1 Chapter One: Little Ling E

Dang— Dang— The melodious sound of the bell echoed through the clouds, heralding the morning in the center of the Primordial Five Continents, the heart of the Three Thousand Worlds. As the sun rose from the eastern sky, the stars retreated into the celestial dome.

In the northwest of Dongsheng Shenzhou, near the central region, in a seemingly inconspicuous corner, there stood a delicate and smooth grand array resembling an inverted glass bowl, enveloping several emerald peaks within.

Under the sunlight, the array's walls reflected a faint seven-colored glow, with visible streams of spiritual energy dancing within.

In the mountains, mythical birds and spirit beasts frolicked, and occasionally, glimpses of graceful figures appeared amidst the clouds and mist.

Rising gently, wisps of light smoke and the soft sounds of stringed instruments filled the air.

On the open ground near some pavilions in the forest, many figures sat cross-legged, practicing breathing exercises, soaring and dancing, creating a picturesque scene of an immortal mountain.

Accompanied by the morning light, a white cloud drifted slowly from the East Sea and flew directly to the vicinity of the grand array.

Standing on the cloud were two figures, one tall with white hair, an old Daoist, and a delicate-looking girl of eight or nine.

The white cloud, leisurely and tranquil, why worry with the clear breeze on the left? The old Daoist sang with a grand voice: "The chaos opened, the dragon and phoenix faced tribulation, Millions of meetings passed in the blink of an eye. The immortal platform is unseen, but the heavenly song resonates, Ferrying others, ferrying oneself through the hidden river, Laughter dispels calamities for gods and men. Ask yourself, why linger in the old place? Ancient heroes broke bones and obtained fortune. Ling E, listen carefully! After the ancient battle between witches and demons, when the heavenly dao flourished among human races, our Qi cultivators gradually occupied most of the lands beyond the North Lu Continent, spreading across the Three Thousand Worlds and numerous smaller realms. However, Southern Shanzhou, being the source of human Qi fortune, restricts our entry.

This place is Dongsheng Shenzhou, a top-notch cultivation land in the Three Realms.

Ling E, look at these immortal mountains ahead; aren't they elegant and ethereal?" The girl nodded obediently, her eyes full of spirit and a hint of anticipation on her chubby face.

She replied, her voice like the chirping of a young bird, melodious and pleasant, but with a slight touch of timidity, "Yes, it's very elegant!"

"The fact that our sect can occupy a spiritual vein near Central Shenzhou demonstrates our unparalleled strength!"

The old Daoist, contentedly stroking his beard, laughed and even flicked his dust whisk with satisfaction.

The girl asked in a low voice, "Master, why don't we go to Central Shenzhou and occupy a spiritual vein there?"

The old Daoist was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled, "Central Shenzhou is full of powerful individuals. Occupying a spiritual vein there would be restless every day. It's better to enjoy peace and freedom here...

Ling E." The girl, behaving properly, clasped her hands and lowered her head, "Disciple is here!"

"Today, Master is taking you into this immortal sect. In the future, you must practice diligently, never slack off, and strive to achieve success in your cultivation. Step onto the path of immortality, seek longevity, and attain that carefree Dao fruit!"

The girl tilted her head and asked softly, "But, Master... have you become an immortal?"

"Cough!" The old Daoist coughed and covered his mouth, "Master made some mistakes in cultivation a few years ago, but I achieved immortality in the last twenty years or so. Come, let's enter the formation together.

Remember, our sect is named the 'Dao of Transcendence.' The founding ancestor is the renowned Xi Kunlun Duo E True Immortal on the current Immortal God List. The cultivation method passed down is the 'One Qi True Heavenly Dao,' an extremely profound method of achieving eternal life!

Can you remember all that? It will be your foundation for the future, don't forget it, okay?"

"Yes! Disciple remembers it all!"

The girl nodded earnestly, and the old Daoist swung his dust whisk proudly, riding the white cloud towards the grand array, holding a palm-sized jade talisman in his hand.

The jade talisman emitted a faint green light, and a crack appeared in the protective array, allowing the old Daoist and the girl to enter.

As soon as the master and disciple entered the array, several white cranes glided down from the clouds. On them stood several young disciples dressed in Daoist robes and colorful skirts, the current mountain patrol disciples.

They greeted the old Daoist, addressing him as 'Senior Uncle Qiyuan.' After confirming that the girl was the new disciple he had just accepted, they gracefully departed on their white cranes.

The girl, with her bright and shining eyes, watched the graceful figures of the female disciples as they left.

"Master, when can Ling E ride a celestial crane through the air?"

"When you refine the five energies in your chest, you'll be able to control things and move freely in the air," Daoist Qiyuan said with a smile. "Those cranes you see are actually manifestations of some magical treasures. Don't worry, cultivation takes time. Now, let's return to our peak. I'll take care of various matters for your initiation.

Although we currently only have three members in our lineage, you, me, and a senior brother, we occupy a whole mountain peak within the sect. It's truly an honor."

At the mention of three people, the girl furrowed her brow. "Master, but there are only two of us."

"Oh? Master didn't tell you along the way? Look at my memory."

Daoist Qiyuan looked up at the clouds drifting by and casually said, "You have another senior brother above you. He's a disciple I accepted a hundred years ago. Nowadays, he can be considered... quite talented. Well, he can hold his own."

However, he chuckled, "Well, hehe..."

The girl stood on her tiptoes, "Master, your laughter is so strange."

"Ling E, you must remember," Daoist Qiyuan, with a serious expression, looked at his precious new disciple, "your senior brother has some problems in his cultivation. He often speaks nonsense and indulges in some deviant practices. In the future, you can seek guidance from him in your cultivation, but absolutely do not listen to his teachings on how to be a good person! In terms of human conduct, Master will emphasize your education."

The girl blinked, a bit confused, but still nodded obediently, "Yes! Disciple understands!"

Daoist Qiyuan finally sighed lightly, seemingly deflated, and said in a low voice, "Your senior brother has been practicing recently, um, with some problems. He often speaks incoherently and even advocates some heretical doctrines. In the future, you can ask him about cultivation, but never, never listen to his teachings about being a good person! Master will take care of your manners and conduct."