Seeking Gold, Clashing Paths!

Within the Holy Sect lies a majestic, endless mountain range shrouded in Sha Qi; this is the Daoist temple of the Black Mountain True Person.

At the summit of the main peak, inside a magnificent hall entirely constructed of massive black stones, the light was dim.

Only a few rays of light seeped through the cracks in the stone window, illuminating the slowly flowing, dark, malevolent Sha Qi in the air, as if it were alive.

True Person Heisha, as Black Mountain's most trusted younger brother and core henchman, was sitting at the lower end of the table, slowly stroking a precious pearl that shimmered with azure light in his hand, the pearl's glow reflecting on his slightly sinister face.

He raised his eyes, looking at the imposing figure on the main seat who seemed to blend into the shadows, and slowly spoke, his voice echoing in the empty hall. "Brother, with the sect's leadership transition starting ahead of schedule this time, you should already have the position of deputy sect leader almost secured, right?"

At the head of the table, Black Mountain True Person held a short blade, no bigger than the palm of his hand, completely black, with a blade that gleamed with a faint light. He was slowly and deliberately sharpening the edge.

The rustling sound was particularly clear in the silent hall.

Hearing his younger brother's question, his hands did not stop moving in the slightest, and his indifferent face showed no change in expression.

Only in those deep-set eyes did a cold, all-encompassing glint flash across them.

"Of the seventeen people in the sect, besides Qianxin and Chiyang, there's that—that little bastard who got lucky." His voice was deep, like the scraping of metal.

"The remaining fourteen people have all clearly stated that they will support me."

The edge of the short blade scraped across the whetstone, sending up a trail of tiny sparks.

"Hehe, that's good." True Person Heisha chuckled, the azure pearl between his fingers shimmering with a pleasant glow.

"However, that old fellow Southern Dipper does indeed have some skills."

To stop you, brother, over the past six months, he has used various pretexts to eliminate fifteen people who were close to you.

Or perhaps a clearly neutral True Person was transferred away from the sect.

They might be sent to distant lands on clandestine missions, or their life-or-death barriers might be sealed off from them, making them difficult to disturb.

This kind of radical approach is undeniably ruthless.

He changed the subject, his tone laced with a mixture of sarcasm and smugness. "But he ultimately miscalculated."

Of the remaining True Person, some were already under our command, while others were opportunists and spineless cowards who dared not oppose a powerful force like ours and could only accept it with a heavy hand.

This time, Southern Dipper's wishful thinking has completely failed.

"Hmph." Black Mountain True Person let out a cold snort with an ambiguous meaning and stopped sharpening the short blade.

He raised the dark dagger to his eyes, its cold gleam reflecting in his deep pupils.

"Don't be careless," he said slowly, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible gravity.

"The Southern Dipper has held the power of the Holy Sect for four hundred and fifty years."

Its foundation is so deep and its network so extensive that it far exceeds our imagination.

If it weren't for the True Lord's refusal, probably eight or nine out of ten people within the Holy Sect would be his henchmen by now.

He turned around, his gaze like two solid icicles, and cast it at the surging Black Baleful Intent aura outside the hall. "Moreover, the old man's heart has never been concerned with this mere power."

He is someone who intentionally seeks the Golden Nature and has lofty aspirations.

"A mere nominal title of acting sect leader isn't enough to keep him in check."

After a moment of silence, Black Mountain True Person stroked the black dagger in his hand before continuing, his voice lowering slightly. "If it weren't for the Dao Fruit that he and I pursued, it would be a single one."

"Seeking gold in the future carries the risk of running into trouble, and I truly don't want to become his sworn enemy, right now, in this place."

The moment the words "collision" were uttered, the atmosphere in the main hall seemed to instantly become even more somber.

The True Person Heisha's fingers, which were playing with the precious pearl, paused slightly, and the relaxed smile on his face disappeared.

The struggle for the ultimate truth is a fight to the death.

