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

"Never mind, let's go find Fellow Daoist Wei first and fulfill our previous promise. That's the most important thing."

Han Li shook his head, suppressing his complicated emotions for the time being. He calmed himself down, determined his direction, and flew towards the familiar black hall in the central area of ​​Tiantian City.

He had been fighting as a guerrilla on the border for some time, and although he had encountered many dangers, he had accumulated enough merits to meet the agreement with Wei Wuyai through his solid military achievements, enough to exchange for the piece of Geng Jing that he had been longing for.

Once we obtain this piece, along with the small piece we collected earlier, we can infuse half of the seventy-two Green Bamboo Bee Cloud Swords with Geng Essence.

At that time, the power of the half-complete Great Geng Sword Formation will begin to show, and his strength will surely rise to another level. In this turbulent battle, he will also have more confidence in protecting himself and maneuvering.

While making plans in his mind, he quickly fled.

However, just as he was about to reach the central hall area, a familiar figure turned out from in front of him and came face to face.

A black robe, a calm face, and an unfathomable aura.

"Senior Brother Zhou?"

Han Li was slightly taken aback, then his face showed just the right amount of surprise. He stopped his escape and cupped his hands, saying, "Senior Brother, you're back? Didn't I hear that you returned to your cave in Dongyu Kingdom more than half a year ago? How come you're back again..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already clear. The situation in Tiancheng was now tense, with the allied forces of the four major powers facing off against the Mulan people for nearly a year, and the atmosphere of a decisive battle growing increasingly intense.

Could Zhou Yuan's return at this moment be because he was also invited back by the high-ranking members of the four major forces to participate in the decision-making and fighting of this final battle?

"Junior Brother Han." Zhou Yuan smiled slightly and nodded when he saw Han Li. "I heard that you have made many victories at the border recently. Your achievements are remarkable. Congratulations!"

His tone was calm, revealing little emotion, as if he were simply stating a fact.

"Senior brother, you flatter me."

Han Li quickly waved his hand, a bitter smile on his face, "I was just lucky. I killed a lone Master Mulan and a lone demonic cultivator, which makes a total of only three."

"Compared to my senior brother's illustrious achievements of slaying nine Nascent Soul cultivators and intimidating Mulan, it is truly insignificant and far inferior."

While his words contained an element of self-deprecation, they were essentially true.

Zhou Yuan's series of victories were so astonishing that they have become legends, and no one has been able to match them since.

"Senior brother, you've returned this time for...?" Han Li asked tentatively.

"Yes, I was invited by Fellow Daoist Wei and the others to discuss some matters."

Zhou Yuan didn't elaborate, but instead asked, "Junior Brother Han, are you going to find Fellow Daoist Wei?"

"That's right." Han Li nodded. "I had an agreement with Fellow Daoist Wei to exchange battle merits for a piece of Geng Essence. Now that I have enough merits, I've come to exchange it."

"Geng Essence?" A knowing glint flashed in Zhou Yuan's eyes. He nodded. "This item will indeed be of great use to your natal flying sword set. I wish you success."

"Thank you, senior brother."

Han Li thanked him, then, remembering something, added, "By the way, I heard that you intend to establish your own sect and pass on your lineage. This is a joyous occasion! When you open your sect, I will certainly go to offer my congratulations and express my gratitude."

"That's very thoughtful."

Zhou Yuan smiled. "The location has been decided in Dongyu Kingdom. We will begin preparations once the war here is over. At that time, you are welcome to attend the ceremony, Junior Brother."

"Dongyu Kingdom? Alright, I'll remember that," Han Li replied. As the two were talking, a swift streak of light appeared on the distant horizon, approaching their direction.

The light faded, revealing a tall, thin old man with hawk-like eyes, a hooked nose, a bald head, and a long, snow-white beard on his chin.

The old man was wearing a faded gray Taoist robe. His aura was restrained, but the spiritual pressure he faintly exuded was clearly at the peak of the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm!

His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, swept over Han Li and finally settled on Zhou Yuan, with a hint of scrutiny and inquiry.

"You must be Zhou Yuan, the fellow Daoist who has recently become famous throughout the south?"

The old man spoke, his voice hoarse, yet possessing a unique penetrating power.

Zhou Yuan and Han Li exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of understanding in each other's eyes. A mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, capable of approaching them directly in this place with such a distinctive appearance… his identity was obvious.

"It is indeed I, Zhou. You must be... Fellow Daoist Tianhen?"

Zhou Yuan cupped his hands in greeting, his expression calm.

"The Old Monster of Heavenly Hatred?"

Han Li's heart stirred.

He had naturally heard of this person.

