I only want immortality.

Nine Yang Sect.

Located in the central part of the Song Kingdom, "Baiyun Mountain" is in the northwest. It is within a similar distance to the former Thousand Hands Sect, Yang Family, Chun Jun Sect, Baoxia Sect, and Chenjiang Sword Sect.

The black water buffalo was a demonic creature at the tenth level of Qi Refining. It was fast on its feet and took two days to finally rest outside Baiyun Mountain.

Looking from afar, one can see many Taoist temples embedded on the cliffs of Baiyun Mountain, with golden roofs and red walls, connected by plank roads, creating a magnificent and perilous landscape, like scattered pearls.

At that moment, streaks of light streaked across the sky and headed straight for Baiyun Mountain.

"The momentum is quite significant."

Li Pinghe sat on the back of a black water buffalo, gazing into the distance, and nodded slightly.

Jin Guang had never traveled far before. At this moment, looking at the magnificent and imposing Jiuyang Sect mountain gate from afar, he even forgot to eat and drink, feeling overwhelmed by the sight.

Chen Xuli, standing to the side, echoed this sentiment:

"The Nine Yang Sect has always been reserved and rarely competes for the lead. If it weren't for the imminent danger facing the Green River Sect, they probably wouldn't have made such a splash. Even so, they have quite a few cultivators at the tenth level of Qi Refining within their sect. As far as I know, there are as many as seven."

"Among them, the sect leader Han Xianghe and the eldest disciple Lü Kong are the most well-known, but the other five each have their own strengths... Oh right, the cultivation methods and skills they practice are all related to their senior master."

Li Pinghe was naturally aware of this. In the past, he traveled extensively throughout the Song Dynasty, studying various schools of martial arts and techniques. He even spent more than a month at the Nine Yang Sect, where he developed and innovated several martial arts techniques and more than a dozen spells.

In fact, not only Han Xianghe's Dongyang Qinna Palm, but also the Pure One Sword Qi that Lü Kong is currently using, all originated from him.

However, Li Pinghe didn't care much. In his early years, he had improved countless techniques and skills, which not only helped others but also benefited him greatly. It was hard to say who benefited whom.

"Uncle-Master, if that's the case, doesn't that mean the Nine Yang Sect is far superior to our Chun Jun Sect?"

Hearing this, Lin Yang couldn't help but speak up.

If we disregard Li Pinghe, the grandmaster, and Jin Guang, the Chun Jun Sect currently only has the sect leader and two elders, Zhao and Bai, who are at the tenth level of Qi Refining. Compared to the Jiu Yang Sect, they are clearly much weaker.

"Heh, it's not just our Chun Jun Sect. The Yang family of the past, the Thousand Hands Sect, and even the Chenjiang Sword Sect that still exists today are all inferior to the Nine Yang Sect. It is said that the founder of this sect originated from the Penglai Immortal Pavilion in Donglai Kingdom of Qingzhou, and came from the Chunyang lineage. His background is extraordinary, and his foundation is naturally different. How long has our Chun Jun Sect been established?"

Chen Xu shared these secrets, which were considered open secrets among the high-ranking members of various sects in the Song Kingdom, hoping to broaden Lin Yang's horizons.

Lin Yang was somewhat indignant upon hearing this:

"Uncle-Master, this is boosting the morale of others while diminishing our own. If you're so powerful, why isn't the Nine Yang Sect the sole dominant force in the Song Kingdom?"

"What... what does a junior like you know?"

Chen Xu was speechless for a moment and tried to brush it off.

But then Li Pinghe said leisurely:

"Among the seven sects of the Song Kingdom, there are also those with good origins. For example, the Baoxia Sect, whose founder came from the great sect of Chenliu Kingdom in Yanzhou, was a true Dao Foundation Real Person. Another example is the Lotus Valley, which came from the Ye family of Yingchuan Kingdom in Yuzhou. All three generations were Dao Foundation Real Persons. However, it declined in later generations and was no longer as powerful as it once was, but it still has a profound foundation."

