The north wind blew gently. It was winter and countless leaves piled up on the ground below the trees. The sky gradually rose and the first ray of sunlight shone across the village. On the footpath between the paddy fields, a lot of farmers were already busy planting seeds.

A boy adjusted his shirt which was made of hemp and continued on his way while carrying a basket of eggs. His face reddened due to the extreme coldness of the weather.

Im actually afraid of cold temperature?

The little boy felt surprised. He kept having the feeling that it had been hundreds of years since the last time he felt cold.

There was a forest of red birch trees within the village and within that forest, there was a thatched cottage which was a private school for children.

Voices of children reciting which were childish and tender could be heard from that old house from far away.

Immortal at birth, have no nature. Ascending the Heavens path, entering the Four Oceans. Beings with massive magic power shant be admired. Only beings with strong Dao Heart can walk far

The boy stopped in his tracks right outside the school. He did not push open the door but quietly stood still for a while.

What the children were reading aloud was the Three Character Immortal Classic1 written by the teacher of the school himself.

It was meant to impart rudimentary knowledge to the young children. The boy had already heard this lecture seven times. Every month, his mother would ask him to gift a basket of eggs to the teacher in order to plead him to keep her son as a student. Seven months. Seven times. Each time he came, he would stand outside the school listening to the childrens recitation. Now, he had nearly memorized the entire Three Character Immortal Classic.

The boy was certain that his intelligence was not any weaker than the other kids of the village. But unfortunately, the teacher would not accept him no matter what.

Why? Why does the teacher refuse to keep me as his student The boy did not understand. He faintly felt that the reason behind it must be related to the things that he had forgotten.

When the boy appeared outside the school, another child who was around one year younger than him immediately shouted excitedly within the school.

Mister Purple, Big Brother Ning Fan had come again. This time, Mister must take him into the school considering his sincerity in coming every single month for the past seven months!

That child who shouted was called Ning Gu. In the Ning Village, Ning Fan had only a handful of friends and he was one of them.

After he spoke, the rest of the children stopped reciting after one another. Their gazes penetrated the casement windows and affixed to Ning Fan who was standing outside.

Today is the seventh month. But its just the seventh day for him. However, he still could not understand why he is unable to enter the school. Without that realization, he is not suitable to remain in this world

Within the old cottage, a purple-robed mister faintly smiled.

This mans hair was long like waterfall. His appearance was handsome. Above his glabella, there was a purple-golden mark which seemed to be imprinted by a burning rock.

But Mister Purple, Big Brother Ning Fan truly wants to take Mister as his teacher from the bottom of his heart

He is different from the rest of you Let him stand! As for you, read well

The mister gently knocked Ning Gus head using the purple-golden flat ruler in his hands with a benevolent and tender look on his face.

He didnt choose to beat the childs palm. He would never do such a thing to children.

Providing education to everyone without discrimination. Teaching the young ones with precepts and examples. Never punish or discipline somebody to teach them a lesson. They were the reasons why Mister Purple had become so well-known in the village.

Moreover, rumor has it that even the magistrates from the counties and cities outside of the village would also bow and salute Mister Purple when meeting him.

That man did not yearn for reputation nor benefits. Even so, most of the disciples who listen to his teachings were the government officers of Yue Country.

In the land of Yue Country, Confucianism flourished. Other teachings like Daoism, Mohism, military science, law and so on were also learnt by lots of scholars.

As for what the school of thought conducted by Mister Purple was it was Purples Philosophy.

After being softly admonished by the teacher, Ning Gu touched his head and awkwardly sat down. A brief moment later, the school was filled with the voices of the children reading the Three Characters Immortal Classic again.

As for Ning Fan, he grudgingly clenched his fists while standing outside the school.

He is different from the rest of you Let him stand!

Recalling the words uttered by the mister within his mind, Ning Fan gently gnashed his teeth.

I think Im going to fail again this time

But why the teacher refuses to keep me? Why am I different from the other kids in this school? Why

On top of the Dao Asking Cliff, Meng Xuanzi looked at Ning Fan who was standing amidst the purple mist with a frown.

Today is the seventh day. Countless Peak Nascent Soul Realm would stop at this point of time I wonder if this kid is able to stride this threshold In the past, this old mans illusory realm of the Dao Heart was about marriage. This kids seemed to be seeking knowledge Seeking knowledge, will he be able to obtain any of it

Outside the old cottage, Ning Fan had stood there without knowing how much time had passed.

He could not stop pondering the reason why Mister Purple was not going to keep him. Mister Purple said that he was different from the others but he could not figure out in what aspects he was different from the rest of the children.

Gradually, his eyes flashed with a trace of abstruseness. That look on his face did not suit his age at all. In fact, it was not supposed to be on the face of a child.

But at the moment his expression experienced changes, the purple-robed young man within the cottage made a wee smile.

