Watching the Mountain

Xu Ran had always preferred to keep a low profile. Even after making many contributions, he always remained anonymous, maintaining his discretion.

He had considered that his venture into the Demon Race’s territory to save Jiang Ling’Er might cause a bit of a stir, but he never anticipated that this particular stir would be far greater than he had imagined.

The Demon Race had suddenly broken ties with the Human Race and launched a massive invasion of the Human Race New Domain. This was, without a doubt, a war.

Before mobilizing for war, it would be a great boon to have a figure connected to the conflict who could be used to boost morale.

His earlier act of saving his apprentice, through the explanations of the Profound Pure Sect and the young couple, Zhao Wuyang and Liu Yunge, was instantly transformed into the heroic feat of investigating and foiling the Demon Race’s plot.

According to the profile on Xu Ran provided by the Profound Pure Sect, he was a man of mediocre talent and aptitude, yet he possessed an unshakeable will to seek the Dao and an even greater enlightenment.

After the powerhouses of the Immortal Ancient World reviewed Xu Ran’s file, they immediately realized he was perfect.

This man was simply perfect for propaganda!

And so, it wasn’t long before a brand-new version of the story spread throughout the Cultivation Realm.

The story told of a man from a troubled background with mediocre aptitude who, by a stroke of luck, joined the Profound Pure Sect. Starting as a common Servant Disciple, he relied on his unwavering will to seek the Dao, advancing step by step until he reached the Purple Mansion Stage in his cultivation.

Just as a bright future lay before him, he stumbled upon the Demon Race’s conspiracy. As the Demon Race’s experts moved to encircle and trap his companions, he, without a moment’s hesitation, decisively activated the Vermilion Bird Array left behind by the late Master Vermilion Bird...

He was of humble birth and led a difficult life. During his time in the Chores Courtyard, he was ridiculed and oppressed by his peers. Yet, he never complained or held a grudge, always preserving the kindness in his heart.

After adopting Ning Xiyue, who would become Master Vermilion Bird, he passed his kindness on to her. It was this upbringing that led Master Vermilion Bird to make such a sacrifice in the prime of her life.

And now, he had made the same choice as Master Vermilion Bird...

It was his decisiveness that led to the early discovery of the Demon Race’s plot, forcing them to launch their plans before they were fully prepared. He single-handedly bought the Immortal Ancient Cultivation Realm a chance at survival...

How heroic!

*

*

*

When Xu Ran found out he had become famous, he pressed a hand to his forehead in exasperation. With a speechless look on his face, he said:

"Is this propaganda really about me?"

To be honest, when he first read the story, he was actually quite moved. He even marveled to himself, ’I can’t believe such an inspirational person exists in the world. Some of the deeds mentioned were truly tear-jerking.’

It was only when he saw Master Vermilion Bird Ning Xiyue mentioned in the story that he belatedly realized they were talking about him.

’So, aside from my name, was everything else a complete fabrication?’

Hearing Xu Ran’s comment, Yue Qingyu, who sat by his bedside, gave a soft chuckle and said:

"Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? At the very least, if you went out now and loudly proclaimed that you created the high-yield Spirit Rice and the Flying Immortal Stream, no one would believe you, even if you presented proof."

"Your story is now deeply ingrained in the public’s mind. Your life’s journey, from birth to the day you began to cultivate, is all well-documented. And because you used the Vermilion Bird Array, it makes perfect sense for you to ’exit the stage,’ so to speak."

"This way, you can simply take on a new identity and cultivate in peace without having to worry about anyone targeting you."

Lying paralyzed in bed, Xu Ran was taken aback for a moment. Then, a wistful smile touched his lips as he spoke:

"Sometimes I really think you understand me a little too well, Qingyu. You even knew I wanted to take on a new identity."

But to his surprise, Yue Qingyu just shook her head and said:

"It’s not that I knew you wanted a new identity. It’s that, given the current situation, I would strongly advise you to get one."

"Hmm?" Xu Ran grunted in surprise. "Why do you say that?" he asked, stunned. "Has some faction taken an interest in me?"

Yue Qingyu explained, "That’s not it. But do you remember that Exotic Fruit your apprentice gave you?"

At her words, Xu Ran remembered. Jiang Ling’Er had given him a fruit that looked incredibly strange and sinister.

The fruit was so peculiar that even he, a Spirit Plant Master, had never seen anything like it.

"From the sound of it, this Exotic Fruit is very valuable, isn’t it?"

Yue Qingyu nodded. "That Exotic Fruit is called the Sun-Devouring Demon Essence Fruit. It is a Sacred Object of the Dog Race. Only three of them come into being every ten thousand years."

Seeing the confusion in his eyes, she continued to explain, "For us Human Race Cultivators, the fruit’s only use is to extend one’s life. For someone like you, consuming it might extend your lifespan by five to eight hundred years, depending on how well you absorb it. If your body takes to it well, the effect could be even greater."

"For the Demon Race, however, it is a true Sacred Object."

"The Demon Race is different from the Human Race. Their cultivation path relies more on the power inherited through their bloodline. In the hands of a Demon Cultivator, the Sun-Devouring Demon Essence Fruit offers a chance to awaken their ancient ancestral lineage. Even if the awakening effect is minuscule, it can still significantly enhance the power of their bloodline."

"More importantly, the Sun-Devouring Demon Essence Fruit is effective even for the Demon Race’s Daoist Monarchs."

When she finished, she looked at Xu Ran calmly and said, "Fortunately, everyone who accompanied us this time is trustworthy. The news that you obtained a Sun-Devouring Demon Essence Fruit will hopefully not get out."