I only want immortality.

"Move to Xuzhou?"

This news undoubtedly surprised everyone present.

Xianyu Qiong's mind raced, and he subconsciously asked with concern:

"What should be done with the spiritual cave in Lotus Valley?"

Li Pinghe glanced at Xianyu Qiong, then turned to Ye Chutong and said gently:

"I haven't heard Master Ye mention this before, has something happened?"

Su Jinglong was not familiar with her, and since this was an internal matter of the Song Kingdom, he did not say anything.

Ye Chutong glanced at Xianyu Qiong, then her gaze met Li Pinghe's, her eyes revealing a restrained reluctance, and she whispered:

"I arrived late the other day because of this matter... I once told you that the Lotus Valley lineage originated from the Ye family of Yingchuan."

Li Pinghe was taken aback upon hearing this, then realized, "The Ye family knows that Lotus Valley has a second-grade spiritual cave?"

He immediately frowned: "But Yingchuan is in Yuzhou, so why is Lotus Valley moving to Xuzhou?"

At this moment, Su Jinglong, who had not said much, suddenly spoke up:

"The Ye family of Yingchuan is a thing of the past."

Seeing Li Pinghe's puzzled look, Su Jinglong explained:

"Haori Sect rose to power in Zhongzhou. Yingchuan is the closest to Zhongzhou, so it was naturally spared. I heard that the Ye family suffered heavy losses, a small number of whom surrendered to Haori Sect. Another branch migrated eastward, passing through Chen and Pei, and entered Xiapi, where they were taken in by the Xiapi Grand Clan's 'Overlord Palace'."

"Xiapi?"

The map of the thirteen provinces flashed through Li Pinghe's mind, and he immediately understood that this place bordered Jiujiang Kingdom of Yangzhou and Pei Kingdom of Yuzhou, making it a typical battleground. The fact that the Overlord Palace could establish itself here meant that it was no small sect or faction.

Ye Chutong nodded and continued:

"The Ye family is now sparsely populated. Some time ago, after learning about the situation in the Song state, they summoned us to fill the Ye family's bloodline."

Li Pinghe couldn't help but frown:

"You attained enlightenment in the Song Kingdom, and your Dao foundation is entrusted to the spiritual cave in Lotus Valley. If you were to move it to Xuzhou, what would become of your Dao foundation? Besides, the Ye family has been separated from Lotus Valley for many years, and its population is now sparse. Can you force them to move?"

Xianyu Qiong couldn't help but speak up, "Indeed, Fellow Daoist Ye, Xuzhou is far away, and we are unfamiliar with the place. Even though we share the same surname, we have long since become estranged. Why go to such a place and suffer cold looks?"

"Besides, even if you go there, do you think you'll get a spiritual burial site?"

Ye Chutong pursed her lips and remained silent.

Seeing this, Su Jinglong shook his head and said:

"She has no choice but to go. Although the Ye family of Yingchuan has declined, the branch that moved to Xiapi still has a great master."

"this……"

Upon hearing that the Ye family also had a Grand Master in charge, Li Pinghe and Xianyu Qiong both fell silent.

Not to mention the Grand Masters in the late stage of Dao Foundation, even someone below the Grand Master level like Su Jinglong would be enough to overwhelm the entire Song Kingdom.

Ye Chutong's Dao foundation resides in the Lotus Valley spiritual cave, which means she is destined to be unable to escape. This is true not only for her, but for all Earth Immortal cultivators.

"Then, how should the spirit cave be arranged?"

Xianyu Qiong couldn't help but ask.

Li Pinghe didn't ask any questions, but he looked at Ye Chutong with concern.

Ye Chutong shook her head and said:

"The Ye family sent people here to move the spiritual energy of the Lotus Valley to cultivate the spiritual energy of the Xiapi Cave. If I go there, I will also be allocated a spot."

Xianyu Qiong's brows furrowed deeply, his face showing displeasure:

"Although each spiritual cave belongs to the same sect, they all ultimately belong to the Song Kingdom. Fellow Daoist Ye can leave as he pleases, but how can he possibly take the spiritual energy of the cave with him?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Chutong remained calm and retorted, "Does Fellow Daoist Xianyu believe that this matter is up to me?"

