I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

"Among the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, besides Fellow Daoist Wei, who is renowned throughout the south, I cannot think of anyone else with such cultivation."

Zhou Yuan remained calm, bowing slightly to the green-robed elder who had turned around, his tone neither humble nor arrogant.

It expressed basic courtesy, but it lacked the awe and restraint that ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators often show when facing late-stage Grand Masters.

With his current strength and numerous trump cards, he is not afraid at all even if his opponent is in the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and he is even quite confident that he can defeat him.

However, he came to this meeting not out of a desire for violence or to prove himself superior to Wei Wuyai.

The world of cultivation is never just about fighting and killing; interpersonal relationships, exchanges of interests, and long-term planning are equally important.

He was even more curious to see why this pillar of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance had specifically invited him here.

"Fellow Daoist Wei, let's not beat around the bush. Is there something you need my help with that you invited me here?"

Zhou Yuan got straight to the point, looking directly at Wei Wuyai.

A strange light flashed in Wei Wuyai's eyes, clearly surprised by Zhou Yuan's composure and directness, which far surpassed that of his peers.

He didn't mind Zhou Yuan's slightly "rude" direct gaze, but instead laughed heartily, his voice echoing in the hall: "Fellow Daoist Zhou is straightforward, so I won't beat around the bush either. Indeed, I invited you here today because there is an important matter to discuss, and this matter is difficult for anyone but someone with Fellow Daoist Zhou's strength and insight to handle."

His expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "This time, the Mulan people have come with overwhelming force, on a scale far exceeding that of the past. This is no ordinary looting; they are likely coming with the intention of a decisive battle. The war has only been going on for a little over a year, and our Nine Kingdoms Alliance's front lines have already fallen one after another. Fengyuan and Qian Kingdom have completely fallen!"

He paused, a hint of solemnity and regret flashing in his eyes: "What's even more troubling is that, in this Mulan army, besides our own clan's sorcerers, there's also a group of masters dressed in black robes, whose techniques are bizarre and insidious. These black-robed sorcerers possess vicious supernatural abilities, especially adept at a strange magical artifact or supernatural power that can counter the teleportation of Nascent Soul cultivators. Since the start of the war, three of our Nine Kingdoms Alliance members at the early Nascent Soul stage have already perished at the hands of these black-robed sorcerers! They couldn't even escape with their Nascent Souls intact; their souls were captured and their spirits stolen, resulting in a tragic end!"

At this point, Wei Wuyai changed the subject, a meaningful smile appearing on his face: "Of course, although the battle was unfavorable, it wasn't entirely fruitless. Especially Fellow Daoist Zhou, who, upon leaving the mountain, slew three Nascent Soul cultivators from Mulan, achieving remarkable results and greatly boosting the morale of the cultivators of Tiannan! Adding to that Fellow Daoist Han Li's killing of a Mulan Grandmaster, all things considered, at the Nascent Soul level, Tiannan's current exchange ratio with Mulan isn't exactly a loss, and may even be slightly advantageous. Fellow Daoist Zhou's contribution is indispensable."

He first pointed out the perilous situation, emphasizing the threat of the black-robed mage and the losses on his side. Then, he changed the subject, praising Zhou Yuan and Han Li's achievements. This was partly to acknowledge their strength, and partly to imply that Zhou Yuan was already caught in the vortex and could not remain completely detached.

"Fellow Daoist Wei, do you wish to know the background and weaknesses of those black-robed sorcerers?"

Zhou Yuan, being a man of great stature, immediately discerned the hidden meaning in Wei Wuyai's words.

"Exactly!"

Wei Wuyai nodded, his eyes fixed intently on Zhou Yuan. "Fellow Daoist Zhou is the only one so far to have fought and successfully killed these black-robed sorcerers. You must know their techniques, methods, and especially their strange ability to counter Nascent Soul teleportation better than anyone else. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. I hope Fellow Daoist Zhou will be generous in sharing his knowledge. Wei and the entire Nine Kingdoms Alliance will be eternally grateful."

Zhou Yuan pondered for a moment, then said:

"As far as I know, those black-robed figures are not native sorcerers of the Mulan Grasslands, but... from the Great Jin Dynasty!"

"The Great Jin Dynasty?!"

Wei Wuyai's pupils contracted slightly, and his brows furrowed deeply.

