Am I the old man who's always by my apprentices' side?

Chapter 319 The Immortal Alliance Leader and His Base

Even if he was slow to notice, Chang Ping'an could tell that Murong Ruyan was angry.

He couldn't help but reflect: it seems he was indeed somewhat indecisive, hesitant in his actions...

This is not okay!
What if I disappoint my master?
Finally, he stepped forward, walked to the front of the platform, held onto the railing, took a deep breath, and said loudly, "Thank you for your high regard, fellow Daoists. I will no longer refuse and will accept this task to become the first 'Alliance Leader' of this Immortal Alliance!"

As Chang Ping'an finished speaking, the square fell silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic congratulations.

Congratulations, Alliance Leader Chang!

"The establishment of the Immortal Alliance is truly a blessing for the Immortal Path and a boon for all living beings!"

"Fellow Daoist Chang... no, Alliance Leader Chang truly deserves the title!"

Disciples from the Taiyue Sword Sect, the Tang Clan of Sichuan, and the Tianji Sect, led by their sect leaders and elders, bowed in greeting. The martial artists who had gathered in the distance stared wide-eyed, eager to imprint this exciting moment in their minds. The atmosphere was incredibly lively.

Chang Ping'an stood in front of the railing, feeling the countless gazes below that were either eager, awe-inspiring, or curious. Hearing the thunderous congratulations, he felt an unprecedented surge of warmth welling up from the bottom of his heart, making his head slightly dizzy and his palms sweaty.

He subconsciously straightened his back, trying to appear more composed. He imitated his master's usual manner, raising his hand in a gesture of pressing down, his wide robes flapping against the simple wooden railing in the wind, giving him a somewhat otherworldly and ethereal air.

"Fellow Daoists, there's no need for such formalities."

His voice, infused with spiritual power, was clear and peaceful, resounding throughout the square, and even carrying a touch of majesty rarely seen before: "The Immortal Alliance has just been established, and everything is in need of rebuilding. I am not very talented and have limited knowledge. In the future, I will need to work together with my fellow practitioners, pool our wisdom and efforts, so as not to fail the trust placed in me today, the teachings of my master, or the hopes of all living beings."

These impromptu remarks were quite appropriate, both humble and demonstrating responsibility, which earned Zhang Chengdao a slight nod of approval in his heart.

It seems that if this cheap apprentice is carefully nurtured, he can still hold his own and become quite capable.

Even Murong Ruyan stood to the side with her arms crossed, snorted coldly, but the corners of her mouth curved up almost imperceptibly as she muttered, "Finally, he's starting to look like a senior brother!"

Just as Chang Ping'an finished speaking, Qu Zhiweng on another high platform spoke first, saying with a smile, "With Fellow Daoist Chang taking on this heavy responsibility, we have nothing to worry about anymore. However, Alliance Leader Chang, this 'Immortal Alliance' is newly established, so we don't know where to set up its headquarters?"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Now that the "Immortal Alliance" has been established, it is natural to determine the location of the alliance, which is not only related to the interests of each faction, but also to the fate of the immortal path.

Just like the Martial Arts Alliance back then, they also chose another place to build a villa, and the congratulatory gifts from various sects and the silver money sent every year maintained the operation of the entire Martial Arts Alliance.

The Immortal Alliance must also strive for longevity.

The money to keep the Immortal Alliance running comes from the fees collected from several sects. Of course, the Immortal Alliance also needs to provide assistance to these sects when necessary.

Therefore, the location of the Immortal Alliance is extremely important.

Chang Ping'an calmly cupped his hands in greeting to the several high platforms on the left and right, and replied, "I was appointed as the leader of the Immortal Alliance by the support of fellow Daoists. As for the location of the Immortal Alliance, I dare not presume to make the decision. I should listen to the opinions of the immortal sects. I wonder if any of you have any plans?"

Qu Zhiweng stroked his beard and was the first to speak: "In my humble opinion, it is definitely better to be as close as possible to the White Stone Immortal Sect."

