I only want immortality.

The old dragon and the ailing tiger, though their bodies decay, their spirits remain.

When Lin Yang's gaze met the old man's eyes, her mind went completely blank, and only these eight words could be uttered in her mind.

My grandmaster has indeed grown old, but the accumulated authority in his bones has only become more and more terrifying.

In that instant, all the worry and complicated emotions from before vanished, leaving only a sense of respect. Lin Yang subconsciously bowed and said:

"Reporting to Grandmaster, news came from the Nine Yang Sect. It is said that people from Qingzhou and Yuzhang Kingdom have come and are now widely inviting fellow practitioners at Baiyun Mountain. Sect Leader Han of the Nine Yang Sect has also sent a letter."

"Yuzhang..."

The old man lowered his eyes, as if talking to himself:

"Are they reinforcements invited by the Chenjiang Sword Sect?"

Lin Yang quickly replied, "This disciple does not know."

The old man nodded gently: "I understand. Please wait a moment while I take a bath and change my clothes."

"Yes, disciple will wait outside."

Lin Yang quickly replied.

He quickly walked out of the hall.

The maids filed in...

After a flurry of activity, Li Pinghe lay back in the pool, dismissing the maids who were serving him, and quietly enjoyed the pleasure that the water brought to his decaying body.

"I am indeed getting old."

He gently scooped up the water, splashing it onto his chest. He could feel the skin and flesh becoming loose, dull, and lacking elasticity under the wear and tear of time.

Even with magical power nurtured day and night, as the end approaches, the body is like a tattered wine sack; no matter how full it is, it will soon leak and deflate...

This is the will of Heaven, and cannot be defied by human power.

No matter how outstanding you are, you must go through this journey; even those who have achieved the Dao Foundation are no exception.

Even with his vast resources, he could only postpone that day.

I closed my eyes and quietly enjoyed myself in the pool for a while.

After changing his clothes, he sat alone in the West Pole Hall, took out the box of longevity pills that Ye Chutong had given him, and swallowed them.

His skin remained unchanged, but the vitality originating from the elixir quietly filled the deepest part of his body, nourishing his withered bones, blood, and muscles little by little.

He let out a satisfied sigh:

"Another five years of barely surviving..."

……

"Grandmaster Uncle has finally arrived. I can finally feel at ease now."

Council chamber.

Li Pinghe walked in slowly, supported by Jin Guang and Lin Yang. Murong Xian quickly stepped down from the sect leader's throne, took Lin Yang's place, and steadily supported Li Pinghe's arm with a sincere and respectful expression.

Li Pinghe gently patted Murong Xian's hand without saying anything, just smiled.

Murong Xian immediately understood his meaning, and hesitantly and carefully released his grip:

"Grandmaster, please be careful."

Li Pinghe nodded with a faint smile: "Thank you, Sect Leader. I can still walk a few more steps."

Gently pushing aside the worry-filled golden light on her face, she lifted the hem of her robe, walked slowly to the steps, sat down, and her eyelids slowly drooped.

Those below, including Zhao Yuanxiao, felt a mix of emotions upon witnessing this scene, just as Lin Yang had been thinking.

"Now that our Grandmaster Uncle has arrived, let's begin."

Murong Xian sat down again, looked around at everyone in the hall, and his gaze fell on Zhao Yuanxiao. A smile appeared on his face: "Elder Zhao, please tell Grandmaster Uncle about what happened before."

Zhao Yuanxiao nodded, and then solemnly said:

"Han Xianghe of the Nine Yang Sect sent a letter saying that the three-year period is approaching, and for the sake of the Yuqing River Sect, they have invited the Dao Foundation True Person of the Longyuan Sword Sect of Yuzhang Kingdom, the Swordless Sword 'Duan Li'."

"And the Pure Yang lineage of Penglai Pavilion in Qingzhou, the Dingyue Hand 'Su Jinglong'."

"With these two Dao Foundation experts in charge, the Nine Yang Sect naturally intends to reclaim the two spiritual sites of the Thousand Hands Sect and the Yang Clan, and return them to the Song Kingdom. This letter is to inquire about the opinions of our Grandmaster and Sect Master."

