Painting of the Nine Immortals
chapter-433

The giant Sun sprayed down endless amount of light rays that reflected off the grey palace.

Before the Ling Palace, two stone lions sat before the door, their eyes appeared angry and their demeanor was violent.

Ever since Ling Xian killed the two foundational levelled cultivators, the Ling Clan ruled the City of Qing and became the ruler of all. However, these years, the Ling did not behave irrationally and dominatingly like others had predicted. On the contrary, they had been very low-key, as if they weren't the ruler of the City of Qing.

However, everyone here knew that the Ling Clan was made strong by one person. The glorious and limitless Heaven's Favorite was a powerhouse that nobody could take advantage of. It was because of this, was the Ling Clan able to live the past few years in peace and tranquility.

This became obvious from the Palace itself. Normally, before the gate of a controlling force like the Ling Clan, there should be an endless number of visiting cultivators. However, this was not the case here. The entrance to the Ling Clan was completely empty. There wasn't even a guard.

However, at this moment, a pair of a heavenly matched couple.

Of course, this was purely based on appearance. In reality, they weren't exactly enemies, but they didn't enjoy each other's company.

They were Ling Xian and Luo Xin Jie.

"Ling Clan… I am finally back."

Reading the two golden characters hanging above the door, Ling Xian's face was full of nostalgia. After a moment of silence, he exclaimed and knocked on the door loudly.

Dong, dong, dong…

After three knocks, the entrance gate became ajar. A grey haired elderly snuck out his head and asked, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Ling Xian."

Ling Xian had a faint smile on. That, matched with his tussling white robe made him appear extremely graceful and imposing.

"Ling… Ling Xian?"

The old man trembled and lifted his head slowly. He stared at the handsome young man and asked without any certainty, "Which… which Ling Xian?"

"Is there a second Ling Xian at the Ling Clan?" The corner of Ling Xina's lips curled up and a warm smile blossomed onto his face. He acted like a proper and studious man, who was gentle like jade.

"My god, am I dreaming!"

The old man was shaking from excitement. His old eyes were no longer dark and murky. Instead, they were exploding with light as he quivered, "You… you are really Young Master Ling?"

"Of course." Ling Xian grinned, "Elderly, there is no need to ask me more questions. I am the Ling Xian you are thinking of."

The elderly was astonished as he stared down at Ling Xian. After he remembered the silhouette he saw eight years ago, his quivering intensified. He mumbled, "God has sharp eyes, God has sharp eyes, I cannot believe I would be able to see Young Master Ling again in my life time."

"Is that really necessary…"

The elderly's excited ways made Ling Xian smile helplessly. He didn't expect his appearance to cause such a reaction.

He has forgotten the fact that to the entire Ling Xian, not only is he their savior, he is also the biggest achievement of the Ling Clan!

Everyone single Ling descendant looked up to him like he was the idol. Even though old men who were close to falling to their graves talked about Ling Xian proudly. This was all because he was multi-talented and had done great feats for the Ling Xian. It was also because in the past few centuries, he had been the only young Heaven's Favorite to walk out of the Ling Clan onto a bigger arena!

This was why the elderly reacted so intensely after identifying Ling Xian.

After a long while, the elderly finally snapped back to reality. However, there was still tears in his eyes. It wasn't hard to realize the high regard he viewed Ling Xian. His appearance alone made him cry from joy, how unbelievable was this?

"Haha, perfect. Finally, Young Master Ling, you have returned."

The elderly laughed out loud and his normally crouched back straightened somehow. It was as if Ling Xian was the spiritual Dan that granted him youth.

"Yes, I am back."

Ling Xian smiled warmly, his heart felt warm. Even though he didn't know this old man, his reaction made Ling Xian realize that not only did the Ling Clan remember him, his name was imprinted on his heart. How could he not feel warm?

"As long as you are back, as long as you are back…"

The elderly was ecstatic as he repetitively mumbled to himself. When he finally realized Ling Xian was still standing outside, he panicked and jittered, "I should die! I let Young Master Ling stand outside for so long. Old people are truly useless, dammit!"

"It's not a big deal. There's no need to blame yourself." Ling Xian smiled and waved his hand to calm down the elderly.

"Young Master Ling, you are generous like before." The elderly sighed in relief. It wasn't that he was afraid Ling Xian would blame him, it was because he felt guilty for overseeing such a simple etiquette.

After hearing what Ling Xian had said, the elderly calmed down and came to the door, "Hurry, Young Master Ling, come in."

"Okay." Ling Xian smiled and marched into the palace.

Once they entered, the elderly used all his strength to shout into the air, "Young Master Ling has returned!"

"Young Master Ling has returned!"

Though the elderly appeared thin and old, he was of the fifth level of Qi. By shouting using all his strength, his voice carried like thunder that echoed throughout the Ling Clan.

In that instant, everyone in the Ling Clan heard this statement and fell into awe.

Which Young Master Ling?

Could it be…. Young Master Ling Xian?

Everyone was overwhelmed as they thought of the only person who deserved the title "Young Master" and their faces became overjoyed. They all dropped what they were doing and aimed to the entrance.

"Elder, there is no need to startle everyone."

Ling Xian grinned sourly. His original intention was to meet up with a few of his close friends rather than startling the whole Clan. He didn't think that the moment he walked in, the elder would pass this news around. Now everyone had heard of his return. He had no way to remain low key now.

"That won't do. You returning is an important matter. Young Master Ling, you do not know, the entire Ling Clan treats you like a hero. Everyone dreams of meeting you." The elderly chuckled.

"Oh well, I guess they would find out sooner or later." Ling Xian shook his head. Thinking that his return cannot be hidden from others no matter what, he stopped caring.

Just then, shadows began to converge from all over the city. In the blink of an eye, they all came before Ling Xian.

Everyone carried with them excitement and joy. As they stared at the man in white, their eyes were full of respect, fondness, and idolization.

It was as if the person standing before them was not a person, but a hero from legends.

It was true, to the Ling Clan, Ling Xian was a hero. He jumped out when the Ling Clan was in the danger and not only did he save them, he made the Clan glorious!

If this isn't heroism, what is?

...