CHAPTER 434: CHAPTER 0431: OH MY, HOW EMBARRASSING THIS IS

The Mouse Emperor Immortal was very warm-hearted. After a simple tea reception, he led them to take a stroll around his vegetable garden.

He just wanted the visitors to see his diligence. According to books, only diligent people are liked, while lazy ones are despised.

"Everyone, this is my vegetable garden. I planted it all by hand."

The Mouse Emperor Immortal proudly introduced the things in his garden. These were all his favorite foods. If someone were to ask him what his greatest accomplishment in life was, he would proudly point to the garden and say, "This vegetable garden."

They are my most prized achievement.

However, what the Mouse Emperor Immortal didn’t realize was that their gazes weren’t on the vegetables at all—they were fixed on a rake lying off to the side.

"I can guarantee," Xiang Fei whispered, "this rake is definitely a Holy Weapon. The aura it’s emitting can’t be mistaken."

Lin Fan stepped forward, holding the rake as an introduction popped into his mind.

[Top Treasure Gold Rake: A weapon refined by an ancient Immortal Venerable, capable of stabilizing heaven and earth and dividing Yin and Yang. Due to the ravages of time, its power has diminished to that of a Holy Weapon. With proper nurturing, it may once again ascend to the level of a Dao weapon.]

He silently nodded toward Xiang Fei and Qin Yang.

Indeed, it was an extraordinary weapon.

Even though it was now classified as a Holy Weapon, it remained immensely powerful.

The Mouse Emperor Immortal noticed their attention on the Earth Shovel and approached with a cheerful smile. He picked up the rake and started digging furrows, turning over a large patch of soil. "This tool fits perfectly in my hands. The soil it turns over is full of vitality, perfect for planting."

They didn’t know what to say.

Such a treasure, yet it was being used for such mundane chores—what a waste!

The Mouse Emperor Immortal turned to Lin Fan. "Do you like this item?"

"This is a treasure—who wouldn’t like it?" Lin Fan spoke honestly. Declaring it as a treasure meant admitting he liked it immensely.

The Mouse Emperor Immortal wasn’t bothered at all. He handed the Top Treasure Gold Rake to Lin Fan, saying, "If you like it, I’ll give it to you. A guest from afar who appreciates something must be satisfied—I’m very hospitable, after all."

"This doesn’t feel right..." Lin Fan tried to act reserved, but he couldn’t manage it. His hands instinctively reached out to accept the rake.

The Mouse Emperor Immortal said, "What’s all this talk about right or wrong? I’ve got several of these farming tools. Seeing how much you like it, you must also enjoy farming. If you have an Earth Shovel, you can’t lack irrigation tools."

"Hold on a moment."

The Mouse Emperor Immortal walked off into the distance and soon returned, carrying a water jar. It wasn’t large and appeared to be made of bronze. Its surface was engraved with images of the sun, moon, and stars, making it obvious that it was no ordinary item.

"Here, this water jar can store water for irrigating your fields—an excellent tool."

Lin Fan accepted the water jar, feeling another shock in his heart.

[World Suppressing Tripod: A weapon refined by an ancient Immortal Venerable. Over the years, it suffered severe damage and was degraded to the level of an Emperor Weapon. It can level mountains, overturn the seas, and suppress an entire realm...]

"This..."

Lin Fan wanted to decline again but thought better of it. He clasped his hands in salute and said, "Thank you for the gifts, Senior Shu. I do enjoy farming, and with these tools, my journey on the farming path will only grow more fruitful."

The Mouse Emperor Immortal chuckled. "That’s great. When you have the chance, don’t forget to invite me to your home for a visit. I especially enjoy eating fresh produce grown myself."

"Of course, of course," Lin Fan quickly agreed, noticing the Mouse Emperor Immortal’s genuine kindness. Without the pretenses or clever schemes of the outside world, perhaps this was the natural result of living in seclusion for hundreds of thousands of years, maintaining a peaceful heart.

Qin Yang looked on with envy.

Ah, truly.

This level of shamelessness was astounding. He finally understood that even Brother Lin couldn’t resist the allure of such priceless treasures, leading him to acknowledge their value.

"Uh... Senior Shu, I also enjoy farming. The tools at my house broke recently," Qin Yang timidly added.

After all, treasures must be fought for.

As a fellow lover of farming, why not gift me some tools for the fields?

The Mouse Emperor Immortal lightly slapped his forehead. "How careless of me. Wait here—I’ll be back shortly."

Xiang Fei walked over to Lin Fan and said, "Brother Lin, I’m utterly confused. I’ve never encountered anything like this. If someone told me such a thing could happen, I wouldn’t believe it."

"Even I wouldn’t believe it," Lin Fan replied.

These items were rare treasures. Not even the ancient major sects could boast such a collection, yet the Mouse Emperor Immortal had so many. Over hundreds of thousands of years, how much had he truly collected?

Or rather, how many ancient Cave Mansions had he excavated?

That said,

Although Dao weapons were powerful, they couldn’t escape the erosion of time. As a result, their grades had fallen. However, with proper nurturing, there was still a chance for these Holy Weapons to reclaim their former glory.

Very soon,

The Mouse Emperor Immortal returned, holding four treasures.

All were types of farming tools.

"This is all I have left," he said.

"Since you’re new here, I can only give you farming tools. I deeply apologize for the lack of hospitality."

