The Hehuan Sect cultivates alchemy; my senior sister helps me refine alchemy throughout the world.

When Luo Qinghe reminded him, Shen Yifei remembered that there was such a thing.

He recalled the way Zhu Fugui had acted when he delivered the invitation, and felt a bit uneasy about this so-called Demon Extermination Alliance.

The Golden Crow Sect simply wanted to find a reason to make all the sects in the world obey its commands.

Shen Yifei thought to himself, whoever wants to listen to the Golden Crow Sect can listen. Anyway, I'm just going through the motions, listening to their rambling for a bit before coming back.

Before he left, he made all the arrangements, especially during the days he was away, he instructed that no one should go down the mountain without permission.

That evening, he also refined some top-grade pills to replenish qi and heal injuries, just in case.

Shen Yifei set off early the next morning.

The Golden Crow Sect was three thousand miles away from Cangwu Mountain. Shen Yifei felt that he had plenty of time, so he flew at a leisurely pace.

After flying for half a day, they encountered many sects on the way, all heading towards the Golden Crow Sect.

Some rode in flying boats, some in carriages pulled by mythical beasts, and some in phoenix carriages—a diverse array of styles.

The more Shen Yifei looked at himself, the more pathetic he felt.

He flew alone in the sky, his wind-blown hair somewhat disheveled.

Looking at others, tables, chairs, and tea sets were set up on the flying boats, gauze curtains hung on the spirit beast carriages, and the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments and women's laughter came from the phoenix palace.

That's what it means for other people to go out on business, but for him it's like he's fleeing famine.

What upset him even more was that none of these sects came alone; they all came in groups of three or five, with entourages and grand processions.

He, the dignified sect leader of the Tianyan Sect, flew alone, like a rogue cultivator.

He regretted it somewhat; his decision had been too hasty. The Demon Extermination Alliance Conference would certainly be a good opportunity for all sects to demonstrate their strength.

Having a grand presence and strong capabilities brings you prestige when you're out in public, and others will treat you with deference.

Liu Mengli floated out of the cauldron and looked at the three-story-high flying boat in front of her, marveling at it.

"Master, when we're rich, let's build a flying boat too, catch a few dragons to pull it, how impressive would that be?"

"A dragon? You can find me a dragon first. With our current financial situation, we can barely afford an earthworm, let alone a dragon."

Shen Yifei glanced at the three-story-high flying boat, with a flag planted at the bow, embroidered with the character "万" (wan).

He wondered if these people were from Wanjian Manor.

Looking inside, there were seven or eight people sitting in the cabin, all dressed in fine clothes. Spiritual fruits and tea were laid out on the table, and two maids were serving them.

One of the young men in brocade robes was talking boastfully to the crowd, saying something that no one knew, and the crowd kept nodding in agreement.

The closer you get to the Golden Crow Sect, the more sects you'll encounter.

There were too many people, and Liu Mengli, who loved watching the excitement, concealed herself and leaned on Shen Yifei's shoulder to watch.

Xinghe was anxious to come out, but Liu Mengli wouldn't let her, scaring her by saying that the purpose of this conference was to discuss how to catch monsters like her.

Upon arriving at the Golden Crow Sect, the entire mountain gate was filled with various flying magical artifacts.

There are flying boats of various shapes, spirit beast carriages, cloud sedan chairs, and even a small palace.

The most luxurious of all was the flying boat we saw halfway there.

Liu Mengli looked left and right, her interest piqued.

"Master, look," Liu Mengli pointed to a cloud sedan chair, "that bead on it is worth a lot of money. And look at that flying boat, all the decorations on it are valuable too."

"These things belong to other people; we're not greedy for them."

"Master, I'll break off the bead for you if I get the chance."

Shen Yifei ignored her.

He watched as people came and went around him, some carrying things, others greeting each other and exchanging pleasantries, creating a lively scene.

A moment later, a disciple of the Golden Crow Sect arrived and shouted, "Sect leaders and elders who are present, please register at the east entrance."

