I only want immortality.

"W-What's going on?"

Zhu Yu and Lan Jusuo exchanged slightly surprised glances.

The formation here seems to be different from the ones they encountered before.

"It seems that our later attack gave them a chance to prepare."

Zhu Yu quickly figured it out. They deliberately left the last market town open, intending to besiege it and catch reinforcements, but also giving them enough time to set up their defensive formation.

"It's alright, it just means a little more mana will be used up."

As long as one doesn't break into the formation and instead exerts strong pressure from outside, it will only take a little longer for a Dao Foundation Magic Treasure to break through the Qi Refining Formation.

He then swallowed another pill, waved the triangular yellow flag, and immediately a phantom of a yellow dragon appeared, like a colossal beast that crashed down.

The array's light barrier resembled a chicken egg, seemingly about to collapse and easily flattened. However, once the phantom of the yellow dragon dissipated and subsided due to Zhu Yu's depleted magical power, it immediately returned to its original state.

"This is weird!"

Zhu Yu pushed his magical power to its limit, sweat pouring down his head, but he couldn't believe it when he looked at the market formation below, which remained stable after all the commotion.

"This formation is strange!"

Lan Jusuo's face turned pale. He stopped attacking and carefully sensed the surroundings.

Zhu Yu also sensed something was wrong, so he stopped and stepped back, closed his eyes slightly, and tried to sense the formation carefully, but he found nothing. The formation in front of him seemed to be no different from the ones he had encountered before.

For a moment, the two stared at each other blankly, both shocked and angry.

Inside the great formation.

Lu Kong, He Riyuan, and Wang Feng exchanged glances, all seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

They had all personally experienced the power of the Earthly Fiend Yellow Dragon Banner and had all wielded Dao Foundation Magic Treasures. They knew that the difference between the two was as vast as clouds and mud, so they never placed all their hopes on the formation.

However, at this very moment, this ordinary market formation displayed an ability that astonished them all.

But then came a pleasant surprise!

With this large formation maneuvering, they were given ample time to recover and wait for the opportune moment. In this way, they not only reversed the defeat but also increased their chances of winning.

"What's going on?"

Lu Kong couldn't help but look at the market owner, his surprise mixed with doubt.

He had no idea that the sect possessed such a powerful formation.

But all I saw was a face that stared in disbelief...

The shop owner was utterly dumbfounded.

As the lord of the market and the master of the grand formation, he was most aware of the subtle changes in the formation. At this moment, he was astonished to find that the market formation, which he knew so well, had some mysterious changes that he could not understand.

Especially when that fat cultivator waved the triangular yellow flag just now, even through the great formation, he felt as if the sky was about to collapse, and even breathing felt difficult.

However, the immense power that landed on the great formation, swirled within it, and then surged directly into the earth's veins below, quickly dissipating into nothingness.

"How could such a strange technique be used in formations... unless..."

The shopkeeper was suddenly startled and looked at Chen Xu, who seemed calm and composed inside the formation.

"It's him!"

"The Head of the External Affairs Department of Chun Jun Sect!"

"It was only because he dropped a few battle flags that my formation became completely different..."

Seeing the shop owner's astonished expression, Lü Kong and the other two also realized this and looked at Chen Xu in unison, their reactions surprisingly consistent.

"This Chen Xu is not known for his array formations, yet he has acquired such skill after only a few pointers from Li Canglang. If Li Canglang himself were to set up the array, what kind of power would it possess?"

The three had different thoughts.

Lü Kong thought to himself:

"There is some truth to the old sayings. This Senior Li truly lives up to his reputation as the number one array master in the Song Kingdom. No wonder Master insisted on inviting him here. It turns out that he not only valued his reputation but also wanted to use his array skills. Fortunately, I did not neglect him."

He Riyuan's mind raced: "I didn't expect Li Canglang to be so capable at nearly 120 years old. It was unwise of me to neglect Chen Xu earlier. After this matter is settled, I should make sure to handle it properly... However, Li Canglang should not live much longer, so there is no need to worry too much. Chun Jun Sect doesn't have any other powerful figures."

Wang Feng, on the other hand, was much simpler: "Heh, that's quite something, not your average elder."

Faced with the many strange looks from the crowd, some surprised and some sighing, Chen Xu remained calm and composed, but in his heart he was already overjoyed and secretly admired them.

"But I have good judgment; how could these people possibly recognize my master's prowess!"