Murong Xian turned to look at Li Pinghe and asked with concern:

"What does Grandmaster Uncle think?"

Li Pinghe said slowly:

"This old man is senile and will obey the sect leader's orders."

Murong Xian shook his head upon hearing this:

"Grandmaster Uncle is too modest..."

Then, in a serious tone, he said:

"With Su Jinglong, the Dingyue Hand, Duan Li, the Wuguang Sword, Xianyu, the old leader of the Jiuyang Sect, and the former Valley Master of Lotus Valley, the small Song Kingdom has now gathered four Dao Foundation cultivators."

"The Qinghe Sect only has three Dao Foundation Establishment cultivators. With four against three, the Jiuyang Sect has a great chance of winning this time. If our Chunjun Sect doesn't send someone over at this time, we might not even get a drop of soup when it comes to merits later."

Zhao Yuanxiao below frowned slightly, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

This sect leader has been in power for three years, and we can now see his true nature: outwardly lenient but inwardly suspicious, not a magnanimous person.

After hesitating for a moment, he still probed indirectly:

"Sect Master, what should we do with these two spiritual sites after they've been reclaimed?"

Upon hearing this, Murong Xian couldn't help but frown:

"That's true. The Nine Yang Sect must have invited more than just us this time. If we include the Chenjiang Sword Sect, Lotus Valley, Baoxia Sect... that makes a total of five sects. Dividing the two spiritual sites, there's definitely not enough to go around."

Zhao Yuanxiao reminded him:

"Su Jinglong and Duan Li, having been invited, cannot possibly leave empty-handed."

Murong Xian was shocked:

"That...doesn't that mean seven families will have to share these two sacred sites?"

"That's not necessarily true. If the Nine Yang Sect can really drive the Qinghe Sect out of the Song Kingdom, the proceeds from the confiscation can naturally be shared with these two. However, the two Dao Foundation Establishment cultivators are the main contributors, so they will naturally receive a share. Elder Xianyu and Valley Master Ye are also the main force, so it's impossible for them to be left out."

Zhao Yuanxiao analyzed them one by one.

"Four families..."

Murong Xian frowned in thought: "There are only two spiritual caves. How can that satisfy the appetites of these people?"

"They are not two separate spiritual sites."

Zhao Yuanxiao finally revealed his true intentions: "It's all over the place."

"Four places? Which four places?"

Not only was Murong Xian puzzled, but everyone else in the council hall was also bewildered.

Zhao Yuanxiao glanced at Li Pinghe, who seemed to be feigning sleep, and said in a deep voice:

"That is our Chun Jun Sect and Bao Xia Sect."

"What?!"

"this……"

Everyone in the hall was taken aback.

Murong Xian, however, was startled awake:

"You mean...we're interested in the Joyful Suns Party?"

Zhao Yuanxiao nodded:

"Shenlu Bandang, if the Nine Yang Sect truly eliminates the Qinghe Sect, which is a threat to our very existence, and there are no external enemies, we will not need to worry about external threats for the time being. If I were Han Xianghe, I would definitely urge the sect's foundation members to wipe out all forces in the country and take full control of the Song Kingdom's spiritual caves to strengthen the sect's cultivators."

"It's just that Duan Li, the Sword of Wuguang, was invited by the Chenjiang Sword Sect, and Lotus Valley also has its own Dao Foundation. Neither of these two sects can be touched. However, sects like Chun Jun Sect and Bao Xia Sect have no Dao Foundation left in the world."

"If not now, when?"

Murong Xian hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Isn't this just Elder Zhao's own worry?"

Zhao Yuanxiao solemnly said:

"Sect Master, we bear the responsibility for the safety of everyone in the sect; how can we harbor any illusions?"

"If Han Xianghe of the Nine Yang Sect truly possesses the virtues of a gentleman, then we have only been humiliated by acting like villains, and we will only suffer infamy. If the Nine Yang Sect truly harbors covetous intentions, we can make plans in advance, lest we find ourselves helpless when that day comes."

