The Eternal Farmer: I Trade My Harvest for Immortality

The Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect was universally acknowledged as the strongest sect in the entire Azure Realm. In the three core pillars of cultivation—techniques, spells, and formations—they were in a league entirely their own.

They were especially renowned for their Thunder Arts, which reigned supreme over every other cultivation sect, clan, and power in existence.

Long Ao’s eyebrow shot up. “You mean the Zhao Wuji they call ‘Invincible Below the Golden Core’?”

“The very same,” Zhao Qianyun confirmed.

Jin Fugui scoffed, clearly unconvinced. “What an arrogant title. Invincible below Golden Core?”

Long Ao’s expression, however, turned deadly serious. “This man possesses a Variant Thunder Spirit Root. His talent, aptitude, and comprehension are the kind you see once in a millennium.”

He continued, his voice low. “He cultivates the Purple Extreme Radiant Thunder, the pinnacle Thunder Art of the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect’s main lineage. It’s said to be impossibly difficult to master, yet he achieved initial comprehension in just seven days. On top of that, he’s had a string of heaven-defying encounters. He’s bonded with a draconic beast and wields a sword carved from a thousand-year-old, lightning-struck tree.”

Long Ao paused, letting the weight of his next words sink in. “To this day, he has never known defeat.”

For even Long Ao to speak of him with such gravity meant the man’s reputation was well-earned.

To think the Thousand Sails Event could attract a monster of this caliber.

The confidence that had been brimming on the faces of Jin Fugui and Mo Yu evaporated in an instant, replaced by a tense anxiety.

Zhao Qianyun offered a timely reminder. “Don’t fixate solely on Zhao Wuji. The Northern Cloud Fairy of the Inviting Moon Immortal Sect is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. She possesses an exceedingly rare special constitution that grants her significant enhancements while in the water.”

Chen Bo mulled this over. “So, our main rivals this time are primarily the disciples from the other two great immortal sects?”

“Not necessarily,” Long Ao countered, waving a dismissive hand.

Jiang Chen finally spoke. “If this event was attractive enough to draw us in, it stands to reason it would attract others as well.”

Chen Bo’s eyes narrowed. “You mean… demonic cultivators?”

Jiang Chen didn’t reply, merely shifting his gaze to Zhao Qianyun.

Their host nodded. “Mystic Heart City does business with everyone. Demonic cultivators are welcome. For that matter, even yaoguai can participate.”

The color drained from Li Xianglin and Tie Zhu’s faces, the implications of his words clearly startling them.

Zhao Qianyun chuckled softly. “Not all yaoguai feast on human flesh. Forget other regions; right here in the Canglan Sea, we have many yaoguai who are on friendly terms with us.”

It was unrealistic to expect Mystic Heart City and a handful of cultivation clans to secure the entirety of the vast Canglan Sea. Thus, they relied on a system of mutual benefit with the local water demons and sea monsters. For instance, humans might commission aquatic yaoguai to retrieve treasures from depths they couldn’t reach. In return, if a yaoguai needed something from the surface world, they could seek human aid.

A sly smile played on Long Ao’s lips. “And speaking of which, I hear the Sea Demon Pavilion has quite a few mermaids.”

At his words, the eyes of both Mo Yu and Jin Fugui lit up in perfect sync. They shot each other a look, a silent, urgent understanding passing between them. Immediately, their heads swiveled toward Jiang Chen, their gazes practically screaming their intentions.

Jiang Chen pretended not to notice, his focus locked on the teacup in his hands. He took a slow, deliberate sip of the cool Jade-Saliva Dew. No matter how curious they were, this conversation would have to wait until they were somewhere more private. Zhao Qianyun was only entertaining them personally out of respect for Long Ao. They couldn’t afford to make their Senior Brother lose face.

And so, the group continued to chat over tea, during which Jiang Chen managed to learn the specific stages of the Thousand Sails Event.

First: The Launching Ceremony.

Second: The voyage to the designated coordinates.

Third: Fishing in the Storm Domain.

Fourth: Hunting water demons and sea monsters.

Fifth: The return journey after completing all tasks.

