Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

Xu Hongcai was undoubtedly one of the most interesting cultivators Wang Chen had ever seen.

When he had knocked on the door asking for shelter, he looked particularly down and out, but after Wang Chen invited him in for two cups of Spiritual Wine and a few pieces of Beast Meat, he immediately became spirited and lively.

In fact, this middle-aged cultivator had quite an attractive appearance, with fair skin and a refined demeanor. He didn't carry that greasy air of someone who had muddled through the mortal world, and he was not only well-spoken but also exceptionally adept at livening up the atmosphere.

A sure killer of middle-aged female cultivators, a severe case of social butterfly syndrome!

From him, Wang Chen learned many interesting anecdotes about the world of immortal cultivation, as well as various recent rumors circulating in White Tiger City.

The New Year's Eve dinner was well worth sharing with him.

After three rounds of drinks, Xu Hongcai became slightly tipsy and suddenly stared at Wang Chen, asking, "Taoist Friend Wang, are you planning to go to the West Sea Spirit Domain after the spring?"

Wang Chen nodded, "Yes."

It wasn't something secretive, as many cultivators initially came to Flying Immortal City to use it as a springboard, to cross the formidable natural barrier of the Jade Dragon Mountain Range and enter the West Sea Spirit Domain.

However, many cultivators never returned after entering the mountains, while others decided to settle down in Flying Immortal City.

"That road is not easy to travel."

Xu Hongcai seemed a bit lost, as if some unpleasant memories had been stirred.

He set down his cup and said solemnly, "Taoist Friend Wang, crossing the Jade Dragon Mountain is extremely dangerous. It's not quite a nine in ten chance of death, but at most two or three out of ten make it out alive."

"Have you really thought this through?"

The Jade Dragon Mountain Range stretches from west to east for a million miles, and is thousands of miles wide, so large that even giant ships cannot fly over it.

Deep in the mountains dwell countless Monster Beasts, making the journey from south to north extremely perilous!

Wang Chen: "I'm very clear on the risks."

Xu Hongcai asked again, "Do you know about the Overmountain Association?"

"The Overmountain Association?"

Wang Chen truly did not know, having never even heard of it.

Xu Hongcai explained, "To cross the Jade Dragon Mountain, joining the Overmountain Association is the best choice."

The Overmountain Association is not a sect or a gang, but an organization created by cultivators who intend to cross the Jade Dragon Mountain.

You might call it a mutual aid association.

The Overmountain Association has been in Flying Immortal City for a long time, and who first founded it is now impossible to determine.

But the Overmountain Association organizes a group of cultivators to break through the mountains every year, forging a path to the West Sea Spirit Domain.

In fact, this path has always been there, but frequently changes, so it requires experienced Ferrymen to lead the way, in order to deal with all sorts of unforeseen circumstances.

The Ferrymen of the Overmountain Association are the best guides; they are not only familiar with the mountain environment, but they also have certain connections with the Great Monsters and even the Demon King within the Jade Dragon Mountain.

However, the Overmountain Association has always been very secretive, with ordinary cultivators neither knowing about it nor having a channel to join.

"I know a Ferryman from the Overmountain Association."

Xu Hongcai said, "I can recommend you to join next year's Mountain-Breaking Team."

Wang Chen was overjoyed, "Many thanks, Taoist Friend!"

Indeed, it was as if he had found what he had been searching for without exerting any effort!

He had been there for a while now, the Flying Immortal City had turned into White Tiger City, yet he had always been unable to find a way in.

Wang Chen had even considered, if all else failed, venturing into the mountains alone to scout a path.

But this was a last resort, only to be chosen when left with no other option since the risk was too high.

Now, Xu Hongcai had proactively provided such an opportunity, truly an unexpected delight!

"Don't thank me just yet."

Xu Hongcai said earnestly, "The Overmountain Association charges a fee for leading expeditions through the mountains, three thousand for Purple Mansion, ten thousand for Qi Cultivation, without guaranteeing absolute safety. You need to think it over."

