Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

The Three Realms, the Thirteen Continents.

Desolate Continent, Ghost Continent, Lilu Continent.

Centipede Island, Jiazhou Island, Dragon Ridge Island.

Youzhou, Shazhou, Shengshizhou.

Chizhou, Shanzhou, Tianmazhou.

And the last continent, the Five Flavors Islands.

Peach Blossom Village, where Zhou Qingfeng is located, is a mortal captive area in the Corpse Island and the Burning Lamp Sect.

On the way to the Burning Lamp Dao Gate.

Zhou Qingfeng, intending to inquire about the background of the Burning Lamp Daoist Sect, casually tossed a bottle of pills to the Damage Assessment Master.

The Master of Determination, driven by greed, betrayed his sect completely.

The founder of the Burning Lamp Daoist Sect was the Lamp-Carrying Ancestor, who was at the Tribulation Transcending stage and was only half a step away from ascending to immortality. Thousands of years ago, he defected from the immortal sect 'Heavenly Buddha Sect' in Chizhou and then came to Shengshizhou to seek refuge with the local immortal sect 'Undying Palace'.

The Lantern-Carrying Ancestor abandoned Buddhism for Taoism, founded a sect, and became the patriarch of a sect. The specific reasons for his defection are unknown, but it is known that the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor was a traitor, and the Lantern-Burning Taoist Sect was also founded by a traitor.

The Undying Hall and the Heavenly Buddha Sect were rivals. Under the protection of the Undying Hall, the sect founded by the traitor, the Lantern Ancestor, stood firm for thousands of years and even thrived.

This is the Three Realms Realm.

In a turbid and evil world, a traitor like the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor would have no place to stand.

Because in this turbid and evil world there was a Python-Sparrow Empire, whose ruling system was still a feudal system.

In order to maintain the loyalty of the lower and middle classes and prevent the interests of the upper-class elites from being harmed.

Traitors will never have a place to stand, nor will they receive any protection from powerful figures.

This means that anyone who swears allegiance to the powerful will never be able to betray them. The result of betrayal will be endless persecution without any protection from any force. They will be driven away as soon as they are discovered, and some will even actively send people to kill them. In such a situation, there is no fertile ground for traitors to survive and grow.

However, this world has a different structure because of the Three Realms.

Each family and sect was isolated, fighting each other for resources, and information could not circulate widely.

Moreover, the strong are respected, and those with power can do whatever they want.

Under such circumstances, how can the life-giving cultivators under his command be expected to be loyal or trustworthy?

Even relying on control methods such as poison pills, restrictions, blood oaths, and soul tablets is useless.

Because there are control methods, there are also ways to crack them.

Given the chance, subordinates will definitely betray them, then take the stolen cultivation resources and flee thousands of miles away, change their names and serve other sects and families. Once they have enough power, they will establish their own sects and spread their influence.

In such an environment, the soil for traitors to survive and grow is too fertile.

It can only be said that the methods used by the powerful beings of the Three Realms to rule are too backward and low-level.

It simply cannot be compared to the ruling system of the Python Sparrow Empire.

The damage assessor flew towards the sect's territory on his sword, followed closely by a gourd the size of a house.

Zhou Qingfeng and his group stood on the gourd, while Xiao Hongyun was the one controlling the magical artifact.

This is Xiao Hongyun's calamity-level magic weapon, the Immortal-Slaying Gourd.

It ranks eleventh among disaster-level magical artifacts.

The Immortal-Slaying Gourd possesses the wondrous functions of flight, storage, and nurturing of the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife. Simply by calling out "Please turn the gourd around," the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife will burst forth, injuring not only the enemy's physical body but also their soul.

Taking the enemy's head from a thousand miles away is as easy as taking something out of a bag.

The murderer's soul was also killed, which can be described as vicious and cruel.

Xiao Hongyun spent hundreds of thousands of magic coins to buy this Immortal-Slaying Gourd.

Zhou Qingfeng sat cross-legged on the gourd and said with a smile, "This gourd is quite nice. You must have put a lot of thought into it."

Xiao Hongyun raised an eyebrow smugly: "Hehe, I have to thank you, my patron, for rewarding me with millions of magic coins. Otherwise, how would I have had the chance to use such a luxurious magic artifact?"

Zhou Qingfeng shook his head and chuckled, then turned to Ye Tingxiu and asked, "What about you? Where did your money go?"

Ye Tingxiu sat cross-legged, raised his head, and proudly patted the six new swords at his waist: "I spent all three million magic coins on swords. Each of these six swords is a top-100 calamity-level magic weapon, and they are incredibly powerful at cutting people."

"Let me tell you, I feel incredibly strong right now. If we encounter an enemy, let me go first. I guarantee I'll make them cry for their mothers. Hmph, times have changed. I'm not the weakling I used to be. Don't believe me? Let's have a go!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng smiled faintly: "There's no need to spar. I believe you're very strong now."