The Mouse Emperor Immortal felt genuinely guilty. Hosting guests at his modest home was an honor. Yet he regretted being unable to give them the most precious items, mainly because his crops hadn’t yet ripened. Otherwise, he would have gifted them his most prized produce instead of mere farming tools.

Qin Yang stood there holding two Holy Weapons, completely dumbfounded. His gaze shifted back and forth, his body trembling with excitement. He was so overwhelmed he nearly knelt before the Mouse Emperor Immortal, calling out, "Senior, do you need an adopted son? I’m willing!"

He had never owned such high-level items before.

This was like stepping outside, looking down, and suddenly finding treasures lying quietly at his feet.

Xiang Fei said sincerely, "Thank you, Senior, for your generous gifts. This junior will remember this kindness forever."

"They’re not particularly valuable, so there’s no need to thank me. But if my crops were ripe, I could’ve gifted you my most precious items instead of these farming tools," the Mouse Emperor Immortal replied, a bit embarrassed. It seemed that, even in his eyes, these tools weren’t much.

But deep inside,

Qin Yang was shouting.

Senior, there’s no need to feel bad. You can keep the crops for yourself—we only have eyes for these farming tools. Give us as many as you have!

"Come, let me show you more of this place," the Mouse Emperor Immortal said enthusiastically, eager to take them around to see other sights. This land was vast, and he had long considered it his home. Although some parts were very dangerous,

he was constantly troubled by intruding villains.

This mouse only wanted to care for his home, living a quiet, simple life. Why must others insist on taking over his territory?

The Mouse Emperor Immortal’s hospitality exceeded everyone’s expectations, making Lin Fan and the others feel somewhat embarrassed.

Free food, free drinks, and free treasures.

It was more than enough.

A day passed.

"Senior Shu, have you ever thought about leaving this place and exploring the outside world?"

"The world out there is vast and filled with wonders."

Lin Fan thought remaining here was, in some ways, a good idea for the Mouse Emperor Immortal. But it was also dangerous. Old, powerful entities lurked everywhere outside, and if even one that he couldn’t handle were to awaken, it could spell disaster.

The Mouse Emperor Immortal replied, "This place is vast and wonderful as well. I like it here, and I must protect my home."

Lin Fan said nothing more. Since this was the Mouse Emperor Immortal’s choice, it deserved respect.

"Senior Shu, we’ve disturbed you for many days now—it’s time for us to leave," Lin Fan said.

Under the Mouse Emperor Immortal’s guidance, they had seen many strange sights in the Ancient Mountain, including numerous Cave Mansions. Most notably, there was the Abyss he had mentioned.

It was truly terrifying.

Under the Mouse Emperor Immortal’s watchful eye, they had observed it from a great distance. Yet even at such a range, it still sent shivers down their spines.

As you gaze into the Abyss, the Abyss gazes back into you.

It was as though some mysterious force was calling out to them.

If not for the Mouse Emperor Immortal’s guidance, they might have wandered too close unintentionally, leading to disastrous consequences.

The Mouse Emperor Immortal asked, "Won’t you stay a while longer?"

"No, we still have other matters to tend to. But if we have a chance, we’ll return. Once our crops are ready, we’ll invite Senior Shu to visit and see our harvest," Lin Fan said.

"Very well, let me see you off," the Mouse Emperor Immortal replied reluctantly. It wasn’t often that he had guests, so seeing them leave was truly regrettable.

...

"Brother Lin, this Mouse Emperor Immortal must be the kindest and friendliest Immortal Emperor I’ve ever met in my life," Qin Yang said with deep emotion. Their haul had been so bountiful that this trip was nothing short of miraculous. Their luck was otherworldly—even Qin Yang struggled to believe it.

Lin Fan chuckled. "Luck is also a form of strength, don’t you think?"

"Absolutely. But once we return, what do we say to those Immortal Kings waiting for us? Should we invite them up here or just leave?" Qin Yang asked.

Lin Fan rolled his eyes. "Of course, we leave. I already understand the Array of Stairs. Even an Immortal King would have difficulty cracking it. The further up they go, the harder it becomes. Let’s just leave them to give up on reaching the Ancient Mountain."

By the stairs,

the Immortal Kings were still trying to break the Array. But its intricacies were so profound that even with their combined abilities, solving it remained an insurmountable challenge.

"Qin brat, why are you so slow?" an Immortal King hollered at Qin Yang upon seeing him, barely concealing his irritation.

Deep down, he wasn’t pleased at all.

He knew full well that they must have entered the Ancient Mountain to search for treasures. Now that they had returned and were likely trying to leave, it was obvious they had found something.

Damn it.

This disrespectful tone—it grated on him! Once he refined one of those Holy Weapons, he’d have some payback in mind. But for now, he needed to play along.

"Immortal King Seniors, we encountered some difficulties. We need to head back now, so feel free to keep attempting to break the Array," Qin Yang said.

"What?"

The waiting crowd erupted in rage, feeling utterly mocked.

"They definitely obtained treasures in the Ancient Mountain and don’t want to share. They intend to keep everything for themselves!"

"These three clearly don’t respect you, Immortal King Seniors. Why don’t we retrace our steps and ambush them when they leave?"

They had been stuck here for days, all for the chance to climb the Ancient Mountain.

Now, to be cast aside like this—it was infuriating.

Lin Fan prepared to dismantle the Array for their retreat. As for those Immortal Kings further down, he thought, "Sorry, everyone, but I can’t help you break the Array or meet you face-to-face."

We’re carrying too many treasures right now.

We really don’t need anyone eyeing them.