Chapter 32: The Master-Servant Contract Elevates to Hundreds of Golden Immortals

“Honored One…” The immortals hesitated, their lips trembling as they struggled to speak.

“Is there something?” Chen Xi remained calm and composed. He could roughly guess why they were here, but even so, he made no move to directly address the issue.

Time passed in silence, and the expressions of the immortals grew increasingly awkward. From any angle, it was incredibly uncomfortable. After a long while, the leader of the group finally spoke in a bitter tone: “I… we beg the immortal to take us in.”

“Do you know the rules?”

“We know.”

Chen Xi nodded, signaling for them to wait here while he went inside to prepare. However, when Chen Xi came back out, he was surprised to find that all the low-level immortals on Beast Island were waiting for him, not one missing.

The Moonlight Celestial Beast gave them a cold look, seemingly dissatisfied with their low strength. Yet, Chen Xi remained unfazed, not making things difficult for anyone. Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion, with no unnecessary words spoken.

“Aren’t you angry?” the Moonlight Celestial Beast asked, curious. After all, when Chen Xi first arrived on Beast Island, these immortals had treated him terribly, even trying to set him up to take the fall for things. They had almost gotten him killed. The key point was that these immortals were afraid of death and used to currying favor with the powerful. Now that Qingyun Sect was on the decline, they had all switched sides. Who knew whether they would truly remain loyal to Chen Xi from the heart? Even with the master-servant contract, it seemed risky.

However, Chen Xi smiled and asked, “Moonlight, what do you think is most important for immortals?”

“Dao of Heaven?” The Moonlight Celestial Beast, not understanding Chen Xi’s question, looked puzzled.

“So, I have a way to make them willingly obey,” Chen Xi said, soothing its fur gently. He sat down in the seat at the front, preparing to sign the contract with these immortals.

“I am willing to become Chen Xi’s servant, serve him for life, and be absolutely loyal. If I go against this, let the heavenly thunder strike me, and my soul shall dissipate.” The dry, hollow vows were spoken from the mouths of these immortals, each word carrying immense humiliation. Yet, despite this, they still had no choice but to do so.

After all, only by living could they talk about their future. Ascending to the Immortal Realm wasn’t easy, and who would willingly sever their future here? Chen Xi looked at the changes in their faces, and a deep, meaningful smile tugged at his lips.

What he wanted was their reluctance. Only in this way could he bring the greatest benefits to both them and himself.

After the Beast Island secret realm, Chen Xi had faintly glimpsed a secret about the Immortal Realm. That night, his conversation with Goudan and Immortal Xi Chen further confirmed some of his suspicions. Especially after recent encounters with craftsmen from the Xianji Immortal Domain, Chen Xi’s understanding of the situation deepened.

When Chen Xi first arrived in the Immortal Realm, he had noticed that the immortals here weren’t as ethereal and revered as described in novels. They weren’t focused on pursuing the grand Dao or full of noble virtue. While some were devious, their actions were relatively upright. Instead, they were extremely mercantile, arrogant, and stupid, often ignorant of common matters. The lower-ranked immortals from the Lower Three Immortal Realms and Beast Island were almost no different from mortals.

In short, they were highly skilled in combat, but their mentality was no different from ordinary people—completely spoiled.

This was quite strange.

Even though they lacked proper mental cultivation, the fact that they had become immortals meant they couldn’t be completely incompetent. Furthermore, rumors about the absence of the Dao of Heaven in the Lower Three Immortal Realms only strengthened Chen Xi’s suspicions.

Perhaps when Immortal Xi Chen fell, something had happened in the Immortal Realm, and the Dao of Heaven didn’t disappear from the Lower Three Immortal Realms but was rather restricted there. Otherwise, the current situation wouldn’t make sense.

But no matter the truth, it wasn’t important to Chen Xi. Because, in fact, this situation was a good thing for him.

Chen Xi had fragments of the Dao of Heaven. While the system wouldn’t let him share these fragments, if he signed a master-servant contract, everything would be different. As the master, Chen Xi could pass on this bit of the Dao to these low-level immortals. As for how much they could comprehend, that was up to their individual fate.

His eyes narrowed slightly as Chen Xi concealed the deep thoughts in his gaze. Then, he and the Moonlight Celestial Beast observed the reactions of the low-level immortals.