"Alright." Ye Tingxiu smacked his lips a few times, feeling quite regretful. If he couldn't have a proper fight with Zhou Qingfeng, he wouldn't be willing to die. However, he also knew that the timing and occasion were not right, so he didn't insist on fighting Zhou Qingfeng. Anyway, there would be plenty of time in the future, and they would meet again at the peak if they survived.

Cheng Wuquan, Duan Hongsu, Tantai Minglan, and Du Yanran stood on the gourd without saying a word. They had already realized that the three of them had an unusual relationship, and they couldn't get a word in edgewise when the three of them were chatting.

In the blink of an eye, they flew dozens of miles and arrived at the location of the Burning Lamp Dao Sect.

Thousands of ordinary cultivators hovered in the air, most of them inner disciples, personal disciples, sect elders, and the sect leader, the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor, of the Burning Lamp Dao Sect. Tens of thousands of outer disciples and servants stood on the mountainside and at the foot of the mountain.

The crowd clasped their hands in unison and bowed, their voices rising like a tidal wave, deeply moving everyone: "Welcome, Immortal, to the Burning Lamp Dojo!"

The Lantern Ancestor flew to a spot ten steps in front of Zhou Qingfeng, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "This junior is Lantern Ancestor, the head of the Burning Lamp Dao Sect. I am here with my disciples to welcome you immortals. Please forgive any shortcomings in our etiquette."

Zhou Qingfeng glanced at the Lantern Ancestor and gave a faint "hmm": "Alright, let them disperse. I have some things I want to discuss with the Lantern Sect Leader privately, and this place isn't suitable."

Upon hearing this, the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor clasped his hands and said, "Yes, I will obey the immortal's decree. Immortal, please follow me to the Bright Lantern Hall."

After speaking, the Lantern Ancestor turned around and glanced at the sect elders behind him, indicating that they could disperse. Then, he flew ahead and led Zhou Qingfeng to the main hall of the Burning Lamp Dojo.

Upon arriving at the Bright Lamp Hall, Xiao Hongyun retrieved the Immortal-Slaying Gourd. The gourd quickly shrank in size, and he casually hung it on his waist. No one knew that this seemingly flying magical artifact contained a flying knife capable of slaying Buddhas and immortals.

"Please!" Patriarch Lantern was humble and polite, leading Zhou Qingfeng and his group into the Bright Lantern Hall.

Inside the Hall of Bright Lights, the lights shone brightly, and the magnificent decorations appeared even more solemn and mysterious under the illumination of the lights.

This main hall is not only the heart of the Burning Lamp Temple, but also a sacred place where faith and power converge.

A huge torch, symbolizing life, hangs high above the palace. The lamp oil, made of life-giving oil, is slowly burning, its soft and warm light illuminating every corner, as if it can dispel all darkness and gloom.

On both sides, there are chairs carved from precious wood, each covered with a cushion woven from brocade, making them both luxurious and comfortable.

On the table, all kinds of exotic fruits exuded an enticing aroma, complementing the delicacies and wines served on exquisite jade platters, demonstrating the host's extreme regard and respect for the guests.

The Lantern-Carrying Ancestor stood in the center of the main hall, his gaze sometimes firm, sometimes complex.

He wore a dark black Taoist robe, the hem of which swayed gently with his movements. The ever-burning lamp behind him seemed to be a symbol of his identity. Even in front of immortals, he still maintained the dignity and demeanor of a grandmaster.

The Lantern Ancestor glanced at the damage assessor who had accompanied him inside and said calmly, "Damage assessor, wait outside."

The damage assessor bowed respectfully and said, "Yes, Sect Leader."

The Loss Assessment Master knew that even the smallest matter discussed at such a meeting of powerful figures was of great importance. However, this had nothing to do with him, a minor Golden Core cultivator. He turned and went outside the hall to await orders.

At this moment, only the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor remained in the hall, facing the seven-person team led by Zhou Qingfeng.

The Lantern Ancestor, seated in the first position, appeared calm and composed on the surface, seemingly unperturbed, but in reality, he was in a state of utter panic.

Although he was only half a step away from becoming a human immortal, that half step was a world of difference. At most, he could only show off to mortals and junior cultivators. Now, facing seven immortals in one go, he was under a lot of psychological pressure.

He couldn't bring himself to blindly grovel before an immortal. After all, he was a sect leader and supreme master with tens of thousands of disciples. Having held such a high position for so long, he wasn't so easily inclined to bow down.

Besides, I'm only half a step away from becoming an immortal, so I'm practically a half-immortal myself, and I don't need to grovel.

As the host, the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor raised his wine cup first and said with a smile: "The arrival of all the immortals from afar has brought great honor to my humble abode. I would like to offer a toast to all the immortals."

"You're too kind, Sect Leader Lantern." Zhou Qingfeng nodded and smiled, raising his wine glass as a representative to offer a toast from afar. He then brought it to his lips briefly, but didn't touch the wine before placing the glass back on the table.

The Old Master with the Lantern put down his wine cup and asked with a smile, "May I ask how you are addressed, Immortal?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng smiled faintly: "My name is Ye Tingxiu."

