Breaking through the illusion of the mortal world

Chapter 86 News from Afar

"Senior, this is too precious, I am unworthy of it..." Lu Ming held the storage bag, feeling its weight in his palm, not only the weight of the supplies, but also the sincerity of the Zhenwu Sect.

Po Jun waved his hand, his tone leaving no room for argument:

"I cannot refuse a gift from an elder. You received the true teachings of the Martial Ancestor and learned the Xuanwu True Skill from him. Although we are not in the name of master and disciple, we are in reality master and disciple. In terms of seniority, you can be considered my junior brother."

He gazed into the distance where Qingzhou was located: "If one day we encounter a life-or-death calamity that even the Dao Academy cannot resolve, then activate that black jade talisman."

"The power of Zhenwu Sect may not be as all-pervasive as some ancient holy lands, but it still has some ability to protect you in Shenzhou and even the surrounding states."

These words were a genuine expression of Po Jun's care for his "junior brother".

Lu Ming stopped making excuses and carefully put the storage bag away. Then he took a step back and bowed deeply to Gu Yingtian and Po Jun.

"Junior Lu Ming pays his respects to Senior Po Jun! He also pays his respects to Sect Master Gu!"

"Go." Po Jun nodded slightly. "The path to immortality is long and arduous; I hope you will remain true to your heart."

"Never forget your original aspiration, and you will achieve your goal. Zhenwu Mountain welcomes you back anytime."

Gu Yingtian nodded with a smile and added, "I have already given the order. A disciple will take you to the sect's teleportation array, which will take you directly to Fufeng City."

"That's a major hub leading to Zhongzhou. By transiting through Qingzhou from there, you can save several years of travel time."

He paused and then said, "There is a concealment armor in the storage bag. You must wear it. This armor can conceal your qi and blood."

"After all, to have achieved perfect physical cultivation at such a young age is not only astonishing, but will also attract the covetousness of countless people with ulterior motives. Remember to be careful."

"Yes, I will remember!" Lu Ming bowed again, and when he looked up, there was no trace of lingering affection in his eyes.

As he turned around, the morning sun was shining brightly, casting golden light all over the road, and his figure gradually disappeared at the end of the square.

Using the Zhenwu Sect's teleportation array to traverse the void, before the slight dizziness from the spatial shift had even dissipated, Lu Ming had already set foot on the land of Fufeng City.

Following Gu Yingtian's instructions, Lu Mingzao carefully put on the Hidden Dragon Robe from the storage bag.

The spirit armor felt slightly cool to the touch, and in an instant, it transformed into an invisible wave that covered his entire body. Lu Ming's aura instantly lost its sharpness, making it difficult for ordinary cultivators to probe his true strength.

He found a quiet street corner and was about to ask for directions to Zhongzhou when the jade token of his sect in his bosom suddenly began to fluctuate.

It's a message from the eldest disciple!

Lu Ming was overjoyed. He had been in the Northern Territory and Zhenwu Mountain for a long time, and the jade tablet had been silent for a long time. Now he was able to receive a message from the sect. He quickly immersed his divine sense into the jade tablet.

"Junior Brother Lu! Have you received the message? The jade token shows that you are already in the Southern Region of Shenzhou?" Chu Tianyi's familiar voice came through, each word filled with concern.

"Senior Brother! It's me!" Lu Ming suppressed his surging excitement and responded urgently with his divine sense. "I'm currently in Fufeng City, planning to head to Zhongzhou and then return to Qingzhou. Senior Brother, where are you? How has Qingzhou been these past few years? Are my parents alright? Is everything going well in the sect?"

A series of questions had been on his mind for over thirty years.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the jade tablet, as if Chu Tianyi was considering his words, before his voice rang out again:

"Qingzhou has changed a lot. In the years since you disappeared, the Dao Academy and the Dayan Dynasty have joined forces to pacify the entire territory of Qingzhou, and there are no more separatist forces. Now the Dayan Dynasty has officially been promoted to the Dayan Immortal Dynasty."

Immortal Dynasty! Lu Ming was shocked. Qingzhou had undergone such earth-shattering changes.

"The Immortal Dynasty has introduced new policies, and the improved Qi Induction Technique has been popularized to every citizen. The Dao Academy has sent cultivators to assist and guide them. Even the Qi Infusion Technique requires everyone to cultivate to the third level to strengthen their bodies and prolong their lives."