This kid is starting to awaken

Different? Which part of me is different

Dark clouds began to fill the sky. Eventually, frigid cold rain fell from the clouds in a continuous pattern.

Ning Fan stood below the eaves of the cottage, looking at the raindrops which joined together like chains of pearls. His gaze became even more mysterious. When it reached a certain level afterwards, they began to sparkle with clarity.

Different. Yes. Of course Im different from the rest of them There is no one alike in the world in the first place. The same goes for the rain Each raindrop is different from each other, not because of their shapes but mainly because of the path they took The path the other children chose is to learn reading and writing in the Ning Village of Yue Country and then attain the scholarly honors or official ranks by passing the examination to become a government officer. As for me, my aim isnt really about that I want to seek for more knowledge and question the Dao but my ultimate purpose isnt just becoming a government officer in the Yue Country However, I cant recall my purpose

In the seventh month, Ning Fan finally gained some insights from that misters words.

The purple-robed misters eyes crinkled, revealing a satisfied smile. He pushed open the door but he did not receive the eggs from Ning Fan. He lifted his hand and patted Ning Fans head gently instead.

Bring this basket of eggs home. Let you mother consume them to replenish her body As for you, you are now qualified to be enrolled into the school. But before that, there is still one more test

Test? Ning Fan raised his head, staring at the young man.

Precisely. A test My mortal name begins with the surname of Sun. But you dont have to know about it. My immortal name is Purple Dou They called me Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign

Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign?!

Ning Fan staggered a few steps backwards. As the young mans voice fell, his previous memories came flooding back into his mind like an overflowing river that crushed the embankment.

Yes. I am in the illusory realm to question the Dao

Yes. This place is the illusory realm

But the purple-robed young man in front of me is called Purple Dou and he was crowned as the Immortal Sovereign!

All this while, am I seeking knowledge from the Immortal Sovereign?

May I ask Immortal Sovereign

Call me mister

Yes. May I ask Mister if you are a real being or just an illusion?! Ning Fans eyes turned stern.

I am neither real nor illusory. In fact, Im beyond the realm of reality and illusion. Im at the end of the holy path The Fourth Step! If you are lucky enough, you will discover it in the future. Now, there is only one thing that you have to do Go home and show filial piety to your mum. You will only be qualified to attend the school after your mother has a comfortable life. If you cant be a dutiful son, you arent qualified to be a human. If you arent qualified to be a human, you will never be qualified to ascend the mountain of Dao and become an immortal Go now

Yes!

Ning Fan gave him a deep bow and left the place with the basket of eggs being pelted by the rain.

The rain originated from the sky and fell upon the earth. But when the raindrops approached his body, they abnormally altered their routes, avoiding him.

The purple-robed misters gaze lingered on Ning Fan who was walking in the rain and nodded his head.

He is the descendant of Ancient Chaos? Hes really a man of great potential

As he was passing through the rain, his head slowly became clear.

In this illusory realm conjured by the purple mist the Ning Village of Yue Country, he had been staying for seven months already. In the real world, it was just seven days.

The seven days that passed by had caused his magic power to increase to 1085 units from 1015 units. Yes. It was his magic power, not his demon power

Spending one month within this realm would be equivalent to increasing 10 units of magic power, huh

He remained silent for a moment.

That purple-robed mister is Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign, the expert whom the True Immortals cant possibly look up to, the teacher of Ancient Chaos Emperor.

But I cant even discern whether he is a true being or just an illusion due to my current cultivation realm. Im just so weak that I cant even distinguish the illusions created by the purple mist

The only thing that I am able to notice is his poised and graceful demeanor. He told me to learn how to become a human before becoming an immortal. And to become a human, I must first be a dutiful son.

The word filial piety is rarely mentioned by anyone in the cultivation world. Moreover, some sects would erase their disciples memories immediately after they join them. Even if they cant wipe out their memories, they will instruct their disciples to abandon their relations in the mortal world

As for the Immortal Sovereign, comparing to cultivation level, magic power, potential and the comprehension of Dao, he placed much more importance on internal feelings and sentiments.

Thus, he gave me the chance to show filial piety to my mother

Mum

Ning Fans felt a hint of warmth within his heart. On the Ten Steps Bridge, he saw his mothers appearance. In the Bell of Samsara, he saw Zhihes previous life. On the Dao Asking Cliff, the Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign now granted him the opportunity to remedy the regrets he had for his mother and Zhihe.

As such, the pain and regrets he experienced in his previous and current mortal life could be fully rectified in this illusory realm.

As such, his heart could become stronger due to the absence of emptiness.

But is this truly correct

Ning Fan buried the thought deeply within his heart.

When he arrived at the bamboo fence outside his house, he stood there and looked at his mother who was busy driving the chicks back to their coop. Secretly, he pointed his finger to the sky and muttered, Stop!