"Putting everything else aside, the Immortal Alliance should be the most elite of all the immortal sects and forces in the world. Naturally, its requirements for spiritual energy are more stringent. Being closer to the White Stone Immortal Sect will also allow it to receive the protection of the Seeking Wood, and will also ensure that the elites of the various sects stationed in the Immortal Alliance will not be neglected in their cultivation. This is the way to ensure its long-term success!"

Tang Chi also stepped forward and slowly offered a different opinion: "What Sect Leader Qu said makes sense, but I think we should move further east and south, which is in accordance with the laws of nature, and sit in the center... It would be best to be located in the very center of the world."

Whether it was Qu Zhiweng or Tang Chi, they each held their own views, and their intentions were obvious—both wanted the Immortal Alliance to be closer to their own sect.

Seeing that Qu Zhiweng and Tang Chi had both spoken, but Tang Yinxiang remained silent, Chang Ping'an took the initiative to ask, "I wonder what brilliant ideas Sect Leader Tianji has?"

"I dare not presume to offer such insightful opinions. The Heavenly Mystery Sect is a newly established sect of immortality, and it is inappropriate for us to make such pronouncements."

As Tang Yinxiang spoke, she added, "However, my Tianji Sect has only a rudimentary understanding of formations, so I must say a few words: times have changed. No matter where the Immortal Alliance chooses to be located, we don't need to be too particular. We can just build a few more teleportation arrays, and travel will be just a matter of moments."

Tang Yinxiang's words were not only humble but also perfectly tactful.

Before Chang Ping'an could say anything, Qu Zhiweng secretly curled his lip.

This young lady is really good at saying pretty words. She's so shrewd. She doesn't seem like a girl in her teens or twenties at all.

I hope she doesn't end up like her master, who looks young but is actually an old monster who has lived several times his own age.

Just as Qu Zhiweng was still pondering in his heart, Chang Ping'an turned around respectfully again, bowed to Zhang Chengdao, and said, "Master, as the saying goes, one should not avoid enemies when recommending outsiders, nor should one avoid one's own son when recommending insiders. Although you are my master, you are also the guide of the immortal path in the world. You have established a Daoist temple on Baishi Mountain to spread the immortal path. All the immortal sects and forces in the world have benefited from your guidance. Therefore, in this matter, both in terms of sentiment and reason, we should ask you to guide us in choosing the location of the Immortal Alliance."

Looking at Chang Ping'an, who remained neither humble nor arrogant, Zhang Chengdao felt increasingly satisfied.

In addition to feeling relieved, he actually thought of a good place to go.

So he smiled and said, “I shouldn’t use the power of the White Stone Immortal Sect to pressure people and decide on the location of the Immortal Alliance. However, this matter is of great importance. The location of the Immortal Alliance is related to the development of the Immortal Path and the survival of the people. Therefore, I do have a wonderful place here that is worth considering.”

As Zhang Chengdao spoke, he raised his hand and pointed to the Xunmu tree, which was hidden in the mountains in the distance and could only be vaguely seen as an outline. He said, "The Xunmu tree is a divine tree that reaches the clouds. If we were to place the Immortal Alliance on the Xunmu tree, we could have a bird's-eye view of the world. What do you all think?"

As soon as Zhang Chengdao finished speaking, the cultivators and martial artists erupted in an uproar.

"This...this Immortal Alliance, can actually land on a tree!?"

"As expected of a true immortal on land, your ideas are truly extraordinary!"

"This tree is so tall, how can palaces be built on it?"

It's no wonder everyone was surprised; Zhang Chengdao's statement really startled them!
Building houses in trees is easy enough, but building a city in trees is beyond everyone's imagination. For a moment, whispers filled the air, but Chang Ping'an's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands, exclaiming:
“Excellent! Master’s words are excellent! The White Stone Immortal Dao Book says that all the scenery and trends in the world can be observed by their qi. There are countless kinds of qi, such as demonic qi, spiritual qi, evil qi, yin qi, and auspicious qi. By observing the qi, one can know the trend. If, as Master says, we set up the Immortal Alliance’s base on the Xunmu tree, we can indeed observe the qi of the world. In this way, we can quickly find out where there are demons and evil spirits and where reinforcements are needed!”

