Li Mutian’s funeral procession was a sight to behold, transforming the somber occasion into one that resembled the passing of a high-ranking official rather than a common elder.0

The villages were decorated with long, white cloths, and the direct descendants of the Li Family, clad in white, solemnly pulled the hearse along the stone path.0

News had spread rapidly through all the villages. Chen Erniu had just begun his day when Chen Sanshui relayed the news to him, leaving him shocked and speechless.1

Chen Erniu set down the willow branch in his hands. He washed his face and sat by the table, engulfed by a wave of sadness that was difficult to put into words.0

“Regardless of one’s status or power, it is impossible to escape death. Without attaining immortality, we’re all destined to return to mere yellow soil.”2

Chen Sanshui, however, disagreed with him. He curled his lips and commented,...13