I only want immortality.

Zhao Yuanxiao looked at Li Pinghe expectantly.

However, he was soon disappointed.

Li Pinghe calmly shook his head:

"I have left Chun Jun Sect and am now merely a guest elder."

Zhao Yuanxiao, however, refused to give up and said in a deep voice:

"Master Uncle has countless ties with the Chun Jun Sect. Can he really sever them so easily? Besides, our Chun Jun Sect is facing imminent disaster. Can Master Uncle really bear to do that?"

Li Pinghe glanced at him and asked in return, "What great calamity?"

Zhao Yuanxiao said, "The Thousand Hands Sect was destroyed by cultivators from the Wuling Kingdom, and the old sect master died unexpectedly. However, apart from the Yang family, none of the other four families in the Song Kingdom have spoken out. Although I do not know the reason, I know that something is amiss."

Li Pinghe's face remained calm, as still as a deep well: "You're guessing that Chun Jun Sect has already been sold to someone else along with the other four families?"

"Exactly."

Having his thoughts guessed, Zhao Yuanxiao was not surprised at all. He had had extensive contact with this third senior uncle in his early years and knew his abilities well. He continued:

"This disciple dares to guess that the group that destroyed the Thousand Hands Sect and attacked the old sect master was the same group of people, namely the cultivators of Wuling Kingdom. And the four families other than the Yang family may have reached some kind of agreement with the cultivators of Wuling Kingdom."

"If that's the case, Chun Jun Sect will likely have little chance of escaping unscathed."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Li Pinghe, trying to glean something from the other man's face.

However, he was disappointed again.

Li Pinghe simply closed his eyes slowly and whispered:

"The person who attacked your uncle must have been someone else, and these people are most likely cultivators from the Song Kingdom, or there are Song Kingdom cultivators involved, otherwise they wouldn't know your uncle's character so well."

"But there is a detail worth discussing. If they did not intend for your uncle to return, they should have gone all out to eliminate any future troubles. However, your uncle returned barely alive, and they still cannot confirm their identities."

Zhao Yuanxiao, quick-witted and meticulous, immediately realized what was happening:

"Does this mean they didn't go all out?"

"Wait...they deliberately let the old sect leader come back!"

"But what is the purpose of doing this?"

He frowned, racking his brains, but couldn't find the answer for a while.

Li Pinghe said calmly:

"I heard from Chen Xu that the current head of the Yang family is named Yang Xingkong, and he's a capable young man, right?"

Zhao Yuanxiao nodded blankly:

"Yes, he was planning to come and mourn the old man in the next few days... Wait, what does Master Uncle mean...?"

He was startled, suddenly realizing something, and looked at Li Pinghe in surprise, a cold sweat breaking out on his back.

Li Pinghe rarely showed a hint of approval, and nodded, saying:

"Although it's just a guess, the possibility is quite high, so you should prepare in advance."

Zhao Yuanxiao nodded emphatically, a wave of fear washing over him.

If it weren't for my senior brother's advice, something terrible would have happened!

"Furthermore," Li Pinghe paused, "of the seven sects of the Song Kingdom, besides the Thousand Hands Sect, the Yang Clan, and my Chun Jun Sect, the other four actually have their own backgrounds and could potentially be secretly connected... You could write a letter to Lotus Valley in my name. Hmm, who is the current Valley Master of Lotus Valley?"

"It is Fairy Lotus Stamen, Ye Sirui, who is the true disciple of Senior Ye. After Senior Ye passed away, she succeeded him as the Valley Master."

Zhao Yuanxiao quickly replied.

"leaf……"

A flicker of confusion crossed Li Pinghe's eyes. He regained his senses, pondered for a moment, and said:

"Tell her that Lotus Valley owes me a favor, and I've come to collect it. Please come to Chun Jun Sect for a chat soon."

"Yes... does Master Uncle have any other instructions?"

Zhao Yuanxiao initially thought that the people from Lotus Valley might not come at this time, but when he thought that it was Li Pinghe who spoke, he felt that they might come. He felt more confident, as if he had returned to the time when his uncles and elders were the sect leaders.

But he quickly snapped out of the illusion and heard Li Pinghe say calmly:

"I will not become the sect leader. As for Murong Xian, you cannot dismiss him yet; you must wait at least three years."

