The Fifteenth of August, the Mid-Autumn Festival, witnessed the gathering of the Five Sects. It could only be said, it came too quickly. This was the venue for the Five Sects Alliance Meeting, situated atop the highest peak of Mount Qingcheng, the Laoxiao Summit. We cultivators, seeking purity, freedom, and ease in the cosmos, convened a meeting set to determine the future trajectory of the entire cultivation world of Jin State. There was no need for grand palaces or halls; heaven and earth served as our court. The heavens were distant and red with the sun, the earth vast and weary of palaces—it was precisely this setting.

The arrangement on the Laoxiao Summit was thus: cultivators from each sect occupied designated positions, leaving a vacant circular open space in the center. Lu Yuan stood behind Venerable Yuan Yuan. At this moment, Lu Yuan’s location corresponded to the position belonging to the North Peak faction of Mount Hua, standing directly behind Venerable Yuan Yuan. The representative figure for Mount Hua was naturally Chu Duan, the Heaven-Severing Sword.

The position allocated to the Mount Hua Immortal Sect was the absolute north, facing the monarchical direction, underscoring the high regard held for Mount Hua.

In such grand assemblies, it was common practice to bring tenth-generation true disciples along to gain experience. Lu Yuan was not the only one, so his presence was entirely normal. Standing behind Venerable Yuan Yuan were several ninth-generation Sword Immortals, along with Senior Brother Yun Yi and Senior Brother Yun Ping.

The entire contingent from Mount Hua, representing all Five Peaks, had key figures present. This Five Sects Alliance Meeting was undeniably crucial, so all Five Peak Masters had arrived, and behind each Peak Master followed many familiar faces.

Besides Mount Hua, there were many other forces arrayed upon the Laoxiao Summit.

For instance, in the east stood the host sect, Mount Qingcheng Immortal Sect. In the north was Mount Wudang Immortal Sect. In the southwest lay Mount Kunlun Immortal Sect. In the southeast, the South Sea Immortal Sect. Furthermore, in positions of lesser but still significant importance, sat the contingents of other middle-tier sects, such as the Snow Mountain Immortal Sect, the Wuling Immortal Sect, the Tianji Immortal Sect, the Iron Sword Immortal Sect, and so forth—all had taken their places. The leaders of these Immortal Sects had all made personal appearances.

Lu Yuan looked around; it was a line-up of supreme figures.

The leader of the Mount Hua Immortal Sect, Heaven-Severing Sword Chu Duan, sat radiating an innate dominance, his sword aura pressing against the air.

The leader of Mount Wudang Immortal Sect was Song Qingqiao, the Pure Yang Limitless, the foremost among the Seven Sons of Wudang. He was a refined elder, appearing entirely tranquil, yet to hold the premier position among the Seven Sons suggested unfathomable depth.

The leader of Mount Kunlun Immortal Sect was the seventh generation of Kunlun, an ageless immortal nicknamed Old Immortal Zhuge Ge, though some behind his back called him Old Tortoise. As the only one still clinging to the mantle of sect leadership across generations, this Old Immortal had hair and beard entirely white, a faint smile perpetually gracing his face.

The leader of Mount Qingcheng Immortal Sect, Ren Bining, was the single bloom of red amidst a sea of green—the only woman present. However, to lead a major sect like Qingcheng as a woman, her strength and maneuvering skills must be extraordinary.

The leader of the South Sea Immortal Sect was the killing-intent-shrouded old man, Yan Er. Yan Er was brazen, his murderous aura soaring, showing open disdain for the other leaders. His counterpart was Yan Cangtian, who had already ascended.

The leader of the Wuling Immortal Sect was naturally Venerable Hailing, who assumed the sect seal during the incident at the Wusheng Relic Palace.

The leader of the Snow Mountain Immortal Sect, the Snow Mountain Ancestor, possessed a beard as white as snow. Though he appeared supremely calm now, Lu Yuan could not forget the earth-shattering strength the Snow Mountain Ancestor displayed during his battle against the Blood Sword Ancestor.

The leader of the Iron Sword Immortal Sect was an exceedingly stern middle-aged man, known as Iron Sword Straight Cut Jing Qiuzhi. His methods, it was rumored, were consistently rigid to a fault.

The leader of the Tianji Immortal Sect, Li Fudao, was the most curious figure. Appearing elderly, he wore the robes of a monk while using Daoist appellations. It was said he constantly proclaimed his innovation of merging Buddhism and Daoism. Yet, those present knew that while Li Fudao's combat prowess might not be stellar, his divination skills were the finest in Jin State—a true eccentric of the age.

There were three more Immortal Sects. The leader of Liancheng Immortal Sect was a middle-aged man brimming with scholarly refinement, named Tang Shichuan. Every move and technique of the Liancheng Immortal Sect was rooted in poetry; he was a man of romantic poetic flair and wine.

The leader of the Qiandi Immortal Sect, Fu Hai, was also in place. The Qiandi Immortal Sect was the sole sect among the middle-tier groups that resided underground. Their mastery lay in earth-element sword arts and spells, relying heavily on subterranean resources, placing them perilously close to the demonic forces beneath. Their leader, Fu Hai, was a bearded giant, looking exceedingly robust.

The final sect was the Qingyao Gate. Situated in the south, this sect specialized in medicine, not excelling in combat, but possessing rarely seen techniques in healing. They could also concoct numerous elixirs that boosted magical power. The Qingyao Gate and the Star Sea Immortal Sect were sworn enemies. The leader of Qingyao Gate, Gongyang Ci, was a slightly stooped elder with a long white beard.

