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

A breakthrough is just around the corner.

Lin Feng circulated his cultivation technique while simultaneously drawing the spirit of the jade pendant sword into his body.

"boom!"

A moment later, the spiritual energy in Lin Feng's dantian was almost completely suppressed, and a barely audible muffled sound was heard. Lin Feng broke through once again.

Fourth level of Qi Refining!

Lin Feng slowly raised his right hand, releasing spiritual energy that was almost solidified. As Lin Feng manipulated it, it gradually became sharper.

Release this spiritual energy.

"Click"

The wooden stool next to it was split in two with a snap.

Lin Feng was quite satisfied with his current combat strength.

He has only been practicing Taoism for a few days, yet he has achieved so much; he should be content.

However, what worries him is that the sword spirit stored in the jade pendant probably won't be able to support him in breaking through several realms.

With each advancement in cultivation level, the number of sword spirits required to be devoured doubles.

A rough estimate suggests that the sword spirit within the jade pendant could at most allow Lin Feng to break through two or three more realms.

But what happens after that?

Since entering the sect, Lin Feng's body has indeed improved as his cultivation level has increased, but his essential nature of being old and frail remains unchanged.

If the sword spirit within the jade pendant is completely absorbed, and Lin Feng fails to find a replacement, then this uncertain path to immortality will likely become nothing more than a pipe dream.

"Ugh."

Lin Feng sighed softly, his heart filled with worry.

"There's also Ying Wujiu."

"Knowing that I am still alive, he will certainly not let me go."

"Every step from here on out must be carefully planned. One wrong step and all hope is lost. Alas."

Lin Feng was lamenting.

"Knock knock knock".

Just then, there was a knock on Lin Feng's door.

"Old sir, old sir."

He is the master of the house.

Lin Feng didn't have time to tidy up; he simply tossed the jade pendant into his storage bag, then got up, opened the door, and asked in a humble and polite manner.

"Master, what urgent matter is it?"

The villager came closer and pointed mysteriously to the southeast.

"I went to chop wood in the south just now, and I saw a lot of immortals in the distance, holding compasses in their hands. It looked like they were looking for something."

Lin Feng was quite interested in these people from Xuanqing Temple.

They traveled all the way from Chongqing to this place, and while annexing Chongyang Valley, they were also searching for things by traversing mountains and valleys.

This is by no means ordinary.

Lin Feng wanted to investigate without alerting the other party.

Having lived in the village for a long time, Lin Feng had gained considerable experience in dealing with the villagers. Before they could even express their gratitude, Lin Feng opened his storage bag again, took out a pill, and handed it to the villager.

"Thank you for keeping watch for me, folks. Please accept this pill."

Although Lin Feng was living in the other party's house, there was no real affection between them. To keep it a secret and avoid unnecessary trouble, bribing them with money was the most appropriate course of action.

The villager scratched his head and said somewhat embarrassedly.

"How can this be appropriate? I didn't do anything special..."

Lin Feng smiled and directly stuffed the pill into the other person's hand.

"Don't stand on ceremony with this old man."

The villager smiled somewhat awkwardly and patted his chest as he spoke.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll keep an eye on them for you and report back to you as soon as possible."

Lin Feng exchanged a few more pleasantries with a smile, then let the other person leave.

According to the villager's statement, the people from Xuanqing Temple were holding compasses, and it seemed they were indeed looking for something. But what could they be looking for?

And why come here to search? You see, this village is close to Dunhua City, and the surrounding area is almost entirely plains.

Treasure hunting usually takes place in the mountains. How could there be any treasure in a noisy plain like this, surrounded by farmers?

With his doubts lingering in his mind, Lin Feng tidied himself up slightly and left without hesitation.

Following the directions provided by the villager, Lin Feng hurried along and soon spotted the disciples of Xuanqing Temple in the fields.

Lin Feng didn't want to alert the enemy or cause trouble, so he didn't approach and just watched from a distance.

"Judging from this, the cultivation levels of these disciples are not high. Apart from one Foundation Establishment stage, the rest are all Qi Refining stage."

"They probably haven't located the treasure yet. It's reasonable for them to send some disciples with weaker cultivation levels to search for it."

"Although they were carrying compasses, they didn't seem to be searching for treasure. They kept circling around the villagers' graves... Could they be grave robbers?"

Lin Feng shook his head repeatedly, quickly rejecting this absurd idea.

Every sect or family that can establish itself in the world has its own businesses. While it's hard to say that rare treasures are in short supply, they certainly don't lack money.

Cultivators would disdain such a lowly act as robbing mortals' tombs, and would not find it strange at all.

As for the tombs of cultivators, they are even less useful.

The vast majority of practitioners' magical implements and treasures are passed down to their disciples and descendants; there is absolutely no reason for them to take them to the grave.

But what are these people doing, wandering around the cemetery with compasses?

"That's really a strange thing."

Lin Feng was observing from a distance with a puzzled look when suddenly, a refreshing breeze swept by under the blazing sun.

Lin Feng turned his head in the direction he was looking and saw a cultivator dressed in a Taoist robe slowly flying towards him.

Although the cultivator had an ordinary appearance, he possessed an otherworldly air. After gracefully arriving at Lin Feng's side, he first clasped his hands in a salute, and then suddenly drew his sword, pressing it directly against Lin Feng's throat.

Lin Feng was bewildered by the other party's actions—first bowing, then drawing his sword—and returned the bow with feigned composure, asking a question.

"I wonder if I have offended you in any way?"

The young cultivator answered with a cold face.

"We are here on official business as instructed by our master. Please leave immediately."

Lin Feng had no intention of causing trouble, so even with a sword pointed at his neck, he did not resist. He still bowed and responded with a slight apology.

"I merely noticed your unusual presence and took a look from the sidelines. I had no other intentions. If I have disturbed you, I will simply leave. There is no need for anger."

The young cultivator still stared coldly at Lin Feng. Although he didn't say anything more, his eyes, which were half-filled with killing intent, said it all.

If Lin Feng doesn't leave, the sword's edge will probably sever his head in a matter of moments.

Left with no other choice, Lin Feng could only slowly retreat, bow to the young cultivator again, and then leave awkwardly.

The young cultivator didn't continue to make things difficult for Lin Feng. Once he was sure Lin Feng had left and wasn't looking around anymore, he went back to rejoin the others.

Although Lin Feng stopped observing, his doubts did not diminish in the slightest, and he continued to mutter to himself.

"They wander around the cemetery area, but no one is allowed to look."

"There's a ghost!"

"Unfortunately, I am too weak now, and I can't even disguise myself, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to find out the truth."

A hint of disappointment appeared between Lin Feng's brows. Just then, Lin Feng's storage bag suddenly shook.