From Family Fisherman to Water Virtue True Immortal

Li Quanqing gazed at the high-walled courtyard, where the sound of books being read aloud floated out, revealing the innocence of the children.

He stood for a while, listening attentively. The lessons taught varied widely, not only covering reading and writing but also history, geography, and some basics of the Cultivation World.

It wasn't until a bell sounded, and the sun started to descend, accompanied by the joyful shouts of children, that today's private school session finally ended.

"Wow, Gouzi, look at that huge deer resembling yellow jade, it's so big!"

"What deer? You're ignorant, that's a Qilin Beast, the mount of an Immortal!"

A group of older children emerged noisily from the courtyard, quite a number of them chattering excitedly, full of energy.

They circled around the Jade Qilin Beast, watching from a distance, not daring to approach, fearing the aura of demon energy.

The younger ones were more innocent, whispering among themselves, unable to stop staring in this direction, their eyes sparkling with wonder.

The older ones, already understanding the concept of hierarchy, bowed clumsily yet respectfully while sneaking glances at Li Quanqing.

Perhaps they still fantasized about being chosen by this young Immortal Master, to become a disciple, and thus rise to prominence, feasting on meat and wine, living a carefree cultivation life.

"In the presence of an Immortal, do not be rude!"

"Disperse, disperse, or I'll tell your parents, and they'll whip your butts till they bloom, unable to sit for three days!"

Such a commotion naturally caught the attention of a few teachers inside the private school.

An elder teacher walked out, appearing to be in his forties, with an ancient jade at his waist. His robe was slightly worn but extremely clean.

He had a square face, wise eyes, long mustaches, and his hair was slightly graying, exuding a scholarly aura, bowing humbly yet not subserviently.

Of course, in terms of age, Li Quanqing could easily be the grandfather of his grandfather.

"The Immortal Master has traveled far, and you must be weary. Why not let us offer you a cup of fragrant tea to ease your fatigue?"

This middle-aged teacher seemed to have been in close contact with Cultivators before, being quite knowledgeable and fearless of the demon's presence, approached with respect.

He saw the dignified and extraordinary Jade Qilin Beast and the ethereal demeanor of the Daoist before him, clearly not an ordinary Qi Refining Immortal Master.

He must be a Foundation Establishment Great Power level figure, hence his increasingly respectful demeanor.

"As I traveled, the mortals I saw showed no fear. Are you not afraid that I could be a Demon Cultivator, taking your flesh and blood to refine a Demon Artifact?"

Li Quanqing descended from the Jade Qilin Beast, quite curious in his heart.

The mortals under the rule of the Eternal Immortal Dynasty were well-fed and clothed, full of vitality and energy, definitely the preferred targets for Qi Refinement Demon Cultivators.

"It is destiny, all things have their fate."

"If truly faced with a Demon Cultivator, slaughtering all with no remains, it would only mean our village's ill fortune, shrouded in dark clouds, our fate at its end."

Unexpectedly, a teacher from a mortal village could have such understanding, accepting fate with contentment.

"Of course, all beings cherish life. Though we are as insignificant as mustard seeds, we will not just offer our necks to be slaughtered, and should unite together, at least to strive for a final chance of survival for the children."

The teacher shook the Jade Pendant at his waist, and in an instant, spiritual light erupted, array patterns interwove, transforming into an Ancient Array, enveloping and protecting the entire private school.

"Though the scope is narrow, it's considered a First Rank High Grade Array, capable of withstanding the latter stage of a Qi Refining Demon Cultivator until a Cultivator arrives for support..."

Li Quanqing saw through the façade with a glance, indeed the Immortal Dynasty had spared no expense, considering every aspect for these mortals.

The teacher retracted the Array, observing some clues of this Daoist's background: "The Immortal Master is presumably not a native of Central State; this area is near the sea, could it be that you hail from the East Sea Immortal World?"

Indeed, the effect of compulsory education was evident, even mortals of the Green Jade Li Family might not know the divisions of the Five Domains Immortal Cultivation World.

Li Quanqing did not deny it, simply saying: "Guide me around, as I am new here, and wish to understand this Central Divine Continent more thoroughly."

"The gentleman has asked, I dare not disobey."

"Though I have no Spirit Root and cannot cultivate immortality, I have lived in Qingshui County, 500 miles away, for over ten years, I hope not to disappoint the Immortal Master."

The man smiled slightly, his words carrying a hint of pride.

"The county system, huh, much like the mortal islands of the East Sea."

Li Quanqing caught onto this key point.

The difference lay in that the government and rulers of these counties were all Cultivators, navigating the mundane world to serve the entire Immortal City.

The two walked through the village, asking and answering, and got along quite harmoniously.

"I see these children from different backgrounds, some poor, some from gentry families, can all of them attend school here?"

Cooking smoke curled up from every household, merging into the evening glow, as the sun set and the warm aroma of food began to permeate the village.

"We teachers are all provided with grain and salary by the Immortal Dynasty, requiring no additional tuition, so villagers can all send their children here to learn to read and write."

Li Quanqing gently nodded and asked again: "How are Spirit Roots measured among mortals, and how do they embark on the path of cultivation immortality?"

"Every three years, on the second day of February, a High Envoy of the Immortal Dynasty descends to measure Spirit Roots. Those who pass are taken to the academy in Qingshui County to chant sutras and cultivate."

Li Quanqing looked towards the households in the village, seeing at least three or four children in each, eager to have one among them become a Cultivator.

Undoubtedly, the village midwives held quite a high status, comparable to these private school teachers.

As they walked and stopped, they reached the end of the village at the fields, where the sky had turned fully dark, the stars twinkling, and a silvery moon like a plate hung in the sky.

The evening breeze rustled through the wheat seedlings, green leaves swaying, while in the deep black night, the chirping of insects emerged in waves, occasionally accompanied by a frog's croak, a scene full of vitality.

Li Quanqing inhaled the earthy scent, long untasted, as he walked among the wheat fields, the moonlight illuminating his path, momentarily losing himself.

"One last question, where is the direction to Qingshui County, I want to meet a true cultivator of the Immortal Dynasty."

Li Quanqing regained his senses and made his final inquiry.

He had traversed the entire East Sea to reach the Central Continent, and unsurprisingly, had become slightly lost upon arriving onshore.

But as long as he saw a cultivator of the Longevity Dao, he could contact Zhao Qian and have him come to fetch him.

The teacher hesitated slightly at this: "I dare not conceal, Immortal Master, if you intend to conduct maritime trade and acquire Spirit Stones, the government of Qingshui County might not be the best choice. The nearby cultivation families are more experienced."

"For instance, the Mo Family of Green Willow 200 miles southwest, or the Chu Family of Idle Cloud 360 miles southeast, both are renowned Foundation Establishment Clans, each with their specialties, and perhaps they can meet your requirements."

Li Quanqing, hearing this, was amused, realizing the other had misunderstood his intentions.