As a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, he naturally had some understanding of the vast world beyond Tiannan. He knew that on the other side of the Mulan Grassland, there existed a vast continent called "Da Jin," whose spiritual energy was far richer than that of Tiannan, and whose cultivation civilization was also more prosperous.

If it is indeed the forces of the Great Jin Dynasty that have intervened in the war between Tiannan and Mulan, then things are far more complicated and dangerous than expected!

The sects of the Great Jin Dynasty.

Its cultural heritage far surpasses that of Tiannan.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, are you certain? Why would cultivators from the Great Jin Dynasty travel millions of miles to interfere in the conflict between Tiannan and Mulan?"

Wei Wuyai's tone was solemn.

"Most likely. Their techniques and the aura they exude when using supernatural powers are completely different from those of the Southern Demonic Path. They are more ancient and sinister, bearing obvious characteristics of the Great Jin Demonic Path."

Zhou Yuan affirmed this, but as for the reason, he did not mention that the Yinluo Sect needed living souls to repair the "Ghost Banner," he simply said:

"It's nothing more than being driven by profit, or perhaps they've reached some kind of deal with the Mulan people. However, Fellow Daoist Wei, there's no need to worry too much. The attackers are likely just a portion of the forces from a certain demonic sect in the Great Jin Dynasty, and their techniques are not invincible. The fact that I was able to kill them proves that they are not unbeatable."

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuyai's expression softened slightly, but his worry remained.

He looked at Zhou Yuan, and solemnly cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, the situation is perilous. The Mulan people are colluding with these demonic cultivators of the Great Jin, posing a great threat. I, Wei, here on behalf of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, earnestly request Fellow Daoist Zhou to lend a hand to Tiannan and help us resist foreign aggression! Whatever your request, as long as it is within the capabilities of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, we will not refuse!"

He knew very well that a powerful rogue cultivator like Zhou Yuan, who had no sect affiliations, could not be easily bound by force or personal connections.

If you want the other party to do something, you have to offer tangible benefits.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's face showed a thoughtful expression. After a moment, he slowly said:

"As a cultivator from Tiannan, I, Zhou, am unwilling to see my homeland ravaged and my fellow cultivators slaughtered. It is not unreasonable for me to lend a helping hand."

Wei Wuyai was overjoyed.

However, Zhou Yuan changed the subject: "However, as Fellow Daoist Wei said, I am just a rogue cultivator, used to living a carefree life, and have no obligation to serve anyone. Since Fellow Daoist Wei asked me to name my conditions, then I will speak frankly."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, please speak!" Wei Wuyai's expression turned serious, knowing that the crucial moment had arrived.

"Zhou wants to establish a sect and pass on the tradition, so he needs a place to establish a foundation."

Zhou Yuan looked calmly at Wei Wuyai, "However, the southern lands have long been divided up by various sects. If rogue cultivators want to occupy land and establish sects, they either have to seize it by trickery and force, which will anger the masses and make it difficult to last long; or they have to find uninhabited and desolate places where spiritual veins are scarce and it is difficult to develop. I dislike the former and despise the latter."

He paused, then said, word by word, "My condition is: territories in exchange for military merit. I am willing to hunt down six Nascent Soul cultivators from Mulan or Black Robes during this great war. With this achievement, I will exchange it with the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, or rather, with the four major powers of Tiannan, for a complete kingdom as the foundation for my sect! This kingdom must have a medium-sized or larger spiritual vein, complete territory, and be recognized by all the powers of Tiannan. I will enjoy complete autonomy and will not be subject to the control of any party. What do you say?"

Start a sect!

To exchange military merits for the land of a nation!

This condition was undeniably surprising, but it wasn't entirely unexpected by Wei Wuyai.

At Zhou Yuan's level, while pursuing personal freedom, people often begin to consider building power, passing on the lineage, and collecting resources to pave the way for their future path or disciples.

In this special period, exchanging military achievements for territory is the most "legitimate" and least troublesome way.

This demonstrated strength, secured a position, and avoided direct conflict with existing powers.

Wei Wuyai fell into deep thought, his fingers unconsciously tapping the back of the chair as he rapidly weighed the options in his mind.

Six Nascent Soul cultivators!

This number is by no means easy.

Even with Zhou Yuan's formidable strength, locking onto and killing six enemies of the same level in the war would involve enormous risks and require the right timing.

