The Dynasty of Cultivating Immortality

C14 – First Meet

Watching Ni Situo depart, Ni Xianjian’s frustration deepened. He had always been preoccupied with the minor concerns of the clan, neglecting to invest more effort in Ni Situo. Now, as Ni Situo had taken a troubling turn, Ni Xianjian realized he bore much of the blame.

The Ni family, along with the Lee and Xu families, had been prominent in Mightcairn for a century. Recently, the Lee and Xu families seemed to be forming an alliance, escalating tensions with the Ni family. Life for the Ni family in Mightcairn had become increasingly challenging, as the younger generations of the Lee and Xu families surpassed the Ni family in cultivation talent. If this trend continued, the Ni family risked being relegated to second-rate status.

To spur the Ni family members to greater heights, Ni Xianjian had been emphasizing the importance of their cultivation more with each passing day. Now, he recognized his error. If someone chose a dishonorable path, their level of cultivation was irrelevant.

It was clear that Ni Xianjian needed to keep a closer watch on Ni Situo. He was determined to prevent him from straying further.

But the situation with Ni Huibo was even more perplexing.

Ni Xianjian silently approached the window, gazing toward Ni Huibo’s courtyard, his thoughts drifting to his younger brother. His brother had wished for Ni Huibo to live an ordinary life, but alas, Ni Huibo had embarked on the journey of cultivation.

​Ni Xianjian had been distant from Ni Huibo for sixteen years, comforted by the knowledge that Ni Ruiyuan would look in on him from time to time. He had concealed the truth about Ni Huibo’s parents, fearing that his brother’s enemies would discover Ni Huibo’s existence. He had forbidden Ni Huibo from pursuing cultivation to protect him from those very enemies.

​With these considerations weighing on him, Ni Xianjian felt increasingly torn. Was he truly expected to destroy Ni Huibo’s cultivation? He had watched Ni Huibo grow and had come to love him as his own child. Now, with Ni Huibo’s father missing and his only son having stepped onto the path of cultivation, Ni Xianjian questioned whether he could commit such a cruel act.

He couldn’t do that!

He hadn’t yet avenged his younger brother, and with his current level of strength, it was utterly impossible! His only option was to entrust this hope to the younger generation.

Ni Xianjian was lost in memories of the past. Meanwhile, in the decrepit courtyard, Ni Huibo sat quietly on his bed as spiritual energy wildly surged into his dantian. Following the mantra in his mind, Ni Huibo channeled the spiritual energy within him. A fiery phoenix stood silently behind him, growing more vivid as increasing amounts of spiritual energy amassed in his body. His forehead veins throbbed, and sweat cascaded down like rain. The phoenix’s eyes snapped open, and the uncontrolled spiritual energy began to circulate spontaneously within him. Ni Huibo thought he could hear the sound of something cracking.

As the spiritual energy flowed through Ni Huibo’s body, he became increasingly absorbed in the vast ocean of cultivation, unaware that a girl was making her way toward his room, step by step.

Teng Feimei had just arrived in Mightcairn and found everything incredibly new and exciting. She was eager for her father to show her around, but he was currently engrossed in conversation with the Ni family and couldn’t step away. Left with no choice, she snuck out on her own.

Perhaps she could explore Mightcairn’s night market or pay a visit to the old mayor at City Hall? As Teng Feimei was about to set out, she caught a glimpse of a fiery red light that flashed and vanished. Immediately, a torrent of spiritual energy rushed toward the source of the light.

Her eyes wide with astonishment, Teng Feimei wondered who could possibly gather such an immense amount of spiritual energy. Driven by intense curiosity, she headed in that direction and soon came upon a run-down courtyard.

​Judging by the thick concentration of spiritual energy, the cultivator inside must have a level of cultivation not inferior to her own. But why would he be living in such a shabby place? And why would the Ni family treat him this way? Teng Feimei’s curiosity deepened. She decided to enter and discover what was happening.

Channeling her spiritual energy, Teng Feimei stepped into the courtyard and approached the room emanating the red glow. She stooped slightly and gently pushed the door open, only to be met with a sight that took her by surprise.

There, before her, was a bed.

On the bed lay a young man.

He appeared to be around her age, with glossy black hair and pale skin, his nose prominent and straight.

Yet, it wasn’t these features that halted Teng Feimei in her tracks; it was the extraordinary phenomenon manifesting behind the young man!

A phoenix!

How could this be?

Ordinary people didn’t exhibit such phenomena during cultivation. Even her master had never witnessed such a thing. Who was this young man? And why couldn’t she discern his level of cultivation? Could it be that his skills surpassed her own?

She resolved to question him once he awoke.

With that thought, Teng Feimei squatted down, resting her chin in her hands, and watched Ni Huibo intently. Time slipped by, and she began to feel drowsy. A yawn escaped her, and she drifted off to sleep.

When Ni Huibo completed his cultivation, he was brimming with vitality. But upon opening his eyes, he was surprised to find a girl leaning against his bed.

Who was she?

How did she end up in his yard?

Ni Huibo contemplated waking her, but instead, she shifted and stretched out on his bed.

At a loss for how to handle the situation, he decided to let her sleep in the room.

He stood and carefully moved the girl to the center of the bed. As he was about to lay her down, her hand inadvertently found its way to his neck, and, seeking warmth, she nestled her head against his chest. At last, she settled into a comfortable position and relaxed.

Ni Huibo’s cheeks flushed. This was likely his first close encounter with a girl his age. She seemed so young, her delicate cheeks tinged with a soft blush, enhancing her beauty.

His heart raced. He gently placed the girl on the bed, tucked her in with the blanket, and swiftly left the room.

Standing in the courtyard, Ni Huibo touched his warm ears and cheeks.

He splashed his face with cold water to steady himself.

He’d wait for her to wake, then ask her to leave.

Leaping onto the roof, Ni Huibo lay back, cradling his head in his hands, and gazed up at the night sky.