If it were free, Wang Chen would not have believed it!

He replied cheerfully, "Three thousand is not too much."

"Three thousand?" Xu Hongcai momentarily blanked, then responded subconsciously, "Qi Cultivation is ten thousand Spirit Stones."

Wang Chen simply smiled and remained silent.

At first, Xu Hongcai was puzzled, but then he had a stark realization: "You, you, you— you're an Upper Cultivator of Purple Mansion!"

The middle-aged cultivator was stammering, his eyes revealing a shocked expression.

Wang Chen silently dissolved the Hidden God Technique bolstering his body, and the aura of a cultivator from the Purple Mansion instantly came into view!

Normally, whether he was traveling or running his shop, he always concealed his true cultivation level.

On one hand, it was to avoid attracting attention and unnecessary trouble.

On the other, it was to accumulate skill experience points for the Hidden God Technique.

But now was not the time to hide his abilities!

Xu Hongcai wiped the sweat from his forehead and bowed respectfully, "I've been disrespectful."

He felt very uneasy inside.

Although Wang Chen seemed easy to talk to, who could guarantee he wouldn't turn hostile?

Thinking back on his earlier unrestrained behavior in front of Wang Chen, Xu Hongcai couldn't help but break into a cold sweat!

"There's no need for such weighty words, Friend."

Wang Chen picked up a jug and poured Xu Hongcai a cup of Spiritual Wine, "Amongst friends, cultivation level doesn't matter. Come, let's finish this drink!"

Xu Hongcai steadied his heart and held up the cup with both hands, "Thank you, Taoist Friend, I'll drink this cup to the full!"

With one cup of Spiritual Wine, the atmosphere between the two returned to one of harmony and warmth.

Xu Hongcai felt extremely admiring in his heart.

For Wang Chen, so young and already having made a Breakthrough Mansion, such natural talent and gifts would make him a proud talent amongst the major sects.

With the intention of befriending and ingratiating himself, Xu Hongcai engaged Wang Chen in a lively exchange of toasts, continuously coming up with witticisms.

The New Year's Eve feast lasted until it was half through the night.

That night, Xu Hongcai stayed over in Wang Chen's talisman shop.

Not daring to overstay his welcome, he took his leave early the next morning, on the first day of the New Year, and made a pact with Wang Chen that as soon as he got in touch with the Ferryman of the Overmountain Association, he would immediately arrange a meeting for both parties.

Wang Chen was not in a hurry; after the New Year, he continued with his cultivation.

On the fifteenth day of the first month, Xu Hongcai appeared at the door of the shop again.

He informed Wang Chen that he had already spoken with the Ferryman of the Overmountain Association, and they had agreed to meet that night at the Star-Picking Pavilion.

The Overmountain Association had requirements for "customers"; it wasn't just a matter of handing over Spirit Stones to join the Mountain-Breaking Team. They also needed to assess the "newcomers'" cultivation levels and strength, and understand their character and temperament.

Once the team entered the mountain, they faced unpredictable dangers at every moment. If there was a weak team member, it could lead to the demise of the entire group.

Such situations had occurred many times before, so the Overmountain Association adhered to a principle of preferring a vacancy to incompetent membership.

If Wang Chen did not meet their requirements, then even paying multiple times the Spirit Stones would be in vain!

Xu Hongcai made sure to clarify this point with Wang Chen.

Of course, Wang Chen wouldn't mind.

So, on the evening, led by Xu Hongcai, he arrived at the largest tavern in White Tiger City.

There he met with the Ferryman referred to by Xu Hongcai.

The meeting process went very smoothly, with Wang Chen demonstrating his cultivation level and the second-tier Wind Thunder Sword.

He proved that he would not become a burden to the team.

In the end, he received an Overmountain Order!

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The first release is here.