To achieve immortality, I cultivate using Qi Luck

Seeing the current flourishing development of Taiping Dao, it might surpass them in three thousand years, replacing the previous position of the Nine Provinces.

The Nine Provinces would become what Taiping Dao was before the war, and Taiping Dao would become what the Nine Provinces were before the war.

The situation had already reversed, and the people of the Nine Provinces had no choice but to make an effort to change.

Among the numerous changes, transforming Taiping Dao into the Nine Provinces Immortal Sect was undoubtedly the best.

It would not only enhance their strength but also not worry about excessively damaging their own interests. On the contrary, they might even benefit more from the merger of the two sects.

Such a wonderful opportunity naturally made Zhang Yunxuan eager.

Anyone would be tempted by this.

"You’re right, if we could co-opt Taiping Dao, it would be a tremendous boon for us in the Nine Provinces."

Zhen Xuan was no fool and could see these points. He paced back and forth in the room and finally gritted his teeth, "After the festival, I will stay at Mi Yun Mountain under the pretense of sect exchanges. I’ll find an opportunity to meet with Lu Yuan, the new leader of Taiping Dao.

At that time, I’ll take the chance to test him.

To see if this person is the Lu Yuan I know.

If he is, then I’ll see what his intentions are."

Confirming Lu Yuan’s identity was important, but not crucial.

After all, even if he truly was King Lu Yuan of Chu, and you were both from the same locale, both hailing from the Nine Provinces—

If you clarify all this, then what?

Just because you are from the same place, does he have to stand with you?

Countrymen meeting countrymen might wipe away tears in mutual recognition but might also stab you in the back.

Even blood brothers can quarrel enough to break down walls.

Let alone fellow countrymen.

Lu Yuan’s identity from the Nine Provinces only gave them an excuse and a channel to get closer to Taiping Dao, but it did not mean they could commandeer Taiping Dao.

To make Taiping Dao join the Nine Provinces, what benefits can you offer them?

Taiping Dao is now stronger than the Nine Provinces; they would be foolish to abandon their independence and great advantages to mix with a group of fallen houses like yours.

So, the matter was not so simple.

However, even if they couldn’t facilitate the merge of the two sects, leveraging their shared regional origins to foster relations, it was still beneficial for the Nine Provinces Immortal Sect.

The previous relationship between Taiping Dao and the Nine Provinces Immortal Sect, cultivated over hundreds of years, could only be categorized as fairly good, merely acquaintances.

But adding the layer of shared hometown would instantly elevate it to that of countrymen.

The trustworthiness between mere acquaintances and countrymen is self-evident.

Thus, confirming identity first, then probing intentions, was the optimal choice.

"Elder Brother has considered this thoroughly; let’s proceed as you suggest."

Zhang Yunxuan also understood these points and nodded in agreement.

Zhen Xuan then cautioned, "Before I ascertain his intentions, this message must not leak. We cannot reveal any clues on our end; the disciples should not be told. Otherwise, if the Qing Immortal Sect finds out, it will complicate matters."

Zhang Yunxuan nodded, "Yes, I understand. I will be careful and won’t let it slip."

The identity of Lu Yuan of Taiping Dao was an excellent strategic asset.

If used well, it could prove extremely beneficial in the future.

For example, if they leveraged Lu Yuan’s identity to forge a good relationship with Taiping Dao, while the Qing Immortal Sect remained oblivious to this,

Then in future conflicts between them and the Qing Immortal Sect, having a countryman in Taiping Dao could catch Qing Immortal Sect off guard, possibly crushing them instantly.

Moreover, it was also a problem whether Lu Yuan wanted to reveal his identity.

If you rashly point out his background, it might cause his displeasure.

Not only would that fail to improve the relations between both sides, but it might even worsen your standing with Taiping Dao, amounting to a loss rather than a gain.

As for not telling the disciples—

That was naturally the traditional cunning of both the Nine Provinces Immortal Sect and Qing Immortal Sect, with both sides deeply infiltrated by the other, essentially becoming a sieve.

It was unclear whose disciples might be spies sent by the other.

You inform a disciple today, and tomorrow, the Qing Immortal Sect may already know.

It was inevitable.

In the world of Immortal Sects, there were too many ways and means to plant a spy within a rival.

Even though all sects have the wisdom to screen for traitors, they are indefensible against such tactics and stratagems.

There’s only the saying, ’A thief for a day, but no guard against a thief forever.’

In reality, Taiping Dao was no better off.

Since the rise of Taiping Dao in the Southern Domain, both the Nine Provinces Immortal Sect and Qing Immortal Sect began to pay more attention to this new neighbor.

Taiping Dao, having just established itself here, had recruited many people over the years.

Among those new disciples, it was unclear how many were spies.

News about Taiping Dao had long been leaked out; it was akin to being naked in front of both neighbors.

Although Lu Yuan was about to assume the position of sect leader, he had never met an outsider before, and Zhen Xuan didn’t know what he looked like.

His name and appearance were known to Zhen Xuan, of course, through spies within his sect.

Ah, Taiping Dao, compared to the other two sects, was no better.

Secrets could not be kept within the sect.

Fortunately, Lu Yuan relied on several of his own avatars.

The core members who managed affairs were also the Yellow Turban Strongmen he personally transformed.

Those new disciples might betray Taiping Dao,

But his avatars and Yellow Turban Strongmen had absolutely no possibility of betrayal.