Published: August 25, 2025
Chapter 290: The Young Prince
Prince Xin smiled happily as he watched the crowd cheer, feeling quite pleased with himself.
Speaking of which, immortal cultivators used to frequently appear among the great noble families and affluent clans. But for some unknown reason, they gradually disappeared and stopped interacting much with mortals. Now, people like immortal masters have become almost legendary. Even as a royal relative himself, this was the first time Prince Xin had met a genuine immortal cultivator.
When the old Taoist had just revealed his spell, the onlookers were shocked, naturally making Prince Xin feel quite proud.
Of course, Prince Xin had no idea that the period when immortal cultivators often appeared in the secular world was before the ascension immortal conference had come about.
Back then, some rogue cultivators who believed foundation establishment was impossible, as well as low-rank cultivators from immortal cultivation families, gave up and chose to enjoy mortal wealth and glory in the secular world. But once the ascension immortal conference emerged, cultivators had hope to compete for foundation establishment. Naturally, they all hid away in deep mountains to diligently cultivate their techniques, no longer appearing among mortals.
Of course, there were exceptions like Yu Zitong, who couldn’t maintain his cultivation heart and fell into degeneration while training in the secular world. But such cultivators were rare. Even those who truly became guest retainers of wealthy nobles kept it a secret, not wanting outsiders to know.
After all, being an immortal cultivator yet serving as a mere retainer to mortals was considered a huge embarrassment in the immortal cultivation world.
This resulted in numerous cultivators in the secular world, but very few dared to associate with the powerful. Even those willing to be guests of the wealthy kept their identities carefully hidden to avoid ridicule by other cultivators.
The guests watching now had genuinely never encountered other immortal cultivators. Naturally, they were amazed by the old Taoist’s exquisite art of manipulating flames!
Thus, amidst the crowd’s reverent gazes, the white-haired old Taoist returned to the main hall with a hint of pride.
The guests who had yet to be tested eagerly shouted “Immortal Master!” and quickly surrounded him, hoping Immortal Master Wu would check their spiritual roots.
The old Taoist was full of energy and accepted them all, examining each one carefully.
Unfortunately, among the remaining guests, including the elder surnamed Hua and the younger generation of Qin Yan, none were found to have spiritual roots—they were all ordinary mortals.
This news struck a heavy blow to those newly tested; they left the old Taoist’s side dejectedly.
It seemed such immortal affinity was truly rare and not so easily gained!
This only made the spiritual root of “Fatty Tong” all the more precious, causing others to look upon that plump young man with envy. Meanwhile, the father and son standing beside the old Taoist grinned broadly, unable to contain their joy.
Han Li maintained his usual calm expression as he watched Qin Yan bring the sullen young master and young lady of the Qin Family back to him, noticing Han Li’s slightly embarrassed look.
“I still don’t accept it. Why does that useless guy have a spiritual root, but we don’t? Any one of us is a hundred times stronger than him!” a petite young lady of the Qin Family muttered in dissatisfaction.
“Enough, don’t spout nonsense! You weren’t born for this, what’s there to complain about?” Qin Yan’s face darkened as he chastised the girl and then sat down.
His words made the fiery young lady pout, still looking displeased.
At this moment, the elder Hua, accompanied by the young couple, walked over silently and sat beside Qin Yan.
The two exchanged glances, then suddenly laughed bitterly, sharing a sense of comrades in hardship.
“Brother Qin, it looks like Fatty Tong is about to show off!” Elder Hua joked.