Beware of the Show-Offs at 106

The meeting was brief but ignited everyone’s curiosity.

Dr. Fu concluded by announcing that their superiors had approved an official encounter with the two mysterious seniors. The meeting was scheduled for noon that very day at a recreational area located about thirty kilometers outside the city. There, they would further explore the purpose behind the appearance of these enigmatic figures. Everyone was instructed to prepare immediately and attend together.

After the meeting, a group of a dozen or so researchers, accompanied by the large entity, quietly made their way to the scenic area.

Zhuang Feitao remained calm, his mind replaying Dr. Fu’s words during the meeting: “Try to ask as many questions as possible to these two seniors, but be careful not to offend them. We brought together members from different departments this time to broaden our thinking. If we can extract some feasible research directions from them, that would be a contribution to the nation.”

The two men beside him, who had come with the large entity, did not seem to be members of the Advanced Supernatural Institute, nor officials. They appeared acquainted, whispering between themselves. One said mysteriously, “It must be talismanic script, though not the usual yellow paper; you can tell just by looking.” The other responded excitedly, “Old Chen has a sharp eye! Thirty years ago, I was lucky enough to witness a hidden master’s supreme technique using similar talismans, but their power was nowhere near this. These two must be formidable—perhaps even true immortals...” As he spoke, he clasped the other’s hand with a blissful expression. “This is a rare opportunity!”

Zhuang Feitao twitched the corner of his mouth—so they were two charlatans.

Though the strange life form before them was indeed worthy of study, Zhuang Feitao did not believe they were actual immortals—most likely beings not unlike ordinary people, but with a knack for perceiving souls, which gave them an edge in soul research. These two fortune-tellers babbling about magic and immortality were probably talking nonsense. He hoped these mysterious seniors weren’t like them.

When they arrived, they left the vehicles and trekked up the mountain, finally reaching a pavilion halfway up the slope.

By now, it was nearly the agreed time. Dr. Fu allowed everyone to roam nearby and grab a bite. Zhuang Feitao picked a spot, sat down, and nonchalantly nibbled his burger, his eyes continuously scanning the mountain path. The two mysterious men had yet to appear—he hoped they wouldn’t stand them up.

Most others seemed to share his sentiment, frequently glancing up the path. Only the two fortune-tellers pulled out a compass and solemnly calculated from which direction the seniors would arrive.

After a while, Zhuang Feitao checked his watch: 11:59 a.m. The mountain path was silent; not even a bird was chirping. He frowned: even immortals should not be late when an appointment was made—it was a matter of character and respect. Just as his irritation began to rise, one of the fortune-tellers suddenly shouted, “They’re… coming! Really coming! Look!”

Everyone followed his outstretched finger toward the cliffside—but there was no path there.

“Where?” someone asked.

The fortune-teller trembled with excitement. “In the sky... flying this way!”

Zhuang Feitao blinked in surprise and looked carefully. Between the towering mountains, a cloud was swiftly drifting toward them. Against the pale sky, two vague shadows could be discerned.

Instantly, everyone was stunned. One person spilled their drink on their leg and soaked their pants without noticing, mouths agape, staring blankly.

The cloud swiftly arrived at the pavilion’s edge, revealing two elder figures of otherworldly grace. Both had white hair and youthful faces, with long white beards flowing down. One was tall, dressed in a blue robe, wearing an ancient-style long sword at his waist, expressionless. The other wore white robes, holding a whisk, smiling warmly as he surveyed the crowd.

The two immortals stepped down from the cloud. The elder in blue waved his hand lightly, and the cloud transformed into a thread of white mist that vanished into his sleeve.

Dr. Fu was the first to react, quickly approaching and clasping his hands in greeting. “Welcome, esteemed seniors!” Then he introduced them: “This is Huan Yue Zhen, and this is Fei Yu Zhen.”

Fei Yu Zhen smiled and stroked his beard. “An old man like me greets you!”

Only then did the crowd snap out of their daze, exchanging glances, unsure how to respond. The two fortune-tellers, however, were quick-witted and hurried forward with a bow. “We are your humble disciples, Dong Ting and Chen Ronggen, paying respects to the two immortals!” They attempted to perform the full kowtow.

Fei Yu Zhen was taken aback and quickly waved his sleeve. Dong and Chen felt a soft force supporting them, preventing them from kneeling fully. The immortal’s voice whispered in their ears: “No need for such formalities, we are... very easygoing, very easygoing!”

At this moment, the large entity also stirred, rushing forward with great humility. “Greetings, honored elders. I am Wang Hailin, representing the relevant department. We welcome your arrival and are truly honored to meet you.”

Fei Yu Zhen smiled as he appraised Wang Hailin, nodding in approval. “Not bad, not bad. It’s rare for high officials of the current court to come greet an old man like me. I am deeply flattered and somewhat embarrassed.”

