I only want immortality.

"It's the covenant!"

"The covenant is treacherous!"

In a flash, Zhao Yuanxiao's mind raced through all the events that had just transpired, and he suddenly realized something!

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Bai Butong and himself, two Qi Refining Level 10 cultivators, as well as several Qi Refining Level 9 elders, were all lying on the ground, their strength exhausted, as if they were drunk.

He tried to summon his magic, but found that the magic that used to flow so smoothly now seemed to be asleep, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't summon it.

He was both anxious and angry. He had been on guard against everything, but he never expected that the other party would have such a way of silently diminishing a person's magical power.

Only Murong Xian could barely stand, leaning against the table and chairs, veins bulging on his forehead, panting heavily, and angrily rebuked:

"Yang Xingkong, what... what do you want to do!"

"Brother Murong, you have misunderstood me."

Yang Xingkong squatted down, took the cloth from an elder's hand, picked it up, and said leisurely with a smile:

"This item has been soaked in some 'Nine Yin Soul-Soothing Water' by me. This is a precious treasure, a secret of the Yuan family of Runan Kingdom. It can warm the body, nourish magical power, and even prolong life. If it is not used in time, it will quickly dissipate into the world. I don't have much here. However, there will be some minor side effects at first. Hmm, it will make you a little weak. It will be fine in an hour or two. Brother Murong, there is no need to worry."

As they spoke, the Yang family members behind Yang Xingkong began setting up on the spot, taking talismans and inscribing array patterns in an orderly manner.

The disciples on duty outside noticed something was wrong and rushed in, but they were no match for these cultivators at the tenth and ninth levels of Qi Refining. They were subdued in no time, and didn't even have time to send out a warning.

"Be gentle, don't hurt them. They'll all be members of the Yang family from now on," Yang Xingkong said with a smile.

Murong Xian was furious, but he was panting heavily and could not stand steadily, and could not even speak.

Yang Xingkong quickly stepped forward, helped him sit down, and scolded him:

"Brother Murong is good in every way, except that he is a bit too impatient. Please sit down, please sit down, and don't get angry."

Murong Xian glared angrily.

Suddenly someone said:

"The old sect leader... was attacked? Was it... was it you who did it?"

Yang Xingkong turned his head and saw Zhao Yuanxiao struggling to sit against the table leg. He was immediately surprised and said:

"Uncle Zhao, what makes you say that?"

Zhao Yuanxiao's face was ashen; the struggle had exhausted all his strength, and he gasped for breath:

"You...you deliberately let the old sect leader return...so that today...we could catch us off guard and wipe us all out...why...why..."

"Why do this?"

Yang Xingkong took out a folding fan from his sleeve, his previous pretense gone, and gently waved it, saying leisurely:

"How can I possibly explain this to you frogs in a well?"

"Your eyes are fixed on this small territory of the Song Kingdom, and you are only concerned with the Qinghe Sect of the Wuling Kingdom seizing the Qianshou Sect's territory, feeling lost and uneasy. You are unaware that a powerful ruler is rising in the Central, Yu, Yan, and Ji regions, aiming to unify the Divine Continent within a thousand years. Furthermore, you are unaware that the Jingbei region is already in chaos, with various kingdoms and sects teetering on the brink of collapse, hastily turning north. Even if a major sect wishes to save the day, under the current circumstances, it is powerless to do so!"

Murong Xian, Zhao Yuanxiao, and the others were shaken, but Yang Xingkong sighed softly:

"The murky waters of Zhongzhou will one day flood the small pond of Song. Can you all understand the fear, helplessness, and...joy in my heart?"

His eyes gleamed with fervor; all his previous pretense had finally crumbled away at this moment, and he exclaimed with unusual excitement:

"In times of peace, small sects like ours, lacking superior spiritual caves, rare elixirs, and top-tier inheritances, would never hope to even establish a foundation in the Dao, let alone reach the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stage... But now, the Divine Continent is in turmoil, and chaos is imminent. Countless great sects and renowned families will fall into oblivion, while countless powerful figures will rise to prominence. Only in such times can we establish our achievements and ascend to the Great Dao!"

"Do you... understand how I feel?"

He stared at the Chun Jun Sect members, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"But why did you kill my grandfather!"

