Medical Sage

After returning from Italy on a private plane, Chen Fei immediately went to the Capital City. When he arrived at the Xuu Family Courtyard, Old Master Xuu, Xuu Dongtian, was already waiting for him in the pavilion behind the courtyard. Apart from Old Master Xuu, there was no one else present.

”You’re back already, you scamp? Go on, sit wherever,” Old Master Xuu said, a smile emerging on his previously solemn, aged face as he watched Chen Fei enter the backyard pavilion.

”Hello, Grandpa Xuu.” Looking at the towering figure of the Republic, a general of immense merit, Chen Fei couldn’t help but feel a surge of reverence and respect, despite his personality and current strength. He bowed respectfully to Old Master Xuu and greeted him with a smile.

”Look at you, still putting on this act for me. Hehe...” Old Master Xuu was slightly surprised by the gesture, but the smile on his face only deepened as he squinted his eyes and teased playfully.

”It’s been a while since I last saw you, old man. How have you been feeling lately?” Chen Fei asked with a smile, sitting down and making small talk.

”Same as always, though I do feel more spry than before. As for how much longer I’ll stay that way, these old bones of mine can’t say. Anyway, let’s not dwell on that. Thank you for what you did in Italy. And don’t mind me going on about it; it was those in power who asked me to pass this on,” Old Master Xuu said, sighing faintly before bringing up the matter in Italy.

Ultimately, the issue of money was secondary. The most important thing was that this incident had allowed Huaxia to make a great show of strength before the nations of the world. That was what was truly key. For this reason, the higher-ups had personally asked Old Master Xuu to convey their gratitude.

At the very least, it was a gesture of acknowledgment, ensuring that one who had rendered meritorious service would receive a word of thanks.

”Grandpa Xuu, I’ve said it’s not necessary. After all, I am a proud citizen of Huaxia. It was what I should have done.”

”That’s a good attitude to have, but it is a pity. If only you would join the military or the government...” Old Master Xuu’s aged eyes flashed with a bright light, but it quickly dimmed as he sighed.

”That’s truly not possible.” Chen Fei interrupted him and said slowly, ”Grandpa Xuu, you should know me. First, my identity is different from that of an ordinary person. Second, my heart isn’t set on such things at all. Besides, if Huaxia is to rise on this Earth and stand at the pinnacle of nations, my efforts alone will be far from enough! A nation’s rise has always depended on the rise of all its people and their contributions. Moreover, isn’t our country’s current situation a form of trial?”

”What a fine saying, ’A nation’s rise depends on the rise of all its people and their contributions.’ And what a thought, ’a form of trial’... I never expected a young rascal like you to see things even more clearly and from a greater distance than this old man. It seems I was being too narrow-minded,” Old Master Xuu said, his body jolting as a sharp gleam shot from his old eyes.

”Not at all... Part of the reason I don’t want to join the military or government is personal. Grandpa Xuu, you must know that I am a Qi Practitioner, correct? A Qi Practitioner is similar to the Cultivators of ancient times. If I were to be filled with worldly desires, I could fall into the abyss, besieged by a Heart Demon! That would only bring trouble to the nation. So, if I happen upon certain matters, I might intervene as I see fit. But if I don’t, then I can only let nature take its course,” Chen Fei explained slowly.

It’s true that the Heart Demon is the greatest enemy of a Cultivator, but how credible his words were was another matter. Still, one always needs an excuse, right? Even if it’s a white lie...

”I don’t understand the affairs of you Qi Practitioners, but since you’ve put it that way, this old man won’t press you any further. Now, let’s get down to business,” Old Master Xuu said, his expression turning serious.

”I’m all ears.” Hearing this, Young Master Chen’s expression also turned serious. Clearly, this was the real reason for his trip to the Capital City.

”This world is likely not just our Earth; other worlds exist. You probably know more about this than I do. People from that other world come here every twelve years to select individuals said to have a talent for cultivation and take them back to their world. And that world, the people who come from there call it the Cultivation World...”

Old Master Xuu paused for a moment before continuing slowly, ”Another twelve years have passed, and they have sent people to select candidates once again. However, the selection isn’t happening here in the Capital City, but in a place called Immortal Ascension Valley.”

”Immortal Ascension Valley?” Chen Fei murmured the name, his expression a bit strange. First, he was taken aback by the grandiosity of the name; second, he had no memory of such a place. It seemed he had never heard of it.

”That’s right, Immortal Ascension Valley. It’s said to be at the southernmost point of Tianchi Snow Mountain. You just need to follow the border of Jilin Province to get there,” Old Master Xuu confirmed with a nod.

