Immortal of the Ages

Time, time, time…! It was all too crucial yet always lacking!

"Those three old fools, to hell with them!" Yun Xiao couldn't find a moment's peace knowing those three were stirring trouble in his backyard.

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In the Primordial Ruins, within the East Annex of the Great Yuan Residence lay the ancestral estate of the ancient Yuan Family. Spanning over 100,000 acres, it was a place of countless Immortal courts and palaces, shining in gold, thriving in splendor.

The direct lineage of the Yuan Family numbered over 10,000, serving as pillars in the Primordial Ruins, holding heavenly duties across various institutions. Nearly half of them served in the Sky Source Ruins, their family's brilliance shining bright as true descendants of the Immortal realm.

And so, the Yuan Family always walked under envious gazes in the Primordial Ruins, their descendants followed by crowds whenever they hit the streets.

Yuan Wu, Yuan Fu, and Yuan Jian, the three brothers, were among the elite of their family. Yet, today, with Yuan Jian missing, Yuan Wu and his younger brother were not faring well either.

After Yun Xiao's Prison Warden Life Sigil bit into Yuan Fu's Life Sigil, leaving it shattered and crippled, their father, Yuan Zhantian, had to use numerous heavenly treasures just to keep the Life Sigil intact, safeguarding Yuan Fu's future.

However, Yuan Fu and Yuan Wu still wore grim expressions on their faces, the rage and wounds in their hearts inconsolable. Yun Xiao's escape could ruin everything, and for this, they had just been fiercely reprimanded by their father.

The atmosphere in the entire Yuan Family was tense, the clan's strong gathered in the Great Yuan Hall in silence.

Kneeling at the side, Yuan Wu and Yuan Fu bowed their heads, fists clenched, volcanic fury brewing within.

"It should be fine!" Yuan Zhantian, took a deep breath, trying to reassure his fellow clan members. "He's just an ordinary person from a small world, unfamiliar with our ways. His words will hold no weight; he can't disrupt the grand plans of our ancestors."

Despite his attempt at ease, the elders remained silent, each aware of the gravity of the situation.

"Don't fret," Yuan Zhantian continued, feigning a light tone, "Our family has served the Immortal beings for centuries, loyally unto death. Whatever happens, we will be protected... The ancestors' sacrifice in burning a world to forge an Ascension Pill was for the True Immortals, right?"

Yet, the vast Great Yuan Hall remained silent.

"I won't accept this!" Yuan Wu, with his golden eyes, suddenly stood up, unable to contain himself any longer.

"You won't accept what?" a middle-aged man with a black beard asked, sitting squarely in the center, eyeing him.

"I was the one who discovered the Nian and snagged the opportunity for us. For all we know, our great ancestor might've already concocted the Ascension Pill by now. It was my contribution! Why should I be kneeling here?" Yuan Wu ground out between clenched teeth.

"Hold your horses," the bearded man glanced at him, "If the ancestor succeeds, you'll get your due reward. But..."

"But what?" Yuan Wu pressed.

"If the ancestor's efforts tank because you two lost track of someone, expect a fitting punishment," the man with the beard laid it out.

"Fine! We'll see about that!" Yuan Wu shot back, his voice cold.

Clearly, he wasn't buying the idea that Yun Xiao could mess things up.

"Truth be told, even the seven ancestors didn't see that kid making a break for it. No need to come down hard on these brothers," someone else chimed in to bat for them.

"But say things go south, we won't get dragged into this, right? After all, the great ancestor is doing all this for the Three True Immortals, isn't he?"

"We should be in the clear. We're the direct line of the Sky Source Immortal, after all..."

Their discussion was cut short by a chilling proclamation from outside.

"An Immortal decree has arrived for the Yuan Family!" An elder, exuding an air of sage-like wisdom, entered the Great Yuan Hall flanked by a host of Primordial Guards.

"Ah, Brother Qin." Yuan Zhantian recognized an old drinking buddy and hurried forward to greet him.

"Kneel and receive the decree!" The elder's cold gaze swept over them.

"Is... is that Celestial Official Qin!"

Yuan Zhantian hesitated for a moment but ultimately knelt obediently. A chill ran through the hall as the high-ranking members of the family, their faces tinged with fear, all knelt down.

"It's alright."

Their hearts hammered in their chests, but they reassured those next to them.

Then, Celestial Official Qin unfurled a scroll! WHOOSH! Golden mist swirled from the scroll, and a golden figure soared up, bathing the entire hall in dazzling light.

"We greet the Sky Source Immortal!"

The entire Yuan Family was stunned, prostrating themselves. Was the Sky Source Immortal delivering the decree personally? In a corner, Yuan Wu and Yuan Fu were taken aback, their legs turning to jelly.

In that deathly quiet moment, a solemn voice from the golden figure echoed through the hall, declaring, "Today, Yuan Xianjun and six others from the Yuan Family trespassed into a mortal world, intending to burn it to refine the Nian, damning countless lives. The evidence is irrefutable, their crimes unforgivable. They have been executed on the spot."

The words struck like thunder, leaving many in the Yuan Family limp on the floor, stars dancing before their eyes.

For brothers Yuan Wu and Yuan Fu, it felt as if their souls were shattered by a sledgehammer!

"No, no, no..." Many couldn't accept this reality, their protests cut short as the golden figure spoke again, his divine presence quelling all dissent.

"These seven's misdeeds will shake the Primordial Ruins and earn the scorn of all. To serve as a warning, I decree severe punishment for the entire Yuan Family!"

