I only want immortality.

"Is Master Uncle really going to the Nine Yang Sect?"

Watching Lü Kong leave, Zhao Yuanxiao hesitated and turned to ask.

Li Pinghe got off the bed, put on his clothes, and instead of answering Zhao Yuanxiao's question, asked:

"What do you think of Lü Kong?"

Although Zhao Yuanxiao did not understand his meaning, he pondered for a moment and then said seriously:

"He has a good demeanor and superb skills. Among his peers in the Song Kingdom, he is considered a top-notch person... Han Xianghe has truly taught a good disciple."

"He's a promising talent."

Li Pinghe nodded in agreement, but then smiled and said:

"However, among those at the tenth level of Qi Refining, he's not exactly unmatched. In your opinion, how does he compare to Lu Mingchen of the Qinghe Sect?"

"this……"

Zhao Yuanxiao frowned and pondered:

"If Lu Mingchen has a foundational magic treasure, Lü Kong is no match for him. But if Lu Mingchen doesn't have a foundational magic treasure, then it's still uncertain."

Li Pinghe smiled slightly: "It seems that this foundational magic treasure is indeed extremely crucial."

Zhao Yuanxiao did not hide his apprehension and sincerely said:

"Before, I was like a frog in a well, ignorant of the vast difference between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment. Lu Mingchen's arrival has truly broadened my horizons. I find it hard to imagine how someone could use Qi Refining techniques to coerce someone at Foundation Establishment."

"Yes, you wouldn't believe it. I've seen so many spells, but I still couldn't have imagined it."

Li Pinghe sighed:

"Aren't we just ordinary people?"

Zhao Yuanxiao quickly replied, "My senior master is a scholar of unparalleled learning, proficient in all arts and crafts, including talismans, arrays, and artifacts. How could you possibly call him an ordinary person?"

Li Pinghe countered, "Since he is no ordinary person, even I would be helpless against Lu Mingchen. How then could Lü Kong of the Nine Yang Sect fight three against one and force the Qinghe Sect members to retreat?"

"this……"

Zhao Yuanxiao became increasingly confused by the questioning and could only reply:

"A contest of magic can be decided in the blink of an eye, and anything is possible. Perhaps it is because Lü Kong is skilled in magic and his technique is close to the Dao."

Seeing that Zhao Yuanxiao still didn't understand, Li Pinghe could only shake his head helplessly and say:

"While there is a vast difference between cultivators at the tenth level of Qi Refining, there is always an upper limit. Today, I sparred with him, but even though I only skimmed the surface, I didn't see anything extraordinary about him. How could he possibly withstand the power of a Foundation Establishment magic weapon?"

"My master's intention in testing his skills with him was originally this."

Zhao Yuanxiao suddenly realized, but then his brows furrowed in disbelief:

"So, does my senior uncle mean that the rumors are false, and that the one who defeated the three from the Qinghe Sect that day was not Lü Kong?"

Yes and no.

Li Pinghe said slowly:

"The gap between Qi Refining and Dao Foundation is like an insurmountable chasm, which cannot be bridged by ordinary means. Lü Kong alone is definitely no match for a Dao Foundation cultivator."

Zhao Yuanxiao nodded in agreement. He had not personally tested the difference, so he did not know the gap between them. Therefore, he did not believe that any Qi Refining cultivator could defeat a Dao Foundation cultivator.

Li Pinghe added, "However, the people sent by the Qinghe Sect are not Foundation Establishment cultivators, but Foundation Establishment magic treasures. The ones who wield these treasures are merely Qi Refining cultivators."

Zhao Yuanxiao finally realized:

"Disciple understands."

"Since it's not the original owner, its operation will naturally have flaws."

"Lu Kong seized upon this flaw!"

The more he spoke, the clearer his understanding became, and his eyes brightened:

"No, since my master has said that Lü Kong does not possess an extraordinary talent, even if there are flaws in his abilities, he may not be able to see them, and even if he does see them, he may not be able to seize upon them!"

"Therefore... someone is guiding Lü Kong!"

"The one who can spot the flaws in a Dao Foundation magic weapon, could it be...?"