However, if this can be achieved, it will be a heavy blow to Mulan's side, enough to affect the local or even the overall battle situation!

Trading a nation under the control of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance for the full support of such a powerful ally, as well as the achievement of weakening six Nascent Soul cultivators on the enemy side... This deal seems... not a loss for the Nine Kingdoms Alliance? It might even be a huge profit.

More importantly, this precedent might attract more high-level rogue cultivators like Zhou Yuan to contribute to Tiannan!

After much deliberation, a glint flashed in Wei Wuyai's eyes, and he suddenly slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair:

"Very well! Fellow Daoist Zhou is straightforward and his conditions are reasonable! On behalf of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, I, Wei, agree to this! As long as Fellow Daoist Zhou can obtain the heads or concrete evidence of six Nascent Soul cultivators from Mulan or Black Robes during this great battle, the Nine Kingdoms Alliance will fully support you after the war, striving to secure a complete kingdom for you as the foundation for your sect! We will also announce this to Tiannan and gain recognition from all sides!"

"Fellow Daoist Wei is so straightforward!"

Zhou Yuan smiled, quite satisfied with the result.

With this formal agreement, his subsequent actions had a clear objective, making his actions much easier.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is truly wise and righteous; he is a great fortune to Tiannan!" Wei Wuyai clapped his hands and laughed, then stood up. "By the way, there are a few fellow Daoists in the alliance who have long admired Fellow Daoist Zhou. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you. We can also discuss the upcoming defenses. Fellow Daoist Zhou, please follow me."

Zhou Yuan nodded and followed Wei Wuyai out of the Tian Ce Hall, arriving at another, more spacious hall that was already filled with people.

Inside the hall, there were about twenty figures, some sitting and some standing, all with considerable auras. The lowest level was early Nascent Soul cultivator, and four of them had particularly strong auras, all of whom were mid-Nascent Soul cultivators!

These people were dressed in different clothes, but most of them bore the insignia of various factions within the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, clearly indicating that they were all high-level combatants gathered by the Nine Kingdoms Alliance this time.

Upon seeing Wei Wuyai and Zhou Yuan enter together, the conversation in the hall subsided slightly, and everyone's eyes turned to them, most of them filled with curiosity, inquiry, scrutiny, and even a hint of barely perceptible apprehension.

Zhou Yuan's recent "bad reputation" and achievements have clearly spread throughout the high-level circles of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance.

Wei Wuyai laughed loudly, "Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Zhou Yuan, Fellow Daoist Zhou, who has recently slain several powerful enemies and whose name resounds throughout Tiannan!"

"Fellow Daoist Zhou!"

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Zhou!"

"Fellow Daoist Zhou's reputation is renowned far and wide!"

The people in the hall all bowed and greeted him, and most of them were very polite.

Strength is paramount, and Zhou Yuan earned their respect with his solid achievements.

Zhou Yuan returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, his expression indifferent.

His gaze swept across the crowd, pausing slightly when it passed over an elderly man standing at the back, dressed in a white Taoist robe, with white hair and beard, and a gaunt face that could not hide his advanced age.

The old man was also looking at him, his eyes filled with complex emotions: shock, emotion, reminiscence, relief, and a hint of indescribable regret and embarrassment.

It was none other than Linghu, the only Nascent Soul ancestor in Huangfeng Valley!

The instant Zhou Yuan's gaze met his, a subtle divine thought transmission, audible only to him, quietly sounded in his ear; it was the voice of Ancestor Linghu:

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, if you have time after the meeting, please come to the 'Yellow Wood Pavilion' in the city for a chat. I... have some old matters I would like to discuss with you."

Zhou Yuan's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't heard anything. His gaze naturally shifted away, and he didn't give any response.

Next, Wei Wuyai briefly explained that Zhou Yuan had agreed to participate in the war against Mulan and would undertake corresponding combat missions.

Upon hearing this, many Nascent Soul cultivators in the hall showed joy on their faces and expressed their gratitude, saying that it was a great blessing to have such a strong ally as Fellow Daoist Zhou joining them, which gave them more confidence in the upcoming battle.

The meeting then proceeded to its main agenda.

Wei Wuyai and several core elders of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance began to report on the current battle situation, analyze the possible attack directions of the Mulan people, and assign defensive tasks.