"The Southern Dipper has been in the position of Great True Person for over three hundred years, accumulating profound knowledge and experience."

If he were to seek the Golden Dao first, then you, brother—"True Person Heisha's words were left unfinished, but the meaning was self-evident.

"Won't."

Black Mountain True Person spoke with unwavering certainty, conveying an absolute grasp of the situation.

"He walks the path of slaughter, and cultivates a sectarian method that requires drawing upon immense calamity and using killing to stop killing."

Black Mountain True Person clearly had a thorough understanding of the Dao Path of Southern Dipper.

"This Dao Path, which seeks to attain the Golden Nature, cannot be achieved by simply sitting in a mountain gate and engaging in solitary meditation."

He must personally go to the place where the killing calamity is most intense, temper his Dao heart amidst the mortal world, mountains of corpses and Blood Sea, and trigger his own killing calamity, only then can he find that sliver of opportunity for immortality in the extreme realm.

He paused slightly, his tone carrying a hint of coldness as if he were in complete control. "And now, although there is some minor unrest in the Northwest, it is far from enough to withstand his calamity in pursuit of gold."

He had to go south, to that land where dynasties and sects fought endlessly, where bloodshed was rampant, and to make his way there.

"However," Black Mountain True Person changed the subject, a faint light emanating from the black dagger at his fingertips.

"At present, peace talks between the four parties are imminent!"

This is a momentous event that will shape the future of Northwest China for centuries to come.

As the acting head of the Holy Sect, he had to be in charge of the central command and coordinate the overall situation, leaving no room for error.

Personally, at such a critical moment involving the core interests of the sect, if he were to leave the sect and head to the southern border, wouldn't that be handing over power to others for criticism and relinquishing it effortlessly?

Even if the four peace talks can be successfully concluded, the subsequent division of interests, the demarcation of territories, and even the response to potential unrest in the south that may move north will only bring one round of troubles after another.

He, Southern Dipper, is completely unable to get away!

"Unless—" Black Mountain True Person's voice deepened, carrying a hint of inexplicable amusement.

He is willing to step down from his position as the current head of the sect.

However, without this protective fortune, if he were to use this method of slaughter to directly confront the Heavenly Tribulation of Seeking Gold, his success rate would be reduced by at least half.

Given his cautious nature, he would never take such a risk.

Through meticulous analysis, the predicament faced by True Person Southern Dipper was thoroughly dissected.

True Person Heisha's eyes grew brighter as he listened, and he couldn't help but ask, "Then, brother, what do you mean—?"

Black Mountain True Person gripped his short blade, making a light slash in the air as if severing some possibility in True Person Southern Dipper's path, and said in a chilling tone, "Hold him off."

"As long as we firmly tie him to the great ship of the Holy Sect, ensuring that he has neither the strength nor the time to seek gold in the south in this lifetime—then when his lifespan ends, he will have no choice but to undergo Liberation by Violence and reincarnate—"

An unprecedented ambition erupted in the eyes of the Black Mountain True Person, and a boundless aura of Sha Qi involuntarily spread out, causing the black mist within the hall to surge incessantly. "Before he awakens his innate wisdom in his next life and returns to his peak—I am seventy percent confident that I can obtain the Golden Nature and attain the Dao of True Lord before him!"

"At that time--"

His voice was like ice that had stood for millennia, containing a resolute determination to crush everything.

"Whether it's him, Southern Dipper, or those sycophantic, obstructive figures within the sect who are subservient to him, they will all—"

--There will be no chance of ever turning the tables!

As the words fell, a chilling murderous intent aura filled the hall.

In his hand, that pitch-black short blade seemed no longer to be Law Artifact, but rather transformed into power and ambition—to sever the Dao Path of others and pave the way for himself to become True Lord!

True Person Heisha took a deep breath, then a hint of excitement appeared on his face. He bowed and said, "Brother, you have a profound understanding! I understand!"

In the southeast of the Great Void Mirror Heaven, there is a corner called "The Glazed Glass Realm".