"The Foundation of the Dao?!"

Upon hearing these two words, Zhao Yuanxiao was startled by his own deduction and instinctively looked at Li Pinghe.

However, Li Pinghe showed no surprise or doubt, clearly indicating that he had already guessed it.

"Senior Uncle, you guessed it all along?"

Li Pinghe did not answer, but his eyes showed deep thought:

"If there truly is a Dao Foundation cultivator in charge, why has he remained silent for so many years, unwilling to personally appear, instead pushing me forward? This deception is certainly not to deal with the Qinghe Sect... So what is his purpose?"

"It doesn't make sense, it just doesn't make sense."

The seven sects of the Song Kingdom are all Qi Refining sects, and on the surface, they are all about the same level. Logically speaking, if any of them had produced a Dao Foundation True Cultivator, they should have unified the Song Kingdom long ago. There is no reason for them to keep it hidden, and even now, they have not shown themselves when faced with the attack of the Qinghe Sect.

"Perhaps the Nine Yang Sect really doesn't have a Dao Foundation, and it's all just a coincidence. It just so happens that the Qinghe Sect members are not good at controlling Dao Foundation treasures, and that Lü Kong just happened to seize the opportunity..."

Zhao Yuanxiao speculated, but he himself wasn't entirely convinced.

In ordinary people's fights, the outcome may vary depending on whether one strikes first or second, or whether one is in a better state. However, at this level, even a slight difference in strength becomes clear, and there is no room for luck.

If Lü Kong was able to force back the three members of the Qinghe Sect that day, then he would likely achieve the same result several times over, unless, as his senior uncle said, a master secretly guided him.

Thinking of this, Zhao Yuanxiao was suddenly startled and said worriedly, "Uncle-Master, if there is something wrong with the Nine Yang Sect, wouldn't this trip be quite dangerous? Maybe we shouldn't go."

Li Pinghe shook his head:

"Go! How can I not go?"

"If the Nine Yang Sect truly has a Dao Foundation Real Cultivator in charge, then I'd be even more eager to go and see for myself."

Looking out of the hall, a deep longing lingered in his eyes, and he whispered:

"The former sites of the Nine Yang Sect and the Thousand Hands Sect are now very close to the branch altar of the Qinghe Sect. Since the Qinghe Sect is blocked here, there will definitely be a battle in the future. The Nine Yang Sect also understands this, so they asked me to step forward and invite many cultivators to prepare for a fight."

"This place holds immense danger, but also immense opportunity!"

"Defeat means death; victory means a whole new world!"

As Zhao Yuanxiao gazed at Li Pinghe's aged yet still tall figure, a surge of emotions welled up within him, but quickly subsided, and his ambition vanished.

As cultivators, having embarked on this path, how many would not wish for longevity? Yet, once they truly enter it, they discover the harsh realities of the world, the difficulty of each step, and the gradual erosion of their former ambitions, until one day they finally realize that the path to enlightenment is hopeless, and thus they follow their own desires, indulging in pleasure, becoming obsessed with playthings, seeking scriptures and methods, or vying for power and profit...

The so-called steadfastness of one's faith—how many can withstand the daily test of that faith?

No, perhaps there is.

Zhao Yuanxiao looked down at Li Pinghe's shadow cast on the floor of the main hall, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke:

"Since you have already made up your mind, I will not try to persuade you any further. I wish you all the best and that your path may reach the heavens."

"Aren't you coming with me?"

Li Pinghe slightly turned his head.

Zhao Yuanxiao hesitated for a moment, but quickly made up his mind: "Disciple... Chun Jun Sect may still need disciple in some way."

"Besides, I know that my talent is limited and I have no hope of establishing a foundation in the Dao. It would be better for me to assist the young sect leader and manage worldly affairs well."

Li Pinghe remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"The sun, moon, and stars rise and fall without the help of one person; rivers, lakes, and seas have flowed since ancient times... Are you really sure about this?"

Perhaps because he had finally understood his own path, Zhao Yuanxiao felt much more relaxed:

"I understand Master's good intentions, but I have also thought it through. I was born and raised here, and I wish to grow old and die here in the future. Now that the Song Kingdom is in trouble, Chun Jun Sect is also in grave danger."

