Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 854

In the year 8,350 of the Blue Star Xia calendar, on Lingjing Star.

On this particular day, Liang Long, who was in seclusion, suddenly perceived something extraordinary. His form vanished from his quiet chamber, reappearing in the sky above.

A figure materialized in the sky over Lingjing Star, a smile gracing their lips as they regarded Liang Long.

"You hail from a different world; from whence do you come?"

Liang Long spoke, and the figure responded. However, Liang Long found himself unable to comprehend, the disparity in their languages being substantial.

"Beep beep…"

At that precise moment, Liang Long's watch emitted a sound. Glancing down, Liang Long observed a notification informing him that the man was speaking the Ancient Immortal Language. Subsequently, information regarding the Ancient Immortal Language began to appear on his watch. Liang Long instructed the artificial intelligence to record this data and initiate real-time translation.

"Your designation is Ming'an."

Liang Long stated, relaying the translated name of the newcomer according to the Ancient Immortal Language interpretation.

"Indeed, I am Ming'an, hailing from Canglan Star."

"And where might Canglan Star be located?"

"Fellow Daoist, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hope we may forge a friendship."

"Very well, would you dare to converse face-to-face?"

"Naturally, though I have one further matter to attend to."

"And what might that be?"

"Pray, extend an invitation to the esteemed Canglan Star and your noble Star for a discussion."

Ming'an uttered these words, then produced a magnificent box. As it was opened, a fragrant aroma wafted forth, coalescing into clouds above Lingjing Star.

"Liang Long, I entrust him to your care."

A voice echoed in Liang Long’s ear, prompting a nod. He guided Ming'an into the Modern City, ensuring no one else took notice. Ming'an, observing his surroundings in the Modern City, expressed considerable astonishment.

Meanwhile, amidst the celestial clouds, Xia Qingshan materialized. Before him, a distinct presence formed – a handsome middle-aged man.

"Greetings, my fellow Daoist. Li Canghai of Canglan Star pays his respects."

"Xia Qingshan of Blue Star acknowledges your presence, fellow Daoist."

"Blue Star? Are you not a great immortal residing in this realm, fellow Daoist?"

"And if I were?"

"Fellow Daoist, I arrive with benevolent intentions,"

Li Canghai addressed Xia Qingshan, his demeanor devoid of any hostility.

"I am aware; otherwise, your manifestation would not have been permitted. Speak plainly, what is your purpose?"

"Fellow Daoist, are you acquainted with the Ancient Immortal Language? Have you perchance heard of the Heavenly Court?"

"The Heavenly Court?"

"Truly, fellow Daoist, you are unaware?"

"I have never encountered the Ancient Immortal Language. In my homeland, it exists merely as a legend, unused for an age. I gleaned a modicum of knowledge from it in my youth while researching ancient texts."

Xia Qingshan responded, his countenance darkening. During his era as a cultivator, the Ancient Immortal Language had fallen into disuse, though its written forms persisted. He had acquired some proficiency to aid in his exploration of ancient tombs and the retrieval of artifacts. Yet, despite numerous ventures, his gains were meager, and he had nearly forfeited his nascent soul. However, that was not the primary concern. The true significance lay in the fact that the Ancient Immortal Language had been a legendary entity in his world, a tongue he had never heard of until its current appearance.

"It appears your place of origin is also an outer land. Nevertheless, do you comprehend that the Heavenly Court is the ancestral domain of all immortals? It is the very nexus of creation…"

Li Canghai elaborated on the nature of the Heavenly Court to Xia Qingshan. From Li Canghai's perspective, the history of the Heavenly Court was unfathomably ancient, its existence spanning immeasurable eons. It teemed with exceptionally gifted individuals and countless immortals, governing a multitude of planets.

Furthermore, the planets under the Heavenly Court's dominion were forbidden from engaging in mutual aggression, fostering an environment of peaceful coexistence and inter-planetary communication.

Xia Qingshan regarded Li Canghai intently. He grasped the substance of Li Canghai's pronouncements, yet suspected it represented only a partial truth, potentially omitting the most crucial details.

"What is the meaning of 'individuals from the outer lands' that you referenced, Daoist Li?"

"It naturally refers to immortals such as yourself, Daoist Xia, who operate beyond the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court."

"And consequently?"

"I extend an invitation for you, Daoist friend, to align yourself with my Heavenly Court."

"What advantages does allegiance to the Heavenly Court provide?"

"It is understood that the planet of your origin was once affiliated with the Buddhist realm, is that not so?"

"Correct."

"Have you perhaps heard mention of Ling Star?"

"Indeed, I have."

"Ling Star, much like our Heavenly Court, exists as a realm within the Buddhist domain. Now that it has fallen under your influence, the Buddhist realm will not relinquish its claim readily and will undoubtedly dispatch forces to reclaim it. Should you choose to join the Heavenly Court, we shall ensure your peace of mind is unburdened."

"But I feel that I am not familiar with the Heavenly Court. Will the Heavenly Court go to war with the Buddhist realm for me?"

