If Gou Cheng becomes the Dao Ancestor, the monkey will come to become his disciple.

Taihu Market is built on Taihu Lake and Yunmeng Mountain, perched atop towering peaks in a strategically important location. It is surrounded by massive city walls, some tens of meters high, and is enveloped by a defensive array covering the entire market. To enter or leave the market, one must use specific entrances and exits.

"Halt! Where are you going?"

Jiang Chuan was about to go out when he was stopped by several cultivators wearing Biyang Sect robes.

Jiang Chuan's heart skipped a beat, his gaze narrowed slightly, and a bad premonition suddenly arose in his heart.

"Greetings, seniors. This junior is preparing to try my luck at Yunmeng Mountain."

Several Biyang disciples looked down on the world:

"Taihu Market is temporarily closed. You are only allowed to enter, not leave. Please wait a while longer."

Upon hearing the reply, Jiang Chuan glanced at the city wall and, sure enough, the defensive array of Taihu Market had been activated.

He cursed angrily, and his resentment towards the Biyang Sect suddenly intensified.

"Damn, I knew it!"

As he prepared to leave, he worried that the unusual celestial phenomena might cause Taihu Market to activate its defensive array, prohibiting entry and exit.

Well, he actually guessed right.

"Damn Biyang Sect! You've practically imprisoned my clone, and you still activate your defensive formation? Have you no humanity?"

Although he was cursing inwardly, Jiang Chuan maintained a submissive demeanor on the surface and quietly left.

Forcing their way into the grand formation of Taihu Market would be unwise. This formation is said to be a top-grade second-tier formation, and once activated, only Golden Core cultivators can enter.

"We have to find a way to leave. We can't delay any longer."

Because, on the clone's side, Master Biyang's attitude was somewhat subtle.

On the surface, they treated him to good food and drink and were very polite in their words, but in secret, they kept a close watch on him and wouldn't allow him to leave. They always found various reasons to invite him to visit the Biyang Immortal Sect.

"Damn it, those sons of bitches from Biyang Sect, you'll pay for this sooner or later."

…………

In the Taihu market town, guarding the main hall, in the room of the True Man Biyang,

The child answered cautiously:

"Ancestor, as you instructed, we have been providing him with the best food and drink these past few days. Ye Hao seems to be naive and accepts all the delicacies and fine wines we offer without any suspicion."

"Oh?" Master Biyang looked somewhat surprised. He was now a little confused as to whether Ye Hao was truly stupid or just pretending.

Or perhaps they were confident and fearless?

Seeing the conflicted expression on Master Biyang's face, Tongyan seized the opportunity to speak:

"Ancestor, the cultivation technique he practices is definitely not simple. It might even be higher in level than our sect's [Azure Tide Sunset Technique]. If we could obtain it, our Azure Sun Sect might have a chance to advance further..."

Master Biyang tapped his fingers on the table, his expression shifting.

In the past few days, he had secretly observed Ye Hao many times. With his Golden Core True Person's eyesight, he could naturally see that Ye Hao's cultivation method was extraordinary.

The fact that he could defeat Tong Yan, a late-stage Foundation Establishment disciple carefully cultivated by the sect, with such overwhelming force right after breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage shows just how extraordinary his cultivation technique is. It is far more than just a top-grade technique; it may even be a legendary technique.

That is precisely why he dared not act rashly.

If his master finds out, it could incur the wrath of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and he would be beyond redemption even if he were to die a hundred times over.

"By the way, I saw that Ye Hao seems to have a good impression of Zhiwei. They were having a very pleasant conversation. Do you think we could use Zhiwei as bait to lure him in?"

Tong Yan's expression suddenly changed, his face turned somewhat pale, and he stammered in response:

"Ancestor, Junior Sister Lin, she..."

"What?" Master Biyang asked, looking puzzled.

The image of Lin Zhiwei's beautiful face flashed through Tong Yan's mind. She steeled herself and spoke her mind.

"I want to become Daoist partners with Junior Sister Lin."

After saying this, he stared anxiously at his ancestor, awaiting the judgment of fate.

Master Biyang was taken aback at first, then glared at Tong Yan and snorted coldly:

"Hmph, foolish!"

"The path to immortality is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind. If you don't seize opportunities when they come your way, how can you achieve the Golden Core?"

"You are the most outstanding among the descendants of my Tong family. How can you abandon your destiny to become an immortal for the sake of personal feelings?"

"Once you achieve the Golden Core stage, what kind of fairy or goddess won't you find?"

"That's settled then. Go and summon Lin Zhiwei. I need to personally give her some instructions."

Upon being reprimanded by his ancestor, Tong Yan's face turned deathly pale. He was speechless and could only meekly take his leave.

After a while,

Lin Zhiwei, dressed in plain clothes, casually gathered her hair with a jade comb and knelt down on the ground.

"Disciple greets Sect Master!"

"Okay, you get up first."

Master Biyang nodded slightly, his deep eyes scanning Lin Zhiwei up and down, and he couldn't help but show a satisfied expression.

"It's really good!"

Lin Zhiwei looked puzzled by the sect leader's evaluation, but she dared not say anything in front of the Golden Core Ancestor.

Do you know why I've come to find you?

"This disciple does not know."

Lin Zhiwei answered sincerely.

What do you think of Ye Hao?

Lin Zhiwei was stunned for a moment, and Ye Hao's image immediately appeared in her mind. It was no problem to describe him as handsome and talented. In particular, his otherworldly temperament was like a bright moon, making people want to get closer.

What exactly does the sect leader mean by asking this question?

Could it be that...?

A blush suddenly appeared on Lin Zhiwei's flawless white face, adding even more color to her stunning beauty.

