Gift-givers and matchmakers came in an endless stream. The looks people cast at Ian Quinn were full of envy, with a faint hint of awe. The once-arrogant noble lords now showed nothing but humility and flattery when facing Ian Quinn.

Today was the day the immortal envoy would come to escort Ian Quinn. Early in the morning, countless onlookers flooded into the The Quinn Family.

A true immortal who could fly through the skies and burrow through the earth—who had ever seen such a thing before?

Although they themselves had no fate with the path of immortality, just catching a glimpse of a true immortal might add a hundred years to their lifespan. At the very least, it would give them an enviable story to boast about to friends and relatives for a lifetime.

No wonder the two shabby little rooms of the The Quinn Family were now bustling with visitors.

Ian Quinn had become the center of attention. Even his brother and sister-in-law were exhausted from dealing with the enthusiastic crowd. Remembering the hardships of the past, the scornful looks from neighbors, the fickleness of the world, and the warmth and coldness of human relationships, the young boy remained calm, with a trace of world-weariness in his eyes that did not match his age.

Only he knew what he had sacrificed for this day. In ancient times, scholars would hang their heads from beams, prick their thighs with awls, or bore holes in walls to borrow light, all for the sake of passing the imperial exams. But compared to what he had endured, what was that?

Enduring the pain of a thousand ants biting his body, braving bone-chilling winds, meditating in endless seas of fire, pouring out countless efforts, gritting his teeth through endless suffering—only then did he finally reach this long-awaited moment.

Everyone envied and admired him, but who knew what he had paid behind the scenes?

Boom!

Suddenly, a commotion rippled through the crowd. Someone shouted, “The City Lord and Mr. Wade have come in person!”

A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Everyone’s expressions grew more complex, and the looks they gave the young man surnamed Qin became even more reverent. The City Lord’s status went without saying, and the The Wade Family was the most powerful family in the city. In the past, the third son of Mr. Wade had been a top scholar, greatly favored by the Emperor of Wu, and now served as the Left Assistant Minister of Personnel.

With even these two great figures coming to offer congratulations, it was clear just how extraordinary it was for Ian Quinn to be accepted as a disciple by the Falling Snow Sect!

The Mr. and Mrs. Quinn were also taken aback and quickly pulled their younger brother along. “Come, let’s go greet the City Lord and Mr. Wade.”

Everyone else turned their heads as well. For a moment, all eyes were on the young man in green. Yet his expression remained calm and unruffled, his face showing a maturity and composure rare for someone his age. Without arrogance or servility, he followed his brother and sister-in-law out to greet the guests.

Before they could even finish their bows, a hearty laugh rang out: “Since ancient times, heroes have emerged from the young. Nephew, there’s no need to be so formal. Your acceptance by the immortal sect brings great honor to our city. As you journey to the immortal mountains, it will be like a dragon entering the sea—one day you’ll soar above the nine heavens. With a true immortal descending to the mortal world, how could an old man like me possibly accept your bow?”

“City Lord, you flatter me. I dare not accept such praise.”

Ian Quinn sighed softly, still observing the proper etiquette of a junior, and replied with perfect composure.

He then paid his respects to Mr. Wade as well.

These two were the most powerful men in Weichi City. The City Lord’s surname was Xu, given name Fengxian, a man in his fifties with three long wisps of beard—a true scholar at first glance, though his martial skills were also impressive.

As for Mr. Wade, he was seventy-five, but well-versed in the arts of health and longevity, with a youthful face, white hair, all his teeth, and a vigorous spirit.

Once, their statuses were as far apart as clouds and mud. Even passing by their mansions, he would have been considered an eyesore. But now, these two great men were all smiles, even showing a hint of eagerness to curry favor.

“Nephew, now that you are to become a disciple of the immortal sect, you must devote yourself to cultivation. Don’t worry about your family—your brother and sister-in-law will be well taken care of by me.”

“Thank you, City Lord.”

One should not accept rewards without merit, but Ian Quinn knew his family was poor, and his elder brother and sister-in-law had treated him like their own child. Now that he had a chance to let them live a good life, Ian Quinn naturally would not refuse.

“The City Lord is right. I, too, have a matter to discuss with you, nephew.” The old man of the The Wade Family was not to be outdone, stroking his beard with a kindly smile.

“Please speak, elder.”

Mr. Wade was very pleased with Ian Quinn’s attitude. “You know, my third son serves as the Left Assistant Minister of Personnel in the court, and he has only one daughter—clever and bright, and now of marriageable age…”

Ian Quinn frowned. Was he trying to arrange a marriage for him? He was focused solely on seeking the path of immortality, with no interest in romance.

He was just thinking of how to refuse without offending the other party, when Mr. Wade suddenly changed the subject: “If I’m not mistaken, Young Geoffrey, you have a nephew who is also of marrying age, don’t you?”

“Uh…”

The Mr. and Mrs. Quinn were completely stunned. They never imagined that such a great fortune would fall upon them. They were much older than Ian Quinn, and even their son was about the same age as this younger brother.

“Mr. Wade, Hai’er is just a foolish boy. I’m afraid he’s not worthy of your granddaughter.”