"I see, I understand now."

In front of Li Pinghe, Lin Yang dared not be presumptuous and nodded in agreement, but still couldn't suppress her curiosity: "Then why didn't the three families divide up the Song Kingdom from the beginning? Why are we still included?"

"Go away, stop talking nonsense."

Chen Xu was afraid that Lin Yang would anger Li Pinghe, so he quickly spat.

Li Pinghe was slightly taken aback, as if a string in his mind had been inadvertently plucked by Lin Yang's words.

"Indeed, since these three families arrived early and have sufficient strength, why not divide up the Song Kingdom sooner?"

"Putting aside everything else, the Nine Yang Sect alone would be enough to suppress the Yang family, the Chun Jun Sect, and the Thousand Hands Sect... yet they haven't done so. What is the reason for this?"

"Is it because these three companies are of noble character and cannot bear to seize the land?"

He narrowed his eyes. At his age, he would become more steadfast in certain matters, but he had also come to realize many truths. For example, in matters of a sect or a country, there was almost no such thing as lofty ideals or compassion. All that existed was weighing the pros and cons.

"What could be more important than acquiring more cultivation resources?"

He couldn't help but think of his previous speculation about the existence of Dao Foundation cultivators within the Nine Yang Sect. He vaguely sensed that there might be some special connection between the two.

As they were pondering, several figures seemed to sense their presence on White Cloud Mountain and flew over in a few leaps, landing in front of them.

Upon seeing Li Pinghe, the leader immediately bowed respectfully.

"Lu Kong of Jiuyang greets Senior Li! Greetings to Hall Master Chen and Uncle Jin Guang. You have all had a long journey. Jiuyang Sect has been negligent in its hospitality. Please come inside."

As expected of the next leader of the Nine Yang Sect, his demeanor and bearing were truly admirable, and Chen Xu couldn't help but secretly praise him.

Li Pinghe did not refuse, and with Lü Kong accompanying him, the group flew directly to the Guest House halfway up Baiyun Mountain.

After settling the black buffalo, the group climbed the steps, chatting as they went.

"My master's injuries have improved recently. Hearing that Senior Li could come, he became even more energetic. He kept telling me to prepare well for the Dongyang Qinna Palm and asked Senior Li to give him some pointers."

Lü Kong laughed.

Li Pinghe, without any arrogance, replied with a smile:

"One method, a hundred people. Your master is calm and composed, which is most compatible with the Dongyang Qinna Palm. In this art, I am far inferior to him, so how can I offer any guidance?"

"No, Master has always said that your cultivation has reached a level of profound understanding..."

The two exchanged pleasantries and pleasantries, keeping the atmosphere from becoming awkward.

Lu Kong then introduced the various halls and rooms within the Nine Yang Sect. Upon reaching the main hall, Li Pinghe suddenly said:

"I wonder where Brother Xianyu's divine position is now? I have known him for many years, but when he passed away, I was unable to see him off, which I truly regret."

Lu Kong was taken aback for a moment, then paused before speaking apologetically:

"The ancestral tablet is in the ancestral hall, but it is only open for a few days each year. If Senior Li wishes to pay respects, you can go to the ancestral hall later, and then I will accompany you there."

Upon hearing this, Li Pinghe shook his head and said:

"Since your sect has its rules, how can I break them? Let's leave it at that."

"this……"

Lu Kong couldn't figure out what this person was thinking for a moment, so he could only force a smile. Fortunately, the group was on a fast pace and soon arrived at the secluded place of Han Xiang, the leader of the Nine Yang Sect.

A figure was already waiting there. Upon seeing Li Pinghe and his group arrive from afar, he quickly stepped forward to greet them. Before he even arrived, his laughter preceded his words:

"Haha, Uncle Li, it's been forty years since Xianghe last saw you!"

Li Pinghe stared intently. The newcomer wore a wide robe and had a long, white beard, but his face was pale and sickly, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness. He looked somewhat different from the man he remembered, but he recognized him at a glance. He stopped in his tracks, nodded with delight, and smiled:

"I'm getting old, and you've aged quite a bit too, haven't you?"

