Linglong Sect.
Countless cultivators converged from all directions. Some rode flying swords, others soared on clouds, and some commanded powerful flying magical beasts. They all shared a single purpose: to celebrate the Linglong Sect's "Longevity Fairy" ascending to the position of Elder.
The Longevity Fairy had arrived at the Linglong Sect seventy years ago. Relying on her innate cultivation talent, she had reached the Nascent Soul realm in a mere seventy years. Such cultivation speed was unprecedented throughout the entire Great Qian Empire.
Yet, what people found most captivating, besides her talent, was her unwavering Dao Heart. She avoided conflicts, refused to take a cultivation partner, and regarded sect authority with indifference. If anyone asked the purpose behind her arduous cultivation, her answer was always just two words:
"Longevity!"
...
"Niansheng, the ceremony is about to begin."
A voice roused Li Niansheng from her thoughts as she stood atop the mountain peak. Hearing the call, Li Niansheng let out a soft sigh and turned slowly. The newcomer was her first and esteemed master, Shui Linglong.
Looking at Shui Linglong, Li Niansheng said softly, "Master, I don't wish to become an Elder. I only want to cultivate in peace."
Hearing this, Shui Linglong spoke, "You still cannot let him go?"
"I stepped onto the path of cultivation for him. Without him, everything would be meaningless."
"But he is a mortal. Seventy years have passed. By now, he must be a white-haired elder. He might even have long since passed beneath the earth. You are from two different worlds, do you understand?"
Listening to Shui Linglong's words, Li Niansheng smiled faintly. "Master, you don't understand. Brother Changsheng always keeps his word. He said, 'The path of longevity is long; if one day I turn back, he will surely be standing behind me.' If he said it, then he will definitely do it."
Faced with Li Niansheng's stubbornness, Shui Linglong could only sigh. After arriving at Linglong Sect, Li Niansheng had begun to shine, but her attachment to that man grew daily. The Sect Leader was aware of this. To sever Li Niansheng's fixation, the sect had specially sent people to her hometown to fetch Chen Changsheng. Extending a mortal's lifespan by a few decades wouldn't cost many resources. If it could resolve Li Niansheng's obsession, it would be the most worthwhile endeavor under heaven.
Unfortunately, when the sect members arrived, the coffin shop was already empty. Upon inquiry, they learned that Chen Changsheng had left shortly after Li Niansheng's departure. Finding one mortal in the vast sea of humanity was no simple task.
Seeing Shui Linglong fall silent, the corners of Li Niansheng's mouth turned upward. "It's alright, Master. I will still accept the Elder position. Because only by becoming a Linglong Sect Elder can I obtain more resources and better techniques. I don't want to stop on this path, because I know Brother Changsheng won't stop either."
With that, Li Niansheng skipped happily towards the distant sect buildings.
Watching her cheerful demeanor, Shui Linglong's brow furrowed even tighter. For these seventy years, a smile only appeared on her face when Chen Changsheng was mentioned. But how long could this bubble-like fantasy last? Longevity was what all cultivators yearned for, yet no cultivator had ever achieved it, let alone a mortal. If one day Li Niansheng's illusion shattered, her Dao Heart would likely crumble instantly. Thinking this, Shui Linglong could only sigh again. It was an unsolvable dilemma.
...
Sect Training Grounds.
"Shangqing Temple presents two Glazed Pills!"
"Tianfo Temple presents one Buddhist scripture..."
One congratulatory gift after another was presented. Yet, facing these items that would make countless cultivators green with envy, Li Niansheng merely sat quietly in the Elder's seat, not even deigning to look at them directly.
After presenting Tianfo Temple's gift, Yixiu was anxiously scratching his head inside. He didn't know how to deliver Chen Changsheng's wooden carving. Moreover, that guy Chen Changsheng was stubborn; if Yixiu didn't fulfill their agreement, he would absolutely refuse the lifespan extension.
Seeing the next sect was about to present their gift, Yixiu hardened his scalp and spoke. "Elder-Master Longevity, this junior has an additional gift to present."
Yixiu's words instantly silenced the entire ceremony. All eyes gathered upon him. Tianfo Temple's official gift had already been given; another gift now clearly meant it was Yixiu's personal offering. In such a setting, a young man presenting his own gift spoke volumes about his intentions.
Hearing Yixiu, Li Niansheng turned her head slightly, her expression unchanged. "Your thought is appreciated."
Li Niansheng's aloofness was expected by all, and they watched with amusement. The most gifted successor of Tianfo Temple had developed worldly feelings, and his target was the Longevity Fairy, who was solely devoted to the Dao. This piece of gossip would last for twenty years, at least.
Gulp!
Swallowing hard with effort, Yixiu, under immense pressure, presented the wooden carving from his robes with both hands. After this scene today, he'd probably be reprimanded by his master upon returning, and might not be allowed to leave Tianfo Temple for ten years.
The moment Yixiu produced the "gift," countless divine senses instantly swept over it. Discovering it was merely a simple wooden carving, the crowd nearly laughed aloud. Young people always loved these flashy, insubstantial gestures. Over the past seventy years, the Longevity Fairy had received many such tokens of affection. However, all previous gifts had been burned to ashes by her.
Just as everyone thought this time would be no different, the previously calm Longevity Fairy suddenly stood up.
Whoosh!
The powerful cultivation of the Nascent Soul realm allowed Li Niansheng to appear instantly before Yixiu. Looking at the carving in Yixiu's hand, Li Niansheng's body trembled slightly.
She picked up the carving, gently tracing the marks left by the carving knife. Through it, Li Niansheng once again felt Chen Changsheng's presence. This unique animal shape was something only Brother Changsheng knew how to make under the entire heavens.
Brother Changsheng had indeed kept his promise. He had been with her all along.
Thinking this, Li Niansheng clenched the carving in her hand, and then revealed a smile stunning enough to overshadow the heavens and earth.
"I like this gift very much. After the ceremony concludes, come to see me alone. Remember, come alone."
All Guests: ???
Wait, what's going on?
The Longevity Fairy has taken a liking to a Foundation Building stage little monk?
Sect Leader of Linglong Sect: (͡°͜ʖ͡°)✧
Thanks to the blessings of the Linglong Sect ancestors, Niansheng has finally come to her senses!
Although Yixiu's seniority, strength, and age are all a bit lacking, it's not a major issue. Once those old monks at Tianfo Temple retire, Yixiu's seniority will naturally rise. Strength is a bit tricky to handle though... Linglong Sect doesn't seem to have any good dual cultivation techniques!