Even though thousands of people were walking on it, the Golden Bridge didnt look packed at all, due to its considerable width. Wang Lu was walking without a care behind the uneasy crowd, cheerfully talking with his pageboy.

The procession was quite distinguished, with more than half of the attendees from eminent families. But at the foot of the Spirit Blade Mountain, everyone would keep quiet out of fear. It was a difficult task to keep ones composure very few acted carefree. But Wang Lus spectacular performance when he appeared made him especially eye-catching.

While most people were hesitating, there was someone already coming for Wang Lu, easily saying hi to him, with a tone of familiarity.

Hey, I havent seen you lately.

Wang Lu was in the middle of having a pleasant conversation with his pageboy, hence this persons interjection suddenly stupefied him. He turned around and immediately said, Do you owe me money?

The man became stupefied too. Uh I dont think so?

Well then, do I have to talk to you?

No.

Then why did you talk to me? Simply trying to strike up a conversation?

Who the hell are you?

The boy forced a smile, Now I know why people say that prominent people tend to have short memories He cupped his hands together and said, I am Hai Yun Fan from the Cloud Region. We met in the lobby at the Ru Family Inn a week ago.

Wang Lu knitted his brows, trying to recall who he was. Oh, you were the young man who asked me about the tasks Is there anything I can do for you?

Not really. Im just curious as to why youre not as concerned and worried like everyone else here. I really want to know how youre pulling this act off.

Wang Lu laughed, So, youre looking to me for advice again? Thats no good. A qualified adventurer should feel honoured to explore by themselves. Whats the point in chewing sugar canes that have been chewed by other people already?

Hai Yun Fans eyes lit up. Does that mean you actually know some tricks for walking on this bridge?

Hows that even possible? I havent read the strategy guide.

Then

Wang Lu became serious. Its all about strength. If youre strong enough, then why would you need to care about tactics and tricks? For me, the road to immortality will be plain sailing.

Wang Lus confident and courageous words really surprised Hai Yun Fan, and moved him to gaze at the sky. Wang Lu looked up with him. The sky was bright and scattered with floating clouds. There were no birds in the sky, which made Wang Lu wonder what exactly Hai Yun Fan was gazing at.

Hai Yun Fan sighed. I was looking for thunderbolts. Bragging at the foot of the Spirit Blade Mountain, I wouldnt be surprised if you got struck by one.

Wang Lu laughed. Your name is Hai Yun Fan right? Dont worry, Ill remember you this time. Dont worry. Ill protect you when we get into the sect.

Very kind of you to say so. Hai Yun Fan cupped his hands together again, and started walking next to Wang Lu, with Wang Lus pageboy conscientiously walking behind them.

Wang Lu didnt mind him at all. He asked, If I remember correctly, you were born into a powerful family right?

Pardon?

I mean, your dad is very powerful.

Kind of. Hes the emperor of the Cloud Mountain Empire.

Oh my god. Then dont you have three thousand stepmothers?

Anyway, why did you give up royalty to come here?

Hai Yun Fan laughed. Power and influence in the mortal world is not as fascinating to me anymore compared to the wonder of the immortal world. As for Xiuxian, it is indeed easy for me to get into some normal sects because of my familys power. In the Cloud Mountain Empire, the White Dragon Temple and Benevolent Cloud Mountain are both fourth-rate sects in the Ten Thousand Celestial Alliance. His smile turned satiric. But fourth-rate sects are nothing compared to the five top sects in the Alliance, let alone

Hai Yunfan had another glance at the sky. There are no sects that can actually touch the immortal world other than the five great sects. Among the ten thousand sects in the Alliance, only these five sects mastered their way to immortality. If Ive decided to enter the Xiuxian world, I will definitely be a real immortal. Otherwise, Id rather live a comfortable life as an emperor.

Wang Lu looked surprised. You sure know a lot.

Hai Yun Fan smiled. Of course. I gathered a lot of information before I chose to embark on this journey. And the information isnt a secret anyway. Im probably more prepared compared to a certain someone.

Wang Lu shrugged and smiled, saying to himself inwardly,Well I didnt prepare at all. A spectacular life is all about taking exams without any preparations. Who gives a shit?

They walked side by side. The Golden Bridge wound its way up and was quite steep, but neither Wang Lu nor Hai Yun Fan felt tired. They gradually moved forward in their procession.

Staring at the young men they passed, Hai Yunfan said, Well, before this Celestial Gathering held by the Spirit Blade Mountain, the five great sects had never selected disciples from such a great number of people. Even the Celestial Gathering would be held once in a while with many limits in place. So this gathering is really something.

Wang Lu looked around and said, Yeah, there are so many high-ranking princelings, enough to hold a Grand Haitian Banquet.

Well, these are people who possess more than just an eminent position. As far as I know, more than eighty percent of them have natural spirit bases.

What?!

The pageboy, Wang Zhong, was also astonished. How do you know that?

Hai Yun Fan laughed. Dont underestimate me. Even though Im a crowned prince, I know the names of most people here After all, who would have the guts to come to the Spirit Blade Mountain without genuine skills and preparation? Among the five great sects, the Spirit Blade Mountain and Mount Kunlun are famous for sticking to traditional conventions. The Spirit Blade is even more obstinate than Kunlun. Thus, there arent any artificial spirit bases in the sect so far. The only thing any ordinary person could get from here is humiliation.