One by one, formation arrays appeared under their feet, and at the same time, their spiritual power began to gradually weaken.

The Master-Servant Contract’s Special Effect

Chen Xi was a mortal, and the immortals were far stronger than him. However, the contract forcibly provided them with a response. The low-level immortals couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile.

Watching as the hard-earned immortal spiritual energy within them was slowly taken away, their hearts sank to the bottom.

This was their fate now, wasn’t it? After all, they were like fish on a chopping board. Just surviving was already difficult enough—what more could they ask for?

The low-level immortals drooped their heads, feeling as though they had lost all direction. But at that moment, a subtle sense of Dao suddenly enveloped them. Then, their Dao hearts, which had been stagnant or even regressing since ascending to the Immortal Realm, suddenly cleared up.

It was widely known that the Lower Three Immortal Realms were a vacuum where the Dao of Heaven did not exist. But those were only the words of the elders—how could one know it couldn’t be done if they never sought it?

Humans originally only lived for a century, but by cultivating and becoming immortals, they broke through their lifespan, which was already defying heaven’s will. They had already gone against the heavens, mastering the Dao, and breaking through the Dao. But now, they were restricted by the Dao, trapped in a framework—wasn’t that a huge joke? The Dao’s existence or non-existence didn’t depend on others’ words, but on one’s heart.

Seeing this, Chen Xi gave a slight nudge and said, “To cultivate immortality, one must first cultivate the heart.”

So that’s how it was!

Almost all of the low-level immortals suddenly gained a special enlightenment. They finally understood the reason they couldn’t elevate their realm wasn’t because the spiritual energy on Beast Island was thin. Immortal cultivation requires cultivating the heart—once their mindset improved, their level would naturally rise, and their strength would increase correspondingly. They had been going astray before, confusing the root with the branches.

“Thank you, master, for the guidance.” One by one, they knelt before Chen Xi, and their call of “master” was completely sincere. The previous humiliation had completely vanished. They even wished they could revere Chen Xi as their god.

After all, none of them were real fools. They all understood what this fragment of the Dao Chen Xi had imparted meant for their future. They knew that this bit of enlightenment would lay a solid foundation for them moving forward.

This was the purest form of the Dao—such guidance might not even be given to personal disciples of immortals from the Upper Three Immortal Realms. And now, as mere servants to Chen Xi, they were able to receive such a benefit. Was there any difference between being a slave or a disciple? In Beast Island, Chen Xi wouldn’t really ask them to do much, only that they be absolutely loyal.

So, with such a master, what else could they ask for?

This unexpected turn of events allowed Chen Xi to win over the hearts of the low-level immortals in one go. From then on, he was almost worshipped as a deity by the low-level immortals of Beast Island. Even when Chen Xi simply spoke to them, it was considered an honor to boast about.

However, Chen Xi wasn’t surprised by this change. After all, everything had been part of his plan. The only thing that interested him now was how Sect Master Lingyun would react once he heard about this matter.

“Probably going to be so angry he spits blood,” Chen Xi remarked, stroking the Moonlight Celestial Beast in his arms, his tone rare with a hint of sarcasm.

A well-laid plan had been consumed by the enemy, who then successfully turned it around. Anyone would be furious in such a situation.

—

The regulations of Beast Island were finally formalized. Chen Xi had allied with the Xianji Immortal Domain, and with the river gorge acting as a boundary, they clashed with Qingyun and Huanlang Immortal Domains, gaining the upper hand for the moment. Even Daoist Ming Ling’s ranking on the Dao of Heaven list had risen by one position, surpassing the arbitrator of Huanlang Immortal Domain. As for Chen Xi, his position was secure, and no rumors could affect him in the slightest.

Even the way Beast Island was viewed by others had changed—it was no longer seen as a place of exile but rather a blessed land rich with potential.

Currently, Beast Island may not have any rare heavenly materials or treasures, but it had abundant spiritual energy, even comparable to the Middle Three Immortal Realms. With Chen Xi’s fragment of the Dao, after the master-servant contract was signed, those low-level immortals who hadn’t broken through in centuries began to ascend to Golden Immortal status, and two of them were even on the verge of reaching the threshold of Daluo Golden Immortal.