Before Zhou Yuan emerged out of nowhere and achieved such terrifying feats, this "Heavenly Hatred Old Monster" was always recognized as the number one rogue cultivator in Tiannan!

His most famous battle was when he, with his mid-Nascent Soul cultivation, fought alone against the leader of the righteous path, Master Zhiyang. He not only escaped successfully but also inflicted some minor injuries on Master Zhiyang!

This incident caused a sensation in Tiannan at the time, and was regarded as a miracle of a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator challenging a higher level, which also established his reputation as the "number one rogue cultivator".

However, Zhou Yuan's prowess in recent years has been too overwhelming. He single-handedly killed nine Nascent Soul cultivators and even fought two late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators head-on, forcing them to retreat. The terror of his achievements and the far-reaching impact of his influence have completely overshadowed the former legend of "Heavenly Hatred Old Monster".

Nowadays, when people mention "the number one rogue cultivator in Tiannan", the first person that comes to mind for most is Zhou Yuan.

The name of the Old Monster of Heavenly Hatred seems to have faded somewhat.

"Indeed, it is I."

Old Monster Tianhen nodded, his eagle eyes scrutinizing Zhou Yuan carefully, a subtle, complex emotion flashing in them. He then looked at Han Li beside him, "And this is…?"

"Han Li greets Fellow Daoist Tianhen."

Han Li greeted him with a cupped-hand salute.

"Han Li? Oh, I've heard of you. You're Fellow Daoist Zhou's junior brother, aren't you? A rising star indeed, not bad."

Tianhen the Old Monster nodded casually, clearly not very interested in Han Li; his attention was mainly on Zhou Yuan.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, this is not the place to talk. There is a quiet teahouse ahead. Would you do me the honor of joining me for a cup of tea?"

He actually extended the invitation directly, and although his tone was polite, it carried an air of utter impermissibility.

Zhou Yuan hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "I dare not refuse your invitation, fellow Daoist. Junior Brother Han, you may go ahead and attend to your business."

"Yes, Senior Brother, Fellow Daoist Tianhen, I'll take my leave first." Han Li was very sensible.

He immediately bowed and took his leave, transforming into a streak of azure light and continuing to fly towards the central hall.

However, he was quite curious about the purpose of Tianhen Old Monster's sudden approach to Zhou Yuan.

Tianhen Laoguai led Zhou Yuan to a relatively quiet street nearby and entered a three-story wooden pavilion called Qingxinju.

The pavilion was simple and elegant, with few guests, clearly a quiet place prepared specifically for high-level cultivators.

Old Monster Tianhen seemed to be a regular here. After giving a brief nod to the innkeeper, he went straight up to a private room by the window on the third floor.

The elegant room was simply furnished, with calming sandalwood incense burning. The two sat facing each other, and Old Monster Tianhen personally took out a set of antique-style tea utensils, as well as a jade jar with a sealing talisman. He took out some emerald green tea leaves, full of spiritual energy, and began to brew tea with skillful technique.

The spring water boiled, and the aroma of tea wafted through the air, quickly spreading far and wide.

"This tea is called 'Azure Stream Clouds,' picked from a sheer cliff, only once every three hundred years. It has the effect of calming the mind and nourishing the nascent soul. Fellow Daoist Zhou, please." Old Monster Tianhen pushed a cup of emerald green tea in front of Zhou Yuan.

Thank you.

Zhou Yuan picked up the teacup, gently smelled the aroma of the tea, and took a small sip. He felt a refreshing energy penetrate his dantian, instantly clearing his mind.

He praised, "Excellent tea."

The two drank in silence for a while, and then had three rounds of tea.

Old Monster Tianhen put down his teacup, his gaze returning to Zhou Yuan's face, and slowly broke the silence:

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, I've heard... you plan to establish your own sect and pass on your Daoist lineage?"

"good."

Zhou Yuan put down his teacup and readily admitted it. This matter, having been discussed by Wei Wuyai and others, was no longer a secret among the high-level cultivators of Tiannan.

"Establishing a sect...passing on the lineage..."

Old Monster Tianhen repeated it in a low voice, a trace of reminiscence, emotion, and an undisguised... weariness flashing in his eyes.

He remained silent for a few moments before continuing, his voice tinged with a hint of hoarseness and weariness:

"I have outlived you by many years, and now my lifespan... is almost over. Perhaps, I only have these last hundred years left."

He looked up, his gaze seemingly piercing through the windowpane, looking towards the distant void: "Throughout my life, I have wandered aimlessly, utterly alone. In my youth, I was also full of vigor, wanting to open a mountain gate, leave behind a lineage of teachings, and not waste what I have learned."

"However, the world is full of troubles, and the opportunity has not yet arrived, so things have been delayed until now... With my time drawing near, this heart for the inheritance of this lineage..."

