He spoke softly.

Li An was preparing to leave, but he didn’t want Shangguan Xiaoxiao to come looking for him, bringing trouble, because after all, he heard from Xiang Yuntian that Shangguan Xiaoxiao had appeared several times, seemingly always heading to places Li An used to be at...

He wasn’t sure if someone might use him to set up something, but he prepared just in case—the cost of sending a message was nothing after all.

"Hmm, okay."

Xiang Yuntian nodded and then mentioned some other news.

"The golden era is not without its hidden dangers. During that great turmoil of the past, something floated over from the depths of the Southern Sea. It should be something incredibly terrifying; Immortals, Supreme ones, and others have been researching it in seclusion for many years, and to this day, it remains an absolute secret."

Xiang Yuntian’s words carried some weight, "It’s said that Ancestor Master Wang Ji of the Demon Ancestor Peak, after coming into contact with some of these items, even had a decline in Immortal cultivation!"

Immortal cultivation decline!

Li An’s expression became tense.

In this golden era, it was not unexpected for Ancestor Master Wang Ji and Tianchenzi to prove the Dao and become Immortals.

But this was just the first major upheaval, and already there were things capable of destroying Immortals appearing...

"Even one or two Supreme ones might start believing in the judgment of Sect Leader Taiqingzi back then..."

Xiang Yuntian shrugged, "Old Qiao said so, but specifically, us current Peak Masters aren’t qualified to know yet."

The "Old Qiao" he mentioned was naturally the previous Peak Master of Heroic Sword Peak, Qiao Rumu, who is now among the Supreme ones.

"This is very important."

Li An spoke softly, "Before the situation clears up, I suggest you don’t become an Immortal just yet."

Xiang Yuntian raised his wine jar and drank it all in one go, saying, "In this golden era, I don’t become an Immortal alone!"

He looked at Li An and said, "I’ll wait for you and Old Gu together, if neither of you can achieve it... then to hell with it, I won’t either! What’s the point of being an Immortal and all alone? Hahaha..."

Li An was slightly startled, as a wave of emotion swept over his heart.

Li An had once said, in this golden era, he won’t become an Immortal alone.

Whereas Xiang Yuntian said, in this golden era, he does not become an Immortal alone.

Li An smiled slightly and said, "Alright, it’s a deal then."

...

Li An promptly bid farewell to Xiang Yuntian and headed to Evergreen Peak.

As an Elder, he shouldn’t easily leave Dao Sect, he ought to at least inform the Peak Master.

On Evergreen Peak, everything was as it used to be, the scenery intact, but most of the Spirit Medicine planted by disciples had been replaced with Immortal Elixirs and the like, the Immortal aura pervasive over the peak.

Upon learning of Li An’s return, Song Qingsong was both surprised and delighted, quickly gathering everyone in the main hall to await.

Entering the main hall, Li An felt slightly heavy-hearted, performed a salute and said, "Having been in seclusion for a hundred years, only just emerging, I heard the Peak Master called for me many times... I am truly at fault, please forgive me, Peak Master!"

Song Qingsong stroked his beard and smiled gently, "Junior Brother, you are too courteous, actually, there’s nothing much, it’s just that you, as an Elder of our Evergreen Peak, were cultivating at Heroic Sword Peak, which sounded rather off, so we sent after you several times for that reason."

"Junior Brother, now that you are back, there’s something that requires your involvement."

Li An cursed inwardly, had he known, he would’ve stayed in seclusion for another two to three hundred years...

"Please, Senior Brother, instruct me—"

"You’re more familiar with that region in the New Continent, recently a secret realm was discovered by the Celestial Spirit Realm there, bordering the Southern Sea, filled with lots of bizarre auras, similar to the environment during the chaos three hundred years ago. Dao Sect is very concerned, intending to take it over as a training ground for disciples."

"However, Five Elements Sect, Sun and Moon Sect, and other powers are also eyeing it. The Sect Leader Brother is hesitating about whom to send. This is a rare opportunity for our Evergreen Peak."

Li An said, "But my cultivation is low, I’m afraid if I were to go, it would disgrace the sect’s doorstep. Such a significant task, I’m afraid it requires you, Senior Brother, to personally step in."

Song Qingsong chuckled, "Junior Brother, you’re mistaken!"

"The competition among the major powers follows certain rules; those at Mahayana and above cannot intervene, only those at Harmony Stage and below. Now, with your cultivation at Refining Void Perfection, it is quite suitable." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"I’ll have Wu Jing go out for some training. With your experience, guide him as much as possible, and besides, I’ll also have Junior Sister Chen Ning go along to provide support."

Li An glanced sideways.

Song Wujing, Song Qingsong’s favored disciple and also his son!

His cultivation was already at Harmony Stage, appearing elegant and handsome, with a natural sense of superiority on his face.

With just one look, Li An noted that his bloodline was peculiar, seemingly akin to a concealed fire, it must be a special Immortal Dao constitution!

"Likely nurtured by an abundance of Immortal Dao Material, Song Qingsong is certainly generous for his son’s sake..."

"Such a bloodline, truly suitable for feeding Lady Yi."

A thought flashed through Li An’s mind.

And Chen Ning was an old acquaintance, back when Li An first arrived at Evergreen Peak, she, Zhao Nangeng, and others coveted the Cyan Wood Immortal Skill possessed by Li An. Initially choosing a honey trap, when it failed, she incited Song Qingsong to act...

One might say that in the conflict between Li An and Song Qingsong, she played a significant role in fanning the flames.

But now she was also at Harmony Stage Perfection, looking radiant and full of confidence, and had long become Song Qingsong’s dao companion, with Song Wujing being born of her and Song Qingsong.

Li An pondered for a moment and did not refuse, agreeing to it.

Mostly, he couldn’t refuse anyway.

Moreover, since all the big powers are competing... he might just have an opportunity to find some blood food for Lady Yi.

"Very well, you’ll depart today!"

Song Qingsong said, "Wujing, Chen Ning, on your way, you must heed Elder Li An’s arrangements; he has dealt with bizarre things the most and is the most familiar with the New Continent, do you understand?"