I only want immortality.

"Chance?"

The wind howled atop the city wall, whipping at his robes and fluttering his long beard. Wen Yao's mind raced, and he immediately understood:

"Is the sect leader planning to head south and subjugate the Song Dynasty?"

Wei Ran gazed into the distance, his eyes thoughtful. Hearing this, he didn't turn around, but whispered:

"Indeed, even though the Haori Sect has suffered a defeat this time, the hearts of the people in the thirteen states of the world are already in turmoil... Those major sects want to protect their respective foundations and occupy the best spiritual sites in the thirteen states forever, but there are always some who are unwilling to accept this."

"Those alchemists from Hanzhong will return sooner or later. There will inevitably be a war between the North and the South, and it won't just be between Hanzhong. The three kingdoms of Jingbei are standing by and watching this time, but they may very well follow Hanzhong's example in the future."

"Remember this: in these chaotic times, outside of Qinghe, the whole world is our enemy!"

"I will not compete, I will not rob, I will not strike first. The fate of the Heavenly Emperor Sect and the Western Wilderness Sect will be the same as that of the Green River Sect. I do not wish to follow that path!"

"Since we are born into this chaotic world, I will fight for a glorious future for the Qinghe Sect! A Golden Core Grand Sect—the Qinghe Sect is capable of becoming one!"

"metropolitan……"

Wen Yao was deeply shaken. Even though he was much older than Wei Ran and was usually calm and reserved, standing behind him and listening to him express his feelings, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions and couldn't control himself.

The Dao Foundation Sect sounds pretty good, much better than places like the Song Kingdom. They used to think that although they were struggling financially, they could still get by, until the Han Dynasty attacked and easily shattered everyone's dreams.

"Speaking of which, the day of truce with the Song Kingdom is just around the corner..."

Wei Ran turned his head, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "I had you send Zhu Yu to the branch altar before. They must have thought that we were too busy to look south at the moment, and that they were probably planning a counterattack. It would be good to deal with them all at once and avoid future troubles."

Wenyao couldn't help but praise:

"The sect leader is indeed a master strategist. Yang Xingkong reported to me the other day that the Nine Yang Sect and the Chenjiang Sword Sect had invited Duan Li of the Yuzhang Longyuan Sword Sect to help them."

"Oh?"

Wei Ran frowned slightly and asked, "Is Duan Li a sword cultivator? What level is he at?"

"This person cultivates the 'Ink Sword' and is now at the early stage of the Dao Foundation stage. He has honed his skills for over forty years and should not be underestimated," Wen Yao replied.

Wei Ran shook his head and said:

"Duan Li is not worth worrying about, but does Yuzhang also have designs on the Song state?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Yao also became more serious: "It shouldn't be that bad. It's separated by the two kingdoms of Changsha and Guiyang, and they can't reach us from there. Besides, the Yuzhang Spirit Cave is of a very high grade, and the Longyuan Sword Sect might not care about it."

"Don't be careless."

After careful consideration, Wei Ran quickly made arrangements:

"In that case, Elder Wen, you should immediately send someone to the Nine Yang Sect to negotiate peace and see their reaction."

Wen Yao's heart stirred slightly as he guessed Wei Ran's plan, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "The sect leader is truly ingenious; he came up with this idea!"

Wei Ran showed no smugness: "It was just a brief inquiry. If they are willing to make peace, then we will take action. If not, we will have to test them further... How is Brother Ning now?"

Wenyao quickly replied:

"After Zhu Yu took over the defense, Vice Sect Master Ning has now returned from the Song Kingdom branch, and his injuries..."

After hesitating for a moment, he said, "The situation hasn't improved; it's just barely holding on. I'm afraid it won't last much longer..."

Upon hearing this, Wei Ran's expression turned serious, and he suddenly frowned and asked, "Lu Mingchen hasn't established his Dao foundation yet?"

When his disciple was mentioned, Wen Yao's face flushed, and his voice lowered slightly: "Yes, I'll go and supervise him..."

