I, a centenarian, sweep through the gates of immortality.

Upon hearing the word "alliance," Xu Yuanrang's reaction was nothing short of a shock; he jumped straight up from his chair.

"An alliance! I think he wants to swallow us up!"

"Did he get confused from his secluded cultivation?!"

Xu Yuanrang had been practicing Buddhism for many years and had seen and heard of countless things.

The so-called alliance is nothing more than a synonym for annexation.

Although Chongyang Valley is not a top-tier sect, it still has ancestral worshippers and is considered a prominent sect in Zhongzhou. How could it be willing to submit to others?

Moreover, the two sects are not adjacent and their territories are not connected. How could they possibly merge across states?

Xu Yuanrang realized something was wrong and quickly asked.

Why did he choose to annex us? Is there some other reason behind this?

Ren Shuofeng had received the news yesterday and had been cursing all night, so today, apart from appearing somewhat worried, he did not show much emotional fluctuation.

"I also think there's more to it than meets the eye. I sent someone to find out yesterday, and I expect to get back to you soon."

"Our top priority is to prepare for the upcoming takeover."

Over the years, the cultivation world has evolved, with numerous sects rising and falling, merging and swallowing each other up, and even forming a fixed process.

Generally, a powerful sect will send its best disciples to challenge the sect it is annexing. If they win all their battles, they can rightfully take over the right to select talents from the villages and towns around the annexed sect.

This prevents the merged sect from accepting any more disciples.

Next, three forces were dispatched to the mines, medicinal fields, and even shops in the cities of the merged sects to discuss acquisition matters.

They cut off the source of income for the merged sects.

Once the wings of the merged sects are clipped, they are like trees without roots, making it difficult for them to avoid being merged again.

All of this is done in a bloodless and respectable manner, without even the opposing sect leader or elders showing up. Although the whole process is a naked crushing of strength, it will not be seen as bullying the weak or damaging the reputation of a righteous sect.

Cruel, yet reasonable.

Ren Shuofeng, Xu Yuanrang, and others were very familiar with this series of procedures, but they found it difficult to deal with them.

First, the other side sends someone to challenge them; they cannot refuse, and they must win.

But winning is never that easy.

The Venerable Xuanming had already broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, and his disciples, under his guidance, were certainly not ordinary people.

It would be extremely difficult for Ren Shuofeng and Xu Yuanrang's disciples to win.

Most importantly, they don't have much time left. Their opponents will likely arrive soon, and if they want to win, they must quickly improve their disciples' strength in a short period of time.

Even forcing growth by pulling up seedlings.

It has caused immeasurable harm.

Thinking of this, Xu Yuanrang's face was filled with intense disgust, and he angrily slammed his hand on the table repeatedly.

"Damn it! Damn it!"

"We finally saw a glimmer of hope for a comeback, and then this happens!"

"I just took in the Innate Sword Embryo! Five Heavens, Three Realms! A limitless future! But Xuanming, he actually... he actually! How despicable!"

Xu Yuanrang was as excited as he had been when he pulled Lin Feng along, and now he was filled with regret.

In his view, Lin Feng had broken through three realms in five days, and his future was limitless. He was ready to devote the entire sect's resources to nurturing Lin Feng.

But now, does he still have a chance?

The other party will come knocking soon. Even if he pours all his resources into Lin Feng, Lin Feng will not be able to ascend to immortality on ordinary days.

He could only distribute the resources among his other disciples.

But what are the chances of the other disciples winning?

If they lose, their sect will be merged, and they will have to submit to others. Lin Feng will naturally also be defeated and join another sect, and then all their hopes will be dashed.

Hope and despair reversed in a short time, and even though Xu Yuanrang had cultivated for many years, he was filled with rage.

"Ugh."

Ren Shuofeng sighed; wasn't he feeling the same way?

But emotions are meaningless.

Strength determines everything.

It's best to be well-prepared.

"I've come today for two reasons: firstly, to inform you of this matter, and secondly, to exchange information."

"What kind of pills or magic weapons do your disciples need? If Qingfeng Valley has them, I will prepare them immediately."

"Please also prepare some of the things that my disciples need."

Ren Shuofeng and Xu Yuanrang were sworn brothers, and now that they were facing a formidable enemy together, they naturally had to advance and retreat together.

The two quickly chose the disciple who would be responsible for facing the enemy.

They had figured out what they needed.

Both parties share resources in an effort to maximize benefits.

After the negotiations were completed, Ren Shuofeng immediately stood up and took his leave.

"Yuan Rang, I'll take my leave now. I'll have someone send the treasure over as soon as I get back."

Xu Yuanrang nodded repeatedly and said the same.

"I will also hurry to make preparations."

The two did not exchange any more pleasantries. After Ren Shuofeng left, Xu Yuanrang immediately gave instructions.

"Summon Qingyi, Yunshu, and Wujiu immediately!"

Everyone was on high alert and dared not be negligent, so they all took their own initiative.

At this time, Lin Feng had already been assigned to live in the inner sect.

Located halfway up the mountain, the environment is serene and the entire Chongyang Valley landscape can be seen.

Gazing at the secluded scenery, Lin Feng's aged face relaxed for once.

Once he's entered the sect, he's considered a formal inner disciple, and Ying Wujiu shouldn't dare to lay a hand on him again.

We're safe for now.

Moreover, Xu Yuanrang had just given the order that all the pills be supplied to him without limit.

Their future was also secured.

Double happiness.

All that's left is the apprenticeship ceremony.

As Xu Yuanrang had said, the formal apprenticeship ceremony was to be held today. Lin Feng looked down the mountain and saw many disciples running back and forth, each carrying a lot of things. Lin Feng naturally assumed that this was the preparation for the apprenticeship ceremony.

"At over a hundred years old, to be able to become a disciple of Chongyanggu is truly an honor beyond measure."

"Should I wash up and get dressed?"

"At the very least, he should change his clothes."

Lin Feng is still wearing the same coarse linen shirt he used to wear in the village.

He naturally assumed that since the apprenticeship ceremony was to be solemn, he should at least dress casually, even if he didn't burn incense and bathe.

He had been waiting here for a long time, but no one had come to deliver the clothes yet?

As the sun began to set and darkness fell, Lin Feng's brows furrowed involuntarily.

Just then, a series of light footsteps approached, and it was clear that the other person was in a hurry.

Without waiting for the other party to knock, Lin Feng opened the door himself to welcome them.

One of the outer disciples stopped, panting, and after catching his breath, bowed to Lin Feng and said...

"Senior Brother Lin, no, I mean, Elder Mr. Lin!"

"By order of the sect leader, your apprenticeship is cancelled."

Lin Feng's pupils contracted slightly.

"Cancelled?"

"I'm not even considered a disciple anymore?"

The young Taoist seemed somewhat absent-minded, and with people coming and going from the foot of the mountain, all looking anxious, it was as if something big was about to happen.

Lin Feng was puzzled, so he took out a pill from his pocket, put it in the Taoist boy's hand, and then asked.

"Junior brother, can you tell me frankly? What has happened in my sect?"

The young Taoist boy dared not accept Lin Feng's pills and returned them to Lin Feng, muttering something under his breath.

"It cannot be spoken! It cannot be spoken!"