A Mortal's Journey to Immortality

In an inconspicuous room within the sprawling pavilions of the Azure Lotus Sect, a young man lay listlessly on his bed.

This person was Zhou Ping, who had been brought here by Yuan Zhengze two days ago. He had just finished his daily meditation practice. Since he had just arrived at the Qinglian Xuanzong Sect, he could not move freely and had to stay in this room for the time being. Everything would have to wait until he officially joined the sect.

As expected of one of the five great sects, the Azure Lotus Mystic Sect made Zhou Ping feel as if he had entered a fairyland.

The entire medieval mountain range was like a hidden fairy mountain, enveloped in rich spiritual energy. After Zhou Ping arrived here, even the speed of the spiritual energy circulating in his body involuntarily increased, which was truly unbelievable to him.

"well......"

The thought of cultivating spiritual power suddenly brought a bitter smile to Zhou Ping's face.

He hadn't expected that his spiritual root was actually a pseudo-spiritual root among the four attributes, a result that left him somewhat dejected.

He originally thought that he should at least be a beginner-level cultivator with three spiritual roots, but who would have thought that he could be even worse.

Fortunately, he possessed the mysterious treasure of agarwood; otherwise, he probably wouldn't even have the right to continue on the path of cultivation.

.......

"Regardless, the other party joined our sect with the Five Profound Tokens. Even if their aptitude is low, we cannot treat them differently. Junior Brother Yuan, take this person to Junior Brother Li later. He can handle the rest. After you finish your personal matters, you must return to Yuan Pavilion as soon as possible. It cannot be left unattended for a long time."

Nan Lingzi stood up and gave instructions to Yuan Zhengze.

"I will obey the instructions of my senior brother, the sect leader!"

Yuan Zhengze bowed respectfully, turned and left the Lotus Heart Palace, but before leaving, he couldn't help but glance at Qin Zhong, whose face was flushed, and felt a sense of relief.

After seeing Yuan Zhengze pilot the flying boat away, Qin Zhong quickly stepped forward and said again,

"Senior brother! The Five Elements Realm is about to open, and the other four sects will all be formidable opponents. This battle puppet could greatly assist our sect's disciples. I hope you will think it over carefully!"

"Moreover, Zhou Ping's cultivation level is too low, and he is not qualified to participate in the Five Elements Realm Trial at all. Giving him the battle puppet is a waste."

Nan Lingzi looked troubled after hearing what the other party said. Zhou Ping's aptitude was indeed too poor, and Qin Zhong's words were not entirely driven by greed.

After all, the Five Elements Realm Trial is involved, and the other four sects are no pushovers.

"Junior Brother Qin, this matter has already been settled, and it is absolutely impossible to force it. If you really want to fight for this item for future generations, you might as well go directly to the rightful owner to talk."

"Zhou Ping's aptitude is somewhat unsatisfactory. If you could exchange him for equivalent cultivation resources, it might be a good idea. After all, guarding a battle puppet is not as attractive as actually improving one's own strength."

"This... Sect Leader, the equivalent cultivation resources for a high-level battle puppet are no small sum. Is it really necessary to do this?"

Upon hearing Nan Lingzi's words, Qin Zhong was initially delighted, but then, considering the value of the battle puppet, he hesitated.

"Junior Brother Qin, I've come up with a solution for you. Whether you're willing to do it or not is up to you."

"Let me make this clear: if you try to force them to comply using other means, the rules of our Qinglian sect will not show you any mercy."

"Besides, you're only exchanging with him at the base price. Given Junior Brother Qin's worth, it won't be a serious loss. It's better than trying your luck at an auction. Putting aside whether there's a market for something at an auction, the final auction price alone is beyond the reach of most people."

Nan Lingzi walked calmly out of the hall, his tone indifferent, but it made Qin Zhong feel uneasy.

Unexpectedly, the other party even knew about his grandson Qin Changming's frequent visits to auctions. This senior brother of the sect leader is really quite secretive.

Although the other party seemed to be offering him advice, they were actually imposing strict restrictions on him, and some underhanded tricks could no longer be used.

What was originally a matter that a mere fourth-level Qi Refining cultivator could have resolved with a single sentence has become so troublesome because of the meddling of Yuan Zhengze and Nan Lingzi.

Thinking of this, Qin Zhong felt a surge of anger rising in his chest, and his mind became somewhat unstable. So he quickly closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, slowly exhaling a breath of turbid air.

Although the Five Elements Realm is full of opportunities, it also has many deadly dangers. He is determined to obtain this puppet so that his grandson Qin Changming can be safe and sound.

Therefore, after calming down, Qin Zhong summoned a three-colored strange bird, flew onto its back, and flew towards where Zhou Ping had landed.

This three-colored strange bird is a kind of demonic beast kept by the Qin family. It is of very low rank and is merely used as a tool to represent flight.

Because it possesses a certain degree of spirituality, it is more valuable than low-level flying magical artifacts. However, unlike Xia Qianchuan's Sky-Splitting Fan, it cannot be used as an offensive magical artifact.

Therefore, compared to intermediate-level flying artifacts, the price is slightly lower.

.......

Just as Zhou Ping was still frowning over his spiritual root attribute, light footsteps suddenly came from outside the house. Judging from the sound, there should only be one person.

Zhou Ping suppressed his distress and reverted to his usual taciturn and wooden demeanor.

"Young friend Zhou, if it's convenient, I'll go in."

Yuan Zhengze knocked on the door a few times from the outside, and then slowly opened the door.

"Please make yourself at home, Senior Yuan. Zhou Ping has been waiting for you for quite some time."

Zhou Ping hurriedly went to the door to greet them, his face showing a hint of respect.

"How are things? Have you been settling in well these past two days?"

Yuan Zhengze didn't stand on ceremony and sat down on a wooden chair inside the room, asking with a concerned expression.

After all, Zhou Ping was brought back to the Azure Lotus Profound Sect by him. In the eyes of outsiders, this was a kind of introduction and protection. In the future, with this relationship in the sect, the two would inevitably be closer than others.

Within a giant sect like the Azure Lotus Profound Sect, the sharp confrontation between Yuan Zhengze and Qin Zhong clearly indicates the existence of numerous factions.

Although these factions do not fight openly, they inevitably engage in covert struggles over certain interests and gains.

Therefore, being able to bring some newly initiated disciples into one's own faction is undoubtedly an effective way to expand one's influence.

"Everything is fine...it's just...it feels a bit stifling."

Zhou Ping answered honestly, after all, he had just arrived at the legendary Qinglian Xuanzong and had not yet had time to appreciate its unique charm before being imprisoned here, which was really making him itchy to stay.

"Haha, young friend, there's no need to rush. I'm here to take you to complete the entry procedures."

"Then, I'll have to trouble you, Senior Yuan!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ping was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed in gratitude.