A Loose Cultivator's Path to Longevity

Illusion Cloud Sect, Luyun Hall.

Lü Zhong was currently sitting across from the Sect Leader of the Illusion Cloud Sect. Her name was Yun Tao, and she bore a slight resemblance to Li Qionghua. She was a classic beauty, tall and graceful, with a peachy complexion and jet-black hair.

The fact that Li Qionghua was taking refuge in the Illusion Cloud Sect suggested there was definitely some connection between the two women.

However, he had no intention of prying.

After all, knowing too much could sometimes be more trouble than it was worth.

Taking a small sip, Lü Zhong set down his teacup.

The Spirit Tea provided by the Illusion Cloud Sect was decent. It was the valuable Peach Mountain Red Leaves, a precious Spirit Tea that would sell for several hundred Spirit Stones per leaf on the open market. Unfortunately, he had just had Fire Dragon Tea, which was at least on par with it. Not only did the Fire Dragon Tea have an excellent flavor, but it also had the powerful effect of advancing one’s cultivation.

In comparison, the Peach Mountain Red Leaves seemed lackluster.

”Fellow Daoist Yun, what do you think?”

Across from him, Yun Tao was examining the token in her hand. A faint light shimmered in her eyes as if she were deep in thought. However, her inner misgivings made her hesitate to come to a decision.

Hearing his words, she smiled and looked up.

”The token is authentic. May I ask what your purpose is, Fellow Daoist...?”

”I wish to trade for a treasure from your esteemed Sect,” Lü Zhong stated his purpose directly. He then described the book page. There was no need to hide this information; after all, it would be all too easy for Yun Tao to find out if she wanted to.

”So it’s that one...” Yun Tao murmured to herself.

As for the book page’s origin, it was an item seized from the previous owner of the Spirit Vein back when the Illusion Cloud Sect was first founded.

In the following years, generations of Illusion Cloud Sect Leaders and cultivators had dedicated themselves to studying the item’s purpose. However, despite pouring in a great deal of effort and resources, they all ended in failure.

Over time, it was left to gather dust in the Treasure Vault, completely forgotten.

’Now that Lü Zhong wants it, he obviously knows what it’s for.’

Suppressing her curiosity, Yun Tao issued a written order for a handmaiden to fetch the item. Then, as if having made up her mind, she dismissed everyone from the hall and its surroundings before speaking tentatively.

”If the Lingyue Sect were to collapse, what would you do, Fellow Daoist Lü?”

”Collapse?” Lü Zhong heard her, and his first thought was, ’Impossible.’

As long as Junling True Monarch was still around, the Lingyue Sect could weather any external turmoil. The True Monarch’s presence as a deterrent force was enough to guarantee the continuation of their Daoist Lineage.

’How could it possibly collapse?’

’Could it be...?’ Lü Zhong thought of a possibility and shot a questioning glance at Yun Tao.

”I trust you’re a discreet man, Fellow Daoist, so there’s no need for an oath of secrecy.” Yun Tao said as she produced a Jade Scroll from her sleeve and handed it directly to Lü Zhong. ”I can swear a venomous oath on the authenticity of its contents. And I’m sure you have your own ways of verifying this information.”

Lü Zhong took it and immersed his Divine Sense inside.

”Junling True Monarch passed away in a secret chamber of the Lingyue Sect not long ago...”

Even though he had suspected as much, the confirmation of the news still sent a shock through him.

Another Nascent Soul True Monarch had fallen!

Lü Zhong didn’t doubt the authenticity of the news. Considering the Lingyue Sect’s recent and frequent activities, it wasn’t hard to piece things together and conclude that Junling True Monarch had indeed passed away.

The Lingyue Sect must still be doing everything in its power to stop the news from leaking.

After all, once this news became public, the Lingyue Domain would immediately be plunged into turmoil.

Given the Lingyue Sect’s past actions, it wasn’t hard to guess what the oppressed Golden Core Sects and families would do now that Junling True Monarch’s deterrent presence was gone.

’If I get involved in this, I could seize enormous benefits... If I’m lucky enough, I might even get my hands on the resources needed for Nascent Soul Formation, perhaps even a Spiritual Object to aid in the process.’

Taking a deep breath, Lü Zhong forced himself to calm down, lest he be blinded by the potential gains.

But there was no denying it; the matter was incredibly tempting! The hidden risks, however, were equally immense. One careless misstep, and he would likely be killed on the spot.

He knew he couldn’t be the only one with his eyes on the Lingyue Sect.

There were also the six great Nascent Soul Sects of the Southern Barbarian and the major families affiliated with them. They stood to benefit the most from the Lingyue Sect’s collapse. To protect their interests, these powers were certain to make a move.

Therefore, the key was how to pull the chestnuts out of the fire.

”So, what is your plan, Fellow Daoist Yun?” Lü Zhong asked.

’If the plan Yun Tao presents is feasible, it wouldn’t be out of the question for me to get involved.’

After all, even though Junling True Monarch was dead, the Lingyue Sect wouldn’t collapse immediately. It would take time to fester. He would also have to wait for the cannon fodder to absorb the desperate death throes of the Lingyue Sect. In about ten years or so, once the Lingyue Sect had exhausted its last ounce of strength, it wouldn’t be too late to return to the Lingyue Domain and reap the rewards.

That period should be enough time for him to master the Outer Body Incarnation.

When the ”chestnuts from the fire” plan began, Lü Zhong could naturally send his Incarnation. His true body wouldn’t have to take any risks. The worst-case scenario would be the loss of the Incarnation and whatever Magical Treasures it was carrying.

Of course, if he failed to create the Outer Body Incarnation... well, he could just forget about the whole thing.

Lü Zhong thought silently, waiting for Yun Tao’s reply.

Across from him, Yun Tao heard his question, gathered her thoughts for a moment, and then began to lay out her plan.

It was a step-by-step plan, and remarkably detailed.

It was clear she had been plotting this for a long time.

Finally, Yun Tao revealed her objective: a thousand-year-old Jade Blood Divine Peach Tree within the Lingyue Sect. This Spiritual Peach Tree was located in a remote part of the Lingyue Sect’s territory, far from any of its core, strategic locations. Therefore, it was unlikely to be targeted by the Six Sects and their subordinate powers.