Chapter 25 The Ancestor of the Anchan North Mountain Clan

After deducing that the mountain range was the 'East Forest Mountains', Ji Ning did not rush to confirm it. Instead, he directly teleported back to Anchan City. After all, his master had just broken through to become a Celestial Immortal, so he naturally had to be present. If his true self did not show up, his master and the Mad Five Immortal would probably not be at ease.

The Black-White College in Anchan City.

Though it was morning and a heavy snow had fallen earlier, the main hall of the Black-White College was filled with joy.

"I want to tell you all a piece of tremendous good news. Our Black-White College... has produced a Celestial Immortal! The second Celestial Immortal since our school's founding." The Mad Five Immortal announced loudly in the hall, his voice echoing throughout. The hall fell into a strange silence; all the returned Earth Immortals and Sanxians stared at the Mad Five Immortal in disbelief.

"Ten days ago, I went with Ji Ning to protect Junior Brother Diancai as he underwent the four great tribulations—the Wind, Fire, Thunder, and Heart Demon tribulations—after which he became a Celestial Immortal." The Mad Five Immortal's voice reverberated through the hall.

"A Celestial Immortal?"

"Junior Brother Diancai."

"Senior Brother Diancai!"

"Ji Ning, has your master really become a Celestial Immortal?"

"You fools, would I deceive you about something like this?"

"Everyone, I have indeed achieved Celestial Immortality, thanks to the protection of Ji Ning and Senior Brother Mad Five."

The entire main hall of the Black-White College was plunged into ecstasy, with everyone cheering. Especially after Diancai Immortal personally released his pressure, letting everyone feel the 'Celestial Immortal pressure', the hall erupted in jubilation!

A Celestial Immortal was of extraordinary significance.

In history, the last time the Black-White College produced a Celestial Immortal, its status rose to rival that of the 'Anchan North Mountain Clan' and the 'Yinglong Guard Division'. Celestial Immortals were truly immortal; they lived for a very long time, and as long as they lived, the entire sect had a foundation.

...

While the many Earth Immortals and Sanxians of the Black-White College were gathered in excitement and celebration, the Mad Five Immortal specially sent 'Bihai Immortal' to the Anchan North Mountain Clan to personally request an audience with Tuoshan Celestial Immortal and inform him of the news.

"You say Diancai Immortal has become a Celestial Immortal?" Even the steady Tuoshan Celestial Immortal showed a look of astonishment.

Celestial Immortals were extremely rare.

Normally, the entire Grand Xia Dynasty might see only one breakthrough in a million years. Even now, with the chaos in the Three Realms, breakthroughs were still relatively scarce.

"Senior Tuoshan, would I lie about such a matter?" The former principal Bihai Immortal said with a smile. "This time, Senior Brother Diancai underwent the tribulation under the protection of Ji Ning and Senior Brother Mad Five."

"Good, good, good." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal leaned on his wooden staff and laughed heartily. "This is a great joy for the entire Anchan Commandery. Return now; I will make some preparations and then come to your Black-White College."

"Yes, this junior will take his leave." Bihai Immortal bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Tuoshan Celestial Immortal hesitated for a moment in the hall, then quickly left the side hall and entered the main hall where the Anchan North Mountain Clan usually held council. He ordered, "Close the hall doors. Everyone out."

"Yes." The guards responded respectfully.

Boom~~~

The hall doors closed, plunging the vast hall into darkness.

Tuoshan Celestial Immortal waved his hand, and eight huge candles lit up, illuminating the hall.

"Elder Brother." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal called out.

Suddenly, the eyes of the beast carving above the throne at the high end of the hall lit up and looked over. The beast carving's mouth also moved, producing a voice: "Tuoshan, what is it?"

"Elder Brother, a new Celestial Immortal has been born in our Anchan Commandery." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal said quickly.

"Who?" The beast carving continued.

"Diancai Immortal of the Black-White College." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal replied.

The beast carving said, "The Black-White College has the closest relationship with our Anchan Commandery. This close bond has lasted for endless ages. Now that Diancai Immortal has become a Celestial Immortal, he will naturally stand with our Anchan North Mountain Clan. Especially at this time, the stronger our Anchan North Mountain Clan is, the better. This is truly great news."

"Hmm." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal nodded. "I think so too. But Elder Brother, what gift should we send for Diancai's breakthrough? His sword art is the Five Elements Sword Art, best suited for five flying swords. How about sending five top-grade immortal flying swords?"

"Remember that battle in the Primordial Era..." The beast carving said, "When I killed the Five Ghost Ancestor at the Jade Intestine River, I obtained a set of five flying swords. That set is still in my possession. Give it to Diancai Immortal."

"But those are five peak-grade immortal flying swords?" Tuoshan Celestial Immortal exclaimed.

"Times are different now." The beast carving said, "In ordinary times, five top-grade immortal flying swords would be remarkable. But now, as you know, the entire Grand Xia world is in turmoil. Even I can sense an impending storm. This calamity might even destroy our Anchan North Mountain Clan. Therefore, we must be more 'generous'. Generosity brings gain; without giving, there is no gain! Giving him a set of five peak-grade immortal flying swords will make him grateful. I want to firmly bind Diancai Celestial Immortal to our Anchan North Mountain Clan's war chariot. Our clan currently has only two Celestial Immortals. If we count Diancai, that makes three! Our clan will be much more stable."

"Elder Brother's considerations are thorough." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal said respectfully.

His elder brother had lived far longer than he had.

