Chapter 4654: Hopeful Ever since Seventeen had departed with the three children, a sense of unease had lingered among his former comrades. Some had even begun to fear the worst, imagining the dangers he might face protecting three young kids in an unknown and potentially hostile environment. The news of Seventeen’s survival, let alone his ascension to immortality, filled them with a potent mixture of astonishment and envy. Seventeen regarded them with a knowing look. “The immortal world,” he explained, “is not the idyllic paradise you might imagine. In many ways, it is even more perilous than the mortal realm. With my current abilities, I would be utterly defenseless against many true immortals. You must understand, immortals often don’t even need to lift a finger to kill. Their very aura can crush a person. Furthermore, the beasts there have awakened their spiritual intelligence, making them formidable opponents with astonishing fighting prowess…” That night, under the soft glow of the courtyard lanterns, Seventeen painted a vivid picture of the immortal world for his former brothers, recounting both its breathtaking wonders and its stark cruelties. His tales left them awestruck and envious of the possibilities, yet also deeply shocked by the inherent dangers. They had naively imagined a realm of pure bliss, only to learn that even in immortality, strife and slaughter were inescapable realities. However, even with this newfound understanding of the darkness that existed alongside the light, their yearning for that realm persisted. The allure of a lifespan twice that of ordinary mortals, the chance to witness unimaginable sights and experiences, far outweighed the knowledge of potential hardship. Despite the cruelty, a deep regret gnawed at them for not having been blessed with such divine fortune. Early the following morning, Feng Jiu began Pan Hong’s treatment. With precise movements, she inserted slender silver needles into his legs, channeling spirit energy to stimulate blood circulation and clear the meridians. She then instructed the family to prepare a medicinal bath for him. As she returned to the courtyard, she observed Pan’s father overseeing the arrival of the gifts sent by the Emperor in the early hours. “Madam, these are gifts from the Emperor,” Pan’s father announced, gesturing to his men as they carefully placed the various items on a table in Feng Jiu’s courtyard. “They are nothing, of course, compared to the treasures you have undoubtedly seen, but they are offered as a small token of the Emperor’s goodwill.” Feng Jiu smiled dismissively. “You may keep them. These things are of no practical use to us.” Understanding her words, Pan Ning instructed his men to have the items moved to the main courtyard. They recognized that what they considered valuable treasures were likely insignificant trinkets to beings of Feng Jiu’s stature. Feng Jiu strolled leisurely out of the courtyard and settled onto a nearby seat, her gaze softening as she watched the children playing. With a gentle wave of her hand, she beckoned Pan’s father and Pan Ning to join her at the table. “Pan Hong’s leg will only require three days of silver needle acupuncture,” she explained. “For the remaining time, regular soaking in the medicinal bath will facilitate a gradual recovery. Once he can stand and walk, ensure he practices every morning. Gentle exercise will accelerate his healing process.” Pan’s father and Pan Ning listened intently, replying in unison, “Understood, we will remember that.” Suddenly, Boqing came running towards them, his small hand tugging at Pan Ning’s sleeve. “Father! Grandfather! I want to cultivate immortality like Yue’er and Muchen!” he exclaimed. “I want to be as strong as them. Father, not only can’t I beat Muchen, I can’t even touch Yue’er’s clothes!” He had come to terms with his inability to defeat Muchen, but the fact that he couldn’t even graze Yue’er’s garments was a source of considerable frustration. “Don’t be silly!” Pan Ning chided him gently. “I’m not being silly! I just want to cultivate immortality!” Boqing stubbornly refused to back down, undeterred by his father’s mild scolding. Instead, he turned to his grandfather, tugging at his sleeve. “Grandfather, I want to cultivate immortality! I want to become very powerful!” “Don’t be silly, child,” Pan’s father said, patting his grandson’s hand in an attempt to calm him. Seeing that his grandfather wasn’t yielding, Boqing’s eyes darted towards his aunt, who possessed an ethereal beauty. He approached her, tilting his head slightly to look up at her – even so, she was still taller. He gazed at her with hopeful eyes. “Aunt Feng, can I cultivate immortality too? Can I become as powerful as Muchen and Yue’er?”