While Hai Yun Fan was talking, Wang Lu did not seem worried, but his pageboy was looking awful. He thought of the spirit base development medicine in his bag.

Hai Yun Fan laughed again. However, the Spirit Blade Sect only restricted candidates to ages twelve or under on this Celestial Gathering, but mentioned nothing about spirit bases. Maybe theyve changed their mind? Although the remaining twenty percent of people here are just trying out their luck, I think theyll fail eventually.

The three had already been walking on the bridge for quite some time as they were talking. The clouds were getting dense around them, and the Spirit River Town behind was becoming all the more smaller and distant. The pageboy was following closely to Wang Lu and Hai Yunfan, not even daring to look down.

The Golden Bridge still looked endless. Clouds enveloped the front, and all they could see were tired young men resting along the way. Without realising, they had already made it to the front of the procession.

Wang Lu sighed. Those princelings are so weak. Already tired after such a short distance? Looks like they abandoned themselves to wine and women at such a young age.

It was just a normal joke, but Hai Yun Fan looked surprised.

The pageboy Wang Zhong complained. Young Master, I feel really tired. I can barely keep moving.

Wang Lus brows knitted. You always ate so much meat and fish. Why are you as useless as those loafers? Come on, you just carried a lunch box.

Wang Zhong became upset. Its not like that. This road is very strange. I didnt walk for too long, but its made me feel so tired to the point of breathlessness.

Then use your skin to breathe. Never mind. Give me the bags.

Wang Lu sighed as he took the bags from Wang Zhong, carrying it on his back effortlessly.

Thats weird. Why do I feel like its even easier than walking on level ground?

Young Master, you were always exceptional

While the two were walking, they did not notice Hai Yun Fan staring at them in awe.

Wang Zhong felt much easier without the bags, and thus continued to follow his young master in their ascension. Clouds had now completely enveloped their surroundings. Even the brilliancy of the Golden Bridge was partly covered. Most people had been left behind, and of the few that were ahead of the three, many were out of breath from walking.

By now, Wang Lu had also realised that something was off. Can this road absorb peoples semen? Could it be that those who lose their virginity would feel more and more tired while walking? So Wang Zhong, when did you lose your virginity?

No I didnt!

Why are you sweating a lot then?

I

So you actually lost it. Good for you.

The pageboy almost knelt down. Young Master, please stop

Hai Yun Fan laughed while he was watching their banter. He said to Wang Lu, You and your pageboy are not ordinary people. Youve been walking for a long time.

You call this not ordinary? These people are worse than pigs if they cant even walk on a bridge. And this guy needed his young master to carry the bags for him. Whos the young master now?

Hai Yun Fan shook his head. Your standards are too high Anyways, its been great accompanying you two. But all good things must come to an end. Here I must bid you two farewell.

Why? What happened?

Wang Lu widened his eyes, feeling disappointed. Hai Yun Fan wasnt the only one enjoying the company. It was the first time Wang Lu had found another friend after hed been living in the Wang Family Village for more than ten years. When he said he would protect Hai Yun Fan, he wasnt completely joking.

Although he was just a countryman and Hai Yun Fan was a noble prince, Wang Lu saw him as a friend.

Hai Yun Fan nodded to Wang Lu kindly, and explained, Its nothing. I just dont feel like I should keep walking. Being here is already enough for me.

Wang Lu still didnt understand.

You dont have to understand me. Ive found my place.

Then Hai Yunfan moved close to Wang Lus ear and whispered. Be careful of your pageboy. Although his name means loyalty, he is not as loyal as you think.

A gust of wind blew at the same time, which made Wang Lu close his eyes and ask, What did you just say?

But when he turned around, Hai Yun Fan had already disappeared. Wang Zhong didnt pick up on what Hai Yun Fan said either.

The clouds around then were becoming more dense they could only see as far as five metres. Wang Lu said, Could it be that he already became an immortal?

Pardon?

Never mind. Lets go I dont know when well reach the end.

They did not walk too far this time.

It was not because they reached the end, or that Wang Lu felt run down. The pageboy just couldnt keep walking.

Although all the bags were carried on Wang Lus back, the pageboy was still getting more and more tired, and eventually fell on the ground and couldnt get up.

Hey, you

Young Master, can you please walk by yourself? I am incapable of walking any further.

Thats why I told you not to come with me at the beginning. Now youre giving me such a face Wang Lu shook his head when he looked at the nearly paralysed Wang Zhong. I cant leave you here alone. Ill have a rest with you. We were so close to catching up with the people ahead I dont know if there are any benefits in being first, but it sounds like quite an achievement in itself.

Wang Lu felt ashamed and didnt say anything. He stopped talking, putting the bags on the ground. As he sat down, all the clouds around them disappeared and the golden radiance grew dim. A lush valley had suddenly appeared around them.

Astonished, Wang Lu marvelled at the dramatic change in scenery.

Did Did we travel through time and space?