In fact, he was many generations senior, but since both were Celestial Immortals, they addressed each other as brothers. Still, Tuoshan Celestial Immortal held great respect for him, for he was the greatest pillar of the Anchan North Mountain Clan's prosperity.

"When you deliver those five flying swords, also invite Diancai Celestial Immortal and Ji Ning to come here. I want to meet them both." The beast carving said.

"Elder Brother wants to meet them?" Tuoshan Celestial Immortal was surprised. Within the Anchan North Mountain Clan, many generations of Anchan Marquises did not know of the existence of such a powerful ancestor. Because they were unaware, they thought their clan's strength was only that, which made successive Anchan Marquises more cautious and dared not act recklessly.

"Diancai Celestial Immortal must be met, for when the calamity truly erupts, he will fight alongside us. As for Ji Ning? His background is extraordinary; he might be of even greater help to our Anchan North Mountain Clan than Diancai Celestial Immortal." The beast carving said.

...

The main hall of the Black-White College.

Many Sanxians and Earth Immortals, along with Diancai Immortal, gathered for a celebratory feast. In the midst of the festivities, a white-haired, hunchbacked old man leaning on a wooden staff entered the hall.

"Senior Tuoshan."

"Senior Tuoshan."

Everyone immediately stood up, including Ji Ning.

"Congratulations, Daoist Diancai." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal said with a smile. "You have overcome the Wind, Fire, Thunder, and Heart Demon tribulations and achieved Celestial Immortality. I brought no other gifts. Hearing that you are skilled in the Five Elements Sword Art, our Anchan North Mountain Clan happened to have a set of five peak-grade immortal flying swords stored away. I have brought them as a gift for you, Daoist Diancai. Please do not refuse."

"Peak-grade immortal?"

"Five peak-grade immortal flying swords?"

"Did I hear that right?" The Sanxians and Earth Immortals of the Black-White College, who had limited experience, transmitted messages to each other. They had guessed that the Anchan North Mountain Clan would send a congratulatory gift, but they never expected it to be so generous.

Ji Ning was also startled. He had guessed it would be five top-grade immortal flying swords, but never expected peak-grade! The Anchan North Mountain Clan was truly generous!

Diancai Immortal was equally surprised and naturally declined repeatedly. The gift was too heavy, putting pressure on him.

"Diancai, do not refuse!" Tuoshan Celestial Immortal pretended to be angry. "If you refuse again, I will turn around and leave."

Thus, Diancai Immortal had no choice but to accept.

...

The celebration lasted until evening before dispersing. Tuoshan Celestial Immortal secretly sent a voice transmission to Ji Ning and Diancai Immortal, so when the feast ended, Ji Ning and Diancai Immortal went together to the Anchan Marquis's estate.

The Anchan Marquis's estate.

Ji Ning, Diancai Immortal, and Tuoshan Celestial Immortal walked together.

"Senior Tuoshan," Ji Ning said with a smile, "We've arrived at the Anchan Marquis's estate. Can you tell us what this is about?"

Tuoshan Celestial Immortal smiled and said, "The Tonghe Ancestor of our Anchan North Mountain Clan wants to meet you both."

"The Tonghe Ancestor of the Anchan North Mountain Clan?" Ji Ning and Diancai Immortal were both startled. Where did this ancestor come from? When Ji Ning was still weak, he had even suspected that the Anchan North Mountain Clan might not have a single Celestial Immortal. Later, he learned of 'Tuoshan Celestial Immortal', but now there was another ancestor.

Ji Ning could not help but sigh. Such ancient clans had truly deep foundations.

"Could it be the Absolute Sword Immortal Tonghe Celestial Immortal?" Diancai Immortal exclaimed.

"Yes." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal said with a smile.

"Master, who is the Absolute Sword Immortal Tonghe Celestial Immortal?" Ji Ning asked in confusion. Diancai Immortal said, "I only know by chance. In the history of the Anchan North Mountain Clan, there have been several Celestial Immortals, but over the endless ages, outsiders assumed they were all dead. The most dazzling among them was this Absolute Sword Immortal! He existed in the Primordial Era, serving under the Xia Emperor, fighting in countless battles, slaying countless gods and demons, and countless immortals under his sword. Ultimately, he won the title of 'Anchan Marquis' for the Anchan North Mountain Clan. But legend says he died in the battle at the 'Celestial River'. How is he still alive?"

Ji Ning was shocked.

An old monster from the Primordial Era, one who had won the 'Marquis' title for the Anchan North Mountain Clan.

"Haha, Tonghe Ancestor was indeed severely wounded in the battle at the Celestial River in the Heavenly Realm, but he did not die. That battle dealt a great blow to him; his heart was as if dead, and he never showed himself again. Over the endless ages, with no news of him, outsiders concluded he was dead." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal said.

Diancai Immortal understood.

"The five flying swords gifted to you were obtained by Tonghe Ancestor when he killed the Five Ghost Ancestor in the Primordial Era." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal laughed. "Giving you this set of swords was also the Ancestor's own decision."

Diancai Immortal nodded, then said to Ji Ning, "Ji Ning, when you meet Senior Tonghe later, do not be disrespectful."

Ji Ning nodded.

At the same time, he was very curious about this Tonghe Ancestor. He was truly a legendary figure, leading his clan through the Primordial Era, fighting all the way, and then vanishing without a trace for endless ages. To endure without contact with other Celestial Immortals was extremely painful. Not all Celestial Immortals had Ji Ning's 'Seventy-Two Transformations' ability.

"We're here. My elder brother is inside." Tuoshan Celestial Immortal stood outside an ordinary courtyard gate.

...