But it grew even stronger.

Zhou Yuan listened quietly without interrupting.

Old Monster Tianhen withdrew his gaze and looked at Zhou Yuan again, his eyes becoming sharp and serious:

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you are young and promising, with a solid foundation, and you have gained the recognition of the four major powers. You will be granted a country after the war. Now is the perfect time for you to establish your own sect. I... would like to discuss a cooperation with you."

"Cooperation?" Zhou Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Excellent." Old Monster Tianhen took a deep breath and said, word by word, "I am willing to bring all my knowledge and accumulated experience to join the sect established by Fellow Daoist Zhou! I do not seek the position of sect leader, but only the title of 'Founding Ancestor'!"

"Even my frail body, aged a hundred years, can serve as a guardian of the sect, defending against external enemies and passing on my teachings to disciples. I only hope that after a hundred years, my lineage can continue through your sect, so that it will not be severed! I wonder... Fellow Daoist Zhou, would you be willing to agree?"

He actually took the initiative to propose joining the sect that Zhou Yuan had not yet established, and becoming one of the "founding ancestors"!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's heart stirred slightly. In the original novel of A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality, the Old Monster Tianhen, in his later years, was indeed extremely eager to leave behind a legacy. He even went so far as to agree to the demands of the four major powers and risk his life to raid the Mulan people's resource warehouse in exchange for a piece of land to establish a mountain sect.

Now, he has gained the qualifications and territory to establish his own sect ahead of schedule.

It was only natural that Old Monster Hen came to our door that day, proposing a collaboration.

Upon careful consideration, this matter is more beneficial than harmful to Zhou Yuan.

After all, Tianhen Laoguai was once known as the "Number One Rogue Cultivator in Tiannan," possessing formidable strength, shrewd experience, and extensive connections.

With his addition, the new sect's reputation and foundation will instantly be elevated to a higher level.

His lifespan of a hundred years is just right to be used to oversee the sect, handle worldly affairs, and teach the initial disciples, while he can focus more on his own cultivation and planning for the future.

As for the "trouble" or "disobedience" he might bring... Zhou Yuan is confident that with his current strength and control, he can suppress it.

An old monster with little time left to live and many worries in his heart cannot cause any trouble.

On the contrary, they can become a good "high-level henchman" and "signature".

As for his legacy, it's good if you can absorb it, but it doesn't matter if you can't.

The key point is that this represents the two generations of "Number One Rogue Cultivator in Tiannan" joining forces to establish a sect!

Once this news is released, it will surely shake the entire Tiannan cultivation world and greatly boost the prestige of the new sect.

Having weighed the options in his mind, Zhou Yuan showed a thoughtful expression, and after a moment, he slowly nodded.

"Since Fellow Daoist Tianhen has this intention, I, Zhou, am most pleased to welcome it."

"Good! Good! Good!"

Upon hearing this, Old Monster Tianhen's eyes lit up with delight. He exclaimed "Good!" three times, and the weariness on his face seemed to have faded considerably. He raised his teacup, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, you are truly generous! I will offer you a cup of tea instead of wine! May we join hands and create a great future together!"

"Please." Zhou Yuan also raised his glass in a gesture of respect.

The gentle clinking of the two teacups foreshadowed the imminent birth of a new force in the cultivation world of Tiannan, jointly created by two generations of legendary rogue cultivators.

……

For the next six months, Zhou Yuan stayed quietly in Tiancheng.

He no longer went out on missions, spending most of his time in quiet cultivation in the city, or exchanging cultivation insights, formations and restrictions, and even specific preparations for establishing a sect with Tianhen Old Monster.

He would occasionally meet with Wei Wuyai, Master Zhiyang, Old Demon Hehuan, and others.

The large-scale decisive battle between Tiannan and Mulan did not break out.

Both sides seem to be tacitly maintaining a state of "cold standoff".

Instead of launching a relentless offensive, the Mulan people built a fortified camp along the "Luohunyuan" line and occasionally sent out small teams to harass the enemy.

The Tiannan Allied Forces, centered on Khotan City, held their defensive line, focusing on small-scale counterattacks and reconnaissance.

The war seemed to have reached a stalemate, with only sporadic clashes in the border areas and news of cultivators falling reminding people that the war was not over.

This eerie calm lasted for a full six months.

Finally, on a seemingly ordinary afternoon, an urgent message from the Allied Forces' high command broke the tranquility of Zhou Yuan's cave.

"Senior Zhou, Elder Wei Wuyai, Venerable Zhiyang, and Old Demon Hehuan have urgently summoned all Nascent Soul elders to the Central Hall for a meeting! Please proceed immediately!"

The decisive meeting, or rather, the crucial meeting that will determine the ultimate fate of Tiannan and Mulan, is finally about to begin.

