Chapter 13: The Choice of the Immortal Path

Clutching the jade slip bestowed by the Gray Mouse Immortal, Yun felt its spiritual energy course through his meridians like living water, enlightening him in unprecedented ways. As night descended, the endless sands whispered ancient secrets, yet Yun remained unusually composed. He understood this journey wasn't just about finding the Gray Mouse Immortal—it was a test of faith and choice.

Amidst the silence, echoes of Lord Liu Bai Zhuang's words reverberated in Yun's mind—reminders and expectations of a senior to his junior. Drawing a deep breath, Yun's gaze mirrored the stars above, silently vowing to stay true to his heart, no matter how arduous the path of Immortal Cultivation.

Just as Yun prepared to move forward, a sinister surge of spiritual energy shattered the desert's tranquility. Alert, Yun swiftly concealed the jade slip and blended into the shadows. Soon, a figure emerged—an enigmatic man cloaked in black robes exuding formidable power.

Stopping nearby, the black-robed figure's voice boomed low and commanding, "Young Immortal Cultivator, the jade slip you possess is a sacred relic of my clan. Surrender it, and you may leave this land unharmed."

Yun's heart raced; he hadn't anticipated encountering an enemy of the Gray Mouse Immortal Clan here. Clenching his fists, he weighed his options. The black-robed man's arrival was undoubtedly a trap, but his motives remained unclear. Yun couldn't simply relinquish the jade slip.

Stepping forth with resolve, Yun faced the black-robed figure squarely, "The jade slip was bestowed by the Gray Mouse Immortal. It guides me on the Immortal Path, and I won't yield it easily."

The black-robed man sneered, his aura intensifying as grains of sand spiraled around him, forming a mini-sandstorm. With a glint of menace in his eyes, he warned, "Since you refuse, don't blame me for what comes next."

Yun braced for battle, his immortal power surging and forming a protective barrier. Unfazed, he met the black-robed man's assault head-on.

The skirmish erupted—the sandstorm a ferocious beast charging at Yun. Swiftly evading, Yun retaliated with a spiritual strike aimed at the black-robed man's vitals.

In the ensuing clash, Yun relied on his cunning and valor, engaging in a battle of wits and strength. After a grueling struggle, he identified his opponent's weakness and dealt a decisive blow.

As the defeated figure retreated, he left behind cryptic words, "Yun, your choices shape your destiny, but the path to immortality isn't the only one."

Contemplating these words, Yun realized his decisions impacted not just his fate but also the Immortal Cultivation World's future. Drawing a deep breath, he resolved to continue his journey, steadfast in his belief that the true Immortal Path brimmed with light and hope.