Sixth: The first to return with the highest score wins.

It sounded simple on the surface, but the devil was in the details.

In the second stage, a faster vessel could save a significant amount of time.

In the third stage, catching rare fish species from the Spirit-Gathering Abyss awarded bonus points.

In the fourth stage, hunting higher-realm water demons also yielded more points.

In short, speed was only one component of victory. The final winner would be determined by the cumulative score from stages two, three, and four.

Zhao Qianyun rose to his feet. “Gentlemen, the steward has prepared your rooms. You may retire if you wish to rest, or feel free to explore the city. As for me, I have other matters to attend to.”

Seeing their host was departing, Jiang Chen and the others naturally stood as well. They exited the Subdue-Jiao Tower together. Zhao Qianyun gave a brief farewell and departed, leaving his steward, Lin Wufeng, to see to their needs.

The moment he was gone, Jin Fugui sidled up to Jiang Chen. “Old Jiang, when are we checking out the Sea Demon Pavilion?”

“What’s the rush?” Jiang Chen replied coolly. “It’s broad daylight. I usually prefer to… ahem… conduct my business at night.”

“So where to now?” Mo Yu pressed.

Jiang Chen deferred to their senior. “Senior Brother Long should decide.”

Long Ao frowned in thought. “I need to make a trip to the Crushed Demon Market. If you’re not interested, we can split up for now.”

“Xianglin needs to buy some water-attribute alchemy ingredients,” Chen Bo said immediately. “We’ll go with you.”

Long Ao glanced at the remaining four. Seeing no objections, he nodded. “Alright. The three of us will head to the market. The rest of you are free to do as you please. Just remember,” he added, his tone firm, “disciples of our sect don’t fear trouble, but that doesn’t mean you should go looking for it.”

With that, he, Chen Bo, and Li Xianglin departed.

Soon, only five people remained: Jiang Chen, Jin Fugui, Mo Yu, Tie Zhu, and the steward, Lin Wufeng. Of course, the steward wouldn’t be joining them on their excursion, so it was really just the four of them.

Seeing the other three staring at him with the eager eyes of hungry wolves, Jiang Chen sighed in resignation. “Fine. We’ll go to the Sea Demon Pavilion first.”

The four of them immediately set off toward the Whale Belly District.

The moment they left the Jiao Nest District, they were hit by the vibrant energy of the city. The streets were thronged with people, no doubt due to the impending Thousand Sails Event. Vendors lined the avenues, hawking their wares. Trading houses, auction halls, and private shops of every description were open for business. The sight piqued Jiang Chen’s interest, and he felt a strong urge to browse, but he had made a promise. He suppressed the impulse and pressed on.

Before long, they arrived at the Sea Demon Pavilion.

The establishment consisted of three distinct buildings. The first was the Shallow Wave Courtyard, for common patrons. The second was the Ripple Sound Tower, for distinguished guests. The third, and most exclusive, was the Deep Sea Hall, reserved for individuals of special status. It was a clear, unapologetic class hierarchy.

Cultivators of modest means were limited to the Shallow Wave Courtyard, while those with deeper pockets had more options. Anyone with the ability would naturally choose the Ripple Sound Tower for its superior service.

Jiang Chen glanced at his three companions. “Which one?”

Mo Yu grinned. “Whichever one has the mermaids.”

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. “You’re that fond of mermaids?”

Jin Fugui’s expression turned utterly serious. “As you know, I am a disciple of Beast Mountain. I am merely curious about their dietary habits!”

Mo Yu followed his lead, nodding gravely. “And I, as you know, am an angler. I simply wish to ascertain what kind of bait they are drawn to!”

The sheer absurdity of their excuses made Jiang Chen and Tie Zhu recoil in disgust. “Are you even human?”

“—can’t you see that’s Zhao Wuji of the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect?!”

“Everyone, clear the path!”

A sudden commotion erupted from behind them. The crowd parted like water before a ship’s prow as a group of cultivators strode through.

At their head was a man with an electrifying presence, none other than the one they called Invincible Below the Golden Core—Zhao Wuji!