After some pleasantries, everyone’s nerves settled; this immortal bore no airs. A young researcher couldn’t help but ask, “May I ask… how venerable are you, sir?”

Fei Yu Zhen looked kindly at the youth, eyes twinkling with expectation. “Guess?”

The young man hesitated, glancing at the robe’s style. “About five or six hundred years?”

Fei Yu Zhen’s lips curled into a smile of satisfaction. “Young and clever!”

Zhuang Feitao was curious too and seized the chance. “May I ask the purpose of your appearance this time?”

He immediately felt he might have overstepped—this was probably classified information, and with so many present, he had blurted it out. But since everyone here was trustworthy, hopefully it wouldn’t cause trouble.

Fei Yu Zhen did not seem bothered. “I have been in seclusion for centuries and grew quite bored. I invited Huan Yue, born in the Qin dynasty, to descend the mountain and tour this world. This mortal realm has changed drastically over the past ten years, quite unlike what I once knew. I greatly admire the scientific arts of this age; the way they calculate the laws of heaven aligns with the path of cultivation, though by different means. Inspired, I wish to seek your help to solve a perplexing question.”

Curiosity deepened. The young man blurted out, “What question? Aren’t you immortals? What could you not know?”

Fei Yu Zhen smiled faintly. “Not so. Immortals may have innate talents in magic and power, and possess eidetic memory, but wisdom is not necessarily exceptional. Perhaps I am even less wise than many of you here. This question has troubled the immortals for countless ages without resolution. Since it does no harm, we have long left it be. But now, out of curiosity, I wish to understand the fundamental difference between immortals and mortals—where it truly stems from.”

Everyone was no fool; they realized this inquiry was earth-shattering. Should they discover the cause and a solution, theoretically anyone could potentially become immortal.

At this, Fei Yu Zhen fell silent, smiling warmly at Dr. Fu and Wang Hailin. Wang Hailin suddenly recalled—yesterday, Dr. Fu had reported the sightings of immortals requesting assistance. Initially, the higher-ups were skeptical, but upon seeing that “spirit,” they urgently ordered him to investigate. If these supernatural beings truly sought the nation’s help, there might be room for negotiation.

However, the elder’s appearance here was like presenting a tantalizing cake—everyone desired a taste. Even if the elder’s intentions were modest, the higher-ups would undoubtedly push forward with the matter. The specifics could not be discussed openly here and would require further reporting and planning. Those involved would have to reconvene and draft new agreements.

Wang Hailin made a swift decision and stepped forward. “Honored elders, would you be willing to move somewhere quieter for a detailed discussion?”

Huan Yue Zhen, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke: “The day is growing late, and we must return to the mountain. Once the schedule is set, we shall come again.”

Wang Hailin looked to Fei Yu Zhen for help. Fei Yu Zhen smiled kindly, producing a paper crane seemingly from nowhere. It floated gently before Wang Hailin and said, “Burn this when the time comes, and you will understand.”

Dong Ting and Chen Ronggen, seeing the immortals prepare to leave and uncertain when they might meet again, hurriedly said, “Honored seniors, we both cultivate the Way but are slow learners. We humbly request your guidance!”

Fei Yu Zhen glanced at them, inscrutable, and said, “The great Path cannot be forced… Since we have met two fellow travelers today, it is fate. Here are two elixirs—not to extend life or fortune, but to enhance vitality. Accept these gifts.”

After handing over the pills, Huan Yue Zhen grabbed Fei Yu Zhen’s sleeve, and without waiting for further farewells, they ascended the cloud and vanished.

As the two immortals disappeared beyond the mountain bend, their forms suddenly glowed, transforming into two remarkably handsome young people—Qin Yue and Luo Yu, the young couple.

They took off their illusion talismans and put them away. Luo Yu was elated. “The feeling of immortals descending is truly amazing, hahaha!”

Qin Yue asked, “Aren’t you worried they might get obsessed with studying the occult now?”

Luo Yu replied, “They’ve always studied the esoteric arts. Without spiritual roots, they can at most use compasses and intuition to calculate omens. What they’ve been given is the door to Dao magic. If they want supernatural abilities, this is their starting point. Once they understand these things, they’ll realize that ‘esoteric arts’ are merely the unknown. Science and fantasy have no clear boundary. Take the soul, for example: scientifically, it can be defined as a kind of spiritual life form; esoterically, it’s a ‘ghost’—just different perspectives.”

Qin Yue smiled, tapping his head. “Even if they cultivate spiritual roots later, they lack resources. Giving hope only to have it dashed—that’s harsh.”

Luo Yu said, “Don’t underestimate human intelligence. Problems can always be solved. We managed to create the Spirit Infusion Array; they can do the same. But whether they can uncover the origins of spiritual roots, or how to remove them if found, remains unknown. I’ll just keep planting trees—even if the sprouting takes longer, I can wait.”

The tale of cultivation among friends continues...