Murong Xian mustered all his strength and roared through gritted teeth.

Yang Xingkong's gaze shifted slightly, landing on Murong Xian. His expectations were dashed, and only deep disappointment remained in his eyes. He clicked his tongue and said:

"Look at you, I thought you were young and hadn't been corrupted by these old fogies, and that you had some potential, but it turns out you're still like this..."

Having said that, he sighed:

"The older generation clings to outdated ideas, unaware of the times and the need for strategic maneuvering. If I were to explicitly state my intention to subdue your Chun Jun Sect, I fear it would only result in mutual destruction. A wise man would not do such a thing. It would be better to strike first..."

"Master of the family."

A cultivator from the Yang clan stepped forward and whispered, "The Bewitching Mind and Disrupting Spirit Array has been set up."

Only then did everyone realize that countless array patterns were moving on the beams and walls of the mourning hall, with eerie light flowing around them, and malevolent spirits lurking around, whispering in the shadows, seemingly capable of bewitching people's minds.

Among the Yang family members, one person held a nine-story pagoda in his hand. The pagoda's body was clearly made of white bones, which was the very eye of this formation.

"good!"

Yang Xingkong nodded in approval, closed his folding fan, and smiled slightly.

"Congratulations to all of you on joining my Yang family."

Before he could finish speaking, an unexpected turn of events occurred.

Suddenly, a crescent-shaped blade wheel flew out from Zhao Yuanxiao's sleeve, whistling sharply, and sped toward Yang Xingkong!

"Um?"

Yang Xingkong showed no panic, only a slight change in expression, and gracefully retreated like a willow swaying in the breeze.

Two Yang clan cultivators rushed forward just in time, one holding an umbrella and the other a staff, and with a loud 'bang,' they managed to shake the crescent-shaped blade wheel.

Sparks fly!

Both of them let out a muffled groan, clearly having suffered a hidden loss!

The crescent-shaped blade wheel returned empty-handed, whistling as it flew back and circled.

Yang Xingkong narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at Zhao Yuanxiao, who had stood up and whose face was cold and stern, with a hint of surprise:

Why are you alright?

Zhao Yuanxiao raised his sleeve and pulled Murong Xian, Bai Butong, and the others behind him. Hearing this, he coldly said:

"Unfortunately, after my third senior uncle improved the 'White Jade Skill' that I practiced, my magical power changed three times in one breath, flowing into my bones, and I could move and stay at will. I recovered in no time."

Yang Xingkong's eyes lit up with realization, and he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration:

"Senior Li was indeed a peerless genius. I once traveled north, even in the great land of Runan, but I never heard of anyone like Senior Li who could improve so many cultivation methods and techniques with his Qi-refining body. It's a pity he was born at the wrong time and in the wrong place, and it's even more regrettable that the old senior has passed away. I missed the chance to meet him, what a great regret!"

Zhao Yuanxiao did not correct him; instead, his expression hardened slightly.

"You've run out of tricks, aren't you worried?"

Yang Xingkong laughed heartily upon hearing this:

"Elder Zhao is a prodigy of the Chun Jun Sect, but what can you do alone?"

As they spoke, three of the five Yang clan cultivators behind Zhao Yuanxiao, excluding two who were guarding the formation, went straight for the group behind Zhao Yuanxiao.

Zhao Yuanxiao stepped forward, the white light of his crescent-shaped blade wheel intensifying, and a frosty aura rapidly spreading. Instead of panicking, he chuckled lightly.

"You are indeed shrewd and resourceful, bold yet meticulous, but you overlooked one thing."

Seeing this, Yang Xingkong frowned slightly, a sense of unease rising in his heart. He said in a deep voice:

"Take it quickly!"

The three of them suddenly accelerated, but at that moment, the mourning hall formation suddenly shook!

Before anyone could understand what was happening...

The next moment, a water dragon as clear as a spring rushed in from outside the door, directly overturning the entire mourning hall!

As dawn broke, the evil spirits vanished.

"Thank you very much, Junior Brother Jin Guang!"

Zhao Yuanxiao smiled with delight.

"Junior brother?"