"No need."

Wei Ran raised his hand to stop him, his voice calm but firm: "We don't have that much time to waste. If it doesn't work in three years, another three years will be the same. Let Lan Jusuo give it a try."

Wen Yao was taken aback and hesitated before saying, "Ju Suo was seriously injured in the battle of Panlao Mountain, and he may not be able to withstand it... Yes, I will let him try."

He saw the coldness in Wei Ran's eyes, his heart skipped a beat, and he immediately changed his words.

Just as he was leaving, he heard Wei Ran's voice behind him:

"Lu Mingchen... tell him to wait a little longer. If there are any changes on Brother Ning's side, then let him try again."

Wen Yao's body trembled slightly, and he nodded:

"Yes, I will definitely convey it."

……

Qinghe Sect, Xiye Branch.

Its sacred cave is located deep within a karst cave.

Red and green light swayed in the dark currents deep within the cave, their spiritual essence emanating and spreading far and wide.

Lu Mingchen sat cross-legged on a stone pillar in the middle of the dark current, closing his eyes to cultivate, but he could not calm down. Finally, he opened his eyes.

A flicker of inexplicable irritation flashed in his eyes.

"Why is that?"

"I'm quite talented, so why can't I ever get past this final step?"

Supported by the spiritual cave, he had already comprehended the Dao of Clouds and Water a year ago through the "Tai Su Yan Dao Pian" and, like his master, belonged to the Ren Water category.

It should have been completed in one go, containing the Great Dao within the soul, supported by the spiritual acupoint, thus forming the foundation of the Great Dao.

However, this final step made no progress at all. He always felt that something was missing, but he couldn't figure out where things had gone wrong.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye. Zhu Yu, who entered the spiritual cave with him to cultivate, has already achieved the foundation of the Dao, but he is stuck in a rut.

Although he knew that eight or nine out of ten people could achieve the Dao of Earthly Immortals, and that he should be able to do so without any problems, he was still restless and uneasy.

After meditating on the stone pillar for a while with his eyes closed, he finally couldn't hold back any longer. He exhaled, stood up, and flew out of the cave.

Outside, a scholar in green robes was waiting. It was Yang Xingkong. Seeing Lu Mingchen emerge from the cave, he noticed Lu Mingchen's displeasure and, unable to hide his disappointment, forced a smile.

"How's Brother Lu's progress?"

Lu Mingchen glanced at him sideways, his face cold, and snorted, giving an irrelevant answer:

"I came out for some fresh air."

Yang Xingkong's expression stiffened slightly, but he had placed too much bet on Lu Mingchen and could no longer extricate himself. Unless he left the Qinghe Sect, he would have no choice but to continue down this path to the bitter end.

Just then, a mass of black water condensed in the void and took shape in the blink of an eye.

Lu Mingchen and Yang Xingkong were both startled and quickly bowed.

"Greetings, Grand Elder."

"Um."

Wen Yao remained indifferent, not even glancing at Yang Xingkong.

Yang Xingkong tactfully bowed and said, "This junior has other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Wen Yao did not stop him and let him leave before looking at Lu Mingchen.

Lu Mingchen had a bad feeling and quickly said:

"Master."

Wen Yao looked helpless and said in a deep voice:

"The sect leader orders you to relinquish the spiritual cave."

Lu Mingchen's eyes widened immediately:

"Master, I was so close..."

"That small difference makes a huge difference!"

Hearing Lu Mingchen's explanation, Wen Yao was even more furious and rebuked him, "Zhu Yu only spent a year and a half to achieve the Foundation Establishment stage, and what about you? I've repeatedly tried to buy you time with the Sect Master, but you just can't live up to his expectations!"

"I……"

Lu Mingchen hesitated, filled with resentment and unwillingness, but finally gave up, lowered his head, and stammered, "It is this disciple who has disgraced Master."

But then he couldn't help but look up, unwilling to give up, and said, "If you give me more time, I'm sure I can establish my Dao foundation!"

