Longevity: Starting from Refining Gu-Chapter 160 - 116 Great Witch_2

"He heard that I was going to reach Foundation Establishment, so he should be returning soon."

Chen Qing felt a jolt in his heart; was the Great Witch really coming back?

"What realm is your father in?"

Xuanping didn’t hide it. "Qi Refinement is the First Realm, Foundation Establishment is the Second Realm, Ghost Mask is the Third Realm, and my father is in the Fourth Realm, Mystic Gate."

It was the first time Chen Qing heard the names of the Third and Fourth Realms. "Fourth Realm?"

He had originally thought that the Great Witch was only in the Third Realm. To his surprise, he was actually in the Fourth Realm.

The gap between Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment had already made him acutely aware of the vast differences between realms.

In the Fourth Realm, he had no resistance at all, but fortunately, he was outwardly aligned with Xuanping.

Just a day after returning to Iron Flow Valley, Chen Qing received news from Xuanping that the Great Witch had returned.

The entire Cold Mountain City, the whole Xuan Bird tribe, plunged into jubilation.

After thirty years, the Great Witch returned to his fief.

The busiest person, however, was neither Xuan Mang nor Xuanping, but Xuanping’s mother.

Yuan Yi.

Once the Great Witch returned, Yuan Yi would be the highest status person in Cold Mountain City.

Chen Qing soon received the news, accompanying Xuanping to Cold Mountain City to welcome the Great Witch.

Since the Great Witch hadn’t arrived yet, Chen Qing took the opportunity to enter the city and buy materials to advance the Great River Gu. Then, he followed Xuanping to the city wall.

After paying respects to Xuanping’s mother, Chen Qing stood behind Xuanping, waiting for the arrival of the Great Witch.

Cold Mountain City was enveloped in a festive atmosphere more intense than any New Year’s celebrations. On both sides of the streets, shopkeepers set out long tables filled with fine wines and dishes, offered freely for all to enjoy.

Every household was decorated with lanterns and streamers. Wooden channels were even constructed in the streets, flowing with Spiritual Ginseng Wine, with cups floating on top for anyone to drink from.

Standing at the very front was Yuan Yi. Although she was over forty, she was well-maintained and looked just about thirty, standing beside Xuanping, resembling sisters more than mother and daughter.

Yuan Yi had initially been sent to serve the Great Witch because of her beauty, and for some unknown reason, the Great Witch allowed her to become pregnant.

Since then, the Yuan Family went from being the weakest among the nine tribes of Xuan Bird to becoming the strongest.

After giving birth to Xuanping, she returned to the Xuanping Clan and no longer meddled in worldly affairs.

She was an extremely wise woman, knowing what she should and shouldn’t do.

Behind Yuan Yi stood Xuan Mang and Xuanping.

Further back were the leaders of the other nine tribes, with Yuan Tianfang standing beside Chen Qing, saying, "Brother Qingxu, fear not, the Great Witch is a good person."

"Very amiable. Though I’ve only met him once, I was captivated by his demeanor."

Chen Qing thought to himself, "You don’t know the situation, so don’t speak nonsense. I’m secretly plotting to take over his family business!"

From morning until evening, everyone continued to wait respectfully before the city gate. What surprised Chen Qing the most was that, under the scorching sun, the mortal woman Yuan Yi stood as steady as a mountain, showing not the slightest sign of weakness.

He couldn’t help but silently praise her.

On a distant mountain peak, an elder dressed in black cloth put down his wine bowl and asked, "Dalang, how long have they been waiting?"

This elder appeared to be just over fifty years old, but his aura was extremely imposing. His eagle-like eyes seemed capable of seeing through all things.

Despite his graying hair, he exuded a remarkable air, looking from afar not like a person, but like a sleeping tiger.

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By his side stood a middle-aged man bearing a strong resemblance to him, dressed like a scholar, who bowed to the elder and said, "Father, they’ve been waiting an entire day."

The Great Witch grinned and said, "Let them wait a bit longer. We’ll enter the city tonight."

"Dalang, did you read Ping’er’s letter?"

Xuan Cuo stepped forward and said, "I’ve read it and burned it."

The Great Witch asked, "What do you think of this fellow?"

Xuan Cuo replied, "Qi Refining Ninth Layer, he carried Ping’er eight thousand miles south without letting her suffer a scratch!"

"But with a mere Qi Refining Ninth Layer, he commands twenty-one skilled warriors of Hu Kui’s strength. His influence is established."

"He is loyal and righteous, true to his word, possesses extraordinary strength, and has astonishing potential. He could join our family."

The Great Witch shook his head and said, "Chasing Light, you are still underestimating the Jiguang Sect. To have thirteen Qi Refining Realm masters, perfectly honed, submit. He is likely the most powerful of the thirteen in the Jiguang Sect today."

"His strength greatly exceeds your estimates."

"He may even rival the Immortal Court Divine Son."

Xuan Cuo was slightly startled, his eyes narrowing. "Father, aren’t we risking our necks here?"

The Great Witch dismissed his concern, saying, "I took Zhang Taia’s head myself. Young people handle things too sloppily."

"Cuo’er, remember, cultivation is a risky business."

"Only by cutting a bloody path can one obtain the qualifications, wealth, and support needed for further cultivation."

"I’ve lived over two hundred years, and the life and death I’ve witnessed are beyond counting."

"When you reach my age, you’ll understand."

"For now, you needn’t worry about that. Wake me after dark."

Late at night, Cold Mountain City was still brightly lit.

At last, everyone heard the sound of hooves approaching. At the forefront was the Great Witch on horseback, followed by eighteen Foundation Establishment cultivators.

As the Great Witch arrived, the entire city erupted in cheers, with drums and gongs sounding, and music starting to play.

Chen Qing mingled with the crowd, bowing and paying respects along with everyone else.

The Great Witch entered the city and dismounted.