Unrivaled Comprehension: From Mortal to Immortal King

After reviewing hundreds of methods to break through to the Tenth Prohibition, comprehending the Gate of Ten Thousand Laws, and advancing to the Ninth Prohibition pinnacle, Lin Jiufeng had gained immensely.

However, he had little time to savor this joy, for the next day had already arrived.

Outside the Sutra Pavilion, Wen Yang was waiting.

Lin Jiufeng immediately instructed Wen Xinyun to prepare tea. After changing into a fresh set of robes, he personally went to the entrance of the Sutra Pavilion to welcome Wen Yang.

The surroundings of the Sutra Pavilion were filled with blooming flowers, crisscrossing paths, and a towering cherry blossom tree that swayed gently, shedding countless pristine petals.

Wen Yang arrived in formal attire, not daring to show the slightest neglect. He knew that Lin Jiufeng was the most powerful figure in the Yuhua Sect and that this meeting must be about Wen Xinyun.

He was filled with anticipation.

The Wen Clan's predicament needed to be resolved, and this was his chance.

Wen Yang had rehearsed numerous scenarios of this meeting in his mind, but he had never expected Lin Jiufeng to personally come out and welcome him.

The moment he laid eyes on Lin Jiufeng, only one phrase echoed in his mind—a banished immortal!

Though both stood at the pinnacle of the Ninth Prohibition, the contrast in their auras was like heaven and earth, a stark divide between the extraordinary and the mundane.

Emerging from the Sutra Pavilion, Lin Jiufeng exuded an ethereal presence, refined and otherworldly. His every movement carried an immense, boundless aura—one that Wen Yang had only ever felt from his family's grand patriarch.

As Lin Jiufeng approached, Wen Yang straightened his posture, maintaining a solemn expression, unwilling to show weakness.

Lin Jiufeng, too, sized up Wen Yang—a seemingly ordinary middle-aged man, lean in frame, with a calm demeanor. His cultivation was impressive, standing at the same Ninth Prohibition pinnacle.

Yet, Lin Jiufeng instinctively knew—if he drew his sword, Wen Yang would fall in an instant.

Despite their shared realm, the disparity between them was immeasurable.

But Lin Jiufeng did not let this realization show. Instead, he smiled and said, "An honored guest has arrived. Please, come inside for a chat."

Wen Yang expressed his gratitude and followed Lin Jiufeng into the Sutra Pavilion.

As they entered, a rich fragrance of books mingled with lingering incense filled the air.

Lin Jiufeng led Wen Yang to the tea chamber, where Wen Xinyun was already preparing tea.

"Please, have a seat," Lin Jiufeng invited.

Wen Yang nodded and sat down, watching as Wen Xinyun gracefully poured tea. Every movement was elegant and fluid, exuding a serene charm.

After serving both men a cup, Wen Xinyun sat quietly beside Lin Jiufeng, saying nothing.

Lin Jiufeng smiled. "This tea is grown on our Yuhua Sect's mountain. Please, have a taste."

Wen Yang took a sip. A delicate sweetness spread across his tongue, his eyes brightening in appreciation. "A fine tea indeed."

"Then have another cup," Lin Jiufeng said, signaling Wen Xinyun to refill his cup. She complied without a word, not mentioning the matter at hand.

After a few more cups, Wen Yang finally spoke. "These years, I am grateful to the Yuhua Sect for nurturing Wen Xinyun. The Wen Clan is deeply indebted."

Lin Jiufeng smiled faintly. "Wen Xinyun is the senior disciple of our sect, gifted with heterochromatic eyes and remarkable talent. Of course, we have given her our full support—there is no need for gratitude."

Wen Yang forced a bitter smile. "It is the Wen Clan that has wronged her. Thus, whatever conditions you may have, please state them. So long as the Wen Clan can fulfill them, we shall spare no effort. All we ask is that Wen Xinyun helps us this once."

Lin Jiufeng shook his head. "One who burns themselves to illuminate others is a candle, not Wen Xinyun."

Wen Yang immediately responded, "The Wen Clan can offer an immortal herb—one that is over five thousand years old. It will leave no lingering side effects."

Lin Jiufeng raised an eyebrow. "Has the Wen Clan produced no other individuals with heterochromatic eyes?"

Wen Yang's expression turned bitter. "The bloodline is extremely rare. Not every generation produces one."

Lin Jiufeng's gaze sharpened. "Is Wen Xinyun's mother still alive?"

At this, Wen Xinyun sat upright, yet she remained silent.

Wen Yang hesitated before nodding. "According to my sources, she is still alive."

"A daughter wishing to reunite with her mother is only natural," Lin Jiufeng remarked. "Surely, the Wen Clan would not stand in the way?"

"Of course not," Wen Yang declared. "As long as Wen Xinyun assists us, we will not only reunite her with her mother but also prepare a grand reward."

Lin Jiufeng furrowed his brows. "The Wen Clan's sealed realm is already loosening. Ninth Prohibition cultivators can now freely enter and exit. It won't be long before the Tenth Prohibition follows suit."

"If we allow time to erode the seal naturally, it would take at least another five hundred years. But the Wen Clan cannot wait that long," Wen Yang admitted.

"Why not?" Lin Jiufeng asked.

"Tell me, Daoist friend—have you ever heard of the 'Path to Immortality'?" Wen Yang suddenly asked.

Lin Jiufeng shook his head. He had never encountered this term before.

"That is not surprising," Wen Yang continued. "It seems someone has deliberately erased all records of it. Our grand patriarch only learned of it from the Painted-Skin Scholar."

Lin Jiufeng raised his tea. "I would love to hear more."

"Five thousand years ago, the cultivation realms extended beyond the Tenth Prohibition—there were fifteen Prohibitions in total. However, something changed. Ever since, no cultivator has managed to advance beyond the Tenth Prohibition."

Lin Jiufeng nodded. He had heard something similar from Shao Bo, the old subordinate of Sword God Emperor Liu.

"The Painted-Skin Scholar revealed to our grand patriarch that the reason cultivators cannot surpass the Tenth Prohibition is that the Path to Immortality is missing."

"Where did it go?" Lin Jiufeng asked.

"No one knows," Wen Yang admitted. "Even the Ten Great Sovereigns searched for it in vain. The Painted-Skin Scholar later returned, proclaiming that the Path to Immortality would not descend in this era—it would take five thousand years. At that time, a golden age of cultivation would arrive, and the Path to Immortality would reappear."

Lin Jiufeng now understood the Wen Clan's desperation to break the seal.

They were betting everything on the coming Golden Age of Cultivation and the return of the Path to Immortality.

Seeing Lin Jiufeng and Wen Xinyun fall silent, Wen Yang gritted his teeth and said, "I can bring you the immortal herb. You may examine it yourself. Once you are certain of its authenticity, you may rest assured in allowing Wen Xinyun to assist us."

Lin Jiufeng exchanged a glance with Wen Xinyun, both surprised.

"What is this immortal herb?" Lin Jiufeng asked.

"Dragonroot." Wen Yang's voice was solemn. "It can improve a cultivator's innate constitution, enhance their talent, and boost their cultivation. It is the Wen Clan's only immortal herb."

Lin Jiufeng fell into deep thought before turning to Wen Xinyun.

He wanted to hear her decision.

"I will follow my senior uncle's judgment," Wen Xinyun said softly.

Wen Yang immediately looked at Lin Jiufeng.

"Very well," Lin Jiufeng said. "Bring the Dragonroot. I will personally inspect it. If it is as you claim, then we shall continue our discussion."

If the Dragonroot was genuine, then it would indeed be a rare opportunity for Wen Xinyun.