Upon hearing the shouts, the crowd began to slowly move eastward.

The disciple shouted again, "When registering, please present the congratulatory gift along with the gift. There will be someone to register and record it."

Shen Yifei stood in the crowd and paused for a moment when he heard the words "congratulatory gift".

Is this a gathering of demon-slaying alliance members, or a birthday celebration for Lu Ya? Why do they need a gift?

While he was still in a daze, an elderly man holding a gift box patted him on the shoulder. "Young man, which sect are you from? Why are you empty-handed?"

Shen Yifei glanced back at the old man. He was skinny, had a goatee, and dressed plainly, looking like he belonged to a small sect.

He was holding a sandalwood gift box in his hands, with a red silk ribbon tied to it.

Shen Yifei hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "I am Shen Yifei of the Tianyan Sect."

The old man thought for a moment, "Tianyan Sect, no..."

"Oh, same name, same name, a newly established small sect," Shen Yifei explained.

The old man suddenly realized, "It's newly established, no wonder it doesn't know the rules."

"Sir, we're here to discuss exorcising demons, why bring a gift?"

The old man glanced at him and said, "Young man, you're ignorant. Let me teach you a lesson."

The old man tucked the gift box under his arm. "These kinds of gatherings, supposedly for the Demon-Slaying Alliance, are really just a stage for various sects to show off their power. Look over there!"

He pointed to the cloud-shaped sedan chair in front of him, "That's the sect leader of the Azure Sky Sect. The bead on the top of the sedan chair is called the Wind-Stabilizing Bead, which is priceless. Not only did they bring congratulatory gifts, but they also prepared a gift for each of the elders of the Golden Crow Sect."

Shen Yifei followed his finger and saw a chubby middle-aged man emerge from the cloud-shaped sedan chair. He was wearing a Taoist robe embroidered with gold thread and had eight rings on his ten fingers, looking like a nouveau riche.

"The sect leader of the Biluo Sect is Shen Wanjin!" the old man introduced.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yifei thought the name sounded like that of a nouveau riche.

The old man then pointed to the most luxurious flying boat, "That's the ship of Wanjian Manor. Sitting in the cabin is the young master Ye Wuhen, who has the cultivation of the early Mahayana stage. He's quite promising at such a young age."

The young man in brocade robes that Shen Yifei had seen before was disembarking from the flying boat, and he could see his appearance clearly at that moment.

Ye Wuhen appeared to be in his early twenties, with fair skin, regular features, and an air of arrogance in his eyes. A long sword hung at his waist, its scabbard inlaid with seven sparkling gems.

The old man continued, "These kinds of gatherings are ostensibly for discussing serious matters, but in reality, they are just occasions for various sects to show off their strength."

Shen Yifei nodded. He had seen the grand displays of various sects along the way, and it turned out they were here to show off their strength.

"Sir, if you're going to show off, fine, but why do you have to bring a gift?"

The old man tugged at him and pulled him forward with the crowd, saying as they walked, "The Alliance Conference must elect a leader. Who do you think will ultimately become the leader?"

"It must be Lu Ya, the Sect Master of the Golden Crow Sect!"

"Young man, you understand everything, don't you? When someone becomes the leader of the alliance, shouldn't they give a congratulatory gift?"

Shen Yifei nodded, "The old man is right, I've learned a lot. May I ask how I should address him?"

"Qingmu Sect, Zhou Shouyi." The old man stroked his beard. "A small sect, not worth mentioning. Similar to your Tianyan Sect, both are just here to make up the numbers."

Shen Yifei chuckled; the old man was indeed honest.

He looked down and rummaged through his storage ring. Inside were pills, spirit stones, and some miscellaneous medicinal herbs and ores.

He had quite a few pills, all of them top-grade, but he was extremely unwilling to give them as a congratulatory gift to the Golden Crow Sect.

Shen Yifei thought to himself, "He's only doing me face by coming here, and he even asked me to bring him a congratulatory gift. And he's my father's killer! Dream on."

He walked empty-handed with the crowd toward the entrance.