Moreover, with the backing of the Xianji Immortal Domain, these newly ascended low-level immortals, along with their magic tools, were superior to the inner disciples of Qingyun Sect and Huanlang Immortal Domain.

Looking at the numbers, while Beast Island had fewer people compared to the other two sects, the experts and craftsmen there far outstripped them. And with the Celestial Beasts as their background, Beast Island’s reputation naturally soared.

Sect Master Lingyun, upon hearing reports from his subordinates, grew more and more furious, unable to control his hatred toward Chen Xi. But at this moment, he couldn’t do anything.

Since his previous reprimanding by his superiors, Sect Master Lingyun’s influence within Qingyun Sect had been virtually stripped away. Although in the eyes of Qingyun Sect’s disciples, he still held the position of a dictatorial leader, in reality, every decision he made now required approval from an overseer sent from the Middle Three Immortal Realms. And he had to obey without question.

Thus, even though he hated Chen Xi to the core now, Sect Master Lingyun could still not resist in any way and could only grow anxious on his own.

However, the more anxious he became, the more helpless he felt. The overseeing immortal didn’t care at all about Sect Master Lingyun’s feelings. Not only did he not care, but he also acted entirely on his own terms.

On any given day, he would go to the back mountains to find a place rich in spiritual energy to cultivate, and when he was free, he would wander around, especially enjoying chatting with the immortals in charge of trivial matters like food supply in the sect.

“The immortals have already entered the path of fasting, but I see there aren’t many Celestial Beasts in the sect. What are all these food supplies for?” The overseeing immortal asked with a very gentle tone, easily earning goodwill.

“Answering the honored immortal, these supplies are for Beast Island. Beast Island itself can’t produce food, so all the supplies are provided mainly by Qingyun Sect and Huanlang Immortal Domain. However, Huanlang Immortal Domain contributes less, and most of the supplies are from our Qingyun Sect,” the junior disciple in charge of the food supply quickly responded, putting down his work. For a low-level immortal who usually dealt with mundane matters, the opportunity to speak with a high-level immortal was rare, let alone one with such a gentle attitude. Thus, he respectfully answered, revealing all he knew.

“Thank you, I understand now.” The overseeing immortal nodded with a smile, then moved on to other places, asking the same questions before returning to his residence and entering seclusion to continue his cultivation.

—

A few days later, there was still no movement from the overseeing immortal, but Sect Master Lingyun could no longer hold on. After several attempts to meet him, the overseeing immortal finally agreed to see him.

“You’re here?” The overseeing immortal, lounging on a soft couch, casually played with a vegetable stem—though no one knew what kind of vegetable it was. His face was still smiling gently, and when Sect Master Lingyun finally approached, he simply waved at him and looked at him without saying much.

“Honored immortal,” Sect Master Lingyun respectfully saluted, not daring to show any trace of resentment. Having been shut out several times, he understood that the overseeing immortal’s behavior was probably a sign that his superiors were displeased with his previous failure. Therefore, he could only force himself to remain composed.

However, the overseeing immortal saw his posture and made no effort to explain, instead leaving him standing there. Time passed, and just as Sect Master Lingyun was on the verge of collapsing, the overseeing immortal leisurely spoke: “I’ve heard that Beast Island’s food supply has always been provided by the sect?”

“Yes.” Sect Master Lingyun didn’t quite understand why the overseeing immortal had asked this, his mind a bit slow to react.

“Fool!” The overseeing immortal’s face darkened, his tone shifting to one of direct reproach. “Since the whole Beast Island depends on Qingyun Sect to survive, even with a mortal like Chen Xi as the island master, he still doesn’t have the qualifications to challenge those who provide the food and supplies.”

“I’ve laid it out plainly—don’t you know what to do next?”

“Now I understand! Thank you for the guidance, honored immortal.” Sect Master Lingyun suddenly had an epiphany and found his direction. He realized that, as an outsider, the overseeing immortal could see more clearly. He had been misled by appearances, giving Chen Xi an opportunity to take advantage. After this, he would make sure such mistakes would never happen again.

—

Soon, under the planning of Sect Master Lingyun, Beast Island’s food supply was cut off. Not only Qingyun Sect, but even Huanlang Sect also took the same action, showing solidarity with their allies.