Why three years?

Zhao Yuanxiao was disappointed and puzzled by Li Pinghe's words.

Li Pinghe raised his eyelids, glanced at him, and shook his head:

"You are skilled at planning, but inept at planning people. Go and ask Chen Xu!"

Zhao Yuanxiao was momentarily confused, but seeing that Li Pinghe was already showing signs of wanting him to leave, and also concerned about important matters within the sect, he hesitated for a moment, then rose, bowed, and respectfully withdrew.

Before leaving, he hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but ask:

"May I ask, Master Uncle, is there any chance our Chun Jun Sect can survive?"

Li Pinghe remained silent for a long while before slowly nodding:

"It all depends on human effort."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuanxiao smiled, bowed, and then left.

Watching Zhao Yuanxiao's departing figure, Li Pinghe sighed softly.

Zhao Yuanxiao is a smart man, but there is no shortage of smart people in the world. Whether Chun Jun Sect lives or dies does not depend on him or Zhao Yuanxiao, but on whether others are willing to give them this opportunity.

A force without a foundation in Dao is like a chess piece that can be disposed of at will; others can reach out and choose to discard or keep it at will.

Even if a Dao Foundation cultivator appears, it will only be a temporary respite. Although the Song Kingdom is weak, its four major families all have powerful backgrounds. If one of them were to produce a Dao Foundation cultivator, the balance of power would be broken, and they would be attacked by all of them.

But then again, it wouldn't be surprising if any of these four families suddenly produced a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Therefore, if Chun Jun Sect is to survive, it must plan every step carefully and exhaust its efforts.

"What a quagmire."

This is why he was unwilling to take over Chun Jun Sect in the past and now. It was too mentally taxing and did not align with what he was pursuing. However, the situation has changed. Although the world is vast, it is difficult to find a safe place to settle down in the future. Without a powerful backer, it would be even more difficult to achieve anything. A slight misstep could lead to death. In addition, he was born into Chun Jun Sect, and as Zhao Yuanxiao said, he could not easily give it up.

It's a contradiction, but it's precisely the human heart.

"We have no choice but to take it one step at a time, and hope for the best."

Li Pinghe picked up the last piece of mung bean cake from the plate, closed his eyes, and slowly savored it.

Aim high, but don't waste the present moment.

……

Three days later.

Outside the Chun Jun Sect's mountain gate.

The sect leader, Murong Xian, dressed in mourning clothes, led Zhao Yuanxiao, Bai Butong, Chen Xu, and others to stand in front of the gate to welcome them.

"Brother Murong, please accept my condolences."

A young scholar wearing a square scarf descended from the clouds with a sorrowful expression. His gaze swept around the surroundings before he quickly stepped forward, grasped Murong Xian's hands, and spoke with a deep and sincere tone, his eyes reddening with grief.

Five or six people flew down from behind, including men, women, and children. They all had solemn expressions. When they met, they bowed to each other and exchanged a few pleasantries.

It was the Yang family from the Northwest.

"I am deeply grateful for Brother Yang's visit."

Murong Xian forced a smile while turning to the side and raising his hand in invitation:

"Please come inside, everyone."

The young scholar was Yang Xingkong. Upon hearing this, he didn't say much. He clasped his hands in greeting with Zhao Yuanxiao and the others, and then, led by Murong Xian, headed straight for the mourning hall.

Murong Xiao's body had already been buried, so there was no need for mourning. After the rituals were completed, Yang Xingkong gritted his teeth and said angrily:

"Some thief has forged our Yang family's letter rubbings, deceiving Elder Murong and ruining the reputation of our Yang family. This is not just a matter for your family! If the thief can be found, I will surely kill him!"

"What Brother Yang says is also what I thought," Murong Xian nodded in agreement, then changed the subject: "However, even the old sect leader didn't recognize these people back then. The Song Kingdom is not small; finding these people is like looking for a needle in a haystack. What should we do?"

Yang Xingkong's eyes showed a thoughtful expression, then he said seriously:

"Forgive my bluntness, but Elder Murong is old and experienced, and has seen much. If even he can't recognize his origins, he is probably not from the Song Kingdom."