"...The vanguard of Mulan has approached the border of Yu Kingdom. The whereabouts of its main force are unknown, but the pressure is immense. Our Nine Kingdoms Alliance alone cannot withstand it. Fortunately, the alliance of the four major powers in Tiannan has been reached, and reinforcements from the Righteous Path Alliance, the Six Demonic Sects, and the Heavenly Path Alliance are arriving one after another. However, distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. The most urgent task is to defend several key passes on the border of Yu Kingdom and buy time for reinforcements to gather!"

After some discussion and task allocation, Zhou Yuan took the initiative to accept the task of guarding "Tiantai Valley".

This valley is an important passage to the heart of the Yu Kingdom. Its terrain is treacherous, easy to defend and difficult to attack, but it is also inevitably one of the Mulan people's main targets, so the pressure is not small.

Accompanying Zhou Yuan was a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Nine Kingdoms Alliance named Bu Yunhe, who was skilled in formations and escape techniques.

The mission was scheduled to begin the following morning.

The meeting adjourned, and the participants went their separate ways to prepare.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Yuan determined the direction and headed towards an exquisite pavilion in the city called "Huangmu Pavilion".

This pavilion appears to be a property of Huangfeng Valley in Tiancheng.

As soon as Zhou Yuan arrived at the pavilion, Lei Wanhe, who had been waiting outside, came forward to greet him and respectfully led him into the pavilion, into a quiet room with elegant furnishings and burning calming sandalwood incense.

Inside, Elder Linghu was already seated behind a tea table. Upon seeing Zhou Yuan enter, he rose to greet him, forcing a rather complex smile: "Fellow Daoist Zhou... please sit. Wanhe, serve the tea."

"Yes, Ancestor."

Lei Wanhe respectfully served the two of them spiritual tea, then quietly withdrew and closed the door.

In the quiet room, only Zhou Yuan and Linghu Laozu remained, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, please have some tea. This is my treasured 'Snow-Top Cloud Bud' tea, which is very beneficial for calming the mind and comprehending the Dao." Ancestor Linghu personally poured tea for Zhou Yuan, adopting an extremely humble posture.

"Fellow Daoist Linghu, you're too kind." Zhou Yuan picked up his teacup, sniffed the aroma of the tea, but didn't drink it. He simply looked at the other person calmly.

Seeing this, Elder Linghu stopped beating around the bush, sighed softly, and went straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Zhou, I'm sure you can guess why I invited you here today. Back then, the Yue Kingdom's affairs forced our sect to relocate... Now, you and Fellow Daoist Han have both achieved the Nascent Soul stage, and your power shakes the south. It is truly thanks to my Yellow Maple Valley... no, it was because I was blind back then and failed to recognize a true dragon."

He paused, his eyes filled with hope, and looked at Zhou Yuan: "My lifespan is nearing its end. The Yellow Maple Valley has been passed down to this day, and its lineage has not been easily preserved. I humbly request Fellow Daoist Zhou, would you be so kind as to... return to Yellow Maple Valley and assume the position of Supreme Elder? After I pass away, everyone in Yellow Maple Valley will respect you above all others, and all the resources, traditions, and foundations of the valley will belong to you! I only ask that you preserve the lineage of Yellow Maple Valley and ensure its continued existence."

This offer is undeniably generous.

It's like giving the entire Yellow Maple Valley to Zhou Yuan.

For someone who wants to establish their own sect, taking over an existing sect, even if it is weak, is undoubtedly a shortcut.

However, Zhou Yuan put down his teacup and slowly shook his head: "I appreciate Fellow Daoist Linghu's kindness. However, I already have plans to open my own sect and establish my own lineage. Huangfeng Valley... is ultimately the result of Fellow Daoist Linghu and the efforts of all the predecessors. I have no intention of usurping their place."

The hopeful light in Linghu Patriarch's eyes dimmed instantly, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen, revealing a deep sense of disappointment and bitterness.

He remained silent for a moment, then sighed deeply, as if he had made up his mind.

"Since that's the case, this old man... dares not force me."

Linghu Laozu's voice was a little hoarse as he took out three items from his bosom.

They were placed one by one on the tea table.

The first item is a round bead the size of a longan, entirely crimson, with flame patterns flowing across its surface, radiating pure fire-attribute demonic power—a level seven fire-attribute avian demon core!

It is quite valuable.

The second item is a small, exquisite shield about the size of a palm, with a deep blue color like the sea, crystal clear, and a faint shadow of a Xuanwu (a mythical tortoise) moving around in the center—an ancient defensive treasure of excellent quality, especially adept at resisting fire-attribute attacks.