This proposal left the leaders and elders of the Tianji Sect, Tang Sect, and Taiyue Sword Sect somewhat bewildered. They were all somewhat resentful if the Immortal Alliance's headquarters were located near any of the three sects, but they were all speechless when it was chosen to be within the White Stone Immortal Sect.

The entire Immortal Path was taught by the old man Baishi, and Xunmu was a divine tree that he personally cultivated. How could anyone dare to have any objections!

Thus, the idea of ​​"establishing the Immortal Alliance's headquarters on Xunmu" was quickly approved by everyone, and it was settled for the time being.

The rest of the process proceeded smoothly.

Now that the leader of the alliance has been chosen and the location has been selected, the remaining task is to discuss the specific charter of the Immortal Alliance and the important tasks at hand.

These trivial matters naturally did not need to be handled by Chang Ping'an at this moment. Everyone just discussed them briefly, and each sect sent two people to take turns on duty in the Immortal Alliance. They would discuss them in detail later.

The founding ceremony of the Tianji Sect can be considered a complete success, even far exceeding expectations.

Tang Yinxiang and the Tianji Sect not only gained fame overnight, but also spearheaded the establishment of the Immortal Alliance, achieving both fame and fortune.

As the guests gradually recovered from their shock, they began to chat in small groups, discussing what they had seen and heard that day, their eyes occasionally glancing at the newly appointed, slightly flustered but trying hard to maintain his composure young leader on the high platform.

There are naturally many people who disapprove of a seventeen or eighteen-year-old alliance leader, but both the White Stone Immortal behind Chang Ping'an and Chang Ping'an's own Foundation Establishment cultivation level are enough to silence the dissent, so the overall atmosphere is still relatively normal.

As Tang Yinxiang continued the final sacrificial ceremony, Chang Ping'an returned to Zhang Chengdao's side, his face still flushed, and whispered, "Master, this disciple... this disciple has become the leader of the alliance. It feels like a dream, and I am truly uneasy."

Zhang Chengdao patted him on the shoulder and laughed, "It's right that it feels unreal; it means you deeply understand the weight of your responsibility."

"As a cultivator, and one who was among the first to witness the revival of spiritual energy, protecting all living beings is both a responsibility and a training experience. There is no need to be overly fearful; your master will be there to watch over you in everything."

"Yes, Master!"

After listening, Chang Pingan nodded emphatically, feeling much more at ease.

At this moment, Murong Ruyan approached, her tone still carrying her usual disdain, but her words were much more pragmatic: "Senior Brother, now that you've become the Alliance Leader, you must be doing some practical things, right? Do you have any plans in mind?"

Chang Ping'an was taken aback when he heard this. From Tang Yinxiang bringing up the matter of the Immortal Alliance during the founding ceremony to his inexplicable election as the leader of the Immortal Alliance, everything happened too fast, and he really hadn't thought about it carefully.

When his junior sister asked him a question, he subconsciously looked down at the still-operating "Nine Palaces Seven Luminaries Deduction Array," then at the numerous cultivators of varying strengths in the plaza, and even martial artists still practicing martial arts. Suddenly, a thought struck him—

"In the beginning of the path to immortality, a solid foundation is of utmost importance. I believe this divination array is quite beneficial for calming the mind and comprehending the Dao. Now that the Immortal Alliance has been established, the first priority is to help those who aspire to the Dao to solidify their foundation and improve their cultivation. Only in this way can we quickly cultivate a group of cultivators and have enough manpower to do things."