Yang Xingkong was surprised and looked to the side. He saw a boy riding a black ox and standing in mid-air. The clear spring water dragon crashed into the mourning hall and then turned into a light blue bracelet, which spun around on the boy's wrist.

The boy was dressed in a brocade robe, adorned with rouge and pearls, and even had a snack box tucked under his arm—quite flamboyant indeed. He had just rescued someone, and now he had already impatiently picked up a snack, stuffed it into his mouth, and mumbled:

"You're welcome..."

call out!

The crescent-shaped blade swept past Yang Xingkong, but was dodged in time and struck the crooked beam.

Having narrowly escaped death, Yang Xingkong remained expressionless. His gaze swept over the numerous Chun Jun Sect disciples rushing towards them, his expression deep and thoughtful. Suddenly, he asked:

"I didn't know that Elder Zhao had a junior brother named 'Jin Guang.' I wonder which senior he studied under?"

Zhao Yuanxiao did not answer, but instead used his crescent-shaped magic weapon to launch a fierce attack. Because they were wary of the boy taking the opportunity to strike, Yang and the others did not dare to go all out, and were barely held back by Zhao Yuanxiao alone.

Yang Xingkong, however, seemed to remain detached, avoiding Zhao Yuanxiao and not making a move. But seeing his scheme fail and the Chun Jun Sect disciples rushing over, he couldn't help but sigh softly.

"Alright, let's retreat!"

The group of six, excluding him, consisted of two Qi Refining Level 10 experts and three Qi Refining Level 9 experts. Their strength was not bad, but they were, after all, inside the Chun Jun Sect. If nothing had happened, all would be well, but once something did happen, they would be trapped in the crowd and there would be no way to escape.

The reasons for this were twofold: firstly, the unexpected fact that Zhao Yuanxiao's technique could counteract the effects of the Nine Yin Soul-Soothing Water; and secondly, the appearance of this boy who, despite only making one move, had already revealed his Qi Refining Level 10 cultivation.

If it were just Zhao Yuanxiao, they would still have room to maneuver, but with an additional Qi Refining Level 10 cultivator, it's almost impossible.

Yang Xingkong was a decisive person. Once he made his decision, he did not hesitate. He first threw out a grappling hook, which fell straight towards Zhao Yuanxiao, and then immediately took off into the air.

Zhao Yuanxiao was dragging Yang Shi and the others along when they faced the flying rope, and he couldn't spare a hand to deal with it.

Just then.

"Pah! A sneak attack!"

Seeing this scene from the back of the ox, Jin Guang couldn't help but spit out a curse, grabbing a snack in one hand and making a hand seal with the other.

Just as the flying rope was about to strike Zhao Yuanxiao, a large golden hand suddenly appeared out of nowhere, its lines clearly visible, and it gripped the flying rope as if it were a chick.

"Huh? This is... a suspended hand seal?!"

An elder among the Yang family members was startled upon seeing the giant golden hand, then greatly alarmed. Without thinking, he hurriedly shouted, "Everyone, get out of here!"

Seizing the opportunity, they dropped a string of talismans, which exploded with a series of bangs, causing Zhao Yuanxiao to suffer a loss. The group then took the opportunity to throw out their magical artifacts and fled on the wind before the Chun Jun Sect disciples could surround them.

Before their arrival, the Yang family had made all the necessary preparations, including arrangements for after a setback. As expected, they quickly shook off the pursuing Chun Jun Sect disciples.

"Master of the family."

Seeing Yang Xingkong flying at the very front with a somber expression, the old man Yang knew he was in a bad mood and comforted him:

"Our chances of success in this risky endeavor were already slim. If this method fails, we can try another one; it will only take more time."

Yang Xingkong looked ahead and said coldly:

"Time waits for no one. We may be willing to wait a few more days, but the Qinghe Sect won't give us another chance... This time, I was greedy. I always thought of achieving everything in one fell swoop, absorbing the Chun Jun Sect's many magical techniques and disciples, and then selling them to a higher-priced seller. In fact, if I had secretly eroded the Chun Jun Sect step by step with the Bewitching Mind and Chaotic Spirit Array, from the outside in, from weak to strong, although it would have been more troublesome, it wouldn't have resulted in such a fruitless endeavor as we have today!"