Murong Xian frowned slightly:

"Brother Yang, do you mean... Wuling in the north?"

"Not necessarily."

Yang Xingkong shook his head and said:

"Perhaps this is a scheme to frame someone."

"Framed?"

Murong Xian frowned even more: "Please explain in detail, Brother Yang."

Yang Xingkong took a deep breath, looked around at everyone, and lowered his voice:

"Since Brother Murong has invited me, I will speak frankly, and you may all listen attentively."

Zhao Yuanxiao and the others narrowed their eyes and remained silent, so Murong Xian quickly said:

"I would be grateful if Brother Yang would not hesitate to offer his guidance."

Yang Xingkong said seriously:

"My Yang family resides in the northwest of the Song Kingdom, while your family stands in the southwest. Between our two families lies the Nine Yang Sect. The attack on Elder Murong must have occurred within the Nine Yang Sect's territory. However, has the Nine Yang Sect made any news since then?"

"The Nine Yang Sect... that is indeed true."

Murong Xian's expression hardened slightly, and he slowly shook his head.

"It seems that's indeed the case!"

Yang Xingkong's expression became even more solemn as he looked at everyone, his voice unconsciously lowered to its lowest point:

"As you all know, my Yang family is closest to the Thousand Hands Sect. After the Wuling Kingdom cultivators launched a surprise attack on the Thousand Hands Sect, I immediately sent people to investigate. As a result, we saw Lü Kong of the Nine Yang Sect in the distance within the Thousand Hands Sect's mountain gate."

"Lü Kong?"

Murong Xian and Zhao Yuanxiao exchanged glances, their expressions becoming increasingly serious.

Lu Kong is the direct descendant of the current leader of the Nine Yang Sect. Although he is young, his cultivation level is not low. He is regarded by outsiders as the future leader of the Nine Yang Sect. The fact that such a person appeared in the Thousand Hands Sect, which was occupied by cultivators from the Wuling Kingdom, has an obvious meaning.

"In that case, the Nine Yang Sect may have already colluded with the Wuling Kingdom. They ambushed the old sect master and framed the Wuling Kingdom cultivators. It's even possible that the two of them worked together... Brother Yang, why didn't you say this sooner?"

Murong Xian couldn't help but speak with a hint of reproach.

Yang Xingkong smiled bitterly and said, "Although I think so, I am not sure yet, so I dare not speak rashly. Talking about others behind their backs today is not the right way and is close to being a petty person. If the Jiuyang Sect proves its innocence in the future, I should personally go to the Jiuyang Sect to apologize."

"Brother Yang has the demeanor of an ancient sage; how could he utter such petty words?"

Murong Xianyu expressed admiration, glanced at Zhao Yuanxiao who remained silent to the side, and then changed the subject again:

"However, the Nine Yang Sect was the first to be established in the Song Kingdom and has the strongest power. If it also colludes with the Wuling Kingdom, our two families will soon be in danger of mutual destruction."

"Brother Murong, your insight is excellent. This is precisely the other important reason for my visit."

Yang Xingkong clapped his hands in praise, then said seriously:

"The cultivators of the Northern Wuling Kingdom have the intention to go south, and the Nine Yang Sect of the Song Kingdom also has an ambiguous attitude. The Thousand Hands Sect has been destroyed, and the Baoxia Sect, Lotus Valley, and Chenjiang Sword Sect each have their own origins. Only our two families have been established for less than a hundred years and have weak foundations. At this critical moment of survival, we should work together to overcome the difficulties."

"That's exactly right!"

Upon hearing this, Murong Xian was overjoyed and praised:

"Brother Yang's righteousness is admirable; I share the same sentiment!"

He turned to look at Zhao Yuanxiao and the others:

"Elder Zhao, what do you think?"

Zhao Yuanxiao glanced at Yang Xingkong and the five people behind him, and forced a bow, saying:

"What Patriarch Yang said makes sense."

"No, no..."

A fleeting hint of displeasure crossed Murong Xian's face, but it quickly transformed into a smile as he turned to Yang Xingkong and said:

"Brother Yang, do you have any ideas?"