The leaders of the five upper-tier sects and seven middle-tier sects were gathered under one roof.

Lu Yuan stood behind Venerable Yuan Yuan, observing this grand assembly. During this Five Sects Alliance Meeting, Lu Yuan witnessed countless awe-inspiring experts. Every single one of these sect leaders was immensely powerful. Some radiated overwhelming pressure, their aura soaring hundreds of feet, while others managed to hover tens of feet above the ground.

Some leaders were utterly inscrutable, their depth unknowable.

Every one of these sect leaders was formidable beyond measure.

Any opponent Lu Yuan had ever faced before was vastly inferior to these masters; the gap was immense, impossibly wide.

The most remarkable figures of Jin State were almost entirely assembled here.

Of course, the world was expansive. There were formidable figures deep underground, many powerful entities within the Five Immortal Alliance, and likely many more reclusive masters.

This was only Jin State. If one considered the entire world, the number of towering figures would be even greater.

They were all gathered. But what did it have to do with him?

Lu Yuan's hand drifted to his wine gourd. While the many leaders discussed matters, he subtly lowered his head and took a small sip. Yes, what concern was it of his? He desired only his own freedom, his wine, and his sword. His only obligation was the conflict between the Three Branches of the Mount Hua Sword Arts. As Lu Yuan secretly sipped his wine, Yun Yi and Yun Ping beside him widened their eyes in shock. They could never have imagined that Lu Yuan would dare to sneak a drink during such a crucial, intensely serious Five Sects Alliance Meeting—truly audacious.

After stealing a sip, Lu Yuan noticed the expressions of his two senior brothers, coughed lightly, and adopted an appearance of intense concentration.

Lu Yuan put on a show of earnest effort, listening intently for a while, until he nearly drifted off to sleep.

The main topics of discussion revolved around the challenges posed by Yuan Nation, the subterranean demons, and the restless stirring of the Heaven-Defying Alliance—what should the twelve Immortal Sects do in response? This was the focal point of the debate. Such an issue was stretched out unnecessarily, and no conclusion was reached. Lu Yuan found it terribly tedious. Later, realizing he could withdraw without being forced to stay, Lu Yuan lingered a bit longer before departing. As he left the Laoxiao Summit, he took a large gulp of wine—the freedom of drinking was truly satisfying.

After two days and two nights of deliberation, the Five Sects Alliance finally reached its decisions.

First, centered around the five upper-tier sects, the twelve Immortal Sects would form a joint defense pact. For the time being, they would not proactively challenge Yuan Nation, and they would also temporarily set aside the issue of the subterranean demons. The priority was to eliminate the Heaven-Defying Alliance; this rat had been scurrying too long and needed to be dealt with quickly. Several joint resolutions against the Heaven-Defying Alliance were thus formed.

Second, the suppression of the underground forces would remain primarily under the stewardship of the Five Immortal Alliance, as Zu Qianqiu was an old hand at the task.

Third, a snake cannot lead without a head; it was best to select a figurehead to oversee all matters for the twelve Immortal Sects. This point was the most contentious. Chu Duan of Mount Hua and Song Qingqiao of Mount Wudang were both potential candidates for this position, but this specific point was tabled for later discussion.

Fourth! They agreed to begin loosening restrictions on the cultivation of the tenth generation. Previously, the policy had been to allow the tenth generation to mature naturally, ensuring a solid foundation. However, given the current prosperous era layered with various crises, they decided to accelerate the growth of the tenth generation, regardless of whether the resulting foundations might be less stable.

These four points became known in later ages as the Four Edicts of the Qingcheng Five Sects Alliance. Any official record of the meeting would be preserved by the Elder Council. The Qingcheng Five Sects Alliance Meeting thus concluded.

Admittedly, there would be further wrangling among politicians later on. Admittedly, more complications would arise. But what did any of that have to do with Lu Yuan? He had never held any interest in the bickering of politicians or the maneuvering of powers.

What he sought was nothing more than a gourd of wine and a single sword, living freely and at ease.

Lu Yuan urged his white sword light, soaring directly south. The South led to the South Sea.

Leaping over countless mountains and rivers, he traveled south without any specific destination or interest in visiting the South Sea Immortal Sect. He merely wished to see the sea. Back at the Divine Soul River, when his consciousness encountered Duan Jingtao, the Sword Master of the South Sea from millennia past, beneath the Great Buddha of Leshan, he shared a portion of his memories.

At that time, his comprehension of the Sea Sword Intent reached an incredibly profound stage. Therefore, this journey to the South Sea was specifically for the purpose of comprehending the Sea Sword Intent.

Lu Yuan was certain that the moment he gazed upon the sea, he would grasp the Sea Sword Intent.

Once the Sea Sword Intent was understood, he would return to Mount Hua.

Bearing this thought, he flew south. He didn't know how long he traveled, but finally, he arrived.

Is this the sea?

After passing the mountain range before him, there was first a remarkably vast, flat expanse—layers upon layers of sand, followed by (azure blue) water. Then, this blue seawater stretched outwards from not far away, extending all the way to the horizon. Lu Yuan looked into the distance and saw the water continuing to stretch and extend, never ceasing.

At the furthest point, the sea merged seamlessly with the sky, distinguishing between the two becoming impossible.

Boundless ocean, boundless sky.

Lu Yuan took a deep breath. This was his first time seeing the sea.

(This journey of wandering, starting from the seventeenth of last month and concluding today, the fifth, spans nineteen days.)