If the Undying Realm were situated elsewhere, it would be one matter. But fate would have it that the Undying Realm was nestled deep within the Underworld. And the Underworld belonged to the demons. The Righteous Path Immortal Sects and the Underworld Demons had always been adversaries. Currently, the Righteous Sects were leading an army to assault the demon territories. The leaders of the Righteous Sects were no fools; every ruling figure was an old fox steeped in cunning. Under such circumstances, do you truly believe they would dispatch all their Sword Immortals of the Longevity Realm to the Undying Realm, leaving the exterior utterly unprotected? Anyone who believed that would simply be incredibly naive.

Surrounding the Undying Tree, there were indeed a few figures at the Great Dao Realm. Naturally, the Great Dao Realm figures from the Five Great Immortal Sects were not numerous. Thus, it was a perfect fit: exactly six Great Dao figures arrived. Three came from the Three Peaks of Mount Hua, and one came from each of the other three Superior Immortal Sects. While the Middle-Tier Immortal Sects also possessed Great Dao figures, they couldn't afford the extravagance of the Superior Sects. Since the four Superior Sects had committed forces here, they deemed the location secure enough and the Middle-Tier Sects conserved their manpower.

The six Great Dao figures were variously seated, hands behind their backs, stroking their beards—each displaying a distinct demeanor. Among them, the representative from Mount Hua’s North Peak was Sun Qingchi, a Great Dao master skilled in the Sword Intent of the Lake, who had once mentored Lu Yuan for a time. Though the other five reclined differently, the aura of the Great Dao Realm emanated from them all. The six constantly employed magical arts, periodically using Water Mirror Technique to observe the Sword Immortals below, ensuring they didn't fall into peril. If any faced a life-or-death crisis they couldn't handle, the Great Dao masters would intervene. After all, these Sword Immortals represented the finest essence of the various Immortal Sects; losing one or two of these future Great Dao masters would be regrettable, but losing too many would surely bleed the Righteous Sects dry.

The surface projected by the Water Mirror Technique was vast—several zhang long and wide when cast by a Great Dao cultivator. Various figures flickered across the water mirror. Initially, the mirrors focused on different areas, but eventually, all six Great Dao masters aimed their Water Mirror Technique toward the periphery of the Undying Tree. When conflict erupted at one of the four entrances to the Undying Tree—the entrance belonging to the Kunlun Immortal Sect—where Nie Chenfeng decisively defeated Fang Ru and taunted him—Sun Qingchi’s expression shifted, and he prepared to fly over.

Fang Ru was, after all, the Lord of the North Peak, distinct from ordinary Sword Immortals. But just as he moved to intervene, a seven-colored divine light flared before him. Li You, the Great Dao master from the Kunlun Immortal Sect, had summoned his Seven-Colored Treasure high above his head. This Seven-Colored Ancient Banner was a Buddhist artifact, possessing astonishing defensive power and proving highly effective for interception. "Fellow Daoist Sun, those below are merely Sword Immortal level squabbles. For you, a dignified Great Dao master, to interfere—wouldn't that compromise your standing?" His words were sanctimonious, but in reality, the Kunlun Immortal Sect currently held the advantage and naturally sought to block any interference.

When one gains an advantage, how could they possibly relinquish it?

Sun Qingchi glared at Li You: "Courteous—" Li You snapped back: "And what if I refuse?" The auras of these two Great Dao masters pressed against each other, swirling in the sky like two opposing flood dragons. However, after only a moment, Lu Yuan’s brilliant counterattack seized their attention once more. Subsequently, the Kunlun Immortal Sect actually deployed the five legendary magical artifacts once belonging to the True Lord of Seven Treasures from ages past. This development shocked not only Sun Qingchi but also the Great Dao masters from the other Immortal Sects. The Kunlun Immortal Sect was certainly capable of such grand displays.

But the situation soon reversed. This sudden turning point left everyone utterly dumbfounded, gaping in disbelief. What had happened? The five artifacts of the Kunlun Immortal Sect—five Grade Eight magical treasures—had all fallen directly into the hands of Lu Yuan alone, as if Grade Eight magical artifacts posed no difficulty for him whatsoever. The Profound Yin Poison Gathering Banner, the thirty-three thousand six hundred and fifty-nine White Eyebrow Needles, the Myriad Sword Array Map, the Thirteen Evil Formations, the Heavenly Dragon Transforming Sound Spirit Sword. Each of these was renowned throughout the world. Yet, the White Eyebrow Needles were destroyed, and the other four were captured. All five Kunlun Immortal Sect members were severely wounded by Lu Yuan. For a time, no one, including Sun Qingchi, Lu Yuan’s fellow sect member, could process the outcome. Sun Qingchi couldn't help but smile faintly: "This kid." He had to be pleased; he truly hadn't anticipated Lu Yuan possessing such strength. This combat prowess was already approaching the level of a Great Dao master.

Li You moved to support the Kunlun faction members, but at that moment, Sun Qingchi turned and blocked him: "Fellow Daoist Li, those below are ultimately just squabbles between Sword Immortals. For you, a dignified Great Dao master, to interfere—wouldn't that cause you to lose face and grace?" This was the exact phrase Li You had used when the Kunlun Immortal Sect held the upper hand. Now, the words were thrown back in his face. Even a Great Dao master like Li You felt utterly humiliated.

