Painting of the Nine Immortals - Chapter 145

Chapter 145
The Ruins – a boundless field of paradise borne out of an optical illusion . It was a prized treasure of Tai Xuan Gate, where over half of the Gate’s wealth was kept .


The Ruins wakes every 50 years . This was its fourth awakening . During this time, three storage caves would appear . From one Ling Xian managed to retrieve the rarest wine fermented from immortalized grapes, the Drunken Immortal . And now, Yue Lian Han’s Golden Pages was also his .
As for the other two caves, one had been seized by Vanquisher of Life and Conqueror of Creation, the other by a mysterious woman . But unfortunately, none of the three revealed Tai Xuan Gate’s most securely-guarded and sought after secret .
A fact that disappointed many of the Heaven’s Favorites .
Tai Xuan Gate had been one of the most historically significant establishments in the Taoism Community . It was not difficult to imagine the powers it harbored . If anyone were to inherit its teachings, that individual would become near invincible .
Unfortunately, the Ruins opened every 50 years, and only cultivators below the foundational level were allowed inside . Many would not get another opportunity .
At this moment, the sun was high, the earth bright and warm .
Ling Xian and his three companions appeared and disappeared in and out of the dense forest, surrounded by trees that pierced through the clouds .
It had been nearly half a month since he defeated Yue Lian Han and terrorized Vanquisher of Life and Conqueror of Creation . Ever since then, the gang had been wandering aimlessly, sipping on tea, taking in the scenery, completely carefree .


His fall at the Vast Mountains was nearly three months ago . It took a mere three months for Ling Xian to break through to the foundational level from the tenth realm .
Every Ceramic Ceiling he had to overcome on this journey was an obstacle that dashed the dreams of many of his equally promising peers .
"Vrrrroooom!"
As the gang walked around seeking their fate, they felt the ground beneath their feet grumbling . Suddenly, the world went into shock, as if hit by a colossal earthquake .
"This is . . . "
Ling Xian frowned, watching his crumbling surroundings break free of the earth . He was puzzled .
"Don’t be alarmed . We have been warned by the Elders . If this happens, it simply means the Ruins is falling back asleep and will soon close . This universe is trying to send us home . " Mo Qing Fu smiled .
"I see . Too bad we won’t be blessed by fate this time . " Ling Xian grinned . Despite these words, his tone of voice revealed no hint of regret, rather happiness .

"Brother, it’s us that aren’t blessed . " Mo Qing Fu shooked his head and laughed . "You got the Drunken Immortal first, then the Petal of Enlightenment, and then the Golden Pages . Either one is a rare treasure sought after by every cultivator, living or dead . Aren’t you satisfied?"
"Ha ha, of course, of course, I’m satisfied . " Ling Xian roared with laughter . He had indeed been fortunate up to this point .
Just as Mo Qing Fu had described, the Drunken Immortal, the Petal of Enlightenment, and the Golden Pages were treasures of incredible value . Anyone would give their life for just one of them . How could Ling Xian not be content with possessing them .
The Golden Pages came from mysterious origins, and thus, shan’t be mentioned right now . But the Petals of Enlightenment, that was something craved by every soul in the universe .
Those were treasures that would belong only to the mightiest warrior of the future .
"Brother, if you are not satisfied, I reckon the entire realm will go crazy on you . " Shui Lian Yi sighed softly, "Tai Xuan Gate’s top guarded secret failed to reveal . What you have is the biggest reward, perhaps bigger than everyone else’s combined . "
"That’s my guess as well . I never imagined that my arrival here, by chance, could yield this much return . " Ling Xian smiled slyly . Waving his hands, three fully-transparent jade vases appeared in midair . The openings of the vases were sealed, but a smell of sweetness nonetheless seeped out .
Suddenly, the three companions’ eyes lit up .
"This is the Drunken Immortal, one for each of you . When you reach the tenth realm, drink it with the Petal of Enlightenment . Together they will propel you through safely to the foundational level . " Ling Xian smiled and placed each bottle in the hands of his companions .
Mo Qing Fu held the vase with a delicate touch as if holding a monumental treasure . Pausing a moment, Mo Qing Fu said, "Brother, my biggest reward was meeting you . Not only did you revive my powers, but you also gave me the Drunken Immortal and the Petal of Enlightenment . In the future, when you need me for anything, if I show even the slightest hint of hesitation, I vow to be struck by lightning . "
These words stunned Shui Lian Yi and Tang Thirteen . Even Ling Xian was briefly taken aback by such a dark vow . This was an Unbreakable Vow . Any breach to an Unbreakable Vow will indeed force the heavens to open up and strike down with bolts of lightning .
But Mo Qing Fu uttered the Unbreakable Vow without a single moment of hesitation . Clearly, he meant every word he said .
"Qing Fu, you…"
Ling Xian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry . This declaration of loyalty made him feel half humble, half proud .
"Brother Ling, say no more . I, Qing Fu, speak the truth . Every word is a declaration of my gratitude . Even if I didn’t make such a binding vow, I would display the same level of commitment to you," Mo Qing Fu continued with conviction .
Ling Xian nodded, overwhelmed by an air of warmth . He sighed . "If you insist . I accept . "
Mo Qing Fu smiled brightly as he put away the Drunken Immortal . The two other ladies did the same . Tang Thirteen patted Ling Xian on the back and said bellowed, "Little brother, come with me to the Tang house, your aunty, myself, will let you eat anything you like . I’ll make sure you develop well!"
"No, no, I need to get to the House of Wan Jian . I will visit you in the future if I can . " Ling Xian patted her on the head .
"Oh, is that so…" Tang Thirteen mumbled in disappointment . She continued in a sad voice, "But you must remember me . When you find the time, you come visit me . I’ll take you to the most beautiful place in the Tang Residence and watch the spring blossom . "
"Don’t you fright, your wish is my command . " Ling Xian smiled . Shifting his gaze towards Mo Qing Fu and Shui Lian Yi, he continued, "We part here today . But we shall meet again . "
"Brother Ling, take care . " Mo Qing Fu and his companion bowed their fists .
Ling Xian nodded . In the next instant, after a period of intensifying rumble, a powerful magnetic force penetrated the universe and separated the gang towards different locations across the Vast Mountains .
The Ruins sealed off . The curtain on this chapter was drawn .