"It's pointless to say all this now."

After Wen Yao had vented his anger, he calmed down. Seeing that Lu Mingchen was still unwilling to admit defeat, he felt a little relieved and said:

"If I have the chance, I'll talk to the sect leader about it again. Actually, it's not like you don't have a chance..."

Lu Mingchen understood the implied meaning and his eyes lit up:

"Please enlighten me, Master!"

Wen Yao glanced at the sky beyond, waved his sleeve to separate the inside from the outside, and then said:

"Your Uncle Ning's foundation has been destroyed; there's no way to save him..."

Lu Mingchen's heart tightened, then his eyes lit up: "Master means..."

"It's good that you know."

Wenyao neither denied nor admitted it, and instructed:

"If anything changes, immediately enter the main spiritual cave. At that time, I will explain things to the sect leader. You just need to do your best to establish your Dao foundation."

"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!"

After experiencing such dramatic ups and downs, Lu Mingchen was overjoyed.

Wen Yao's face darkened:

"Remember, only victory is allowed; defeat is not permitted!"

"Yes! This disciple understands!"

……

"Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on this letter of request for peace from the Qinghe Sect?"

Baiyun Mountain, the main hall of the Taoist temple.

Xianyu Qiong distributed a letter to everyone.

Duan Li glanced at them, his expression unchanged.

After reading it, Jin Daxu and the others all frowned.

When the message reached Li Pinghe, he looked it over twice but didn't speak immediately.

Seeing that no one was willing to speak, Xianyu Qiong's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Duan Li.

"Fellow Daoist Duan, what do you think should be done about this?"

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but look at Duan Li.

Everyone still remembers what happened in the hall a few days ago, and they naturally know that the person who least wants a ceasefire and an alliance right now is this Master Duan from Yuzhang.

Sure enough, Master Duan pondered for a moment before speaking:

"This is a delaying tactic, indicating that the Qinghe Sect is already stretched thin in Wuling and has no choice but to stabilize the Song Kingdom. This is also a rare opportunity for us."

Xianyu Qiong nodded slightly and then asked, "So, Master Duan doesn't support a ceasefire or an alliance?"

Duan Li glanced at Xianyu Qiong and shook his head: "Since you have no intention of seeking peace, why should you offer support or not?"

Xianyu Qiong nodded in agreement, then asked the others:

"Does anyone else have any other ideas?"

The group looked at each other, but all hesitated.

Suddenly a woman's voice rang out:

"Any news from Wuling about the battle between the Qinghe Sect and Hanzhong?"

Xianyu Qiong looked in the direction of the voice and saw a woman in white sitting in the corner whose features were obscured. It was Ye Chutong, the former Valley Master of Lotus Valley, who had arrived. Xianyu Qiong nodded and said:

"Does Fellow Daoist Ye believe something has happened in the north?"

Ye Chutong nodded and said, "If the war in the north is urgent, we must act as the villains who take advantage of others' misfortunes. But if the war is not urgent, then this letter today has some meaning."

As she spoke, she glanced at Li Pinghe, who was sitting in another corner with his eyelids drooping, but seeing that he did not look up, she casually looked away.

Upon hearing Ye Chutong's words, Jin Daxu, Cui Minghao, and the others couldn't help but nod in agreement.

It is indeed difficult to make a judgment based on a single letter. It would be more prudent to make a decision based on the situation of the war in the north.

Xianyu Qiong considered it for a moment and agreed with Ye Chutong's assessment, but still felt it wasn't entirely safe. She glanced around at everyone, then noticed Li Pinghe, who was mostly silent in the corner. A thought struck her, and she asked:

"Pinghe, do you have any other ideas?"

Li Pinghe, whose name was called, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said amidst the surprised gazes of the crowd:

"We can ask them for the Thousand Hands Sect and the Yang Family Spiritual Cave. If they agree, we can take action immediately."

Take advantage of their weakness to kill them.

Although everyone was surprised, after a moment's thought, they all understood.