The area is characterized by shimmering water, Spirit Plant, and a serene landscape.

Qi Yun and True Person Qianxin arrived together, but instead of forcing their way in, they presented their visiting cards in accordance with proper etiquette.

Before long, a refined male voice came from within the room. "Senior Brother Qianxin, Junior Nephew Qi, please come in for a chat."

In the core of the Glazed Glass Realm, in a pavilion constructed of glazed jade, True Person Qingli was already waiting. His aura was cool and aloof, and his cultivation was at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

Upon seeing the two, he merely nodded slightly, offering no further pleasantries. His gaze lingered on Qi Yun for a moment, his expression complex and enigmatic.

"Junior Brother Qingli, it's been a long time. You're still as charming as ever." True Person Qianxin was still all smiles, as if it were just a casual visit.

"Senior Brother Qianxin, you flatter me." True Person Qingli said calmly, getting straight to the point.

"You two have come together today, surely not just to admire the scenery of my Glazed Glass Realm?"

If you have anything important to say, please speak frankly.

He clearly guessed some of the purpose of their visit, and his attitude was not warm.

True Person Qianxin glanced at Qi Yun, indicating that he would take the lead.

Qi Yun stepped forward, bowed to True Person Qingli with the courtesy due to a peer, and said calmly, "Martial Uncle Qingli, I am honored to have come today to discuss the matter of recommending a Vice Sect Leader."

True Person Qingli frowned almost imperceptibly, her tone growing colder. "I have already made my decision on this matter; there's no need for you to trouble yourself, my nephew."

Qi Yun was neither surprised nor in a hurry, but slowly said, "Uncle-Master, please hear what this junior has to say."

I have come here today not to make empty promises to my senior uncle, asking him to support or oppose anyone.

Instead, he wanted to discuss another deal with his martial uncle.

"A deal?" True Person Qingli's eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Qi Yun with scrutiny.

"Indeed." Qi Yun's eyes were clear, as if he could see through people's hearts. "I remember, many years ago, when I was still a minor Qi Refining, I once obtained a [Longevity Peach]."

At that time, I obtained a [Foundation Establishment Spiritual Item] treasured by my martial uncle in exchange for that spiritual peach.

Mentioning the past, True Person Qingli's expression softened slightly, but she remained vigilant. "It is true. That spirit peach was indeed of great use to me, helping my daughter to solidify her Innate deficiencies."

I owe you a debt of gratitude for this.

But one thing is one thing, and the other is unrelated to today's events.

"It's related." Qi Yun said firmly, looking directly at True Person Qingli, "That spirit peach saved your daughter's Dao Path back then."

Today, what I wish to trade with my senior uncle is your daughter's future!

"The future?" True Person Qingli's body trembled slightly, and a look of hesitation finally appeared in her eyes.

Although his daughter's aptitude was successfully stabilized due to the life-extending effect of the spiritual peach, her aptitude also improved.

But he was never quite at the top, and how far he could go on his Dao Path was always his biggest concern.

"Not bad." Qi Yun's demeanor suddenly changed; he was no longer humble, but instead exuded an aura befitting a [Supreme Dao Foundation].

The confidence and sharpness of the leader.

"Uncle-Master should know that if Martial Uncle Black Mountain were to ascend to the position of Vice Sect Leader, given his nature, the sect's resources would inevitably be tilted towards his cronies."

"For someone like my uncle, who isn't part of his core group and was even pressured by his power, how much of his disciples, especially younger generations like your daughter who need a lot of resources, will actually get?"

True Person Qingli remained silent.

What Qi Yun said was exactly what worried him the most.

His support for Black Mountain was largely due to their intimidation and power; he feared that refusal would invite retaliation and harm to his followers.

Especially his only daughter.

"But I am not talented," Qi Yun changed the subject, his voice clear and melodious, "I possess the [Supreme Dao Foundation], and although my cultivation period is short, I have still gained the favor of the True Lord."

