Painting of the Nine Immortals
chapter-761

It was night time. The setting Sun was spreading down soft red light that was incomparably beautiful.

On top of a mile tall mountain, Ling Xian's brows were tightly fused together and was looking extremely sorrowful.

Because as he began his journey towards the location of the treasure, he heard terrible news.

The hidden fortune from the ancient times had revealed itself and was discovered by a young descendant. Then, within 30 minutes, the news traveled all over the Shang Qing Sect.

In other words, Ling Xian was one step behind.

By now, intense protection had been set around the ancient fortune. In other words, even a fly cannot reach it right now, let alone a human.

This means his entire plan has been jumbled. Originally, he planned on being at the location and sneak the fortune away the moment the ruins reveal itself.

But now, his plan no longer worked. Other than fighting against the Shang Qing Sect head on and get the fortune with force, there was no other way.

Of course, he could choose to give up. But, how could he give up now?

"Aye, is this God's orders?"

Ling Xian stood on top of the mountain peak and sighed as he bathed in the soft red light.

The ruin has reappeared and the upper management of the Shang Qing Sect has locked it down. This means if he doesn't give up, he will have to declare war. There was no other way.

And declaring war means death.

Yes, though the array of the Shang Qing Sect owes him a favor and will try to help him; though Hong Yan Jun Zhu and the demon were both strong; these powers, when compared to the Shang Qing Sect, were without a doubt, tiny.

If, say, Ling Xian attempts to escape after acquiring the fortune, then he may have some chances of surviving. But if he declare war head on, other than dying, there was no other possibility.

What could he do? The Shang Qing Sect was far too capable. Even if he had two fifth level powerhouses, he had no way of winning. Plus, the Shang Qing Sect's array may not even help him.

After all, The array was the protector of the Shang Qing Sect. Though it owed Ling Xian greatly, it may not be able to help him with this.

In other words, this was the worst possible outcome. This entire situation unfavored him greatly!

"I cannot believe I am one step too late. Great. Now I have no path to take."

Ling Xian sighed a long sigh. Though he hasn't done anything to exhaust himself, fatigue was written all over his face.

"That fortune concerns the future. I cannot give up. But now that the ruin has reappeared, even if I take the largest risk, I may not be able to stealthily steal it."

Bitterly laughing, Ling Xian's expression deepened with worry. He truly did not expect the situation to unfold in such a manner.

The sudden appearance of the ruin not only disrupted his entire plan, it had threatened him to the edge of the cliff.

If he steps forward one step, he will fall into abyss. If steps backward one step, then he gets to enjoy the limitless of the sky.

It may appear that the right option is crystal clear and that even an idiot would choose to step backward one step. But if you step back and the sky turns completely black, then would you still choose to do that?

Perhaps others would. But Ling Xian wouldn't.

No matter how difficult it is to walk on the path to greatness, he will not retreat!

"I can't turn back. This concerns the future and concerns whether or not I can reach the peak."

Ling Xian's expression turned serious. "However, I cannot just face on go against the Shang Qing Sect. Because that would kill me. I just don't know how to approach this anymore."

He sighed again, his brows tightened even more.

To know that one would die and still run up there isn't courage, and it isn't stubbornness, it's utter stupidity. This was why he wasn't going to fight the Shang Qing Sect head on. At least not now.

"What a headache. I cannot think of a solution."

Bitterly laughing, Ling Xian realized he doesn't even have the slightest idea of what to do next. This overwhelmed him and he mumbled, "Is it possible that I have to give up the fortune?"

After he spoke, he exclaimed deeply and his face was full of bitterness.

If he really has no way, then he will have to retreat for now. If he fight head on right now, he will lose his life in the Shang Qing Sect.

"Based on the current situation. I will have to act when the opportunity presents itself."

Ling Xian softly sighed. It wasn't that he hasn't thought of his connection with Yu Wu Xiu, it was that he rejected that idea pretty fast.

It would be useless. Yu Wu Xiu's status isn't that high. Though the Supreme Headmaster and them are respectable towards her, they would only let her win on the small things. For something as large as ancient ruins… there was no way she had a say.

This was why Ling Xian was reacting so helplessly. He was pretty much desperate.

Because all the ways he could think of were a no go. In other words, other than giving up, there was no other path for him.

"I really don't want this to go this way. For that fortune, I gave up my real name and entered the Shang Qing Sect. I cannot believe it was all for nothing."

Ling Xian sighed a long sigh, his face was full of fatigue.

It was rare for him to react this way. Therefore, it was obvious that he was truly out of options.

"Maybe such is my fate. The situation cannot get worse. Other than giving up, I really have no other options."

Ling Xian looked extremely tired as he stood up on the top the mountain peak like a statue.

Only after a while, did he recollect himself. But his pair of black eyes had lost their usual color.

"Oh well, maybe I should observe for a while. If I truly cannot find a way, then I will have to give up." Ling Xian softly sighed. Then, he summoned his wings and flew towards the Mission Hall.

Since that fortune cannot be retrieved right now, then he must focus on his other goal.

Therefore, he decided to take his time observing the ancient ruins while doing some missions to earn contribution points.

After some time, he arrived at the Mission Hall. But the moment he marched in, he was greeted with everyone's howl.

What could he do? He was far too popular.

A multi-talented master in both arrays and crafts… a Heaven's Favorite who won the victory title under all four paths… all of his achievements were deeply remembered by everyone. Especially since the achiever of the two were the same person, the impact he has on people was powerful.

This was why when someone pointed out Ling Xian, the entire hall erupted.

All gazes were now on him. There was shock, admiration, and respect.

But Ling Xian was not in the mood to pay attention to them. He walked straight up to the second floor and entered a room.

Then, he began a new round of finishing missions in a crazy manner. Everyone inside the hall began a new round of being astounded.

However, there was only one thing inside Ling Xian's brain – how can he get that fortune?

Just like that, one day passed by, two days passed by, then 10 days passed by… he still had no clue.

This darkened his gaze and several strands of grey hair showed up on his head.

To know that there was no physical change to him when he was stripped away of 50 years of lifespan, yet now, he was so troubled his hair turned grey. What did this indicate?

It meant he was hopeless! He was helpless!

"Could it be that I really have no way out of this?"

Ling Xian's face turned pale and tired. His eyes lost their color and his entire being reacted as if he had fallen into a deep abyss with no trace of light in sight.