Chapter Eighteen: Immortal’s Peak

Looking at Feng Zimo with his nose bruised and face swollen, I felt a strong urge to laugh, but could only grit my teeth and hold it back.

There was a question that puzzled me greatly—why was it impossible to use magic here?

Feng Zimo and Lin Weiyan were just as mystified as I was.

The three of us wandered aimlessly, like headless flies. Whenever we saw someone with an honest face, we would ask about the whereabouts of Elder Jiang’s master, but the answer was always the same: no one knew.

By the time the sun was setting in the west, I was utterly exhausted and starving. A nearby inn caught my eye and successfully tempted me.

Since it was getting late, I thought we might as well find an inn, get something to eat, and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

We entered an inn called “Immortal’s Abode.”

“Are you here to dine or stay the night?” the server hurried over to greet us.

I checked my pocket—only eighty yuan left in total.

“How much is it per night?” I asked.

The server grinned widely. “Not expensive! Our best rooms are seven celestial coins, standard rooms are five.”

“Celestial coins?” I asked, puzzled.

It immediately dawned on me that renminbi was useless here.

I glanced at Feng Zimo, who looked utterly dejected.

Before I could speak, Feng Zimo said, “Don’t look at me. I don’t have any celestial coins.”

Lin Weiyan shook her head, indicating she had none either.

It’s true what they say—money isn’t everything, but without it, nothing works. A lack of money can thwart even heroes.

The server’s attitude changed instantly when he heard we had no money. He became impatient. “So you’ve got no money? Off with you—don’t disturb our business.”

He started shooing us out as he spoke.

“Brother, can’t you just…” I hadn’t finished my sentence.

“No, not possible. Move along, move along,” he interrupted.

“Let them in,” a voice called out.

The server and I both turned toward the source.

A young lady was sitting at a table, her back to us, so I couldn’t see her face. Judging by her attire, she must be a wealthy miss.

The server glared at the three of us and said, “Well, go on and thank Miss Liu.”

“Thank you, miss,” I said.

Without turning her head, the young lady replied, “Come and sit here.”

As I sat across from her, I finally saw her face—pure and delicate. Her large, dark eyes were clear and bright, her lips soft and full, and her dainty nose lent her a refined air.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” she asked, glancing at us.

“How do you know we’re outsiders?” Lin Weiyan asked warily.

The girl smiled sweetly. “If you were locals, you’d know the reputation of the eldest son of the Chen family.”

“You’re right, miss,” Lin Weiyan admitted. “We aren’t from here—we’re just looking for someone.”

“Who?” the young lady asked curiously.

“Have you heard of Jiang Zhenfeng?” Lin Weiyan pressed.

By now, I was so hungry I could barely think. I grabbed a piece of beef and started eating, listening to their conversation.

I couldn’t tell whether my eating startled her, or if it was the mention of Jiang Zhenfeng.

After a long pause, the girl finally spoke. “Jiang Zhenfeng—the one you mentioned—is probably my grandmaster’s junior. But didn’t he pass away two hundred years ago? Could he still be alive?”

Lin Weiyan shook her head. “He’s already dead. Do you know where his master is?”

The young lady showed no sign of suspicion and answered, “The Patriarch is on Immortal Peak. If you’ve come to become his disciples, I advise you to leave. The Patriarch hasn’t accepted disciples in a long time.”

“We’re not here to become disciples!” I said, setting down a large piece of beef.

“No matter what your purpose is, I’m afraid it’s too late. At midnight tonight, my grandmaster’s junior will begin his seclusion,” the girl said.

I calculated the time—only four hours left until midnight.

Feng Zimo seemed more anxious than either of us. After all, he had come here to survive his tribulation. If he couldn’t receive guidance from Emperor Ziwei, his life would be in danger.

“How far is it to Immortal Peak?” Feng Zimo asked.

“It’s not far, but no one can get in,” she replied.

“Why not?” I asked.

“I’m not sure either,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s what the elders say—Immortal Peak is the forbidden ground of Immortal Valley.”

Just as she finished, we heard faintly, “Surround them—don’t let anyone escape!”

Moments later, a group of black-clad guards burst in.

“It’s them who beat up our elder brother!” shouted the person I’d struck earlier—the eldest son of the Chen family.

He’d brought reinforcements quickly. I glared at him fiercely.

Terrified, he shuddered and hid behind a young man.

“So it’s you, Second Young Master Chen,” the girl said calmly. “Can’t you see I’m having dinner with friends?”

“Are these your friends, Miss Liu?” Second Young Master Chen asked.

His gaze toward her was filled with admiration, but she seemed annoyed rather than interested.

“Are you blind?” she replied coldly.

Fearing her anger, Second Young Master Chen barked at his men, “Leave! How dare you disturb Miss Liu’s meal?”

His older brother protested, “Second brother, what about avenging me? You can’t just let your brother get beaten up because of this Liu girl!”

He continued, “If word gets out, people will think the Chen family is afraid of the Liu family…”

Ignoring him, Second Young Master Chen turned to Miss Liu and said, “Pardon the disturbance.”

Then he left the inn, with his brother following angrily behind, stamping his foot. “Just you wait!”

“Thank you, Miss Liu. May I ask your name?” I said.

“No need to be so formal. I’m Liu Qingqing. You can just call me Qingqing,” she replied.

“Thank you, Miss Qingqing, for your generous hospitality. We must hurry to Immortal Peak and won’t trouble you further,” I said.

Liu Qingqing nodded. “Let me see you off, then, so the Chen brothers don’t cause you more trouble.”

We gratefully accepted her offer—she would save us a lot of hassle.

“Thank you, Miss Qingqing.”

Leaving the inn, Liu Qingqing had her servant prepare a carriage and set out together toward Immortal Peak.

An hour later...

The carriage stopped abruptly. No matter how the driver urged it on, the horses refused to take another step forward.