In an instant, the mood of the people grew uneasy. At the same time, in the Middle Three Immortal Realms, another piece of news was released at just the right time. It was said that the artifact master of Shangyun Sect had forged a special barrier immortal tool that could appropriately weaken the immortal spiritual power within a certain area, similar to the effects of Beast Island. This would provide a suitable environment for weak Celestial Beasts to survive. And compared to Beast Island, this immortal artifact from Shangyun Sect was even more practical, as it didn’t require the young beasts to be sent away to Beast Island, far from their families.

As a result, Beast Island’s advantages were mostly lost, and with the supply cut off, it looked as though disaster was imminent, causing widespread anxiety. As Beast Island’s ally, Xianji Immortal Domain was also suppressed and unable to resist. Even the rogue cultivators who had often asked them to craft immortal artifacts had greatly reduced their requests.

Craftsmen enlightened by the Dao relied on their craftsmanship, and now, with no materials, their cultivation was hard to progress. Although it wasn’t an issue for the moment, it was certainly not a long-term solution.

“Now I’m curious to see what Chen Xi will do next. As for Daoist Ming Ling… he’s just a small rogue cultivator. Even though he can craft artifacts, it’s not something extraordinary. He should be punished for opposing me,” Sect Master Lingyun thought, finally showing a long-awaited smile.

However, the overseeing immortal was not at ease. He always had a vague feeling that Chen Xi didn’t care about their suppression at all.

—

Reality soon proved that his feelings weren’t wrong.

On Beast Island, Chen Xi was not as miserable as Sect Master Lingyun or the world imagined. In fact, things were thriving there, and he didn’t even show the slightest bit of concern.

After the death of Immortal Wuyi, Chen Xi had keenly sensed the impending crisis on Beast Island—food supply.

Beast Island had many Celestial Beasts, most of which required three meals a day, but there were no food resources on the island itself. So, Chen Xi had already begun making preparations back then.

He subtly increased Beast Island’s purchasing efforts and, with the help of Daoist Ming Ling, secretly negotiated with two small merchant guilds in Huanlang Immortal Domain, signing treaties in secret.

Thus, even though Qingyun Sect had cut off supplies, Chen Xi’s side was still well-supplied. While it might not be a long-term solution, it was enough to prevent Sect Master Lingyun from being able to control him. Moreover, Chen Xi had other plans in store.

No one had said that Chen Xi, as the master of Beast Island, could only trade with the sects of the Lower Three Immortal Realms. While the Immortal Realm had rules, and trade between different Immortal Realms was strictly controlled, neither Chen Xi nor the Celestial Beasts on Beast Island were the kinds of immortals required to abide by these rules.

All the preparations were made in secret. Currently, Beast Island’s external responses were deliberately low-key, as if they were really being suppressed by Qingyun Sect. As for the Xianji Immortal Domain, they were also pretending to help look for resources.

One day, Immortal Lord Vermilion Bird arrived again. He didn’t come alone, though—he brought a lot of food supplies, as well as materials useful for craftsmen in the Xianji Immortal Domain, enough to support Beast Island and Xianji Immortal Domain for half a year.

“More Immortals,” Chen Xi smiled, cupping his hands. Difficult times reveal true feelings. While this saying might sound exaggerated, Immortal Lord Vermilion Bird’s timely help still increased Chen Xi’s goodwill toward him, and he felt that Vermilion Bird was very righteous.

Originally, after Chen Xi had been taking care of the spoiled, cuddly the fatty bird for several days, he had developed a special fondness for this celestial who could even produce such adorable children. Now, he looked at him with even more affection. However, for some reason, Chen Xi felt that Vermilion Bird’s hair seemed a bit shorter than the last time he came.

But he didn’t dwell on it and turned to call the fatty bird, who was playing with the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts, to come back. After all, it was rare for his father to visit, so he should at least meet him. However, for some reason, none of them came back.

“It’s fine, I’ll go take a look myself,” Immortal Lord Vermilion Bird waved his hand casually, signaling Chen Xi to stay behind and arrange the food supplies. He stood up and left, telling the puppet to take him to see the fatty bird. Before leaving the cave, he even took a corn stick that Chen Xi had made earlier that morning.