But he had long forgotten the anxiety he felt when setting up the formation.

It was simply that Master Li's actions were too mysterious. He had not come in person and did not know the situation here, so he threw seven or eight array flags to him and told him to come and set them up himself.

If he hadn't known that his senior uncle Li wouldn't betray him, he really wouldn't have wanted to come. Fortunately, his senior uncle Li truly did not disappoint him, and even allowed him to enjoy the treatment of a great master.

Not to mention that the people in the formation were a mix of joy and worry.

Outside the great formation.

"That's enough!"

Zhu Yu's face turned slightly pale, and she finally stopped.

While the Earthly Fiend Yellow Dragon Banner is indeed incredibly powerful, far surpassing the True Water Bowl, it also consumes an astonishing amount of magical power and mental energy. Although he had swallowed pills repeatedly and his magical power was still sufficient, he could not overcome the exhaustion of his mind and spirit.

He exchanged a glance with Lan Jusuo and whispered:

"This formation is strange. A direct attack would only waste our mana. Let's return to the sect and discuss this further."

Lan Jusuo was unwilling, but he knew that things were hopeless. So he summoned a member of the Qinghe Sect and gave him some instructions.

The disciple immediately accepted the order, took the conch shell, whispered something to it, and soon looked troubled. He then informed Zhu Yu and Lan Jusuo.

"The Grand Elder orders us to continue the attack?"

Zhu Yu and Lan Jusuo exchanged a glance, and they understood somewhat.

Lu Kong and his two companions, carrying three Dao Foundation Magic Treasures, were blocking the way. Now that the interior was naturally empty, it gave others the opportunity to take down the Nine Yang Sect in one fell swoop.

"I can simply keep them in check; I don't need to go all out."

The two quickly devised a strategy.

They attacked the formation again, but rarely used foundational magic treasures.

"Unable to break the formation, yet they refuse to retreat."

He Riyuan's face was still pale, and the pain under his ribs had not subsided. He frowned and said.

Lu Kong focused his mind on sensing the energy outside the formation. After a moment, he said in a deep voice, "This attack is different from the previous one. It's more feints than real attacks, as if it's a restraint."

"Restrain him?" Wang Feng said coldly, "Can he control me?"

He Riyuan's lips twitched slightly, and he couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Lu Kong frowned, deep in thought, his mind racing, when suddenly his expression changed slightly:

"This is bad! If we can't take this place, they're probably after our sect!"

The others were all startled upon hearing this, and then they all realized what was happening.

"Uncle-Master, report to the Sect Leader immediately."

"yes!"

The shop owner dared not delay and immediately sent someone to deliver the message.

Lu Kong and the other two still dared not relax. The Jiuyang Sect, Baoxia Sect, and Chenjiang Sword Sect were not far apart and could all be taken advantage of by the Qinghe Sect. If they could not make any progress, their situation would be extremely passive.

After a brief rest, they went into battle again to meet the enemy.

……

"Fellow Daoist Lu, can you guess which sect the elder intends to target this time?"

At the mountain peak outside the market, Lu Mingchen and Yang Xingkong saw that the market's formation had unexpectedly stabilized the situation. Their expressions remained unchanged, but their words became more relaxed.

Upon hearing this, Lu Mingchen replied in a light tone, "Who can guess what Master is thinking? I guess it's the Nine Yang Sect. This place is in the very center of the Song Kingdom. By controlling this place, they can seize control of sects from all directions."

Yang Xingkong looked on with admiration: "Fellow Daoist Lu is so knowledgeable about the State of Song."

Lu Mingchen scoffed, "Don't flatter me. It's nothing more than something that's obvious at a glance. Tell me, is there any other possibility?"

Yang Xingkong shook his head upon hearing this: "I think we should take down the Baoxia Sect as soon as possible."

Lu Mingchen was taken aback: "Why? The Baoxia Sect is located between the Jiuyang Sect and the Chenjiang Sword Sect. If we take the Baoxia Sect, wouldn't we be attacked from both sides?"

Yang Xingkong was filled with respect: "Fellow Daoist Lu's insightful observation is truly admirable."

Before Lu Mingchen could even frown, she smiled and changed the subject: "But precisely because of this, the people of the Nine Yang Sect won't be fully prepared to defend this place, which gives us an easy opportunity to take it."

Lu Mingchen pondered for a moment, then scoffed again:

"That's just what we Qi Refining cultivators think. Our master's realm is so high that it's beyond our comprehension."