Xianyu Qiong choked and couldn't help but look at Su Jinglong.

Su Jinglong's reaction was indifferent:

"Don't look at me. I came here to help because the founder of the Nine Yang Sect was a disciple of our pavilion, and we have some mutual respect. As for what the Ye family did, it has nothing to do with Penglai Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Xianyu Qiong's expression darkened slightly, but he knew that it was indeed unlikely that the other party would get involved.

Wuling has never had a Grand Master, so people can help them if they want. But the Ye family is different. Not only does it have a Grand Master in charge, but the Overlord Palace behind it is no less powerful than Penglai Pavilion. Even if Penglai Pavilion cares about its incense offerings, it would never anger the Ye family over this matter.

A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, and suddenly he sighed softly:

"I'm afraid it won't be easy to explain to Master Duan."

Although the words came suddenly, all three understood what Xianyu Qiong meant.

Originally, the five families of Song Kingdom had agreed with Duan Li that after driving away the Qinghe Sect, they would compete for rewards based on their merits. This time, Duan Li went north alone and killed Ning He, the deputy sect leader of the Qinghe Sect. In terms of merit, he deserved to earn a spiritual cave.

However, news had been received that after conquering the old territories of the Yang Clan and the Thousand Hands Sect, it was discovered that both spiritual caves had been drained by the Qinghe Sect. This meant that there was nothing to reward them for in this great battle, and they were just waiting for Duan Li to return, at which point a great disturbance was likely to ensue.

Ye Chutong's expression turned cold:

"What? You already planned to give my Lotus Valley to Duan Li?"

Xianyu Qiong smiled wryly: "Fellow Daoist Ye, what are you saying? I didn't even know your Lotus Valley was going to relocate from the Song Kingdom. How could you possibly give the Lotus Valley spiritual site to True Person Duan? It's just... alas!"

Li Pinghe understood Xianyu Qiong's predicament. The Jiuyang Sect was the organizer of this counterattack against the Qinghe Sect. Since they couldn't share the spoils, Duan Li naturally had to challenge the Jiuyang Sect first.

Current proposal:

"This situation is also unexpected. We should take advantage of this great victory, bypass this stone wind, continue the northern expedition, seize the spiritual cave's power from Wuling, and repay Master Duan for his merits. This way, we can reduce the threat of the Qinghe Sect and strengthen the foundation of the Song Kingdom."

At this point, he looked at Ye Chutong again and asked hesitantly, "When...are you going on your journey?"

Facing Li Pinghe, Ye Chutong's expression softened slightly, and she replied gently:

"I can't stay here for long. The Ye family is already gathering the spiritual energy of Lotus Valley. If I don't move to Xuzhou in time, the spiritual energy will decline in quality and my foundation will collapse, and I will also..."

Li Pinghe fell silent upon hearing this.

Xianyu Qiong was speechless for a moment.

Su Jinglong suddenly spoke, breaking the silence:

"Let's leave it at that for now. Duan Li should know the situation. I will continue to guard this place and prevent Wei Ran from entering the Song Kingdom. As for whether to launch a northern expedition, that's up to you."

"Thank you for your help, Master Su."

Xianyu Qiong immediately bowed respectfully, and Li Pinghe also spoke sincerely.

The other party, being a highly accomplished cultivator, came here without seeking anything in return, and was even willing to stay here. He was truly hardworking and deserved respect.

The group then fell silent, and the plan for a northern expedition was shelved.

Lotus Valley was relocating, and there were many things to do. Ye Chutong had done her best to help. Since things had been discussed, she didn't linger. She called Li Pinghe aside, said nothing, and just looked at him, hesitant to speak.

"Chu Tong, you..."

Today's parting may mean the two are forever separated by death. Even Li Pinghe, with his heart of stone, couldn't help but feel a little hesitant at this moment.

"Would you like to come with me to Xiapi?"

