170 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 170: When We Become Immortal, We'll Come Find You! "I want to take you all in search of immortality!" Zheng Shanhán earnestly declared to his band of brothers. The others exchanged glances, scratching their heads in confusion, except for Xiao Mo. "Big brother, what do you mean by 'searching for immortality'?" The third brother, Tang Kuang, was puzzled by his elder's pronouncement. "Third brother, it's just as it sounds." Zheng Shanhán lifted his gaze to the distant mountains. "There's a saying, 'the strong prey on the weak.' In this world, having power means having everything! Without power, you have nothing. Right now, we might have gold, but will it last a lifetime? It won't! We can't even take this gold to Luofeng City in the short term. If others find out we have gold, do you think we could survive? Fifth brother barely escaped trouble last night!" Everyone was silent. "So!" Zheng Shanhán's tone grew more resolute. "We must become cultivators! We need to control others' fates instead of letting them control ours!" His words stirred a sense of fervor among most of them. "But how do we find where to seek immortals, big brother?" The fourth brother, Qian Zhenhao, was unsure about this quest. They'd all heard of celestial beings who could soar and traverse the earth, but they'd never seen one... "Last time in Luofeng City, I heard that if you keep heading north, there's a sect, the Black Dragon Sect, where there should be immortals! If we can become disciples of an immortal, our destinies would change. This gold can fund our journey." "Big brother! I'll go with you!" "Count me in too, big brother!" Seeing their leader's determination, the brothers raised their hands eagerly. Though this shabby village was decent, they couldn't stay here forever. And big brother had a point. Money would eventually run out. Only by becoming immortals could they avoid hunger! "Alright!" Zheng Shanhán slapped his leg decisively. "In that case, let's break up this gold, prepare, and then head north!" "Big brother... I... um..." At this moment, Xiao Mo awkwardly spoke up, "I want to stay here." "Hmm?" The brothers turned to Xiao Mo. "Fifth brother, what did you say...?" Zheng Shanhán thought he might have misheard. "Big brother, I want to stay here and not seek immortality." Xiao Mo repeated seriously. "You're right; the world is survival of the fittest, and it's essential to have enough strength to live well. But, big brother... I don't have the heart for seeking immortality." Saying this, Xiao Mo smiled and touched his nose, "Honestly, I want to find my uncle and aunt; they might be in the Liang Kingdom." In truth, Xiao Mo had no relatives, this was merely an excuse. Zheng Shanhán frowned, "Fifth brother, are you sure? Once we leave, you'll be alone." "I know, big brother." Xiao Mo nodded, moved, "But I really want to find my family, and I don’t want to burden you. However, even if we part ways for now, I believe we'll meet again!" "Alright... if your mind is made up..." Zheng Shanhán relented, unable to convince him otherwise. For his fifth brother, finding family was more tangible than the elusive path to immortality. The other brothers, reluctant to part, persuaded Xiao Mo to join them, but he politely declined. In the end, they accepted that Xiao Mo was resolute. Four days later, they reduced the gold into small pieces, packing five bags. "Fifth brother, take this gold. Be cautious each time you use it, don’t use it in the same place consecutively, and exchange it for silver coins when possible." Zheng Shanhán handed a bag to Xiao Mo. Weighing it, Xiao Mo estimated it held about a pound of gold. "That's too much, I can't accept it." Xiao Mo shook his head, feeling he hadn't contributed enough to deserve it. "Just take it!" Zheng Shanhán shoved it into Xiao Mo's arms. "We each have a bag of gold. Besides, you have no one to rely on, so use this sparingly. Even if you can't find your parents, you won't starve for a long time." "Big brother." "Fifth brother! If you say more, I'll get angry!" Zheng Shanhán interrupted him. "I understand, big brother." Xiao Mo nodded, deeply touched. "I will repay this kindness." "Ha! What are you saying? We are brothers, who talks about repayment?" Zheng Shanhán patted Xiao Mo's shoulder earnestly. "Take care, fifth brother! Whatever happens, live on. As long as you live, there's hope. Once you're gone, nothing remains." Xiao Mo nodded, "I understand." "We'll meet again, I'm sure of it!" Zheng Shanhán embraced his brother tightly. "Take care, fifth brother." "Stay safe, fifth brother." "When we become immortal, we'll come find you!" With heavy hearts, the brothers bid farewell, embracing Xiao Mo several times. Finally, leaving most of the food with him, Zheng Shanhán and the others headed north, carrying only a small portion for themselves. Xiao Mo watched until their figures faded from view before returning his gaze. Although he won't experience a hundred different lives, he gained four brothers who once shared both life and death. That's a good trade. In the days that followed, Xiao Mo lived alone in the village, surviving on wild vegetables and the grains left by his brothers, waiting for a certain young girl's arrival. Yet, four days passed without a shadow appearing in the abandoned village. Xiao Mo began to question what the book meant by "a short time." Could it possibly mean years? On the fifth day, as Xiao Mo restlessly awaited, a movement outside startled him awake. Someone was in the courtyard!