The Dynasty of Cultivating Immortality

C12 – Cultivating Immortality

After parting ways with the mayor, Ni Huibo clutched the book in his trembling hands. It was the first tome on cultivation he had received in sixteen years.

Ni Huibo bid farewell to the City Hall guards and made a beeline for the Ni family estate.

The Ni family guards were taken aback upon seeing Ni Huibo. Earlier that day, he had been escorted away by City Hall guards, and rumors had quickly spread that Ni Huibo had vandalized the prime minister’s artwork and stolen a treasured item from the City Hall.

​Given Ni Huibo’s frail condition, the guards found it hard to believe he would commit theft. Yet, the evidence of his destruction of the prime minister’s work was irrefutable. Considering the mayor’s well-known love for calligraphy, why would he release Ni Huibo?

Amidst the guards’ stunned stares, Ni Huibo strode through the main gate with a composed demeanor and headed straight for the small courtyard.

Back in his room, he sank into a chair, took a deep breath, and with shaking hands, turned to the first page of the book.

​The opening page detailed the different talent levels for cultivators: low grade, medium grade, and top grade. Ni Huibo was immediately eager to discover his own level of talent.

​The book went on to describe the Leap Test and the hierarchy of cultivator stages, ranking them from the lowest to the highest: Three Qi Stage, Luminary Stage, and Blessed Stage, with a particular focus on the distinctive traits of the initial stages.

Ni Huibo’s excitement grew as he read. According to the book, he had already reached the Three Qi Stage at the age of twelve or thirteen! Since then, he had been impervious to extreme temperatures, his appetite had decreased, and he was brimming with vitality, never feeling fatigued.

He had been an Immortal Cultivator all along without realizing it!

​Curious about his current stage, Ni Huibo was engrossed in the book when a loud knocking at the courtyard door jolted him back to reality.

He swiftly concealed the book in his sleeve and hurried to answer the door, only to be greeted by the ashen face of Ni Situo.

Ni Situo didn’t give Ni Huibo a chance to sidestep; he pushed him forcefully and demanded angrily, “Ni Huibo, how could you conceal such a valuable treasure? Aren’t you worried about endangering the Ni family? And if you’re in possession of the treasure, why haven’t you handed it over to me?”

​In that moment, Ni Situo’s resentment toward Ni Huibo was so intense he felt like striking him dead. If it weren’t for Ni Huibo, Ji Fanwei wouldn’t have the opportunity to ridicule him. If only Ni Huibo would give him the treasure to present to the mayor, he would earn the mayor’s esteem!

​Ni Huibo faced Ni Situo, genuinely surprised to find him so devious. He explained calmly, “The treasure you’re referring to isn’t in my possession. Besides, if I were to give it to the mayor, it would surely bring punishment upon the Ni family.”

​Ni Situo found himself at a loss for words. This issue had made him increasingly volatile over the last few days. If Ni Huibo were to surrender the treasure to the mayor, the mayor would undoubtedly suspect the Ni family of foul play.

Was it possible that the thief had stashed the treasure in City Hall and, unable to withstand the Immortal Cultivation Hall’s interrogation, revealed its hiding place?

“Did the mayor not punish you for ruining Prime Minister Xu’s creation?” Ni Situo inquired.

With a sense of resignation, Ni Huibo replied, “Brother, I’ve already told you that the writing was mine. I was merely copying Prime Minister Xu’s style out of boredom. I’ve explained the whole situation to the mayor. You have nothing to worry about.”

“What? You’re claiming you wrote that?” Ni Situo’s anger turned to astonishment. “Are you telling the truth?”

“Just ask the mayor,” Ni Huibo responded, standing his ground with confidence.

“Keep living in your fantasy! As if you could produce such exquisite calligraphy. You’re deceiving me! Whatever you did to avoid the mayor’s reprimand, remember this—if your actions threaten the Ni family, I will not let you off easily!”

With those words, Ni Situo turned to leave. But as he did, something caught his eye. In Ni Huibo’s hand was a book that appeared to bear the words ‘Immortal Cultivation.’

A chill ran through Ni Situo. Instinctively, he channeled his spiritual energy and reached out to snatch the book.

Sensing danger, Ni Huibo instinctively moved quickly backward.

Ni Situo spoke with anger, “Ni Huibo, how dare you disobey our father’s command and cultivate on your own! Tell me, who taught you the secrets of cultivation? And who gave you that book on Immortal Cultivation? Did Aunt give it to you?”

Ni Huibo let out a silent sigh. He hadn’t expected his secret practice to be discovered so soon.

But it was of no consequence.

“The book on the basics of cultivation was a gift from the mayor. Aunt would never defy Uncle’s orders. Do not falsely accuse her.”

The mayor had given it to him!

Ni Situo was astounded.

Did this mean the mayor admired him?

Unacceptable! The future of the Ni family was his destiny. He was the only viable heir! He would not tolerate any competition for his rightful place!

There was only one solution: to destroy Ni Huibo’s cultivation, bind him, and leave him for their father to discipline upon his return!

Ni Situo harbored these malicious thoughts as he clenched his fist and unleashed his spiritual energy at Ni Huibo.

Ni Huibo perceived his cousin’s intent. He had no desire to engage in combat. His only option was to channel spiritual energy into his feet, as he had done before, and evade the incoming punches.

Ni Situo and Ni Huibo battled for a considerable time, yet Ni Huibo remained unscathed.

To expedite Ni Huibo’s defeat, Ni Situo drew several blades from his garment and launched them at Ni Huibo. Mid-flight, the blades were suddenly deflected by a powerful gust of wind.

A voice thundered from outside the courtyard.

“Stop, both of you! Since when is infighting permitted in the Ni family?”

Both men turned to see Ni Ruiyuan approaching.

Ni Situo reluctantly ceased his attack and bowed, “Aunt, Ni Huibo has been secretly cultivating. I intend to apprehend him and await our father’s judgment.”

Ni Ruiyuan fixed her gaze on Ni Situo, “Do you think I didn’t recognize that lethal move? Are you willing to breach the Ni family’s code? I will discuss Ni Huibo’s actions with your father when he returns.”

Without giving Ni Situo a chance to speak, she turned to Ni Huibo and declared, “Starting today, you are to remain within this courtyard. You must not leave, not even by half a step.”

Understanding that his aunt was safeguarding him and having no desire to clash with Ni Situo, Ni Huibo quickly responded, “Understood.”

Ni Situo clenched his teeth in frustration, yet he had no choice but to comply with her directive.