The old man comforted him, saying, "This is not the fault of the patriarch's scheming, but rather a case of man proposes, God disposes. Who could have foreseen this turn of events, especially that boy..."

He paused, his expression becoming more serious:

"The spell this boy used just now seems to be a unique technique of the former master of Canglang."

"Li Canglang?"

Yang Xingkong's expression unconsciously became more serious, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes, followed by a slight frown:

"Is that boy his successor? Is he still alive?"

"They must be gone."

The old man surnamed Yang shook his head and said:

"I remember he was a decade older than the old patriarch. The old patriarch has been gone for over ten years. If we calculate his age, he must be around 110 or 120 years old now. He must have fought many battles in his younger days, and he probably has accumulated a lot of hidden injuries. He probably won't live much longer."

Seeing that Yang Xingkong's brows remained furrowed, he continued, "Patriarch, there is no need to worry. When he was alive, his reputation surpassed that of the heads of seven families, and he was famous throughout several kingdoms of Jingnan. There were even cultivators who traveled thousands of miles to seek his guidance, and I have heard that some Dao Foundation cultivators also valued him highly. But that was more than twenty years ago. Even if he were alive now, given his age, he would have long since weakened and become useless."

"As for that boy, so what if he is his disciple? He is just like us, merely a Qi Refining cultivator."

Yang Xingkong's brows furrowed even more:

"Li Canglang's reputation is much greater than you know. When I traveled to Runan in my early years, I heard that his improved techniques were highly praised by cultivators of major sects, and some sects even replaced their own techniques with his improved ones."

"The reason I chose Chun Jun Sect this time is twofold. First, because its establishment was short and it lacked a solid foundation, swallowing them up would not provoke any powerful backers. Second, because Chun Jun Sect has collected many of the techniques he left behind. It's just a pity that his descendants are incompetent... If he were still alive, with a single call, the major sects might not give him the opportunity to build his Dao foundation, but some would surely remember his kindness in passing on the techniques and take the opportunity to eliminate us."

"this……"

Upon hearing this, the elderly man surnamed Yang also became nervous:

"The Master of Canglang has such a reputation? Even the Kingdom of Runan knows of his name?"

Yang Xingkong suddenly stopped, took a deep breath, and his eyes flashed rapidly: "If that boy is truly Li Canglang's disciple, once the news spreads, we're likely in grave danger!"

"What should we do then?"

The Yang family members couldn't help but feel alarmed and uneasy.

"The only way is to stir this murky water up even more!"

Yang Xingkong narrowed his eyes, quickly calculated, and soon made a decision:

"I intend to join the Qinghe Sect and shift the blame eastward!"

"Qinghe Sect..."

The Yang family members exchanged glances. They had originally planned to swallow up Chun Jun Sect and combine the strength of the two families to deal with Qinghe Sect of Wuling Kingdom. However, now they were about to join Qinghe Sect instead.

"Born into chaotic times, if we stick to the old ways, our Yang family will never have a chance to rise. Only by taking risks can we have a glimmer of hope!"

Yang Xingkong scanned the group, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "Besides, from the moment we decided to use the Chun Jun Sect, we had no other choice!"

Regardless of success or failure, none of the families in the Song Kingdom will remain close to them. They will either choose to fight against everyone or seek refuge with a larger power.

"good!"

"I'll listen to the head of the family!"

The Yang family members weren't conflicted. If it weren't for their own ambition and fear, they wouldn't have agreed to Yang Xingkong's attack on Chun Jun Sect in the first place.

Yang Xingkong nodded slightly, a smile on his face, reassuring everyone:

"This trip to the Qinghe Sect isn't without its opportunities. They know very little about the Song Kingdom and still rely on the Yang family to maintain their foothold. Even if we were to attack the Chun Jun Sect, which of the Song Kingdom's families knows more about it than us? At that time..."

Before he could finish speaking, a warning sign suddenly appeared!

Yang Xingkong looked up and saw a golden streak of light suddenly flying from afar, like a falling star. In the blink of an eye, it was in front of him and spun around his neck!

His face still showed a hint of astonishment, but his head had already fallen to the ground.

A golden light swept around him before disappearing into the sky once more, leaving the Yang clan cultivators bewildered...