Han Xianghe walked steadily forward, and upon seeing Li Pinghe, his eyes were filled with admiration. He dared not step forward, but instead took two steps back and bowed respectfully to Li Pinghe.

Disciple Lü Kong was taken aback and quickly stepped forward:

"Master!"

But Han Xiang pushed him away with a large hand, his face stern:

"I have told you many times that Uncle Li has been kind to me in passing on his teachings. When you see him, it is as if you are seeing your grandmaster."

Lü Kong quickly bowed:

"Yes, disciple knows his mistake."

"Why bother with such vulgar formalities?"

Li Pinghe shook his head and said, "Besides, your disciple is calm and composed, quite like Brother Xianyu in the past. Your Nine Yang Sect has a worthy successor."

Hearing Li Pinghe's evaluation, Lü Kong repeatedly said he didn't deserve it, but Han Xianghe was quite pleased and stroked his beard, saying:

"Since my uncle says so, I can rest assured."

Having said that, he then rebuked Lü Kong:

"Excessive humility is almost hypocrisy; you'll just accept any praise you receive!"

Lü Kong could only manage a wry smile: "Yes."

After reprimanding Lü Kong, Han Xianghe's anger turned to joy. His gaze swept over Chen Xu and Lin Yang beside Li Pinghe, and then he saw Jin Guang, who had been busy looking around and enjoying the view. His smile deepened.

"This is my martial uncle's newly accepted disciple? He is indeed a promising young man."

Jin Guang snapped out of his daze and realized the person was talking about him. Seeing that Li Pinghe didn't say anything, he turned his head and respectfully returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute.

"Thank you for the compliment, Senior Brother Han."

Han Xianghe couldn't help but burst into laughter:

"Alright, alright! As the senior brother, I can't be stingy... Here, take this."

As he spoke, he took out a gold brick from his sleeve and handed it to Jin Guang.

Jin Guang didn't accept it, and immediately looked at Li Pinghe with longing eyes.

Li Pinghe glanced at it and smiled:

"Your senior brother gave it to you, so just accept it. This item is a mixture of metal and earth, mixed with fire and wood, and enriched by water. It can be said to have all five elements. An ordinary Qi Refining Level 10 cultivator might not be able to withstand this brick if they are not careful."

Han Xianghe was deeply impressed:

"My uncle's eyesight is as sharp as ever."

Jin Guang accepted the gift without further ado.

Han Xianghe slapped his forehead: "Look at me... Please come inside and sit down."

The group then followed him into the room and sat down.

Incense and tea were served.

Chen Xu and Lin Yang didn't have much influence at this event, so they just smiled and kept company, not daring to say much. Jin Guang, on the other hand, ate some snacks and didn't care about anything.

Only Li Pinghe, Han Xianghe, and Lü Kong exchanged questions and pleasantries for a while, renewing their friendship.

After three cups of tea, we finally got down to business.

"I was quite surprised to receive the news that my martial uncle had come out of seclusion. However, now that things have come to this point, I really don't have the confidence to recruit people from Baoxia Sect, Chenjiang Sword Sect, and Lotus Valley if you hadn't personally intervened."

Han Xianghe said sincerely, "In the current turbulent situation, the Qinghe Sect is pressing down on our Jiuyang Sect. If the families of Song Kingdom do not join forces, we may really be dealt with one by one."

Li Pinghe tapped the table lightly and pondered for a moment before saying:

"It's a small matter for me to step in, and it's my duty anyway. However, even if all the factions join forces, how can they possibly compete with a Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

He glanced at Han Xianghe and said, seemingly casually:

"Does the Nine Yang Sect perhaps have a method to deal with Foundation Establishment cultivators?"

Han Xianghe gave a bitter smile:

"It wasn't unheard of five generations ago, but my uncle thinks too highly of us now. I've searched through all the sect's records, and the only thing I can think of is to use the power of the formation to gather the strength of all the sects and defend against it."