When love is involved, it is the woman who is more courageous and fierce. Ye Chutong suddenly said this, which made Li Pinghe take aback.

Looking at the elegant woman before me, as graceful as a lotus, and at those firm, bright, and almost blindingly clear eyes, I couldn't help but be transported back to sixty years ago, to the lotus lakeside, to that night when our hearts were intertwined...

"I……"

Li Pinghe's face remained expressionless, though his heart stirred slightly. Yet, seeing those expectant eyes, he ultimately shook his head gently.

"Chu Tong, you can't leave yet."

Her bright eyes dimmed instantly, and the blooming pink and white lotus seemed to lose its color in a flash.

Then, forcing a smile, she quickly followed:

"If you aspire to great things, you might have more opportunities in Xiapi."

Li Pinghe simply nodded without responding.

If it were a few decades earlier, and if he had encountered the current chaotic world, he would definitely have followed Ye Chutong to Xiapi to take a gamble.

However, times have changed, and he is now nearing his death. Compared to those promising and more trustworthy young cultivators, his greatest advantage is perhaps the reputation he has accumulated in Jingnan over the years.

Reputation is something that cannot be seen or touched, and ordinary people are unaware of its potential. For those who need it, it can sometimes be equivalent to a true cultivator at the foundation of Tao, while for those who do not need it, it is indeed worthless.

In Xiapi, he might just be a slightly well-known Qi-refining old cultivator, but in Song, only Xianyu Qiong could surpass him. If given the chance, he would have a higher probability of obtaining it.

Whether it's better to be the head of a chicken or the tail of a phoenix, that's a matter of opinion.

Ye Chutong naturally understood this principle, but she also knew that whether Li Pinghe stayed in Song or went to Xiapi with her, the chances were slim.

She simply hoped that she could be by Li Pinghe's side when he passed away, so that their fate could be fulfilled.

But Li Pinghe's reaction had already given her the answer to everything.

After a brief silence, Ye Chutong forced a smile, seemingly unconcerned:

"Fine, you're too proud and arrogant to follow me... Well then, it's settled, we'll meet again on the road to immortality."

Li Pinghe's smile gradually returned, and he nodded, saying:

"Then it's a deal. See you on the road to immortality."

"Um."

Ye Chutong nodded, then smiled and placed the two items into Li Pinghe's hands, her expression relaxed:

"Then I'm leaving. If... if you miss me, remember to visit Xiapi."

Having said that, he took two steps back, looked Li Pinghe up and down as if he wanted to imprint this person in his heart forever, a smile blooming on his face. Then his figure withered like a lotus flower, petals falling one by one...

The fragrant breeze lingers, but the beauty is gone.

Li Pinghe lowered his head, looking at the black lotus seed and the mirror in his hand. The warmth still lingered in his hand, and he felt a sense of loss.

Suddenly feeling weary, he inexplicably missed Canglang Mountain. He then bid farewell to Su Jinglong and Xianyu Qiong and went to Baiyun Mountain to meet Jin Guang.

"I can take you with me; we'll be there soon."

Xianyu Qiong also prepared to head south.

Li Pinghe politely declined. Seeing that he wasn't in a good mood, Xianyu Qiong understood the situation and sighed, not pressuring him further.

So he rode an ox south, passing through the old site of the Thousand Hands Sect, where he saw Han Xianghe, Lü Kong, as well as familiar faces such as Cui Minghao, He Riyuan, Jin Daxu, and Wang Feng.

But what lay more were the corpses scattered around the mountain gate...

Most of them were cultivators from the Qinghe Sect, but upon closer inspection, there were also quite a few cultivators from the Song Kingdom.

However, the cultivation world is generally indifferent. Unless one is close to fellow practitioners, few people care. At times like these, people are more immersed in the joy of a great victory.

Few Qinghe Sect cultivators were captured alive. After a long period of peace, the Song Kingdom cultivators harbored deep resentment towards the Qinghe Sect after this disaster, and they vented their hatred on the Qinghe Sect cultivators guarding the mountain gate.