Hmm? It is such a strange rain. It comes and goes so fast Eh? Fan Er is back! How was it? Did you manage

Before Ning Qian could finish her words, her beautiful eyes turned gloomy.

Why did you bring the eggs back?! You didnt go to see the teacher, did you?!

No. The teacher has already accepted me. However, he said that I am still young and he wanted me to learn how to become a good person first It was also him who asked me to bring these eggs back.

Becoming a good person? Only you? Then why are the other kids who are at the same age as yours could attend the school and study? Ning Qian asked, feeling skeptical at Ning Fans words.

Its because Im different from all of them! Ning Fans eyes flashed with a hint of pride.

In a blink of an eye, eight years passed by.

Within the eight years, Ning Fan had never once mentioned anything about attending the school. He only stayed at home and helped out with the house chores and agriculture activities.

He did everything himself and took up responsibilities for every work. He had never once let Ning Qian feel tired because of overexertion.

He did not try to brag about his work nor did he waver in carrying out his work, just like any common mortal beings that remained quiet and peaceful in Ning Village.

Currently, he was already 16 years old. His body noticeably looked weak and feeble. However, he had managed to open up an excellent farmland which was a hundred mu* wide by himself. Besides, he alone was enough to plough and sow the entire land.

The wealth of his family was sufficient. Gradually, Ning Qian no longer worked anymore. During her free time, she would then hang out with the women of her neighborhood.

Eight years were equivalent to 96 months. In the real world, it was 96 days.

On the ninety-seventh month, a rich man with the surname Wu from the county town had come to Ning Village following a matchmaker. He had come to seek a marriage alliance from the Carpenter Wang for his daughter!

Zhihe was already 14 years old. She grew into a slim and graceful young girl. In fact, she began to grow famous in the Ning Village and the county towns surrounding the village.

Although her family was poor and she would not be chosen by the families of the government officers, there were quite a few local rich men who wanted to marry her as their concubine.

Among them, the rich man Wang had the highest status. His name was Wu Dongnan. His family could barely be considered as a literary family as he attained his scholarly honor using his wealth.

To the villagers, it was a good thing that such a person with high status and abundant wealth would want to marry Zhihe as his concubine. Besides, even Zhihes father, Carpenter Wang did not show any signs of rejection.

To Zhihe, however, it was a completely different story. Because of their sudden arrival, she hastily hid in Ning Fans house. Her action caused Ning Qian to feel pity for her.

Auntie Qian, Zhihe doesnt want to marry that man! I want to marry Brother Fan!

Silly girl That Wu Dongnan has good status and lots of wealth. Whats wrong with him? Why dont you like him but the poor little boy of my family

Who says Brother Fan is poor? He manages a hundred mu* of fine farmland. He can be regarded as a local rich man too. If I marry him, I can also rely on him to get my good food and good life too! Zhihe curled her lips in annoyance. But her words made Ning Qian simmer with laughter.

In this girls mind, is marrying Ning Fan equivalent to having a new money bag

However, Ning Qian knew that this silly girl didnt like Ning Fan because of his money. Otherwise, why didnt she marry Wu Dongnan who was way richer than her son? Instead, how would she still hang out in their house without being concerned about her own reputation and integrity.

Silly girl. You are really blinded by love Fine. Lets wait for Fan Er to return. Then I will instruct him to prepare gifts to make a proposal for marriage to your family! As for Mister Wang, if he still pesters you and creates troubles, I will come up with some ideas to handle him.

It doesnt need to be so troublesome

The shadow of Ning Fan riding on a cow loomed at the doorstep. His hand held a whip made of willow and his long hair hung down loosely. Even though he was wearing a shirt made of hemp, he seemed to be floating in the air like a celestial being.

Wu Dongnan will never dare to create troubles in front of me. He wont!

Zhihe is my wife and no one can lay a finger on her!

On the ninety-seventh day, Meng Xuanzis eyes had never been so focused before.

In the past, ninety days was my limit. I was then stopped from comprehending the Dao.

Is this Ning Fan able to stay longer than 97 days and surpasses me?!

What was difficult to understand for Meng Xuanzi was the purple mist that was coiling around Ning Fans body. It would occasionally give out rays of purple-golden light.

In fact, the rays of purple-golden light carried a trace of immense aura force which stirred the false feeling within Meng Xuanzi to prostrate himself in worship.

How strong exactly is that purple mist? What is the level of that immortals prestige Dont tell me it belongs to the Immortal Sovereign!

Purple Dou Immortal Sovereign!

Translated by Tommy, edited by Roel

Note:

1. The Three Character Immortal Class are as follows in literal translations.

(xin zh ch)(an immortal at birth)(xng bn w)(has no nature)

(dng tin l)(ascending Heavens path)(r hi t)(entering ocean map)

(f l gung)(magic power powerful)(fi k m)(shant be admired)

(do xn jin)(strong Dao Heart)(fng k zh)(only can look far)