He paused, glanced at his "kind" master, and then boldly said, "In my humble opinion, the first measure after the establishment of the Immortal Alliance should be for the Tianji Sect to take the lead, with the assistance of the Taiyue Sword Sect and the Tang Sect of Sichuan, to set up such auxiliary cultivation formations in the locations of various sects and the Immortal Alliance's headquarters, so that members of the alliance or disciples of various sects can use them, and also benefit independent cultivators who are interested in the Dao."

"The resources needed can also be coordinated by the Immortal Alliance, with each sect contributing its own manpower and resources. In the future, if there are similar events, this example can be used to benefit all sects in the Immortal Alliance."

Upon hearing this, not only Zhang Chengdao nodded repeatedly, but even Murong Ruyan couldn't help but praise him.

This proposal is pragmatic and ambitious, directly benefiting all cultivators and greatly enhancing the cohesion and attractiveness of the Immortal Alliance. Moreover, entrusting the important task of setting up the formation to the Heavenly Mystery Sect is tantamount to confirming the Heavenly Mystery Sect's special status in the Immortal Alliance, which is exactly what the Heavenly Mystery Sect wanted to do at its founding ceremony. It can be said to be a win-win situation.

When Chang Ping'an saw that his suggestion had not only been approved by his master but also praised by his fellow disciples, he felt a surge of accomplishment. His previous unease dissipated, and his face was filled with confidence.

Zhang Chengdao looked at his eldest disciple and felt greatly relieved.

Although this cheap apprentice's name and character design are very similar to the protagonist in a certain novel, he has become completely different from his original personality and fate after being trained by him.

Chang Ping'an may not be shrewd enough, but his sincerity and pragmatism are precisely the qualities most needed by the newly emerging immortal path and the nascent immortal alliance in this world.

The beginning of the Immortal Alliance was established here.

Sunlight streamed onto the Tianji Sect's square, illuminating the brand-new stone slabs, the floating jade talismans, and the faces that were either serious or excited.

In the distance, verdant mountains rise one after another, shrouded in mist. The massive silhouette of Xunmu appears and disappears in the sunlight, like a guardian that has stood here since ancient times, silently watching the historic changes taking place on this land.

The final sacrificial ceremony of the Tianji Sect had just been completed, and some servant disciples had already arrived to lead everyone to the dining hall for the banquet.

A new era and a new history seem to be slowly unfolding with the newly established Tianji Sect and the newly formed Immortal Alliance.

An hour later...

"What did you say your name was? Baifumen?"

Zhong Hui scratched his head, his eyes filled with doubt: "Let alone in the immortal path, I've never heard of your sect in the martial path either!"

The person speaking to Zhong Hui was a very thin old man. Although he was short, he was full of energy and looked like a cultivator.

The old man smiled indifferently at Zhong Hui's words, but a young man behind him raised his eyebrows and said, "Who do you think you are! The puppetry we practice in the Hundred Blessings Sect is also a proper immortal path. We even have a 'Fairy Bamboo' in our sect that can grow a full circle every six days!"

"Hehehe, Little Liu, don't talk too much!"

The old man stopped the boy's rudeness, then bowed slightly to Zhong Hui and said, "Our Hundred Blessings Sect is indeed small, with only about ten members in total. It is a small sect and cannot be called anything special. But we are, after all, cultivators of immortality. I wonder if you could do me a favor and inform them whether our Hundred Blessings Sect is qualified to join the Immortal Alliance?"

Zhong Hui certainly wouldn't argue with a child—even though the child was only a few years younger than her.

She was completely stunned by the sudden appearance of the "Hundred Blessings Sect." When she saw that the sect leader was speaking very politely, she realized that what she had just said was really inappropriate. She quickly apologized and said, "That's not what I meant. It's just that the Immortal Path is just emerging, and I really didn't expect that there would be a sect that arose among the common people... Ah, please wait a moment, I'll go and talk to my senior brother right away!"

In all honesty, she wasn't looking down on small sects; she genuinely had never heard of this "Hundred Blessings Sect"!
Without time to think further, Zhong Hui apologized and hurriedly walked deeper into the dining hall.

(End of this chapter)