Upon hearing this, Murong Xian abruptly stood up, his brows furrowed, hesitant and unsure, before finally asking:

"If the four Dao Foundation cultivators are in cahoots, what good will it do for us to make plans early?"

Zhao Yuanxiao hesitated slightly and did not speak, but instead looked cautiously at Li Pinghe, who remained silent.

Murong Xian narrowed his eyes, looked at Li Pinghe, and a smile appeared on his face:

"Grandmaster Uncle, you have heard what Elder Zhao said. What is your opinion on this matter?"

Li Pinghe slowly opened his eyelids and said in a low voice:

"Elder Zhao's concerns are not wrong. The chaos in the north has affected Jingnan. It is not surprising that each family will do whatever they want to protect themselves."

"However, there is one thing that Elder Zhao overlooked."

"Oh?"

Murong Xian glanced at Zhao Yuanxiao, his smile widening: "Elder Zhao's words make a lot of sense. I wonder where he went wrong?"

Li Pinghe was unhurried:

"The Qinghe Sect now probably has more than just three Dao Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"When two sides are vying for power, it's not just about having more or fewer people."

Zhao Yuanxiao was taken aback, then nodded in agreement: "Master Uncle is right, Yuanxiao had not considered this point."

Murong Xian's expression stiffened for a moment, then he quickly recovered and forced a smile as he asked:

"So, does that mean Grandmaster Uncle doesn't think the Nine Yang Sect can defeat the Green River Sect?"

Li Pinghe slowly said:

"The war hasn't even started yet, so who can say for sure? Even I, an old man, don't know."

Murong Xian was still somewhat unwilling and pressed on, "How should our Chun Jun Sect deal with this chaotic situation? I humbly request guidance from my Grandmaster Uncle."

Li Pinghe slowly opened his eyes and looked at him meaningfully: "That depends on when the sect leader can stand on his own among the various sects."

Everyone in the hall was completely confused, except for Zhao Yuanxiao and Chen Xu, who understood what Li Pinghe was saying.

Murong Xian hesitated slightly:

"It may take ten days or three to five months to complete."

Li Pinghe remained silent for a moment.

Zhao Yuanxiao whispered from below:

"The three-year period will soon be over, Master Uncle... is there any way?"

Murong Xian also looked nervous as he stared at Li Pinghe.

Suddenly, a young man angrily shouted from the side:

"Our teacher is old, and all you do is focus on him alone!"

The room fell silent for a moment, and Murong Xian, Zhao Yuanxiao and the others couldn't help but look embarrassed and ashamed.

"Junior Uncle!"

"Let go! Ha! I've finally seen through your true colors. All you do is bother the teacher..."

"Golden light".

Li Pinghe spoke slowly.

The teacher spoke, and Jin Guang immediately stopped, still indignant, saying, "Teacher, they are really too much..."

"Junior Brother Jin Guang."

A blush crossed Zhao Yuanxiao's face as he looked like he was about to explain something, but ultimately remained silent.

Li Pinghe, however, slowly rose and bowed to Murong Xian: "Jin Guang is young and speaks without thinking. I hope the sect leader will forgive him."

Although Murong Xian was somewhat embarrassed, she still forced a smile and quickly stepped forward to support Li Pinghe: "Not at all, Junior Uncle has a pure heart, I did not mean to..."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Pinghe calmly interrupted him:

"I am a guest elder of Chun Jun Sect and have been served by the sect for three years. Now that the sect is in trouble, I should share the sect leader's burdens."

"I have old ties with both the Nine Yang Sect and Lotus Valley. I am willing to go to White Cloud Mountain on behalf of the sect leader. If we successfully drive out the Green River Sect, I will do my best to mediate and prevent the Chun Jun Sect from being exploited. If not..."

"I have done all I can."

"Grandmaster..."

Looking at the old man before him, whose expression remained perpetually calm and serene, Murong Xian felt an urge to burst into tears, but a strange force seemed to make him too guilty to utter a word.