"If I leave now, Bai Butong, Chen Xu and the others will be unable to manage the overall situation, and the young sect master is still cultivating... Besides, if there is a real battle, I might have to go and provide support, and then I can see my master again."

Li Pinghe sighed softly, and without further persuasion, said:

"I'm just going to take a look; I didn't say I wouldn't come back."

After a pause, he continued, "The reason I went to the Jiuyang Sect this time was to prevent the Chun Jun Sect from suffering. If I were still in the Chun Jun Sect, I'm afraid some people would take the opportunity to stir up trouble and fish in troubled waters."

Zhao Yuanxiao was indeed a master strategist, and upon hearing this, he immediately understood:

"My master is worried that someone might secretly target Chun Jun Sect and my master, then frame others, making everyone in Song feel insecure..."

"That's possible."

Li Pinghe nodded:

"Therefore, I must separate from Chun Jun Sect for now. This way, the other party will be hesitant to act rashly. As long as I am still here and Jiu Yang Sect is still here, Chun Jun Sect will be safe. The longer the better, ideally until Murong Xian achieves Dao Foundation."

"As a guest advisor, this is one of the few things I can do."

Zhao Yuanxiao remained silent, solemnly bowed to Li Pinghe, and then asked:

"When does Master Uncle plan to set off?"

"Today."

Zhao Yuanxiao was surprised: "So soon?"

Li Pinghe said calmly:

"Lu Kong came without concealing his presence. If someone with ulterior motives pays attention, they will seize the opportunity to strike and punish the Nine Yang Sect."

Zhao Yuanxiao's expression turned serious:

"Understood, I will have Chen Xu and Lin Yang accompany me."

Li Pinghe did not refuse. After all, he had not been involved in the cultivation world for many years, and he did need Chen Xu, who was well-informed, to follow him.

Zhao Yuanxiao hurriedly invited Murong Xian over and explained the ins and outs again. Upon learning that the Nine Yang Sect might also have Dao Foundation cultivators, Murong Xian's expression became slightly awkward. However, upon learning that Li Pinghe intended to go to the Nine Yang Sect to divert the attention of the Chun Jun Sect, he was once again moved to tears of gratitude.

"My grandmaster was the pillar of our sect, and now that he is gone, what am I to do?"

Li Pinghe glanced at the other person and found that they were indeed crying their eyes out. He was speechless for a moment and could only patiently try to persuade them:

"I am incompetent and have not accomplished anything, but Elder Zhao is well-versed in worldly affairs and is skilled in both internal and external matters. The sect leader can use him with peace of mind."

"Yes... Elder Zhao is certainly a good person."

Murong Xian gave a perfunctory response.

Zhao Yuanxiao, standing beside him, looked displeased but held back.

"With Elder Zhao assisting you, I hope you will cultivate diligently, live up to your grandfather's dying wish, and live up to the expectations of your thousands of disciples. In the future, the Song Kingdom may also have to rely on you."

Before leaving, Li Pinghe bowed to Murong Xian to say goodbye, offering sincere advice. Murong Xian's eyes instantly welled up with tears as he felt the sincerity in Li Pinghe's words.

Even after the golden light led the black water buffalo into the air and disappeared from sight, Murong Xian still gazed at it longingly.

When the old man was alive, he felt as if someone was pressing down on him, which made him very uncomfortable. However, today, seeing him leave and hearing his parting words, which were full of heartfelt sentiments, he realized how important this senior master was to him.

He was filled with regret.

He hesitated for a long time, but ultimately did not say anything to stop him.

"Young Master, let's go back."

Seeing Murong Xian standing there gazing intently for a long time, Zhao Yuanxiao couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Although his master had done a lot for Chun Jun Sect, had he, Zhao Yuanxiao, done little less?

He had recently taken the initiative to humble himself and show goodwill to the other party, so why didn't this young sect leader appreciate it?

Feeling depressed but unable to express it openly, I could only find an excuse to start a conversation and ease the tension.