This is human nature and the easiest way to extinguish anger, but it may not necessarily benefit the future.

Seeing this, Li Pinghe could only sigh softly and did not disturb this joy. He continued south to Baiyun Mountain, where the number of people had obviously decreased.

Jin Guang was not sent elsewhere, which was also Su Jinglong's request. Such a rough gem was not yet ready to be carved, so he was unwilling to let him take risks easily.

He squatted on the mountaintop, growing impatient from waiting so long. In the distance, he saw a figure riding an ox approaching across the sky, and was overjoyed, waving his arms frantically.

"teacher!"

"teacher!"

Seeing his young disciple, Li Pinghe felt a sense of comfort. He descended from the clouds, and immediately several cultivators on White Cloud Mountain flew to his side to stop him. Upon seeing Li Pinghe, they quickly bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, Senior Li."

Li Pinghe nodded and landed on the mountaintop. Jin Guang rushed over like lightning, hugged him tightly, then took two steps back, wiped his eyes, and exclaimed joyfully, "Teacher, you're finally back!"

Li Pinghe stroked the boy's head, overjoyed, and nodded repeatedly, "Teacher's back, back! Were you waiting anxiously?"

"Yes," Jin Guang nodded, then couldn't help but say, "Teacher, I want to go back to Canglang Mountain."

Li Pinghe's hand paused, and his eyes softened with a hint of regret.

"The teacher also misses it a little... but in this world, where can you find Canglang Mountain anymore?"

Jin Guang looked bewildered: "Isn't Canglang Mountain just to the south? How could it not be there? Can't we just go back?"

Can not go back.

How can we ever go back?

Li Pinghe smiled but didn't explain. Many truths can only be truly understood through experience; otherwise, they will forever remain just that—truths.

The reason why later generations lamented but did not learn from it is precisely because of this.

He didn't want to talk about anything mysterious with his little apprentice anymore, so he stayed on Baiyun Mountain for a few days, studying the "Silent Mind Concealing Soul Divine Power" while trying to refine the treasure mirror that Ye Chutong had given him before leaving, and occasionally teasing the golden light.

Su Jinglong will not stay in the Song Kingdom for long, perhaps many years. This is one of the few days that the master and disciple can spend together.

As for the important matter of the Northern Expedition to Wuling, it is no longer something he can decide.

But the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Two more days passed, and he met Chen Xu and Lin Yang, who had traveled day and night to arrive.

However, what made Li Pinghe frown was that Lin Yang's left eye was empty and blank, no longer as lively as before, and her expression had become more gloomy and deep.

Chen Xu's brows were also furrowed with grief and indignation.

Upon seeing Li Pinghe, Chen Xu kowtowed and wept, saying:

"Senior Uncle, Senior Brother Zhao... he's dying!"

Li Pinghe narrowed his eyes, revealing no emotion whatsoever, only his seemingly calm voice concealing a turbulent undercurrent:

"What happened?"

Chen Xu then began his explanation from the beginning:

"The sect leader finally established his Dao foundation not long ago, but for some reason, his temperament has inexplicably changed. The other day, he suddenly ordered the purchase of over a thousand spirit birds. Senior Brother Bai, considering the sect's treasury was in dire straits, offered a few words of advice, only to be slapped by the sect leader!"

Li Pinghe narrowed his eyes even more:

"A drastic change in temperament?"

"That's right," Chen Xu nodded, his expression growing increasingly grief-stricken.

"Senior Brother Zhao couldn't stand it and only said a few words, but he was beaten by the sect leader himself! The others dared not speak up. Lin Yang only glanced at the sect leader, and then the sect leader's spirit-driving bird pecked out one of his eyes..."

Lin Yang lowered her head and remained silent.

Chen Xu became increasingly sorrowful as he spoke, then suddenly lowered his voice:

"We all suspect that the sect leader has met with... has met with..."

"Possession?"

Li Pinghe's voice was cold and detached, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu nodded emphatically and kowtowed, saying, "I beg you, Senior Uncle, to save Chun Jun Sect and Senior Brother Zhao!"