Chen Xi was a bit surprised by his actions, while the Moonshadow Celestial Beast snorted in disdain. “Just knows how to eat. Hasn’t changed a bit after all these years, still a fatty.”

—

Beast Island Forest

On a grassy area some distance from Zefeng Cave, the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts and the fatty bird were playing. After the initial period of unfamiliarity, the fatty bird had quickly forgotten his father’s large wings and got deeply entangled in the allure of the little kittens. Even his habits had subtly begun to change.

Now, he curiously watched as the Sun-Chasing Celestial Beast dug a hole and buried a bone. He also curiously used his little paw to dig at the dirt a couple of times. However, as soon as he started imitating, the Moonshadow Celestial Beast noticed him and quickly grabbed the bone, placing it on a clean stone nearby.

“Don’t be like that foolish dog. It’s so dirty. If you get your paws dirty, you won’t be allowed on the bed when we get back.”

Not allowed on the bed? That was a serious matter!

Thinking of Chen Xi’s soft pillow and gentle smile, the fatty bird immediately became serious, sitting up straight. He let the Moonshadow Celestial Beast clean his fur, looking very obedient.

Yes, in the fatty bird’s eyes, Chen Xi, who had a pleasant voice, looked good, and made delicious food, was the most beloved being in the entire Immortal Realm. If he couldn’t fall asleep while being petted by Chen Xi at night, or if he couldn’t listen to Chen Xi’s stories, it would be the worst thing ever! Even worse than losing his father’s big wings.

So, he had to get clean.

The fatty bird thought, trying hard to lift his little paw to brush off the dirt. But ultimately, he failed. His little belly was in the way, and even if he tried to lower his head, he couldn’t see the ground.

Feeling a bit disappointed, he could only sit dumbfounded on the stone, waiting for the Moonshadow Celestial Beast to clean him.

—

After being licked by the Moonshadow Celestial Beast, the fatty bird’s fur, which had been messy, was once again neat. He shook his little paw, happily raised his head, and chirped, feeling that his state was now perfect. Little did he know, the fluff on top of his head was now very noticeable, and it was making people’s paws itch.

So, just half a minute ago, the Moonshadow Celestial Beast, who had been playing the role of an elder brother, could no longer resist. It raised its paw carefully and swiped at the fluff, then swiped again. Finally, it pounced on the fatty bird, rolling around on the grass. All the previous instructions were completely forgotten, and as soon as the fatty bird realized that the Moonshadow little brother was playing with him, he immediately joined in. Even shaking the fluff more wildly.

The larger orange ball of fluff and the red the fatty bird mixed together, one with short legs, the other with short paws. From a distance, it was hard to tell any significant difference between them. The other Moonshadow Celestial Beasts quickly joined in and started playing too.

As for getting dirty, who cared? When they went back, they could just have Chen Xi give them a bath, and they’d be clean and fragrant again.

When Immortal Lord Vermilion Bird arrived, the first thing he saw was this scene. From a distance, he immediately spotted the fatty bird rolling around with the plump little fluffballs and rushed over to pick him up.

“Kid, did you miss me?”

“Chirp?” the fatty bird, who was suddenly in a different place and lifted into the air, always a step behind, tilted his head in confusion. However, it quickly recognized who was holding him and flapped its little wings excitedly.

“Chirp, chirp chirp~~” The joyful, innocent chirps were sweeter than honey. Immortal Lord Vermilion Bird’s heart swelled with excitement as he looked at his increasingly adorable child and hurriedly hugged the fatty bird, trying to kiss him.

However, in a rather awkward turn of events, just as he was about to kiss him, the fatty bird’s claw suddenly slapped across his face, blocking the kiss.

“Eh?” Immortal Lord Vermilion Bird froze for a moment, vaguely feeling that this action was somewhat familiar. Right after, the fatty bird raised its little head proudly and gave him a look full of disdain.

“Chirp!” Father, you’re so dumb.

—

Meanwhile, while Immortal Lord Vermilion Bird was feeling sad about his child’s change, on the other side, the Moonshadow Celestial Beast was throwing a tantrum over a jade pendant and, in a fit of anger, tore Chen Xi’s belt in half.