”The southernmost point of Tianchi Snow Mountain?” Chen Fei was startled again. This direction was precisely the same as the one indicated on the guidance map revealed after he had assembled the three Jade Artifacts. It seemed the legacy—or perhaps relics—left by what was rumored to be a being from the Foundation Establishment True Person Realm were buried somewhere in the icy Tianchi Snow Mountain.

This works out perfectly.

”Yes, it’s over by Tianchi Snow Mountain. However, every time they send people for the selection, they stay for exactly one week, no more, no less. It seems there’s some kind of restriction. So if you don’t want to miss this chance, you need to act fast. Today is already the third day,” Old Master Xuu added.

”Three days is three days. There are still four days left, right? It’s a quick trip from the Capital City, so I have plenty of time. But Grandpa Xuu, do you know how they select people? Are there any conditions or standards?” Chen Fei didn’t seem anxious at all, continuing to ask with great interest.

Although he could find out the answers to these questions just by going, he was still quite curious. What standards did those people use to choose? Was it based on one’s Spirit Root? Physical constitution? Or perhaps the ratio of one’s cultivation level to age?

”I’m not sure about that. I did, however, once overhear an elder from the Central Guard Bureau mention that each ’Twelve-Year Selection’ simply involves them living in Immortal Ascension Valley on Tianchi Snow Mountain for seven days,” Old Master Xuu said, first shaking his head, then adding with some uncertainty.

”Live there for seven days?” This time, it was Young Master Chen’s turn to be stunned. He couldn’t understand this selection method.

He shook his head and said slowly, ”Well, I’ll just have to go and see for myself. I’ll find out when I get there.”

”Mhm.” Old Master Xuu nodded in agreement, but then a grave expression suddenly appeared on his face. ”But, you rascal, you need to be careful when you go this time.”

”Careful?” Chen Fei paused, confused. ”Why?”

”Sigh. Didn’t you have a rather stiff falling out with the Sunx Family last time? Well, it’s said that their family has produced a young man who is very suitable for cultivation. I heard he was selected by those people just one day after arriving at Immortal Ascension Valley. The Chen Family has also sent people over this time, and it seems their situation is quite good as well. So... just be careful, no matter what,” Old Master Xuu said, shaking his head with a sigh.

”The Sunx Family?” Hearing this, Young Master Chen was naturally taken aback. He clearly hadn’t expected Old Master Xuu’s warning to be about something like this. But then he shook his head and smiled, replying calmly, ”Don’t worry, Grandpa Xuu. I understand.”

With his current cultivation level and strength, he clearly no longer needed to fear such things.

”It’s good that you understand. So, are you planning to set off right away?” Seeing Chen Fei’s words and fearless attitude, Old Master Xuu could tell the young man had some confidence or backing. He didn’t press the matter and simply asked again.

”Leave right now? I’ll go after lunch. You’re not trying to rush me off, are you, Grandpa?” Chen Fei murmured before shaking his head with a smile.

”After lunch?” Old Master Xuu was momentarily stunned, then a touch of melancholy crossed his face. He shook his head and smiled wistfully. ”You’re right. After this meal, who knows if we’ll have another chance? I’ll call Peiyi, Wangyang, and Xiaosan right now. Let’s have a lively lunch together.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Fei was suddenly stunned. He hadn’t thought that far ahead; he just felt it had been a long time since he’d seen Old Master Xuu and wanted to stay for a meal and a chat. But now...

He’s right. Old Master Xuu has less than a year to live. If I really go to the Cultivation World, I might never see him again, even if I can come back.

The thought filled Chen Fei’s heart with a sudden sadness, but he also understood that this was the cycle of the Heavenly Dao’s Reincarnation. A person’s destiny could not be defied.

An hour or two later, Old Master Xuu’s eldest son, Xuu Wangyang, his second daughter, Xuu Peiyi, and his grandson, Xuu Ji, had all returned to the courtyard. They joined Old Master Xuu, who was clearly in low spirits, for a lively lunch.

After lunch, Young Master Chen boarded a military plane provided by the Central Guard Bureau and headed toward Immortal Ascension Valley at Tianchi Snow Mountain.

”So, I’m finally taking that step. I wonder what kind of cultivators there will be. Could it be the ones spoken of in the legends of the Ancient Martial Artists? Ling Xiao Palace, Black Demon Palace, Kunlun Sword Cliff?”

On the plane, Chen Fei murmured, his gaze distant. At that moment, his mind wandered far away, entering a state of self-forgetfulness.