"Hehe, then it is indeed I, Yang, who have overstepped my bounds."

Yang Xingkong smiled and brushed it off, then whispered:

"Now that Zhu and Lan are blocked at Panlao Mountain, although they have made contributions, it is not the main contribution. Instead, we should congratulate Fellow Daoist Lu."

Upon hearing this, Lu Mingchen feigned anger, knowing full well the answer, and said, "Don't talk nonsense! What is there for me to be happy about when my two senior brothers are hindered?"

"Yes, yes, yes, it was my petty mind that led me to presume to understand a gentleman's heart... However, if Fellow Daoist Lu wants to seize this foundational position, he can't expect such a good thing to fall from the sky, can he?"

Lu Mingchen narrowed his eyes: "What are you trying to say?"

Yang Xingkong no longer concealed his intentions and said calmly, "The battle for the sect is a matter of utmost importance; how could there be no losses?"

Lu Mingchen's expression changed drastically!

He then roared angrily, "Nonsense! Yang Xingkong, you're courting death! By sowing discord among my fellow disciples like this, I only need to inform our master, and you'll be dead for sure!"

This time, Yang Xingkong remained calm and composed, saying:

"Fellow Daoist Lu, why feign ignorance when you already know? In every sect, the position of true cultivator has always been forged with blood; for every cultivator to achieve success, ten thousand bones have been shed!"

"Fellow Daoist Du Lu is willing to be a good guy, not competing or fighting, and then hand over the position of Dao Foundation cultivator without a second thought?"

"Hehe, if such a good thing exists, I can tell Yang about it."

Upon hearing this, Lu Mingchen's expression shifted between light and dark, but he ultimately remained silent.

Seeing this, Yang Xingkong gently shook his folding fan, a smile playing on his lips.

……

"Teacher, everything is arranged. What's next?"

In a stone forest between the Thousand Hands Sect and the Nine Yang Sect.

A loud roar could be heard from time to time.

Golden light descended and hovered in front of Li Pinghe. Lin Yang also rushed over and bowed in greeting.

"Grandmaster Uncle, everything is ready on my end too."

Li Pinghe nodded slightly, a smile appearing on his wrinkled, aged face:

"You two have worked hard. Now, both of you should run south, as far as you can."

"run?"

Jin Guang and Lin Yang were both taken aback. Lin Yang didn't dare to ask, but Jin Guang didn't have so many concerns and asked instead, "Teacher, aren't you coming with us?"

Li Pinghe patted Jin Guang's head and laughed:

"The grand formation has already been set up. As the one in charge of its execution, how can I leave so easily?"

"Then I won't leave either."

Without the slightest hesitation or hesitation, Jin Guang immediately spoke.

Lin Yang hesitated for a moment, then remained silent.

Li Pinghe felt a mixture of relief, indulgence, and helplessness, and shook his head, saying:

"Listen to me, if you're here, it will prevent me from focusing on the main battle, which is disadvantageous to me."

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang hesitated slightly, but still harbored some doubt: "Really? You're not lying to me?"

"Go."

Li Pinghe stopped explaining, simply smiled and patted his head, then looked at Lin Yang:

"You go too, with your junior uncle. Make sure you stay close. If anything goes wrong along the way, he can save your life."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yang was startled and quickly agreed, subconsciously moving closer to Jin Guang.

Jin Guang, however, had already sensed the implied separation in his teacher's words. His former mischievousness vanished, replaced by a stark contrast. Staring at Li Pinghe's all-too-familiar, aged face, he took two steps back, then knelt and kowtowed twice, like a little adult.

"Teacher above, Jin Guang swears that if anything happens to you, you will one day reduce the entire Qinghe Sect to ashes!"

When she looked up again, her snow-white forehead was covered in bloodstains.

"Good boy, good boy."

Li Pinghe helped Jin Guang up, his eyes filled with heartache and admonition for his disciple:

"But there is no need for that. The factions in the world fight each other to the death, just like wolves eating sheep and sheep eating grass. This is the way of nature. You are born with the Dao seed. Do not let your mind be disturbed, lest you provoke the fierce and ruin your future."

"Your disciple will remember this."

Jin Guang seemed to have grown up all of a sudden. He stepped forward and hugged Li Pinghe, then took two steps back and bowed deeply in respect.

Take care, teacher!