Yang Xingkong smiled, and a person stepped forward from behind him, saying:

"The patriarch intends to sign an alliance with your family to watch over and help each other. If it is successful, the two families will become sworn brothers. If the Nine Yang Sect or Wu Ling Kingdom attacks, we can provide timely assistance. If necessary, we can even move to one place to deal with the enemy together."

Murong Xian smiled and was about to agree when he heard Zhao Yuanxiao suddenly ask from behind:

"Even in a brotherhood alliance, there must be a distinction between primary and secondary roles, and a hierarchy. Patriarch Yang, I wonder which of our two families will be primary and which secondary?"

The people behind Yang Xingkong all frowned, but Yang Xingkong's smile remained unchanged as he cupped his hands towards Zhao Yuanxiao and said:

"Elder Zhao, our two families have been friends for generations. In the past, there were the three of us, the Master of Canglang and my first and second ancestors, who were inseparable. Although they have all passed away, I still admire them. In recent times, there was Brother Murong and me, who were also loyal friends. In fact, I should call Elder Zhao 'Uncle'."

"I dare not accept such praise."

Zhao Yuanxiao took a step back and bowed deeply.

Yang Xingkong smiled slightly and continued:

"Our two families have a long and unbroken history, and there has never been a question of who is superior or inferior. If we form an alliance today, it is only for self-preservation, let alone a distinction between primary and secondary. As the saying goes, if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. If my Yang family is attacked, would your family sit idly by? And vice versa!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuanxiao's expression softened slightly, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

"It was Zhao who was narrow-minded. I hope Patriarch Yang will forgive me."

Yang Xingkong laughed and said, "Elder Zhao's words are wise and experienced. What crime is there in them? I should envy Brother Murong. With Elder Zhao's assistance, your family will surely prosper."

Upon hearing this, Murong Xian forced a smile and changed the subject:

"Brother Yang, do you have an agenda?"

Yang Xingkong hesitated at this moment: "Yes, there are, but..."

"Just what?"

Murong Xian hurriedly asked.

Yang Xingkong shook his head and said, "The original agreement may not be accurate, and some clauses may cause misunderstandings. Let's go back and draft it again, and then send it to Brother Murong for his consideration."

Having said that, he prepared to take his leave.

Murong Xian quickly stopped him and said:

"Why bother? There's no time like the present. Let's bring it out now and discuss it together."

"This...this is inappropriate."

Yang Xingkong, on the contrary, firmly stated:

"The proposed items were not carefully considered before coming here and seem deceptive. Let's revise them."

However, after Murong Xian's repeated pleas, they finally had no choice but to have it removed.

It was a piece of cloth, made of precious materials, containing documents listing numerous clauses.

Murong Xian took it and glanced at it. It was indeed an alliance agreement. However, some details inside made him pause for a moment, and then he flew into a rage.

"Sect Master, please allow me to take a look."

Unable to contain himself, Zhao Yuanxiao took the bag, glanced at it, and his expression immediately darkened. He looked up at the Yang family and said coldly:

"We serve the Yang family as our masters... Do the Yang family think our Chun Jun Sect has no one to rely on?"

The elders of Chun Jun Sect present were also shocked to hear this. They passed the document around and cursed loudly upon seeing it.

Murong Xian's expression turned ugly as he looked at Yang Xingkong:

"Is this what Brother Yang meant by 'deceiving people'? That's hardly an apt description!"

Yang Xingkong sighed softly:

"I did warn you earlier, but Brother Murong wouldn't listen..."

Upon hearing this, Murong Xian, Zhao Yuanxiao, and the others' expressions changed, a bad premonition creeping into their hearts. Murong Xian angrily shouted:

"What do you want?"

Yang Xingkong ignored him, slightly turned his head, and asked, "Are all the elders of the Chun Jun Sect here?"

The person behind him calmly replied:

"Except for Chen Xu from the External Affairs Hall, all the other elders at the ninth level of Qi Refining are here."

"A level nine Qi Refining stage, even if it leaks, it won't matter."

Yang Xingkong spoke casually, then turned to look at Murong Xian, Zhao Yuanxiao, and the others, and smiled:

"Fall, fall, fall!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Murong Xian, Zhao Yuanxiao and the others felt the sky and earth shake and they fell straight down!