In the cultivation world, fortunes can shift in the blink of an eye, often favoring those who least expect it. The exchange meeting organized by Tianjing Zhenren (天晶真人) within the narrative of A Mortal's Journey (凡人修仙传) appeared as a typical gathering for adepts to trade rare items and techniques.
Lü Luo (吕洛), a dedicated member of the Luoyun Sect (落云宗), joined the event with modest expectations, merely hoping to observe and perhaps acquire a useful tool. He left with a fire-red sword, an item that seemed ordinary amid the dazzling treasures exchanged. Yet, this unassuming beginning set the stage for him to emerge as the true winner, a twist that would reshape the sect's destiny and highlight the unpredictable nature of cultivation journeys.
The Fateful Exchange
As cultivators gathered at the exchange, each presented their coveted possessions, from ancient artifacts to powerful talismans. Han Li (韩立) managed to secure a method for refining a Yuanying puppet from Tianjing Zhenren, a technique praised for its sophistication but notorious for its demanding material requirements. These components were so rare that most cultivators would struggle to even glimpse them, let alone collect enough for the process. However, Han Li possessed unique assets, including the mysterious Small Green Bottle (小绿瓶) and remnants from his travels to Xu Tian Dian (虚天殿), which provided him with a foundation to pursue this ambitious project despite the odds.
Meanwhile, Lü Luo acquired a simple fire-red sword during the event, a weapon that served its purpose but failed to stand out compared to other items that captivated the audience. His initial satisfaction with this gain was genuine, yet it paled in significance next to the underlying opportunities that would unfold. While others, like the notable Huolong Tongzi (火龙童子), left empty-handed or with fleeting prizes, Lü Luo's involvement set him on a path toward unforeseen rewards, rooted not in what he obtained directly, but in the alliances he strengthened and the responsibilities he would later embrace.
Following the exchange, Han Li returned to the Luoyun Sect and sought assistance from Cheng Tiankun (程天坤) and Lü Luo to gather the elusive materials needed for the Yuanying puppet. This task required immense dedication, as the components included items like Geng Jing (庚精) and other scarce resources scattered across dangerous realms. Over several decades, the two disciples tirelessly scoured regions, facing numerous challenges to compile everything necessary. Their unwavering efforts not only demonstrated their loyalty to the sect but also laid the groundwork for a transformation that would extend far beyond their immediate expectations.
Lasting Rewards
With the materials assembled, Han Li embarked on refining the Yuanying puppet, a process fraught with difficulty due to its low success rate. Despite having resources sufficient for multiple attempts, only one puppet materialized from the arduous labor. This outcome coincided with pressing personal matters; Cheng Tiankun approached the end of his lifespan, and Han Li confronted issues like lingering Malevolent Qi and the need to resolve Soul-Sealing Curse for Nangong Wan (南宫婉), compelling him to journey to Dajin (大晋). Before his departure, Han Li made a critical decision, entrusting the solitary Yuanying puppet to Lü Luo alongside several Jiedan-stage puppets to fortify the sect's defenses.
This allocation proved instrumental in maintaining the Luoyun Sect's stability during Han Li's extended absence, which spanned over a century. Lü Luo utilized the Yuanying puppet as a cornerstone of the sect's protection, ensuring it retained two powerful entities capable of deterring threats even after Cheng Tiankun passed away. Through years of vigilance and leadership, Lü Luo upheld the sect's affairs, fostering an environment of security that allowed it to thrive despite the loss of key figures. His stewardship turned what seemed like a simple custodial role into a vital contribution to the sect's longevity.
When Han Li eventually returned as a late-Yuanying expert, he witnessed how Lü Luo had preserved the sect's integrity with the puppet's aid. In a moment of reflection, Han Li chose not to reclaim the Yuanying puppet, recognizing that it had served its purpose and that Lü Luo's unwavering support and organizational skills held greater value. This gesture underscored a deeper truth: in cultivation, tangible items often fade in importance compared to the bonds and trust forged through shared trials. Lü Luo's gains from the exchange meeting ultimately transcended material wealth, cementing his legacy as the event's most fortunate participant.