Xianyu Qiong nodded, then asked, "What if they don't respond?"

Li Pinghe's expression remained calm:

"If they do not respond, they must have prepared their defenses, and then we can launch a gradual northern expedition."

"Should we take action?"

Xianyu Qiong frowned slightly.

He was by nature steady and conservative. If there was no way out, he would not hesitate to fight to the death. But now that there seemed to be a turning point, he hesitated.

"A war between the State of Song and the State of Qinghe is inevitable."

Li Pinghe's expression was indifferent, and his calm, unhurried tone carried an indescribable certainty:

"Wuling borders Nanjun, Hanzhong, and Ba to the north, Changsha and Guiyang to the east, and Jianwei and Yangke to the west... These are not weak countries, and there are many powerful clans among them. Only Song is the only place around Qinghe Sect that can be subdued."

"Previously, the stone winds in the Wunan Mountains blocked the way, and the journey from Wuling to the Song Kingdom required passing through Changsha, which was very inconvenient. Now, Wei Ran is proficient in both the ways of wind and land, and the stone winds can no longer stop the Qinghe Sect from heading south."

"On the other hand, the Song Kingdom was blocked by Shi Feng south of the Wunan Mountains and had no power to move north."

"The gap between the two is too great. We must not take any chances and must seize every opportunity. Since we know that the two countries will inevitably go to war, the only questions left are when and how to fight."

His words were so simple that even those who had initially harbored doubts changed their minds. Xianyu Qiong hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, but still asked Duan Li and Ye Chutong for their opinions first.

"Fellow Daoist Li's vision extends beyond a single sect or nation, truly demonstrating a commanding perspective. I have nothing more to say."

Duan Li gave a thumbs-up and said no more.

Ye Chutong nodded in agreement.

"If that's the case... then there's no other way but to fight. Xianghe, draft a letter with strong wording, ordering them to return the two sacred sites of my Song Kingdom as soon as possible."

"Yes."

Han Xianghe accepted the order and went down to his post.

Xianyu Qiong also stood up, looked around at everyone, and bowed deeply:

"With a great battle imminent, proceed as planned and prepare... I entrust the Song state to you all!"

Inspired by this, the monks responded with a resounding roar.

At that moment, all the cultivators in Baiyun Mountain were mobilized.

Soon after, Qinghe Sect's reply arrived, sternly refusing to return the two spiritual sites.

……

"It seems that the request for peace was a pretense, and the real purpose was to delay. Zhu Yu was probably just using this as a smokescreen to make us lower our guard."

Xianyu Qiong, Duan Li, and Ye Chutong appeared remotely outside the branch altar of the Qinghe Sect.

Looking out at the once-famous Thousand Hands Mountain Gate, Xianyu Qiong couldn't help but stroke his beard and sneer.

Duan Li's eyes swept over the area around the Thousand Hands Sect one by one, seemingly examining his own sect's gate. He raised an eyebrow, not entirely satisfied.

After all, he came from the Longyuan Sword Sect, so he naturally looked down on mountain gates and spiritual caves in such places. If he had no other choice, why would he lower himself to such a high position?

However, he still nodded and said:

"As Fellow Daoist Li predicted, in that case, the three of us need not wait any longer. Why don't we give it a try?"

"good."

Xianyu Qiong nodded.

Ye Chutong nodded indifferently, without saying much. With a flick of her finger, a lotus seed flew into the sky, quickly sprouted, took root, and its roots penetrated the void. In the blink of an eye, a green lotus grew, swaying gracefully.

The mountains and rivers below, which had previously shown no sign of danger, suddenly began to exhibit a variety of strange phenomena, with water, fire, metal, swords, spears, axes, and halberds appearing everywhere.

As these hidden formations were activated, Wen Yao and Zhu Yu's expressions changed slightly deep within the seemingly silent Qinghe Sect branch altar.

"They came so fast!"

Meanwhile, within Wuling Kingdom, a figure in red slowly opened her eyes, her gaze filled with joy and anticipation:

"It's finally here."