Cultivation: Being Immortal

Chapter 106

Medicine CitySweet Red Building

Lin Jiang and some disciples from the Five Elements Sect were having a great time. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Lin Jiang vividly described the grand scenes of Yunzhong City's Spring Coming Tower and Baihua Tower, which were captivating and made their hearts race. It was like someone describing the bustling scenes of Dongguan in the past. They couldn't help but fly to Yunzhong City immediately to see it for themselves.

"The Sect Leader is really harsh. He holds our sisters in his arms, but his heart is floating towards Yunzhong City..."

These words made the little fairy of Sweet Red Building turn green. Hey, guest. You are kind, but is it really okay to dig our corner in front of us? If we could beat you, we would definitely fight you for three hundred rounds tonight.

"That's right! Brother Lin is so heartless. Tonight, you sisters should teach him a lesson. Whoever can make him unable to wake up tomorrow morning, I will reward them generously."

Upon hearing this, the disciples of the Five Elements Sect immediately echoed. The little fairies were even more eager, declaring that they wanted to spar with Lin Jiang to test their skills. Lin Jiang quickly surrendered.

After a night of madness, in the early morning, Lin Jiang called a disciple named Zhang Ye from the Five Elements Sect to have breakfast together. Lin Jiang could offer them late-night drinks and also find them morning porridge.

"It's too crazy. Brother Lin can't continue like this in the future."

Zhang Ye was eating porridge, feeling extremely regretful. Not only did he waste the whole night, but he also lost many spirit stones.

Lin Jiang agreed, but inside he rolled his eyes. He remembered that last night they were just drinking for fun. It was Zhang Ye who suggested going to the Sweet Red Building. Being able to enter the Sage Time was a big deal!

"I really envy Brother Lin. He has a skill, never lacks spirit stones, and can go wherever he wants to have fun."

Zhang Ye sighed again. Lin Jiang's business of selling spiritual talismans in Medicine City was getting more and more successful, with a good income. Unlike them, disciples of their sect who, unless they were supported or had exceptional talent, would still struggle.

"Brother Zhang, look at what you're saying. We also envy you. You have the backing of the Five Elements Sect, so no one dares to bully you. You have a stable monthly income..."

"Yeah, that's true, but we're not very free."

"This is called a walled city. Those outside the city want to get in, while those inside the city want to get out."

"Brother Lin always speaks so wisely. Here, let's have a toast."

"Haha"

Lin Jiang picked up the bowl of porridge and challenged Zhang Ye to finish it. Even the boss couldn't stand it anymore. If Zhang Ye didn't have the emblem of the Five Elements Sect, they would have been chased away.

"Is Brother Zhang on duty today?"

When they were almost done with their meal, Lin Jiang asked. Just like the disciples of the Five Elements Sect from last night, Zhang Ye was also on duty in Medicine City. Zhang Ye was a small team leader in the patrol team. Lin Jiang had been observing him for over a year and considered him a more reliable person. He also had a hidden agenda.

"How is that possible? My Martial Uncle has a keen sense of smell. If I were on duty today, I would be risking my life."

Zhang Ye shook his head, referring to their Martial Uncle, a female cultivator who detested them seeking pleasure. If she caught a whiff of their fragrance, she would surely punish them.

"Alright, let's go to my place and have some more."

"I dare not, I dare not. If I drink more, it will be noticed tomorrow. Brother Lin must not betray me."

"Why think so much? Let's drink tea. I have something I want to consult Brother Zhang about."

"Drinking tea is fine, let's go."

As soon as Zhang Ye heard that it wasn't about drinking alcohol, he immediately agreed.

Back at Lin Jiang's home, Lin Jiang took out some good tea, brewed a pot, and the two of them enjoyed a sip.

"Brother Lin, do you have something to ask?"

"Brother Zhang, actually I have a wife and child in another city. My son is already eleven years old this year and will be able to test his Spiritual Root next year. I don't know if he can join the Five Elements Sect. As you know, independent cultivators struggle. I really don't want to see my son suffer. The sect is the true home for cultivators."

Lin Jiang looked sincerely. The end of the universe was in formation, and the sect was the formation of the cultivation world. Every independent cultivator wanted to join a sect.

"I'm afraid it won't work."

"Why won't it work?"

"Brother Lin, your time in Medicine City is too short. It's unlikely you'll pass the sect's criteria. If you stay for another ten years, maybe you can join the outer sect."

"Even with good talent, can I not join the inner sect?"

"It is possible, but not very likely. Inner sect disciples are highly regarded and must come from a respectable background. The sect will conduct investigations on you."

Zhang Ye said. In the cultivation world, the scrutiny is not about whether you have committed crimes or not, but rather about the fear of other forces infiltrating. If a force is willing to spend decades or even centuries preparing, there is nothing they can do to prevent it. It can be seen as a form of selection.

Lin Jiang thought of Cao Ying. Back then, he wished he didn't have these troubles. Of course, it is also possible that Cao Ying had undergone several tests at the Zhonghang Sect, but he just didn't know.

