Gateway of Immortality

Chapter 195: The Decision

Shaohua Mountain, Dao Peak.

Qin Sang didn’t have many acquaintances. After bidding farewell to Shopkeeper Wu at Wenyue Market, he headed to Dao Peak to say goodbye to Senior Brother Wen.

To Qin Sang, Senior Brother Wen was both a mentor and a friend. Without a master and often lacking basic knowledge, Qin Sang had sought advice from Senior Brother Wen numerous times, always receiving helpful answers.

It was amusing to think that their friendship had started over two middle-grade spirit stones.

"I never expected Junior Brother Qin, having just reached the Foundation Building Realm, to voluntarily enter the Ancient Immortal Battlefield. Such courage is something I cannot compare to," Senior Brother Wen remarked, raising his tea cup, "I toast you with tea, Junior Brother Qin, in honor of your bravery."

Qin Sang smiled wryly. If his cultivation art didn’t require it, if he could just increase his cultivation level by training quietly in his cave dwelling to reach Core Formation Realm, he certainly wouldn’t be venturing into such a dangerous place.

After finishing the tea, Qin Sang cupped his hands in farewell to Senior Brother Wen and flew toward Sect Leader Peak.

Several dozen cultivators had already gathered at Sect Leader Peak—some were disciples of Shaohua Mountain, while others were members of immortal cultivation families affiliated with the mountain. The crowd was expected to grow, as it was still early and not everyone had arrived yet.

Most of those present were at the Qi Refining Realm, with a few at the Foundation Building Realm, all preparing for the journey to the Ancient Immortal Battlefield.

The Qi Refining cultivators were mostly at the tenth stage, and many looked somewhat aged, at least in their forties or fifties.

These were people who hadn’t reached the Foundation Building Realm before fifty or who, realizing they couldn’t reach the Foundation Building Realm by then, still refused to give up and sought an opportunity at the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, making one last attempt.

There were also those who had already abandoned their path to immortality, now risking everything to secure cultivation resources for the next generation, hoping their descendants wouldn’t follow in their footsteps.

After all, while the Ancient Immortal Battlefield was dangerous, it was also rich with opportunities—a place of countless tales of defying fate that circulated in the cultivation world.

In comparison, Yuncang Marshlands fell far short of the Ancient Immortal Battlefield.

Qin Sang descended, extinguished his sword light.

Everyone turned to look.

After scanning the crowd and not seeing anyone he recognized, Qin Sang walked over to a tree and sat down cross-legged, quietly entering meditation as he waited.

Yu Dayue looked slightly puzzled. "If I recall, Junior Brother Qin, you’re still quite young?"

"Yes, I just turned forty."

"Then why would you..."

Yu Dayue caught himself, remembering Qin Sang’s talent and understanding that everyone had their own path. He changed his tone, saying, "I’ve been stuck in the early stages of the Foundation Building Realm for too long. With no opportunity for advancement found in the caverns, if I don’t make an effort in the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, my path to cultivation might come to an end. It is a pleasant surprise that I can travel with you. Have you made any plans?"

Qin Sang answered uncertainly, "I’m still undecided. What about you, Senior Brother?"

Xuanlu Stronghold was jointly controlled by Shaohua Mountain, the Taiyi Core Sect, and the Shangyuan Tranquility Palace, with Shaohua Mountain holding a third of the influence. It was said that after entering Xuanlu Stronghold, disciples had two prime options.

One option was to join the Xuanlu Stronghold guard, protecting the stronghold. With Qin Sang’s cultivation level, he would at least hold a minor leadership position.

Joining the guard came with many benefits. Although members often ventured into the Ancient Immortal Battlefield to hunt Cloud Beasts or undertake similar tasks, each mission was done with a team, reducing the danger of facing threats alone. The sect also provided a free cave dwelling in the city and offered substantial compensation.

The other option offered more freedom.

Xuanlu Stronghold occasionally required certain covert tasks or deep exploration missions into the Ancient Immortal Battlefield. These dangerous missions were reserved for a trusted group of disciples known as the Shadow Guards.

Shadow Guards received no more than one assignment every five years. If there were no tasks within that time, they were completely free. However, once assigned, they could only refuse for a legitimate reason; otherwise, it would be considered a betrayal of the sect.

The sect took each Shadow Guard’s abilities into account when assigning tasks, though ensuring absolute safety, especially in a perilous place like the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, was impossible.

The sect supported the Shadow Guards generously, but the rewards depended on the success and accomplishments of each mission.

Of course, there was also the option of doing nothing, even avoiding any association with the sect, venturing into the battlefield alone like a rogue cultivator.

However, without the sect’s support, one could only rely on their own strength, which could make survival in the battlefield exceedingly difficult.

Seeing is believing, Qin Sang thought, deciding to wait until he reached Xuanlu Stronghold to personally assess the situation before making his final decision.