Chapter Fourteen: This Is for the Joy of Helping Others

“Elder, though I do wish to help you, I cannot guarantee success. If you trust me, you may entrust the box to me now. Once I reach the summit of Lingyun Mountain and meet the Immortal of Purple Lotus, I will do my utmost and see if it is possible to fulfill your request.”

“Then… thank you, young man.”

The old man carefully handed me the black box. I reached out to take it and, with equal caution, tucked it safely into my robe.

“The road ahead is long and arduous. Take care on your journey, young man.”

With that, he turned and walked down the mountain. I stood watching until he disappeared from sight, then turned and continued my ascent.

The name ‘Lingyun Mountain’ truly suits this peak before me. Dense clouds shroud it, rich with spiritual energy. Standing upon the stone steps, I gazed into the distance, yet could not discern where the palace gate lay. It seemed that the legendary ‘Ziwei Palace’ was still far ahead.

The mountainside was lush and verdant, the green peaks rising to meet the clouds, white mist swirling about, creating a scene fit for immortals. The staircase beneath my feet led straight toward the summit. The path was long and winding, but fortunately, I was no ordinary person. Though my cultivation had diminished by a millennium, I still possessed more than two thousand years’ worth. With this aid, my steps were light. The scenery of green mountains and clear waters, the vibrant wilderness, filled me with ease, and my pace grew even brisker.

Just as my spirits soared, a shout echoed from behind.

“Brother, please wait!”

Because the old man at the foot of the mountain had called me ‘young man,’ I knew that this ‘brother’ was also addressed to me.

I looked ahead—no one. Turning back, I saw a man approaching, his features gentle and refined, beads of sweat covering his face. Clearly, he had hurried to catch up.

“May I ask why you’ve called me to stop?” I bowed slightly to him.

He wiped his brow, gasping for breath, then said, “I have a favor to ask. Would you please help me?”

“Oh?” Another request for help—perhaps today my purpose here was simply to lend a hand. I made a respectful gesture and replied, “Please, speak freely.”

He glanced up at me, his expression hesitant. Seeing this, I smiled. “If you have something to say, say it plainly. If I can assist you, I will do my best.”

“Alright.” Though he tried to compose himself, sweat continued to bead on his forehead. Suddenly, he clapped his hands and looked at me with hopeful eyes. “I left home in haste today and forgot to bring any valuables for the journey. Do you have anything precious with you? If so, could you lend it to me for now? Once my apprenticeship is complete today, I promise to return it to you double.”

“Valuables?” I frowned and asked, “Is it necessary to bring valuables to become a disciple?”

He nodded, confirming my suspicion.

“Well… well…” At this moment, I realized I had not a single valuable item on me. All the pearls, jade, emeralds, and agates had been left behind in the Demon Palace—I had brought none. The only thing of value was the pair of golden scales on my chest, but those were impossible to lend. Each scale held a thousand years of cultivation; even I could not bring myself to use them, much less lend them out.

“I’m afraid not,” I said regretfully, shaking my head.

His eyes dimmed instantly, and a pang of sympathy rose within me. I kindly advised, “It’s still early. You could hurry home, fetch your valuables, and return. You won’t be late.”

He looked at me, sorrow written across his face, then shook his sleeves and turned to walk back down the mountain.