"Brother Zhang, do you have any solutions? Please enlighten me."

"Um..."

"If Brother Zhang is willing to teach, I will cover the money for Brother Zhang to go to the Sweet Red Building for the next three years."

"Brother Lin, it's not right, it's not right, I am not that kind of person."

"Brother Zhang, please look at this."

Lin Jiang saw that he was still hesitating, so he took some things out of his storage bag. There were two contracts for selling oneself, one for the little fairy and her maid that Zhang Ye always liked, and another one for renting a house for two years. These things cost Lin Jiang several years of income.

"Ah, this..."

Zhang Ye was instantly confused. What should he do? He didn't want to agree, but this was too generous.

"If Brother Zhang can help me with this, then all of these will be Brother Zhang's. By taking care of them, it won't be considered as seeking pleasure anymore. Your Martial Uncle shouldn't say anything either, right?"

"I..."

Zhang Ye's face turned red, and after hesitating for three seconds, his defenses were completely broken.

"Brother Lin, there is actually a way. Have you heard of the Ascension Order?"

"I've heard of it. It's only for small sects, right? The big sects don't have it anymore."

Lin Jiang nodded. The so-called Ascension Order is a token of a sect. By holding this token, as long as you have a Spiritual Root, the sect must accept you as a disciple. For ordinary people, it's a great opportunity to cultivate immortality, so it's called the Ascension Order.

However, the Ascension Order is usually only played by small sects. The big sects have never heard of it, at least Lin Jiang hasn't heard of it in the hundred years he has been in Yunzhong City.

"The big sects also developed from small sects, and even the current Five Elements Sect still issues Ascension Orders. However, they are extremely rare and have very strict conditions."

"Can Brother Zhang help?"

"Yes, but I have one condition."

"Please tell, Brother Zhang."

"Xiaoyuan girl will be under Brother Lin's name. In the future, I will visit your home more often."

"Ah..."

"I won't hide it, Brother Lin. I have a wife at home, and she is very fierce. If she finds out about this, that..."

"Understood, understood. We are both men. I will take responsibility for this. After the matter is done, I will offer my services willingly. Of course, before it's done, Brother Zhang can also come and visit frequently."

Lin Jiang immediately said. If you have a strong wife at home, you understand. That's why Lin Jiang has already made up his mind to never get married. He will never give up the entire forest for just one tree.

Afterwards, Zhang Ye talked to Lin Jiang about some details. This Ascension Order is now given very strictly. It is usually only given to disciples who have no hope for the future but have made achievements, like those who were seriously injured for the sect. On average, it takes two or three years to issue one or two of them.

(Translated by Gravity Tales 😘)

These people are aware that they have no future in the sect, so they leave and get married and have children outside. But not every child has a Spiritual Root. Even if they do, if it's not a very good one, they won't use this precious Ascension Order. If they're unlucky and several generations don't produce excellent Spiritual Roots, they might sell this Ascension Order.

Zhang Ye has a good relationship with someone who works in the library of the sect. He can easily find this information and make it easier for Lin Jiang to plan. However, it will take time. If he's lucky, it can be done in three to five months. If he's unlucky, it might take three to five years.

Lin Jiang said he has time. His eldest son missed the opportunity, but he can go back and have a few more children. The point is, he can't let all his sons become independent cultivators.

"Your wife treats you really well. My wife doesn't want to have children unless I give her a hundred thousand spirit stones."

"What is that?"

"Having children is physically exhausting. Being pregnant and taking care of children means not being able to cultivate for at least a year and a half. It can even lead to a loss of cultivation. If I don't give her a hundred thousand spirit stones, she refuses to have children."

"Oh my goodness."

Lin Jiang was shocked to discover such talented individuals in the cultivation world. But he quickly kept quiet, as it wasn't his place to meddle in other people's business, especially since he wasn't in an official position yet.

Three days later, Lin Jiang rented the neighboring house. Both families shared the same array, but the wall separating them was broken. Fairy Xiaoyuan from the Sweet Red Building and her maid also moved back in. The previous tenant had subleased the house.

Lin Jiang had no interest in becoming brothers-in-law with Zhang Ye. He never stepped into that courtyard. He had others take care of his daily needs, while Zhang Ye seemed more interested and frequently sought Lin Jiang out. Lin Jiang didn't need to invite him.

"Young man, you can't just eat and be lazy."

Six months later, seeing that Zhang Ye wasn't making much progress, Lin Jiang immediately arranged for Xiaoyuan and her maid to leave the city for a trip. Zhang Ye missed several opportunities and became quite frustrated.

Lin Jiang didn't rely on him and instead distanced himself from Zhang Ye. He became closer with other disciples from the Five Elements Sect. After all, Lin Jiang couldn't depend solely on Zhang Ye.

This time it was Zhang Ye who became desperate. Xiaoyuan was gentle and obedient, providing him with pleasures he couldn't experience at home. He had fallen for her. Soon after, Zhang Ye brought good news to Lin Jiang.