"Effective immediately, all titles and celestial duties of the Yuan Family are revoked. The main line is demoted to commoners, the branches to celestial slaves. All wealth and resources are to be confiscated. The entire family is to vacate the Great Yuan Residence and kneel in the streets for three days of repentance!"

If the first announcement was a thunderclap, this was an obliteration.

The minds of thousands in the Yuan Family were blown.

"No! This can't be happening!"

"We've served the Sky Source Immortal for generations, our merits are countless..."

"I've lost my celestial duties, to be demoted to a commoner? No! No!"

Wails and sobs filled the hall.

For a noble and glorious Immortal family, this punishment was akin to being cast into the deepest hells, subjected to the scorn and ridicule of all. A fate worse than death.

"Brother, did I hear that right...?" Yuan Fu, in panic, clutched at the hand of his golden-eyed brother.

"Get away! Get away!" Yuan Wu, eyes red with fury, collapsed, hysterical.

The whole family was in tears.

"Celestial Official Qin!" Yuan Zhantian, in desperation, crawled and stumbled to his friend, clutching at his robes, "It wasn't like this, our ancestors did it for the True Immortals, please..."

With a kick, Celestial Official Qin sent Yuan Zhantian flying, his plea brutally rejected.

"Brother, you!" Yuan Zhantian's face was smeared with blood, utterly dazed by the turn of events.

Celestial Official Qin, brushing off the sleeve Yuan Zhantian had grabbed, didn't utter a single word and just turned to leave.

"It's over..." The wails of despair from thousands echoed, as they collapsed in defeat.

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With a thunderous sound, the lotus platform descended near the entrance of the Primordial Academy, then vanished.

Dean Yu, Yun Xiao, and Lian Xi alighted onto the deserted ground, each lost in their own thoughts. Yun Xiao, particularly preoccupied with the Mortal Dust Devil Seed, was notably quiet.

Dean Yu glanced back at them and suddenly said, "Lian Xi, give us a moment, will you?"

"Uh?" Taken aback, Lian Xi flashed Yun Xiao a look that said speak wisely

She then stepped aside, her back to them, ears perked up to eavesdrop.

Dean Yu and Yun Xiao stood a mere foot apart, locking eyes. Her gaze was sharp, like a sword unsheathed, challenging Yun Xiao, who, contrary to expectations, neither retreated nor bristled.

His calm demeanor, meeting her gaze as if peering into a whirlpool, neither confrontational nor submissive, took her by surprise.

She slightly parted her lips, remarking, "No wonder you've caught Lian Xi's fancy. Besides your striking appearance, there's something peculiar about you."

"Is the Dean suggesting I face reality and keep my distance from Lian Xi?" Yun Xiao asked.

Dean Yu chuckled lightly, "That would be too cliched and dull."

"Indeed," Yun Xiao smiled.

"I trust Lian Xi's judgment. Anyone who wins her heart, even from a mundane world, must possess some intrigue. However..." She paused, hinting at deeper meanings.

Yun Xiao stayed silent, listening.

Dean Yu glanced at Lian Xi and then back at Yun Xiao, her words heavy with implication, "The Primordial Ruins are a vortex of sin, and Lian Xi is at its eye. Being close to the eye of a storm is perilous; with every moment by her side, your path to doom widens!"

"So, what's it gonna be?" Yun Xiao asked, his eyes swirling with determination like swords clashing in the clouds.

"Are you brave enough?" The corners of Dean Yu's lips curved up ever so slightly.

"For the favor of a fair lady, I'd welcome death with open arms," Yun Xiao declared. He wasn't talking about bravery, but willingness. And to him, willingness meant no regrets.

As expected, those words turned the eavesdropping maiden's eyes red again.

"Hmm?" Dean Yu's expression turned peculiar, giving Yun Xiao a sideways glance, "You don't seem all that innocent. Could it be you're a seasoned player in the game of love?"

"Cough, cough." Yun Xiao coughed awkwardly.

"Master, that's enough," Lian Xi turned around and pouted.

Dean Yu sighed, looking at her helplessly.

"To be young, how I envy that. In all the Primordial Ruins, I might be the only one who'd approve of your love," she mused. Yun Xiao knew she meant Lian Xi was too precious, and he, too ordinary and unknown.

But that didn't faze him.

"In a couple of days, the Primordial Academy will be recruiting. That's your chance to stay by Lian Xi's side," Dean Yu informed him.

"Can't you just arrange for me to be a top disciple?" Yun Xiao inquired honestly. That's how he had done things in the Sword Ruins!

"If I show you special treatment, it'd only make others look down on you... You have to prove yourself worthy of Lian Xi," Dean Yu advised earnestly.

"No worries, shower me with all the special treatment you've got. I'm not afraid of being looked down upon," Yun Xiao retorted.

Dean Yu was taken aback. What kind of man was this?

"Lian Xi, hold on to your brother," she urged, trying to prevent any further loss of dignity.

"Master, you can leave now," Lian Xi nudged Yun Xiao behind her.

"Hmm..." Dean Yu gave Yun Xiao one last look, then said, "I wish you both the best," before disappearing.

"There goes my chance to skyrocket to the heavens," Yun Xiao sighed, a tinge of regret in his voice. The Primordial Ruins were indeed different from the Nine Hells.

His gaze turned fervently to Lian Xi. If the big fish was out of reach, perhaps the smaller one might still be in play...

JustLivingJL's Thoughts

"Hmm?" Dean Yu's expression turned peculiar, giving Yun Xiao a sideways glance, "You don't seem all that innocent. Could it be you're a seasoned player in the game of love?"