However, Sun Qingchi cared little for Li You’s feelings. He was immensely satisfied, thinking, "I laugh triumphantly, I laugh triumphantly." His internal glee was immeasurable; slapping the face of an opposing Great Dao master felt incredibly refreshing. In truth, he and Li You had dueled for years, always ending in a draw, never achieving such a satisfying victory.

Outside the Undying Realm.

Lu Yuan cupped his hands in salute: "Since I have opened this gate, everyone may now enter." This statement was a gesture of goodwill. At this moment, the North Peak only had two people present—himself and Martial Uncle Fang Ru. It would be hard for just two of them to guard the entrance. Furthermore, Lu Yuan honestly wasn't afraid of the other five entering the central area of the Undying Realm. A massive conflict was inevitable in the core zone, ultimately depending on raw power. Lu Yuan possessed supreme confidence in his own strength, so opening the gate was a calculated move to forge connections with these cultivators.

Lu Yuan had always enjoyed a good reputation in the Cultivation World, largely earned from saving so many during the Blood Sword Sect incident. Earning favor with these people now would surely enhance his standing even further. Never underestimate the power of reputation. A good reputation in the Cultivation World means assistance flows in whatever endeavor one undertakes, whereas a poor reputation invites gossip everywhere one goes. In the Cultivation World, there was also a cultivator known as the Timely Rain. His magical power wasn't exceptionally high—likely bottom-tier Great Dao strength—but his mobilization capability rivaled that of top-tier Great Dao masters. He provided financial support to any faction that sought him out, maintaining vast connections and an excellent name.

Fang Ru nodded subtly beside him; Lu Yuan's style of operation was becoming increasingly polished.

The other five, hearing Lu Yuan’s words, expressed profuse thanks. They had assumed they wouldn't gain entry to the central Undying Realm, but thanks to Lu Yuan, they could now proceed, thus feeling a measure of gratitude towards him. "The title 'Drunken Sword Immortal' is indeed well-earned." "They say the Drunken Sword Immortal is supremely righteous and boldly heroic; seeing you today proves the rumors true." Lu Yuan offered a wry smile. He hadn't deliberately cultivated his reputation, but it was beneficial nonetheless.

After taking a sip of wine, he headed toward the center of the Undying Realm.

The closer they got to the core, the nearer the Undying Tree became. Observing the tree from afar was slightly different from viewing it up close, yet its overall appearance remained the same: entirely crimson, its bark cracked and uneven. From a distance, a tree hundreds of zhang tall was impressive; up close, it seemed colossal, its foliage pressing down on the heart. The canopy above, resembling a gigantic carriage cover, completely blotted out the sky when viewed from beneath. And beneath this canopy of leaves, a single red fruit glowed vibrantly.

This was the Immortal Elixir! Although the Elixir was emitting red light now, it was still some time away from ripening. It would likely need a little longer. Since waiting was necessary, wait they would.

During the wait, Lu Yuan observed the others. At the other three gates—one belonging to the Mount Hua Sword Sect, one to the Wudang Immortal Gate, and one to the Qingcheng Immortal Sect—they had established formations upon leaving their respective entrances, formations that could not be broken immediately. The Wudang contingent remained quite robust, numbering ten individuals. These ten could form the Grand Unity Star Sword formation combined with the Three Talents array, or the Four Symbols formation supplemented by the Five Elements array. Undeniably, the Wudang group, with their combined sword arrays, possessed the most formidable power here; their reputation was well-deserved. The Mount Hua Sword Sect members boasted individually potent strength: Lone Sword Immortal Shi Chongtian, Well Sword Immortal Ling Luoshi, and Mist Sword Immortal Mo Chuichui—all were formidable fighters. The Qingcheng Immortal Sect members were comparatively weaker. Qingcheng generally ranked lower; normally, if the Nanhai Immortal Sect were to relocate to the Central Plains, Qingcheng would likely be the last among the five Superior Sects.

These three groups were surprised to see that the arrivals here were not the Kunlun contingent but a disorganized collection of cultivators. When they inquired and learned that Lu Yuan had defeated the six from Kunlun, their astonishment deepened. They never imagined Lu Yuan was this powerful. Of course, this was because they were unaware that the Kunlun group had deployed five Grade Eight magical artifacts; otherwise, their surprise would have been far greater.

Now, finally, all the remaining cultivators had gathered beneath the Undying Tree. Resting under a large tree provided shade, true enough. However, the area wasn't hot, so shade wasn't the primary need. Everyone stood bristling with battle intent, awaiting the maturation of the Immortal Elixir, ready to soar up and seize it. They maintained a cautious and wary quiet. Lu Yuan shrugged, pulled out his wine gourd, and took a swig. With battle imminent, one should drink strong liquor.

As a connoisseur of wine, one must distinguish the appropriate drink for every occasion. Strong liquor before battle to boost morale; potent liquor afterward for pure enjoyment; and milder, finer wines during leisure—each served its purpose. The Way of Wine was vast and profound.