Eternal Tale

Chapter 325: Truly, Time Shows No Mercy

“Moo~~~!”

Brother Ox lifted his head to the heavens, his gaze joyful as he surveyed the scene. Every Five Elements Sect disciple could feel his presence, each one feeling as if they were personally under his watchful eye.

Their faces flushed with excitement, their whole bodies beginning to tremble. To actually see a living legend…

All of them bowed their heads in respect. The mighty aura that filled the air was warm and kind, leaving many disciples gripping their small booklets even tighter.

The Yuzhu Mountain Range fell silent—no shouts, no exclamations, only a profound reverence filling the air.

Meanwhile, the elders and disciples alike felt a swelling sense of pride in their hearts. These two figures—they were theirs.

Jiang Xuechen’s gaze never left Chen Xun, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions that eventually softened into a wistful smile.

Shi Wujun looked toward the major peaks, his voice reverberating across the range:

“Disciples, return to your duties and cultivate diligently!”

The mountains trembled as ten thousand voices echoed in unison, sending countless birds scattering into the sky, thoroughly startled.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The sharp sound of disciples darting away filled the air. Each and every one of them clenched their fists with renewed determination. They would train harder than ever—the two ancient ancestors were watching!

On the cliff, everything felt vivid, like an old memory brought back to life.

Step…

Step…

Four figures approached, each one carrying themselves with reserved respect. Though they were now renowned figures in the cultivation world, they felt like mere children standing before these two legends.

Xiao Chi squatted behind Chen Xun, shaking his head with a goofy smile. This was exactly how he’d felt the first time he’d seen Brother Xun.

Chen Xun and Brother Ox observed the subtle changes in their students. Truly, time was no friend.

“What’s with you three acting all stiff?” Chen Xun’s brow lifted as he gave a light scolding. “You three little ones, drop the elder act and come over here already!”

“Moo moo~~” Brother Ox chuckled, casting an approving glance at Ji Zhao, who had reached the early Nascent Soul stage—an impressive accomplishment.

“Ancestor!” Liu Han beamed as she hurried to Chen Xun. “I knew you would come back!”

“Ah, you’ve grown into such a lovely young lady.”

Chen Xun laughed heartily, thoroughly pleased. “Brother Ox, look at our Liu Han. We didn’t see anyone this pretty back in Da Li—no one compares.”

“Moo moo!” Brother Ox trotted over, nuzzling Liu Han in affirmation, regardless of the difference between their tastes in beauty.

Liu Han’s smile brightened as she stood obediently beside Chen Xun, no trace of her usual dignified, Nascent Soul aura.

Shi Wujun then stepped forward, brimming with excitement. “Ancestor, Ox Ancestor!”

“Wujun, I hear you’re now one of the strongest in the cultivation world. Impressive.”

Chen Xun gave him a proud pat on the shoulder. “You’ve protected the Five Elements Sect well—you’ve done us proud.”

“It was my duty; I couldn’t let down either of you.” Shi Wujun took a deep breath, bowing respectfully. These two figures were the ones he respected most.

Ji Zhao, standing nearby, could only grin sheepishly, barely able to contain his excitement, not even knowing what to say.

“Moo moo!” Brother Ox trotted over, nudging Ji Zhao. “Moo moo~~”

Ji Zhao could only laugh awkwardly, saying, “Haha… haha, Ancestor, Ox Ancestor.”

Smack!

Chen Xun suddenly appeared behind him, playfully whacking him on the back of the head. “Kid, you reached the Nascent Soul stage—well done.”

Brother Ox gave him an affectionate nudge. Ji Zhao had been given the most resources, just to ensure he could break through without worry.

Ji Zhao, known among his peers for his stoic and serious demeanor, now stood rubbing the back of his head, grinning like a child.

This scene would have surely baffled any outsider—three of the Five Elements Sect’s revered elders acting so childlike.

Chen Xun gave Ji Zhao an approving pat on the shoulder before walking to the side, while Brother Ox continued his animated exchange with him.

Ji Zhao’s expression turned serious as he spoke quietly with Brother Ox.

Most cultivators believed it was impossible to reach the Golden Core stage with five-element spiritual roots, let alone Nascent Soul. But Ox Ancestor had once shown him a small booklet containing a certain someone’s training notes.

It detailed that person’s attempt to refine Qi Condensation elixirs… which took an entire year.

As for Foundation Establishment pills… ten years. The booklet was packed with notes on failed attempts, which others would have found daunting, but Ji Zhao could tell this unwavering dedication was no accident.

The booklet even contained a series of colorful curses aimed at immortal deities and celestial beings, which he’d quietly ignored… those details didn’t matter.

The point Brother Ox wanted him to understand was clear. Ever since reading it, Ji Zhao had trained with relentless dedication, and his Dao Heart had grown unshakable, allowing him to reach the Nascent Soul stage through sheer willpower and resources.

While they were talking, Chen Xun had already approached Jiang Xuechen.

He smiled softly. “Xuechen, there is indeed a way forward, but the Jiang family…”

“Ancestor, I understand,” Jiang Xuechen cut him off gently, bowing her head. “I no longer intend to return. The Moon Tower is my home now.”

Her smile held a haunting beauty, like her namesake—a snowflake, pure and untouched, yet forever adrift in the wind.

Chen Xun’s gaze narrowed, his expression sharpening as he checked her energy. She was at the middle Nascent Soul stage, but her path forward had been cut off entirely.

Even worse, her life force was slowly fading. Her time was running short; the damage from her severed Dao path could not be undone.

“Ancestor, the Five Elements Sect has always been good to the Moon Tower. We owe it all to your kindness.” Jiang Xuechen gave him a deep bow, her voice full of gratitude. “Please don’t concern yourself with my affairs.”

“Hm, all of you, come here.” Chen Xun placed his hands behind his back, his gaze deep. “This time, I brought some good news for you all.”

The four disciples smiled. As wonderful as any news might be, nothing compared to the joy of having their two ancestors back.

The aura their Ancestor had just exuded was beyond their comprehension, existing on a level all its own. Surely, he’d already reached the Deity Transformation stage.

On the cliffside, Chen Xun and Brother Ox slowly took their seats at a table. There were five teacups on the table, though they clearly weren’t meant for them. The four disciples remained standing out of respect.

“This here is our youngest brother, Xiao Chi. He’s been with us for many years now.”

Chen Xun gave Xiao Chi a playful pat on the head. “They say he’s the Old Ancestor of the Northern Territory’s spirit beasts—quite the lineage. So, no need to worry about the Northern Territory’s problems.”

“However…”

He paused, gazing into the distance. “The Northern Territory is best left to those barbarian cultivators. No need to stir up trouble there.”

“Yes, Ancestor.”

The four shared a look, nodding solemnly. Each word was etched into their memory before they turned to the big red dog.

“Greetings, Ancestor.”

In the world of cultivation, power dictated respect. But this was their ancestor’s younger brother, and his status demanded their deference regardless of cultivation level.