Westfall Prefecture, Eternal Immortal Sect.
Li Xinnian arrived with Master Qiyue.
Inside the cabin sat Grand Elder Pu Ci of the Ethereal Immortal Sect, standing guard.
The Spirit Boat was a Dharma Treasure crafted by Li Yaotie, imbued with the Law of "Leap."
It could instantly accelerate to a speed that even a Void Refining expert could not overtake.
This was the most precious Spirit Boat in the family; of the eight vessels the family had constructed, this was the only one that was truly reliable.
As for the other Spirit Boats...
Li Xinnian stroked the metallic texture of the vessel and let out a long sigh.
The Spirit Boats crafted by the Fierce Ancestor could manifest Law characteristics such as "Heaviness," "Sharpness," and "Dazzling."
The most absurd one among them even possessed the characteristic of "Self-Destruction."
Beside him, Master Qiyue gazed toward the distant pavilions and jade palaces with an unsightly expression.
That was the Eternal Immortal Sect.
Even from this distance, one could sense the sect's immortal energy and its aura of primitive simplicity; a profound sense of ancient vicissitudes that affected one's state of mind.
The leg that had been shot and broken by Li Changyao all those years ago was now fully healed.
But damn it... year after year, he had returned to his old trade: traveling everywhere to negotiate, bowing his head and behaving subserviently.
However, seeing Li Xinnian there put his mind somewhat at ease.
He let out a cold snort toward the cabin behind him.
Look at the Li family—their Clan Head comes out to negotiate in person. Unlike you, Grand Elder Pu Ci, that old fogey, who just sends elders out to face the knife.
Not long after.
The group of three entered the Eternal Immortal Sect.
The Immortal Sect was majestic and imposing.
Its disciples were truly extraordinary, weaving back and forth on flying swords.
Master Qiyue pointed at the disciples of the Eternal Immortal Sect coming and going, saying with a fawning smile:
"Clan Head Li, the Eternal Immortal Sect has been in Westfall Prefecture for three hundred years.
You know the situation back then—with the Crown Prince in power, the entire court and country were in turmoil, and governance was neglected everywhere.
After the Eternal Immortal Sect arrived, they suppressed all the forces within the nine great Regions.
Over these three hundred years, they have recruited disciples on a massive scale.
They absolutely refuse to accept anyone possessing anything less than a Single Spirit Root, unless the individual possesses a special physique, in which case an exception can be made."
"There are eight thousand disciples, and every single one is a rare genius of the world.
The Eternal Immortal Sect possesses ancient methods; even the Mysterious-grade cultivation techniques within the sect are several times more effective than the common techniques found in the world.
Furthermore, they are strictly impartial in meting out rewards and punishments.
The loyalty of their disciples to the sect has already surpassed the loyalty found within noble immortal clans."
Master Qiyue continued to recount everything he knew, though in truth, Li Xinnian knew far more than Master Qiyue did.
Although Li Xinnian maintained a faint smile, a trace of displeasure lingered between his brows.
Before long, they arrived inside the Grand Hall of the Immortal Sect.
This hall was extraordinary, constructed entirely of jade and brimming with abundant spiritual energy.
At the front were fifteen jade lotuses; only the sect elders were permitted to sit upon these lotus platforms.
Upon Li Xinnian's arrival, the Eternal Immortal Sect showed great courtesy.
No one sat upon the lotus platforms high above.
Instead, the Sect Master led several elders and disciples to welcome them personally.
Jade tables were arranged in the main hall, and disciples served immortal tea.
He Hao appeared as a middle-aged man, dressed in white robes with his hair bound by a jade crown.
His demeanor was refined and courteous, yet he maintained an air of majesty.
Merely by approaching him, Li Xinnian knew instantly that this person was undoubtedly at the Void Refining realm.
As Li Xinnian conversed with He Hao, his gaze drifted—seemingly inadvertently—toward a young man following behind the Sect Master.
That young man had a bone age of over forty years and was at the Golden Core realm.
Under close inspection, a Heavenly Core was visible within him—he was quite extraordinary.
This young man was particularly handsome, and between his brows, he actually bore a striking resemblance to Li Xinnian!
"Hahaha, Clan Head Li, regarding the matters between Westfall Prefecture and Azure Cloud Prefecture, please do not worry.
If there is friction between the juniors, then that is a matter for the juniors.
Wherever there are people in this world, there will be disputes.
This is an unchangeable theorem since ancient times, and also an inherent flaw of human nature.
Even those at profound realms of cultivation cannot avoid it."
Speaking of the friction between the two prefectures, He Hao let out a hearty laugh.
"Moreover, This Seat holds the Azure Cloud Li Clan in high esteem.
My sect disciples often mention the deeds of the Li Clan.
Your clansmen defended against the Wu Tribe and the Demon Race in Shadowfell Prefecture and Northern Frontier City; you are men of merit who protect the territory of our Human Race.
In the future, if you have use for the disciples of my Eternal Immortal Sect, please do not treat us as outsiders.
It would serve as a good training ground for my Eternal Immortal Sect as well."
Li Xinnian smiled.
"Sect Master, you praise us too highly. In that case, this humble one shall be presumptuous enough to establish a covenant with your noble sect.
Our two prefectures shall engage in mutual trade and maintain a friendship that lasts for ten thousand generations."
"Agreed!"
Golden light pierced the heavens as they smeared blood to swear the oath of alliance.
As the members of both sides exchanged congratulations, Li Xinnian walked with a smile toward the young man behind He Hao, who bore a resemblance to himself.
"Chuyuan, a few days ago was the Grand Clan Ceremony and the Clan Tournament—major events. Were you delayed by urgent matters, making you unable to return home for a visit?"
Hearing this, the young man's expression tightened, and his gaze shifted evasively.
"Reporting to the Clan Head, I... I..."
Seeing his disciple in a difficult spot, He Hao stepped forward with a smile.
"Clan Head Li, since this is your first visit to my Eternal Immortal Sect, why not take a stroll with This Seat?
We wouldn't want others to hear that Clan Head Li arrived and left in such a rush, claiming that I, He Hao, do not know the ways of hospitality."
"Disciple, go and cultivate for now. Do not squander your natural gifts."
Hearing this, Li Chuyuan felt as if he had been granted a great amnesty. "Yes, Master!"