It is quite valuable.

The second item is a small, exquisite shield about the size of a palm, with a deep blue color like the sea, crystal clear, and a faint shadow of a Xuanwu (a mythical tortoise) moving around in the center—an ancient defensive treasure of excellent quality, especially adept at resisting fire-attribute attacks.

The third item was a palm-sized jade talisman, pure white, with its surface engraved with complex and ancient silver runes.

"These three items are a small token of my appreciation, and also... a request."

Pointing to the three treasures, Ancestor Linghu slowly said, "This seventh-level demon core of the 'Crimson Flame Eagle' was obtained by me in my early years and has been treasured ever since. This 'Blue Light Shield' has an excellent restraining effect on fire-type divine abilities."

"As for this 'Ancient Forbidden Magic Talisman'... I obtained it in an ancient cultivator's cave. After activation, it can conjure a 'Great Hand of Forbidden Magic Aura.' Any magical treasure or ancient artifact touched by this hand will temporarily lose its spirituality, become difficult to control, and have its power drastically reduced for several breaths. It may be able to achieve a surprising victory at a crucial moment."

He raised his head, his cloudy old eyes fixed on Zhou Yuan, his tone earnest and pleading: "I do not ask Fellow Daoist Zhou to return to the sect, I only ask... I only ask that Fellow Daoist Zhou can remember the kindness of the past and, in the future... when my Huangfeng Valley lineage faces annihilation, be able to lend a hand and provide some protection!"

"To prevent the Huangfeng Valley lineage from being completely extinguished! These three treasures can be considered my...reward and request!"

After speaking, this Nascent Soul ancestor, who once ruled a sect and was renowned throughout the Yue Kingdom, bowed deeply to Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan looked at the three treasures on the table, then at the bowing Linghu Patriarch, and remained silent for a moment.

This old man truly devoted himself to the preservation of his sect.

They were even willing to set aside their status and give up their treasured possessions, all for a promise of the future.

"Fellow Daoist Linghu, please rise."

Zhou Yuan raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone softening somewhat, "I can agree to provide protection. If Huangfeng Valley is ever in trouble in the future, I will do my best to help."

Upon hearing this, Patriarch Linghu's body trembled slightly, and he straightened up, his eyes gleaming with surprise.

"Not only that,"

Zhou Yuan continued, offering an even more unexpected suggestion to Elder Linghu: "After I establish my sect, I will open my gates wide. If any of Huang Fenggu's future disciples are willing to join my sect, I will treat them all equally..."

The disciple has switched allegiance?

Linghu Laozu was taken aback for a moment, then his face was instantly replaced by great joy!

This is truly a stroke of good luck!

Zhou Yuan's willingness to accept Huangfeng Valley's disciples is tantamount to giving Huangfeng Valley the brightest and safest way out!

At that time, the disciples of Huangfeng Valley will simply have a stronger sect leader and have joined a more promising sect, thus ensuring the continuation of their lineage.

This is a thousand times better than the "asylum promise" he had originally hoped for!

"Good! Good! Good!"

Elder Linghu exclaimed "Excellent!" three times in excitement, his old face flushed with joy. "Fellow Daoist Zhou has a magnanimous heart, I admire you! This arrangement is excellent! Excellent! The entire Huangfeng Valley will forever be grateful for Fellow Daoist Zhou's great kindness!"

He carefully and solemnly presented the three treasures to Zhou Yuan: "Please accept these three items, Fellow Daoist Zhou! Consider them a congratulatory gift from this old man and Huangfeng Valley to congratulate you on establishing your sect in advance!"

When you, fellow Daoist, open your own mountain in the future, Yellow Maple Valley will certainly offer its full assistance!

This time, Zhou Yuan did not refuse. He put away the three treasures and nodded, "Then thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Linghu. If you need anything in the future, you can come to Ling Shu Mountain in Dongyu Kingdom to find me."

"Definitely! Definitely!"

Linghu Patriarch nodded repeatedly.

A huge weight has finally been lifted off my shoulders.

After exchanging a few more words, Zhou Yuan got up to take his leave.

Linghu Patriarch personally escorted Zhou Yuan out of Huangmu Pavilion, watching his figure disappear around the street corner before finally letting out a long sigh of relief.