Crow Immortal
Chapter 5: Before Wangu Valley

"Many thanks for the immortal child's mercy! This great kindness will forever be remembered in this humble one's heart!" Wei Baoyu, the fourth son of Southern Li Kingdom's Prime Minister, cautiously raised his eyes before hurriedly leading his men away, leaving only the old Taoist, Han Yu, the large crow, and eight fine horses before the inn's stable.

Because of Han Yu's words, Wei Baoyu left behind the eight horses they had brought—the only living creatures in their possession.

After they departed, Han Yu looked at the old Taoist: "Taoist Master... can these serve as blood nourishment?"

The old Taoist grinned: "They can, absolutely! But with your puny physique, how will you enjoy this blood nourishment? Aren't you afraid these horses might kick you to death with a single hoof?"

"Also, we're not far from Wangu Valley's immortal sect. What if a true immortal master comes out to exterminate demons? Could you explain yourself then?"

"Taoist Master, I'll give you half," Han Yu blurted out without much thought.

"That's more like it!"

The old Taoist chuckled in satisfaction: "Go back inside and feed the crow. You needn't worry about what comes next. Tomorrow I'll enter Wangu Valley's immortal sect!"

The old Taoist left the inn with the eight horses.

After returning to feed the crow and practicing cultivation, Han Yu also rested.

Early the next morning, the old Taoist returned to the inn and tossed Han Yu a small lidded clay jar about palm-sized.

"This is your portion of refined blood. One jar contains enough blood nourishment for three months. If you're careful and frugal, it might even last a year."

Before Han Yu could say more, the old Taoist had already turned and left in a hurry.

Han Yu quickly followed: "Taoist Master, are we going to Wangu Valley?"

Without turning his head, the old Taoist's hoarse voice couldn't conceal his excitement: "Indeed! I'm about to embark on the proper immortal path!"

Han Yu fell silent and quietly followed behind.

The large crow cawed twice mid-air and also followed the odd pair as they left the bustling Immortal-Seeking Town, heading east toward Wangu Valley.

At first, there were still people on the road, but the closer they got to Wangu Valley, the fewer people became.

Han Yu felt strange—why were there fewer people near Wangu Valley when Immortal-Seeking Town was so crowded?

When he voiced his question, the old Taoist laughed heartily: "The world has many pretend immortal-seekers but few genuine ones! There's still over a year until Wangu Valley's Immortal Fate Ceremony for new disciples. Who would dare disturb the immortal sect without reason?"

"If an immortal master kills such a person, they'd only have themselves to blame!"

Then he stared at Han Yu: "Little brat, still dare to follow me?"

"I have a token, but you have nothing. Be careful lest Wangu Valley's immortal masters kill you!"

Han Yu nodded.

The old Taoist said no more and simply pressed forward.

After walking for half a day, they reached rolling mountains shrouded in mist where the air suddenly became fresh and invigorating.

In the distance stood an enormous emerald-green tree towering into the clouds, with white cranes dancing around it and drifting clouds obscuring what lay beyond.

This immortal sect's grandeur further energized the old Taoist, who unconsciously quickened his pace. Han Yu hurried to keep up while the large black crow landed on his shoulder.

A hundred zhang away from the giant tree, the area was deserted except for a massive boulder bearing glaring crimson characters: "Those who disturb cultivation without cause—all may be slain!"

The murderous intent in these words was impossible to ignore.

Approaching the boulder, the old Taoist carefully produced Wangu Valley's disk-shaped token bearing tree patterns and raised it high above his head.

"This humble one brings Wangu Valley's token, seeking entry to learn immortal cultivation methods!"

Silence followed his declaration.

Suppressing his anxiety, the old Taoist continued holding up the token.

After another pause, he spoke again: "This humble—"

"Understood. Wait."

A voice came from the direction of the giant tree.

Then a figure flew out from the tree, riding a flying sword that carried him diagonally across a hundred zhang to land atop the boulder.