Upon receiving the message, Zhou Yuan remained calm, straightened his robes, and left his residence, heading towards the black hall in the city center that symbolized the highest power center of the Tiannan Allied Army.

When he stepped into the magnificent and solemn hall, it was already crowded with people, their breaths mingling.

A quick glance revealed that nearly forty Nascent Soul cultivators had gathered in the hall!

This is almost all the Nascent Soul warriors in Tiantian City who can temporarily leave their defenses and come to attend the meeting at this moment.

A series of powerful spiritual pressures intertwined in the hall, filling the air with a solemn, murderous, and subtly restless atmosphere.

Among them, there were as many as seven auras of mid-Nascent Soul stage cultivators, each occupying a region and attracting attention.

Zhou Yuan's arrival instantly attracted the attention of most of the people in the hall.

Curiosity, scrutiny, awe, apprehension, friendliness, indifference... all sorts of emotions are contained in those gazes.

Many Nascent Soul cultivators who had never seen Zhou Yuan in person were sizing up this rising star and formidable rogue cultivator from Tiannan, as their companions whispered their introductions.

Wang Tiansheng, the leader of the Ghost Spirit Sect, was standing at the back. When he sensed Zhou Yuan's entry, his body stiffened almost imperceptibly. He immediately looked away and lowered his head, as if studying the patterns on the ground, not daring to make any contact with Zhou Yuan's gaze.

Several familiar demonic cultivators around him seemed to whisper and chuckle at something, making Wang Tiansheng's face even uglier, but he dared not retaliate and could only pretend not to hear.

The Ghost Spirit Sect lost face because of Zhou Yuan and was ridiculed even within the demonic path.

It's an open secret.

In stark contrast to the Ghost Spirit Sect's predicament, many Nascent Soul cultivators took the initiative to nod to Zhou Yuan or greet him via telepathy, displaying a rather polite attitude.

Among them were cultivators from the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, as well as elders from the Righteous Path Alliance, the Heavenly Path Alliance, and even a few elders from sects in the Demonic Path that were at odds with the Ghost Spirit Sect.

Strength reigns supreme, and Zhou Yuan earned the respect of these high-level cultivators, along with... a friendly attitude born of apprehension, through his solid battle record.

Ignoring the gazes of the crowd, Zhou Yuan calmly walked to the reserved spot at the front of the main hall and stood there.

There, the old monster Tianhen had already arrived and nodded slightly to him.

Before long, more people entered through the palace gate.

A cultivator dressed in pink palace attire, with a handsome, almost otherworldly appearance and a feminine demeanor, whose gender was difficult to discern, entered the main hall surrounded by a group of demonic cultivators.

His aura had reached the peak of the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm; he was none other than the infamous Old Demon Yunlu of the Hehuan Sect!

It is rumored that his cultivation method is unique, combining yin and yang, and that he is one of the most powerful and influential elders in the Hehuan Sect, second only to the Old Demon of Hehuan.

Immediately afterwards, a short, stout, smiling old man who looked like a wealthy gentleman led several cultivators dressed as members of the Yuling Sect into the room.

This person is Dongmen Tu, the Grand Elder of the Yuling Sect. He is also at the mid-Nascent Soul stage and is skilled in controlling spirit insects and beasts. His methods are unpredictable.

The arrival of these two, especially the eerie appearance and aura of the Old Demon Yunlu, caused many righteous cultivators in the hall to reveal undisguised disgust and hostility.

The atmosphere grew a bit colder.

If it weren't for the formidable enemy at hand, and the fact that we were all together, someone would probably have already made sarcastic remarks or even drawn swords.

The righteous and the demonic paths have a long-standing feud, and even under the banner of fighting a common enemy, it is difficult to conceal the estrangement and antagonism between them.

When the number of Nascent Soul cultivators gathered in the main hall approached fifty, steady footsteps echoed from the passage leading to the inner chamber at the back of the hall.

Three figures filed out.

In the center was Wei Wuyai, dressed in a dark green robe with a solemn expression.

On the left is the Venerable Zhiyang, with his flowing Taoist robes and otherworldly demeanor.

On the right is the imposing and burly Hehuan Old Demon with a bushy beard.

Three late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators from the three major powers of Tiannan made a joint appearance!

With their arrival, all the noise and whispers in the hall vanished instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on the three of them, creating an unprecedentedly solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The Old Demon of Hehuan stepped forward, his tiger-like eyes sweeping over the Nascent Soul cultivators gathered in the hall. His voice was like a booming bell, so loud that the beams of the hall seemed to tremble slightly.

"Gentlemen!"

"I'm sure you all already have a guess as to why I've gathered you all here today."