"The Qinghe Sect has come from afar, so their manpower and resources may not be sufficient. This is our opportunity."

Upon hearing this, Li Pinghe frowned slightly.

"Formations can provide temporary security, but not indefinitely. Besides, the Qinghe Sect currently has few members, but that may change in the future. This is not a good strategy... Xianghe, are you hiding something from me?"

Upon hearing this, Han Xianghe couldn't help but both laugh and sigh:

"Just as my uncle predicted."

He then said:

"When our sect's founder went south in the past, he carried with him a magical weapon for attacking enemies. However, his descendants were incompetent and did not know how to use it, so it was never used. Fortunately..."

His gaze fell on Lü Kong, his face showing a hint of pride and satisfaction: "My disciple is foolish, but he is quite lucky. He has been favored by that magic treasure, and in a short time, he may have the power of a Dao Foundation True Person."

"oh?!"

Li Pinghe was taken aback, but then he suddenly realized what was going on.

This must be the real reason why Lü Kong was able to force back the disciples of the Qinghe Sect.

Only those who share the same Dao Foundation can defeat a Dao Foundation-based magic weapon.

The Nine Yang Sect really made the right choice!

If he hadn't come here, how would he have had the chance to encounter a Dao Foundation Treasure?

But he then pondered and said:

"One item is probably not enough. The Qinghe Sect also sent someone that day, and they also used a magic weapon."

"That's why I invited my martial uncle here."

Han Xianghe laughed:

"According to the records in our sect, when the founder of Baoxia Sect settled in the Song Kingdom, he also passed down a treasure called the 'Tiger-Chasing Mace,' which is also a weapon of killing. If Baoxia Sect comes and joins forces with us, then the crisis of Qinghe Sect may not be insurmountable."

There's another one?

Li Pinghe suppressed the turmoil in his heart, pondered for a moment, and nodded slightly:

"Solvable part".

"Oh?"

Han Xianghe's eyes showed surprise:

"Two Daoist treasures, plus the combined efforts of five families, still cannot completely eliminate this scourge?"

Li Pinghe countered with a question:

"Do you know why the Qinghe Sect went south?"

Han Xianghe looked at Lü Kong, who quickly said:

"In response to Senior Li, our scouts recently received information that cultivators from the Han Chinese in the north invaded the south and destroyed the Emperor's Sect. The Qinghe Sect then moved south and swallowed the Xiye Sect. After breaking through the Wunan Mountains, some of its disciples moved here to seek refuge."

Li Pinghe then asked, "Why did the Han dynasty bypass the Southern Commandery and attack Wuling?"

"this……"

Lu Kong hesitated for a moment, then said uncertainly, "We haven't found anything. Perhaps it was a robbery?"

Li Pinghe smiled but didn't answer. Han Xianghe, however, understood somewhat, and his expression became more serious.

"Does Master Uncle mean that the Han dynasty was also a refugee state?"

"If that's really the case..."

Han Xianghe's expression grew increasingly grim:

"The Qinghe Sect has swallowed the Xiye Sect, which means they have at least five Foundation Establishment cultivators, plus their respective Dao Treasures..."

Five?

Li Pinghe narrowed his eyes but made no comment.

"We can only take it one step at a time for now. We'll discuss things further once the Baoxia Sect, Chenjiang Sword Sect, and Lotus Valley have all arrived."

Han Xiang racked his brains, but still couldn't come up with a solution. The gap between them was too great, so he had to put the matter aside for the time being.

After chatting for a while, they soon heard that the sect leader of Baoxia Sect had arrived in person. As the host, Han Xianghe could not be disrespectful and could only apologize and leave first, while Lü Kong settled Li Pinghe and the others in.

After Lü Kong left, Li Pinghe stood by the window, gazing at the many Taoist temples on Baiyun Mountain not far away, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"A sacred cave!"

"The secret to the lineage of a Grand Dao Foundation cultivator lies within the Spirit Cave!"