"This disciple does not understand the sect leader's meaning?"

Master Biyang's voice was deep and intimidating: "Zhiwei, you've been a member of my Biyang Immortal Sect for nearly fifty years, haven't you?"

Lin Zhiwei bowed slightly: "Sect Master, I have been a disciple of the sect for fifty-one years and three months."

Master Biyang sighed, "When you were first brought into the sect by Junior Sister Yu, you were just a little girl of three or four years old. Junior Sister Yu and I watched you grow up. In the blink of an eye, you've become a young lady and have even broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Time really flies!"

Lin Zhiwei remained silent.

Since entering the Biyang Immortal Sect, she has fought her way through countless battles—against the heavens, against humans, against demons, and against herself—enduring hardships and facing life-or-death situations before finally breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

How difficult the journey has been!

She kept it in mind at all times and never dared to forget it.

A tear welled up in Lin Zhiwei's beautiful eyes, but she regained her resolve and looked solemnly at the sect leader.

"What are your instructions, Sect Master?"

Master Biyang took a sip of tea and said calmly, "This matter is simple. I see that Ye Hao has a good impression of you. You should spend more time with him, build a closer relationship, and invite him to stay at my sect for a while..."

"If necessary, we must spare no effort to invite him to our sect as a guest."

Do you understand?

Upon hearing Master Biyang's instructions, Lin Zhiwei's face turned deathly pale, losing all color in her skin.

She wanted to refuse, but when she met Master Biyang's deep, unwavering gaze, she swallowed her words.

She knew she had no other choice.

I could only grit my teeth and answer.

"Disciple understands!"

Seeing that Lin Zhiwei agreed, Master Biyang nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand:

"Well, if you handle this matter well, you might get a share of the sect's Golden Core opportunities in the future."

"Go down!"

"This disciple takes his leave!"

Watching Lin Zhiwei leave, Master Biyang murmured softly:

"I hope you won't let me down!"

"Alas, the path to the Golden Core is fraught with hardship at every step. How difficult it is to complete nine transformations..."

I wonder if I will ever have the chance to glimpse the Nascent Soul realm again in this lifetime.

…………

After bidding farewell to Master Biyang

Lin Zhiwei returned to her residence, stood in front of the mirror, and looked at herself. Tears welled up in her eyes and could no longer be hidden, dripping down her cheeks.

Having cultivated immortality for decades, she had never felt so desperate as she did now. The biggest setback she had faced before was the discouragement she felt after failing to establish her foundation for the first time, but she had never felt such despair as she did now.

Faced with the pressure from the sect's Golden Core Elder, she didn't have the courage to refuse, nor did she dare to refuse.

She had lived in the sect her whole life and had long regarded Biyang Sect as her home.

Although this family is exceptionally large and has an exceptionally large number of members, the competition among family members is exceptionally fierce, often to the point of life and death.

But that was still her only home.

Now, her parents, who raised her from childhood, want her to sacrifice her looks to contribute to the family.

How should she refuse?

"Does it really have to come to that?"

Lin Zhiwei muttered to herself, clueless about matters between men and women, unsure of what to do.

that's it,

She sat in front of the mirror all night.

…………

In the second-tier cave dwelling

Jiang Chuan was leisurely sipping his Cloud Mist Immortal Tea, appearing completely at ease on the surface, but in reality, he was extremely anxious.

Almost half a month has passed since I broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

He had been "confined" to this second-tier cave dwelling, where the Biyang Immortal Sect provided him with all sorts of delicious food and drinks every day.

Tong Yan, Zhou Yuan, Lin Zhiwei, and a few others would come over every day without fail, subtly trying to build a relationship and get closer to each other.

It was ostensibly for their care, but in reality, it was house arrest.

If that were all, it would be fine. At most, the clone would be allowed to eat, drink, and have fun here, and once the main body is safe, the clone would simply go for broke and the two sides would part ways.

However, the Biyang Immortal Sect is truly inhuman.

Half a month has passed since his breakthrough, but the gates and defensive array of Taihu Market are still tightly closed and heavily guarded. Unless one exposes their cultivation level and forces their way through, they can forget about getting out.

This forced him to abandon his "strategic relocation" plan and stay in the market, waiting for an opportunity.

"We can't just sit here and wait to die. We have to think of a way. If all else fails, we'll have to resort to that one trick."

As Jiang Chuan was pondering, he suddenly heard a knock on the door.

He looked closely and saw a familiar face standing at the entrance of the cave.

"Lin Zhiwei, why is she here again?"

Jiang Chuan naturally had a good impression of Lin Zhiwei. Her two generous donations had helped him get through the most difficult initial period and successfully gain opportunities for development.

However, in order to keep a low profile while developing his career, he did not continue to contact Lin Zhiwei.

Since ancient times, beautiful women have been known as troublemakers. If one were to get too close to a femme fatale like Lin Zhiwei, who is considered a fairy-like beauty, one could only imagine the trouble that would ensue.

He is the kind of person who hates trouble the most.

Of course, that was before, and it was from the perspective of the original self.

As for this clone that could dissipate at any moment, there were fewer concerns. It could eat and drink whatever it wanted; if it were truly poisoned to death, it would save trouble.

It takes a lot of effort to pretend and deal with Golden Core cultivators every day.

Looking at Lin Zhiwei, who stood gracefully before him in simple white clothes, Jiang Chuan made no attempt to hide his gaze, thoroughly enjoying the sight.

It must be said that Lin Zhiwei's appearance, figure, and speech are all excellent. She is exactly the kind of "fairy sister" from the world of cultivation, perfectly meeting his requirements for a partner.

Unfortunately, he could only admire it from afar.

"Fairy Lin, what brings you here?"