"Nowadays, there are cultivators stationed in each county, both to protect local stability and to select promising cultivators."

Chu Tianyi continued, "Most of the disciples of the Dao Academy have gone down the mountain to help, and the Dao Academy is also recruiting new disciples. Even Tianyan Peak has recruited dozens of new disciples in the past thirty years, making it much more lively than before."

Upon hearing that Tianyan Peak had gained many new junior brothers and sisters, Lu Ming felt a warmth in his heart, as if he could see the once somewhat deserted mountain now bustling with activity.

But then Lu Ming cautiously pressed further, "What about my parents...?"

"Don't worry." Chu Tianyi's tone was full of reassurance. "The Immortal Dynasty has always treated the families of the disciples of the Dao Academy well, and the county and local governments have special personnel to take care of them."

"Qin Feiyu and Hu Zhen both returned to Qinghe Village a few years ago, and the news they brought back was that Uncle and Aunt were in good health and everything was fine."

Lu Ming's heart, which had been hanging in suspense for more than thirty years, finally settled down heavily. Lu Ming's nose tingled slightly, and his eyes even felt a little hot.

"There's more good news," Chu Tianyi added, "The Immortal Dynasty has set up Void Reflection Arrays in various counties. Disciples or their families can apply in advance and then use the array to project their images to see their loved ones far away."

"Many forces in Zhongzhou have now cooperated with the Immortal Dynasty to set up bases. Once you arrive in Zhongzhou, you can apply to see your uncle and aunt. There is no need to rush back to Qingzhou."

He could see his parents sooner! Lu Ming was excited, and his eagerness to return home grew even stronger.

"What about Fei Yu and Hu Zhen? How are they now?" he asked instinctively, inquiring about his old friend.

The time spent together in our youth are all precious memories in my heart.

"Hmm," Chu Tianyi replied. "Qin Feiyu is brave and fierce, and currently serves in the Celestial Patrol Guard of the Immortal Dynasty. He previously fought against the rebellious forces in Qingzhou and made many contributions. As for Junior Sister Hu Zhen..."

Chu Tianyi paused slightly before slowly saying, "She and Senior Brother Mu Chen became Daoist partners three years ago, and they both served in the Shennong Division of the Immortal Dynasty."

"Shennong Division is in charge of cultivating spiritual plants and improving agricultural products. Cultivators use the spiritual power of plants to help mortals have enough to eat and wear. This is also the key to the Immortal Dynasty's ability to quickly win over people's hearts."

They became Daoist partners.

Lu Ming's smile froze instantly, as if he had been stabbed in the heart.

Those childhood classmates, the way she quietly gazed at the waterfall, the beautiful figure standing shoulder to shoulder with her in the Yunmengze Marsh—all have become memories that can never be returned to.

That unspoken feeling can only remain buried deep within.

Some things were left unsaid, and there will never be another chance to say them.

He paused for a moment, trying to keep his tone as calm as possible: "Oh...that's good, congratulations to them for me."

Chu Tianyi had watched Lu Ming grow up and had guided his cultivation for many years. His mind was incredibly perceptive. Even through the jade tablet, he noticed Lu Ming's momentary unease, but he didn't point it out. Instead, he steered the conversation back to the main topic:

"Mo Yuan and I are currently handling affairs in Shuanghua City in the northern part of Shenzhou. We will be heading to Tianque City soon. Junior Brother, how about we meet up in Tianque City?"

"Alright! Senior Brother, I'll set off for Tianque City right away!" Lu Ming immediately responded, temporarily suppressing the regret in his heart.

"Take care on your journey and stay in touch."

The message ended, and the spiritual light of the jade tablet gradually dissipated. Lu Ming stood on the street corner, motionless for a long time, out of place with the crowd.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he looked up at the sky.

Some people and some things are ultimately missed.

He sighed softly, and the light in his eyes dimmed slightly.

But at this moment, the reunion in Tianque City, the faces of my parents, and the return to my sect are the most genuine hopes.

Lu Ming took out the calligraphy brush that Hu Zhen had given him when he was young, held it in his palm, and remained silent.

After a long while, Lu Ming took a step and joined the bustling crowd in Fufeng City, heading towards the city's teleportation plaza.

The road ahead is long, but the journey home has never felt so close.