Murong Xian snapped out of his reverie upon hearing the voice and nodded.

Since their grandmaster's arrival and Lu Mingchen's disturbance at Chun Jun Sect, their relationship had softened, but they remained awkwardly estranged, unsure of what to say, and could only manage to say:

"Then let's do it together."

"Together."

The conversation became increasingly awkward as they couldn't agree on anything.

Just then, Murong Xian suddenly sensed something and turned his head to look into the distance. Zhao Yuanxiao also quickly sensed something and looked into the distance as well.

But then, a black dot flew swiftly from the southeast.

In the blink of an eye, it rapidly enlarged and fell straight down.

However, she was a female Taoist priest dressed in a pink and white lotus leaf-patterned robe.

The female Taoist priest, with a face as white as powder and a graceful, delicate figure, bowed slightly upon seeing the two, neither servile nor arrogant.

"Ye Qing of Lotus Valley greets you two fellow Daoists. Please inform the Valley Master that he would like to invite Master Canglang of your sect to a gathering at Lotus Lake."

"The Master of Canglang? Lotus Lake?"

Looking for a senior master/great-grandmaster?

Murong Xian and Zhao Yuanxiao exchanged a surprised glance, not minding that the other party had mistaken them for disciples guarding the mountain. Zhao Yuanxiao quickly said:

"Unfortunately, Master Canglang left not long ago and is heading to the Jiuyang Sect."

"The Nine Yang Sect?"

The female Taoist priest frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled as to why Li Pinghe was heading towards the Nine Yang Sect. She then glanced at the two men and the Chun Jun Sect's mountain gate behind them, confirming that everything was as it appeared before nodding.

"Thank you for your guidance."

Having said that, he didn't say anything more and immediately flew towards the direction of the Nine Yang Sect.

But Zhao Yuanxiao quickly stopped him.

The female Taoist priest stood in the air, looking puzzled.

"Is there anything else, fellow Daoist?"

Zhao Yuanxiao explained:

"Your Highness wishes to invite Master Canglang to Lotus Lake in the south. However, the Nine Yang Sect is currently engaged in a battle with the Qinghe Sect of Wuling Kingdom. Master Canglang has been invited and will likely be unable to return for some time, and will also be unable to spare the time. You would be better off returning immediately and informing your Highness, so as not to delay the matter."

Upon hearing this, the female Taoist priest thought about it seriously and seemed to find it reasonable. She then bowed and said, "Thank you."

After saying that, he went southeast without hesitation.

"The female cultivators of Lotus Valley are truly exceptional in the Song Kingdom, but it's a pity they don't form Daoist partnerships with outsiders... I wonder what business they have with my grandmaster."

Murong Xian watched the female Taoist priest leave, and couldn't help but feel curious.

Zhao Yuanxiao glanced at him, making sure he had no other intentions, before slowly saying:

"In his early years, my master traveled to various places and bestowed favors upon various sects. Although Lotus Valley is the most special of the seven families in the Song Kingdom and does not communicate with the outside world, it has also received the kindness of my master. The previous Valley Master even consulted my master for half a year and called him half a master."

"Now that they have learned that their senior master has come down the mountain, it is only natural that they have sent someone to invite him."

Murong Xian nodded, not delving into the matter further.

……

"Li Canglang actually set off so quickly."

"Are you going to the Nine Yang Sect?"

Outside Chun Jun Gate, deep in the mountains and forests.

A figure crouched by the pool, watching Li Pinghe and his companions fly overhead in the water's reflection, and was secretly astonished.

He didn't dare to delay, so he quickly shrank into a nearby cave in the dead wood, took out a crane talisman, put it to his lips, whispered something, and then opened his hand to hold it up. The crane talisman actually flapped its wings and flew up into the sky.

The crane flew gracefully in the clouds, and after an unknown period of time, it seemed to sense something and fell straight down from the clouds, landing in the palm of a scholar in green.

"What good news has arrived?"

The scholar in blue unfolded the letter, quickly flipping through it, his face darkening in an instant.

"That old geezer, he's pretty fast!"

"It seems this plan will have to be changed again."