It was a square-faced man in blue robes who looked down at the old Taoist, Han Yu, and the crow without any intention of descending.

Seeing this dashing sword-riding figure, the old Taoist's eyes burned with fanaticism, unconcerned about the man's rudeness—indeed, he felt such aloofness was only proper for immortal sect members. Lack of arrogance would have seemed strange.

"This humble—"

"Hand over the token." The blue-robed man extended his hand before the old Taoist could finish introducing himself.

Startled, the old Taoist stomped the ground and used martial arts to leap onto the boulder, climbing a few steps to deliver the disk-shaped token before returning below to wait respectfully.

The blue-robed man carefully examined it, tracing the tree patterns with his finger: "It's genuine."

"This token grants entry to one person. You or the child?"

"Me," the old Taoist answered immediately.

"You?" The blue-robed man sneered. "You look seventy or eighty with that white hair—still dare hope for immortality? Better let a younger relative try instead—they might have moldable roots."

"This humble one is alone with no descendants, only seeking the immortal path before death," the old Taoist said resolutely.

"Why come so late in life?"

"Immortal sect knowledge is scarce and hidden in the mortal world. I once devoted myself to martial arts before finally learning this was an immortal sect token after years of searching," the old Taoist replied.

The blue-robed man raised his chin: "Since you've brought a token, we cannot deny entry."

Making hand seals to retract his flying sword, he stepped down: "Come, I'll take you in. Without a token, someone as aged as you would never have this chance."

Overjoyed, the old Taoist exclaimed: "Many thanks, Immortal Master! Many thanks for guiding me in!"

He hurried after, forgetting both Han Yu and the crow.

Then Han Yu spoke: "Immortal Master, let me enter too!"

The blue-robed man ignored him and kept walking.

The old Taoist followed silently without looking back.

Han Yu produced his own token and raised it: "Immortal Master, I also have a token!"

"Hmm?" The blue-robed man stopped and turned.

The old Taoist whirled around in shock.

When both saw Han Yu indeed holding a token, their expressions changed.

"What's today? Normally we get none for years, yet two arrive at once!" The blue-robed man returned, snatched Han Yu's token for inspection, then said, "Also genuine. Follow me."

The old Taoist's gaze gradually transformed from shock to smoldering anger: Damn you, Han! Can't even rest peacefully in death! So you had two tokens!

No wonder you could abduct Wan'er back then!

And this little bastard—so obedient all along yet hiding this trick up his sleeve!

All you Hans are scoundrels!

Glaring hatefully at Han Yu, even his excitement about entering the immortal sect diminished somewhat.

Following the blue-robed man past the giant tree, they were warned to stay close due to protective formations ahead.

After winding left three steps, right five steps in repeated zigzags, they emerged before a bridge.

Crossing it brought Wangu Valley's immortal sect into view.

Towering peaks circled by clouds, bamboo groves and pines, exotic flowers and vibrant grass—every plant brimmed with life. Countless structures dotted the landscape while blue-and-gray-robed disciples moved among them, with flying swords occasionally streaking overhead.

The square-faced blue-robed man led them to an office labeled "Administrative Affairs" and reported to an officer there.

"Officer Fang, while patrolling the mountain gate, these two presented tokens seeking entry. Requesting Officer Fang's verification!"

Officer Fang had narrow eyes and a pale face. After careful inspection, he said:

"Chen Pei."

The blue-robed guide immediately bowed: "Your subordinate is present."

"Two minor merits recorded. Resume patrol." Officer Fang declared.

The blue-robed man rejoiced: "Gratitude, Officer Fang!"

Producing a square object from his waist, two crystalline lights emerged from a stone tablet behind Officer Fang and merged into it before the guide hastily departed.

Then Officer Fang scrutinized the old Taoist and Han Yu through slit-like eyes.

"Names? Ages?"