actually has Lifespan Extension Pills tucked away inside, so the gifts from Jishi Building displayed thorough consideration.

The three longevity gifts from the Hidden Stream have yet to be uncovered, and Jin Manyan snorts, "Hicks, what good things can they offer?" Her voice was not especially loud, but which one of those present does not have keen hearing? Jiu Mo and Qi Zai stared angrily at her. Yet, Jin Manyan pouted and raised her chin defiantly, glaring back intensely.

Beside her, the bearded scholar gently stroked her head and said, "Young mistress Yan, do not be so rude." His tone was gentle, with not the least hint of reproach.

Such disdain for a major sect, whether spoken by the Jin Family Sect Leader or Jin Manyi, is extremely inappropriate, but given that Jin Manyan is still young and presented so adorably, even if those from the Hidden Stream find it displeasing, they mostly brush off her words as childish indiscretion. Anyone who truly takes issue would lose their dignity.

Ning Xiaoxian completely ignored her, as if she hadn’t heard the words at all. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)