After hesitating for a moment, he finally managed to say, "This disciple is deeply ashamed."

With the most important matters settled, the meeting drew to a close. Apart from the ever-calm Li Pinghe and the furious Jin Guang, everyone in the hall felt like they were sitting on pins and needles.

Finally, when Murong Xian announced the end, everyone fled as if their lives depended on it. Jin Guang shook off Lin Yang and helped Li Pinghe back to the Western Palace. Zhao Yuanxiao, however, also caught up with them. Without saying a word, he kowtowed several times to Li Pinghe until the golden bricks inside the palace shattered and his forehead was covered in blood and flesh. Only then did he mutter in a low voice:

"Master Uncle, I am incompetent. If you have any grievances, then take them out on me. Even if you beat me to death, I will not say a word!"

Jin Guang snorted coldly from the side.

Li Pinghe glanced at Jin Guang before slowly stepping forward to personally help Zhao Yuanxiao up, and gently comforted him:

"You have devoted yourself to the Chun Jun Sect, acting fairly regardless of personal relationships, which is practicing your own path. If your master were here, he would be very pleased. How could I blame you?"

"Master Uncle..."

Zhao Yuanxiao looked up at Li Pinghe's face, where the marks of time were now undeniable. The thought that this might be their last meeting, and that he himself had orchestrated it, overwhelmed him with sorrow, and tears welled in his eyes.

"This disciple is unworthy, this disciple is unworthy, this disciple... truly has no other way."

"I know, I know."

Li Pinghe patted Zhao Yuanxiao as if coaxing a child, his heart filled with no anger, only a calm as still as an ancient well.

If he had encountered such a situation when he was young, he would have been extremely angry, feeling betrayed by those close to him, and might even have killed Zhao Yuanxiao in a fit of rage. But now that he is older and has experienced too much, he will unconsciously put himself in other people's shoes and think from their perspective.

Zhao Yuanxiao saw what he believed to be the future of the Song Kingdom and the future of the Chun Jun Sect, but he was powerless to change it. The only way he could access was to rely on his senior uncle's reputation to buy Chun Jun Sect some last days and opportunities. Once Murong Xian achieved his Dao Foundation, Chun Jun Sect would be able to escape its current crisis.

He was trapped in his own thoughts and made what seemed to be the only choice at the moment, even though this choice came at the cost of pushing his elderly senior uncle to the Nine Yang Sect, causing him great torment.

Having gained insight into the predicaments of others, Li Pinghe's state of mind became increasingly peaceful. Naturally, he was not angry because he had been "betrayed" by Zhao Yuanxiao; instead, he felt only pity.

People are trapped in their own thoughts and cannot extricate themselves, which is why all beings suffer, and even those who cultivate themselves are no exception.

If Zhao Yuanxiao was like this, then Li Pinghe was no different.

"Immortality..."

Li Pinghe gently stroked Zhao Yuanxiao and sighed softly, his gaze seemingly having traversed thousands of mountains and rivers...

……

The next day.

It was still in front of the mountain gate.

Murong Xian and Zhao Yuanxiao watched Li Pinghe ride away on his ox, with only a golden light beside them.

Zhao Yuanxiao's expression darkened, and only after Li Pinghe's figure had disappeared from sight did he softly ask, "Sect Master, when will you finally be able to forge your Dao foundation?"

Murong Xian withdrew his gaze, but upon hearing this, a playful smile appeared on his face:

"What, you don't have confidence in me?"

Zhao Yuanxiao shook his head:

"If he had no confidence, he wouldn't have forced his master to go to Baiyun Mountain... At his age, he should be enjoying his retirement in the sect."

"Ha, I never asked you to force him to leave."

Murong Xian sneered, showing no appreciation.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuanxiao's eyes flashed with anger, but he ultimately said nothing more, and forced a bow:

"I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

After saying this, he turned and left.

Murong Xian was left alone on the spot, his expression gradually becoming wooden, his eyes filled with an unfathomable darkness.

Gazing in the direction Li Pinghe had left, a subtle smile quietly appeared on his blank face:

"Finally got him away... oh well."