Xia Qingshan expressed his disbelief in sudden good fortune, as he was unfamiliar with the Heavenly Court. He questioned why it would risk offending the Buddhist sect on his behalf. It seemed obvious to him that there had to be another reason lurking beneath the surface.

"My Daoist friend, your caution is wise. However, you may not realize that we have been in a prolonged conflict with the Buddhist sect, a stalemate where neither side can gain the upper hand. If you were to join the Heavenly Court, it wouldn't be about initiating a fight for you, but rather deterring the Buddhist sect from daring to act against you," the other explained.

"Ah, I understand. Allow me to consider this," Xia Qingshan replied.

"My Daoist friend, this location is not far from the Buddhist sect’s Lingfa Star. It serves as a major world for them. If you delay your decision, they might arrive here."

"Hmph, I am aware of Lingfa Star. It would be best if they do not appear. Should they dare to come, I will deal with them and claim Lingfa Star as my fourth planet."

"Four planets? Could you be the Three Star Great Immortal?"

Upon hearing this, Li Canghai exclaimed in astonishment, his perception of Xia Qingshan shifting dramatically.

······

Lingjing Star, Modern City

Liang Long was engaged in discussion with Ming’an regarding Canglan Star, with a considerable amount of information being diligently recorded by Liang Long’s watch.

Ming’an was unusually talkative, feeling an immediate connection, as if reuniting with an old friend. The conversation with Liang Long was refreshingly stimulating.

Liang Long observed Ming’an with a gentle smile. He wasn't employing any arcane techniques, but rather his advanced intellect and emotional intelligence to foster a connection.

There's a peculiar notion that an instant rapport with a stranger, akin to years of friendship, might not stem from mutual compatibility but from the profound disparity in levels, where one party is simply being captivated.

Ming’an also inquired about Lingjing Star, its circumstances vastly different from his own past experiences. In his world, towering structures were absent, and ordinary individuals along with low-level cultivators were unable to ascend beyond the planet.

Liang Long endeavored to satisfy Ming’an’s curiosity. He understood that technology wasn't a closely guarded secret, and moreover, genuine technological mastery couldn't be acquired instantaneously. Despite receiving support, Lingjing Star would require centuries to advance its technological capabilities.

After a lengthy conversation that spanned most of the day, both Liang Long and Ming’an received separate messages. Liang Long received his from Xia Qingshan, while Ming’an’s came from Li Canghai. They took a brief respite, and since Ming’an was a guest, Liang Long requested Zhang Qing to accompany him.

Blue Star, Huaxia

By the time Xia Qingshan arrived, Lin Jiang had already arranged for others to depart.

Lin Jiang remained in contemplation for a considerable period after hearing Xia Qingshan’s account. The sudden mention of the "Heavenly Court" stirred a multitude of thoughts within him.

"Do not remain silent. Is the Heavenly Court you spoke of from your former world the same entity as the one that has just emerged?"

Xia Qingshan spoke immediately, recalling Lin Jiang’s earlier mention of legends about a Heavenly Court in his past world, populated by incredibly potent deities endowed with formidable abilities.

"If I were to say I do not know, would you believe me?"

"Lin Jiang, why would you withhold information from me at a time like this? We are in this together, like two peas in a pod."

"·····"

Lin Jiang found himself at a loss for words. He couldn't possibly admit that he had fabricated the entire narrative or intentionally misled Xia Qingshan, could he?

"Xia Qingshan, this situation requires careful consideration. I suspect Li Canghai’s invitation for you to join the Heavenly Court may not be entirely sincere."

"I am aware of his ulterior motives; otherwise, I would have accepted already. My dilemma now is whether to refuse or agree."

"Naturally, I will simplify this for you. Xia Qingshan, you are currently the master of three planets. You hold the highest authority. Would you truly wish to join the Heavenly Court and become a subordinate?"

"Absolutely not," Xia Qingshan affirmed his refusal.

Xia Qingshan further elaborated, "I would much rather lead a meager force than be a follower in a grand one. Once accustomed to command, who would willingly seek to be a subordinate?"

"Precisely! You now understand what needs to be done."

"However, I fear that if I refuse, Canglan Star might launch an assault. You are all currently quite vulnerable and may be unable to defend yourselves adequately."

"Do not dismiss our capabilities lightly. While we may appear vulnerable now, I assure you that the combined fighting power of Blue Star, Jiang Star, and Lingjing Star surpasses that of traditional cultivation planets by a thousandfold. Maintain your confidence."

Lin Jiang declared brazenly, "What a ludicrous notion! Should a genuine conflict ignite, it would unfold upon Lingjing Star. Were Lingjing Star to be annihilated, I would feel not a shred of sorrow. We could then unleash our full industrial might, a stark contrast to engaging in battle on Blue Star."

"I refuse to credit your words. Are you implying that you yourself would not be the one to perish then?"

"You proclaimed that we are all united, so why then foster division amongst ourselves? Consider this proposition: I shall make arrangements to journey to Lingjing Star and confront them. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Lin Jiang articulated his desire as well to encounter these extraterrestrial beings and to delve into the mysteries of the Heavenly Court, seeking to ascertain the true circumstances.