"The trip to the Zombie Alliance was a stroke of luck; I survived and gained some valuable experience."

He flipped his hand, and a piece of [Undying True Blood], dark green with gold, radiating boundless vitality and immortal Dao charm, appeared in his palm.

The rich life force seemed to cheer up all the Spirit Plant in the entire Glazed Glass Realm.

"This item is called [Undying True Blood], originating from the True Ancestor Law Altar of the Zombie Alliance," Qi Yun, holding the blood bead in his palm and staring intently at True Person Qingli.

"If my uncle wishes to remain neutral and not vote in favor of the vice sect leader during the election process."

This is a gift from your junior to your daughter, a token of my sincerity to help her advance further on her Dao Path."

True Person Qingli stared intently at the drop of Undying True Blood.

He could clearly feel the immense power contained within it.

This item was far more valuable to his daughter than the longevity peach he had received years ago.

If he obtains this item, his daughter's Dao Path will be further strengthened.

"To bestow such treasures upon you merely for this one instance of neutrality?"

"No." Qi Yun shook his head, putting away the blood bead, his tone even more profound, "This item is to repay the debt of gratitude for the Foundation Establishment spiritual item given to my martial uncle back then."

He stepped forward, though his cultivation was inferior to Qingli's.

However, the subtle pressure from the Supreme Dao Foundation and the calm confidence made True Person Qingli's mind slightly tremble.

"What this junior wants is not just Uncle-Master's neutrality this time."

Furthermore, it is important for Master Uncle to see that within this Holy Sect, besides Martial Uncle Black Mountain's seemingly powerful but actually oppressive and uncertain path, there is another path.

"A path to the future that I, Qi Yun, and my fellow Martial Uncle Qianxin and others have jointly forged—a path with greater potential, stronger emphasis on loyalty, and greater fairness."

"Investing in me is investing in a future free from Black Mountain's control and with a more equitable distribution of resources."

It is for your daughter, and even for all the disciples under my master's tutelage, to strive for a brighter future!

Every word was powerful and resounding, each sentence directly addressing True Person Qingli's deepest vulnerabilities and desires!

True Person Qianxin spoke up at the opportune moment, his tone filled with emotion. "Junior Brother Qingli, we both know very well what kind of person Black Mountain is."

By attaching yourself to him, you may find temporary security, but it is by no means a long-term solution, let alone secure true well-being for your disciples.

My nephew Qi possesses a supreme talent that is rarely seen throughout history.

Providing timely help is far better than adding to someone's existing success!

True Person Qingli's expression shifted rapidly, her heart filled with intense struggle.

On one side is the long-standing oppression from Black Mountain, and on the other side is the astonishing potential and tangible promises of benefits demonstrated by Qi Yun.

After a long silence, he suddenly raised his head, a resolute glint in his eyes, looked at Qi Yun, and said in a deep voice, "Good! Nephew Qi, I have remembered what you said today."

When it came time to elect the vice sect leader, I, Qingli —abstain!

He paused, then added, "But the only thing I can do is not vote for Black Mountain."

"That's enough!" Qi Yun and True Person Qianxin exchanged a glance, both seeing the joy in each other's eyes.

Step one, done!

Qi Yun took out the Undying True Blood again and solemnly handed it over.

True Person Qingli received the warm and vibrant blood bead, feeling its immense power. Finally, a genuine smile of relief appeared on her tense face.

He knew that his choice today might be a huge gamble.

But for her daughter.

This gamble was worth it!

Upon leaving the Glazed Glass Realm, True Person Qianxin couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh, "Good lad! You used both soft and hard tactics, enticing with cause and effect, and hitting the nail on the head!"

These methods are quite reminiscent of my own style back in the day!

Qi Yun smiled slightly, gazing at the distant sea of clouds.

Persuading Qingli is just the beginning.

Now that he has officially entered this game of power!

In this struggle against Black Mountain, he'll have to settle his old scores!

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