100,000 years passed in the blink of an eye after Zhu Tian concealed the planet with a formation to hide it from the Celestial Court.
During these hundred thousand years, Chen Hu had spread the foundations of cultivation across the entire planet.
Even so, the lives of mortals and immortals existed in different worlds.
The immortal beings never interfered in the lives of mortals. Conversely, mortals considered the existence of immortal beings to be mere myth.
In a simple-looking village named Qinhe Village lived a 17-year-old youth. He lived with his parents and his younger sister.
Lin Fan often helped his father catch fish in the river, after which he would go sell them at the market.
"Xiao Fan, throw the net here," said Lin Wei, pointing to the spot for Lin Fan to aim.
"Okay, Dad," Lin Fan replied, then threw the net.
A few seconds later, Lin Fan pulled the net back in. "Wow, so many!!" he shouted, utterly delighted.
A satisfied smile spread across Lin Fan's face as he saw his net filled with fish glistening under the sunlight.
"A good catch, son," Lin Wei gave Lin Fan a thumbs-up.
Lin Fan just smiled happily, pleased by his father's praise.
"Alright, you head back now to sell today's catch," said Lin Wei.
"Okay, Dad," Lin Fan then walked off cheerfully, carrying the day's haul of fish.
Arriving at his usual stall, Lin Fan began arranging the fish on a wooden board.
"Wow, your fish look very fresh today, Lin Fan," said a woman who was one of Lin Fan's regular customers.
"Of course," said Lin Fan, rubbing his nose proudly.
"Give me three," the customer said, holding up three fingers.
"Alright," Lin Fan then picked out three fish and placed them in the leather bag the woman carried.
"How much?" she asked.
"Three Copper Coins, ma'am." The woman paid Lin Fan the three copper coins, then said goodbye and left.
After she left, Lin Fan went back to arranging his fish on the board.
Eventually, the sun rose higher, filling the market with people.
Lin Fan's stall was soon crowded with people wanting to buy his freshly caught fish.
Lin Fan was busy serving customers until finally, the sun began to set, replaced by the moon.
Lin Fan packed up his stall and hurried home.
Once home, he placed the unsold fish in a large bucket-like storage container, then went to wash his hands and face.
Lin Fan's mother, who was preparing dinner, smiled when she saw her son return. "Xiao Fan, how were sales today?"
"Very busy, Mom. I sold 79 fish!" Lin Fan said proudly.
"That's good to hear. Come, sit down for dinner." Lin Fan sat at the dining table and ate heartily.
"Xue'er, how was school?" Lin Fan asked his younger sister.
"It was fine, Brother, though Xue'er gets bored there," said Lin Xue with a lazy look on her face.
Although Lin Fan's family lived in a village, Qinhe Village was quite large, with a population of 4,567 people, and it even had its own school.
Lin Fan just smiled at Lin Xue's words. After finishing the meal, he helped his mother clear the table and wash the dishes.
Once done, Lin Fan went to the yard and sat in front of the door. He gazed at the sky, filled with incredibly beautiful stars.
"So beautiful," Lin Fan was still captivated by the night sky's beauty.
The night breeze blew softly, causing the bamboo leaves beside the house to sway gently. The moonlight filtered through the trees and fell upon the ground.
The sound of a creaking door came from behind. Lin Wei, Lin Fan's father, came out carrying an earthenware jug.
"Still not asleep?" asked Lin Wei, handing a cup to Lin Fan.
Lin Fan took it and remained silent for a moment before answering his father's question.
Then, after a while, a voice was finally heard.
"Dad... Is it true that long ago, there were immortals in this world? People who lived for thousands of years and could walk in the skies?" Lin Fan had often heard these stories from the elders in his village.
Lin Wei looked at Lin Fan and smiled. "Xiao Fan, those are just old tales from the village elders of long ago. I'm sure no one in this village has ever actually seen these immortals."
"I see," Lin Fan nodded in understanding.
"Alright now, come inside quickly, it's very late," Lin Wei patted Lin Fan's shoulder and walked back into the house.
"Just a moment longer, Dad," Lin Fan turned his gaze back to the sky.
He then let out a sigh. "No use thinking about it, Lin Fan." He stood up and walked back into his house.
...