After saying that, he didn't turn his head and flew straight south.

Upon seeing this, Lin Yang quickly bowed to Li Pinghe and then chased after Jin Guang.

Seeing that the two had left, Li Pinghe finally felt completely relieved. But when he turned around, he saw the black water buffalo staring at him with its two big, watery eyes, seemingly with some grievance.

Li Pinghe couldn't help but burst into laughter:

"I almost forgot about you. Well then, how about I show you around and broaden your horizons?"

Upon hearing this, the black buffalo looked even more aggrieved, and almost shed tears.

It wasn't stupid; how could it not see that this journey was fraught with danger? But it was helpless; after all, it was someone else's mount. If it hadn't been enlightened, it would probably still be toiling in the fields like an ordinary ox.

He then let out a moo, lowered his head, and knelt on the ground so that Li Pinghe could sit down.

Whether he lives or dies, let it be.

Li Pinghe stroked the black water buffalo's hard head, patted it gently, and whispered:

"If you don't let me down, I won't let you down."

……

Outside the Nine Yang Sect, there is a secluded mountain area.

A crowd gathered.

Han Xianghe held two urgent reports in his hands, his face ashen.

One document came from Lü Kong of Panlaoshan Market, stating that Zhu and Lan of the Qinghe Sect, along with Daoji and his magical treasures, had been detained here.

Another group of cultivators were sent out to conduct reconnaissance. With the help of the locals, they finally managed to find the whereabouts of another group of Qinghe Sect members.

With two urgent reports converging here, it is not difficult to make a judgment and a choice.

Han Xianghe pondered for a moment, then gave the order:

"Inform Cui Minghao immediately."

"They've surrounded the Baoxia Sect's mountain gate!"

"Tell them to proceed with caution; we will go to their aid immediately!"

"But if things don't go as planned, remember, as long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn."

"yes!"

Seeing that Han Xianghe acted fairly and decisively, and that the Jiuyang Sect had almost mobilized all its forces to relieve the crisis of Baoxia Sect, Jin Daxu of Chenjiang Sword Sect and the Song Kingdom rogue cultivators who came to support them were all convinced. At that moment, everyone stopped concealing their whereabouts and headed straight for the Baoxia Sect's mountain gate.

And shortly after the monks left.

Nine Yang Sect.

A lone figure climbed the steps of Baiyun Mountain.

It looks slow, but with each step you cross a mountain peak, and in the blink of an eye you arrive at the guest house halfway up the mountain. Looking up, you can see many Taoist palaces on the cliff of Baiyun Mountain.

The Taoist priest, seeing the newcomer's elegant blue robe, jade hairpin, and white hair, dared not be negligent and quickly stepped forward to bow respectfully, saying:

"I don't know where you are, fellow Daoist. Our sect is closed today. Please forgive us."

The man smiled slightly, his hands behind his back, and spoke with humility:

"I am Wen Yao, a practitioner of the Qinghe Sect. I have come to pay my respects to the foundation of your sect. Please grant me your permission."

"Wen Yao, a practitioner of the Qinghe Sect..."

The clerk was about to offer some advice when he suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "The Qinghe Sect?!"

Looking at that person, he was utterly horrified, then mustered all his strength and turned to shout:

"Enemy attack!"

"Enemy attack!"

The sound was like a booming bell, resounding straight through the mountain gate!

In an instant, countless figures burst forth from within numerous palaces and Taoist temples!

Wen Yao didn't take it seriously, turned to look at Baiyun Mountain, and frowned slightly:

"The spiritual cave shows no unusual features; could it be that it lacks a foundation for cultivation?"

"If not..."

His expression unconsciously became somewhat indifferent:

"Then there's no need for any more."

The thought just popped into my head.

The next moment, above Baiyun Mountain, clouds and water gathered and quietly evolved into an index finger, as if pinching an ant, and slowly pressed down!

The cultivators of the Nine Yang Sect were all horrified, unable to move an inch.

As the index finger fell, a handful of pure white sword energy burst forth from the bottom of Baiyun Valley, vast and mighty like a celestial river, colliding with the index finger, which was like a pillar of heaven, and both were annihilated.

Wen Yao was not surprised but delighted, clapping his hands and laughing:

"I was right, your sect truly does have a lineage of Daoist masters!"

From the bottom of Baiyun Valley, a faint sigh finally echoed:

"Xianyu Qiong greets Fellow Daoist Wen."