Ye Tingxiu, seated in his seat, looked utterly bewildered upon hearing this: "???"

If you are Ye Tingxiu, then who am I?

Okay, okay, let’s play like this, right?

Fine, I'll mention your name when I go out from now on.

The Lantern Ancestor smiled and clasped his hands, saying, "So it is Immortal Ye. I have long admired your name. I have some doubts. Just now, Ding Sun said that Immortal Ye wanted to discuss an important matter with me, a matter concerning the life and death of the Three Realms. What is the meaning of this?"

Zhou Qingfeng said casually, "Has Sect Leader Ti Deng ever heard of the Demon God's descent once every thirty thousand years?"

Upon hearing this, the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor's heart stirred: "Immortal Ye, could you perhaps be referring to...?"

Zhou Qingfeng nodded: "That's right. The seven of us were born for this reason, to annihilate this group of extraterrestrial demons. The Three Realms is our Three Realms, not a place for these extraterrestrial demons to run wild."

The Lantern Ancestor suddenly realized, and then said with difficulty, "Immortal Ye, even if you discuss this with me, this... this junior's strength is too weak to be of any help. Besides, in the war between immortals and demons, we mortal cultivators are willing but powerless."

That's true. Although he was a traitor, all the cultivators in the Three Realms who practiced longevity cultivation shared a common understanding on the matter of eliminating the extraterrestrial demons: the demons of the lower realms had to be killed.

Otherwise, no one would survive; they would all be devoured by the demons.

There was no other way; they had all turned themselves into ginseng fruits.

The demons regarded them as a source of nourishment, and would devour them even if they begged for mercy.

Zhou Qingfeng glanced at the Lantern Ancestor and slowly said, "You don't need to do anything. Just help me convey to the Lord of the Undying Palace that I, Ye Tingxiu, and my six fellow Daoists are willing to contribute to the peace of the Three Realms."

"We only hope that we will be allowed to join the demon-slaying alliance at that time. We are willing to fight the demon god to the death!"

Upon hearing this, the Lantern Ancestor's eyes flashed with surprise.

The immortal who called himself Ye Tingxiu made a simple and direct request: he didn't need to take any risks himself, but only needed to deliver the message. This request made the Lantern Ancestor feel a little relieved, and at the same time, it also made him feel a sense of respect.

After a moment's thought, the Lantern Ancestor readily agreed: "Immortal Ye is indeed a man of integrity, which I admire. Since you are willing to save the world, I will convey your message to the Lord of the Undying Palace on your behalf."

Zhou Qingfeng's expression softened: "That's excellent, thank you very much, Sect Leader Tideng."

The Lantern Ancestor rose and clasped his hands in a salute: "I would like to ask Immortal Ye to stay at my Lantern Burning Dojo for two days. During this time, I will inform the Undying Hall. Once the Undying Hall responds, I will immediately inform Immortal Ye."

Zhou Qingfeng nodded slightly, without urging him, and patiently checked into the Burning Lamp Dojo under the arrangement of the Lantern Ancestor.

To prevent his disciples from disturbing the immortals' peace, the Lantern-Carrying Ancestor specially cleared out a small spiritual peak for Zhou Qingfeng and his group to live on. He did everything meticulously, leaving no room for criticism.

On Xiaoling Peak, Ye Tingxiu and his group sat around a peach tree, some grilling meat, some cooking, some drinking tea, and some drinking wine. They hadn't touched a single bite at the welcoming banquet.

Now that we have the chance, let's all get started and prepare food to fill our stomachs.

Seeing that there was no one outside the team, Ye Tingxiu immediately asked Zhou Qingfeng why he wanted to join the Demon Extermination Alliance: "I don't quite understand, Captain, can you explain it to me? Otherwise, I don't know what I'm doing."

Zhou Qingfeng said with a smile, "Xiao Hongyun, why don't you explain it?"

"I'm busy. Old Ye is an idiot. I can't be bothered to explain to him. It's a waste of time."

"Damn it, who are you calling an idiot? You want me to chop you up, Lao Xiao?!"

"Get lost, go play with your knife."

"Damn it, you have no respect for me at all, Lao Xiao, I want to fight you one-on-one."

"I give up. You're so great, you're the best, okay? I'm impressed." Xiao Hongyun was cooking around the open-air stove, wielding a spatula: "Damn, you distracted me, I forgot if I put salt in."

Zhou Qingfeng watched Xiao Ye and his companion playfully bickering and casually said, "I put it in, I put in a spoonful."

"Really? I don't remember putting any in." Xiao Hongyun looked up in confusion, then waved his hand dismissively, "Whatever, have another spoonful. It's salty enough, Captain, want to try my cooking?"

Zhou Qingfeng waved his hands repeatedly: "No need, no need, I don't have that kind of luck. I'll grill the meat myself and eat it myself."

Cheng Wuquan squatted under the peach tree, chewing on a meat pie. Watching this scene, he grinned foolishly, thinking that these three people were really interesting and fun. Being teammates with them seemed like a good idea.

Tantai Minglan, Du Yanran, and Duan Hongsu, three female cultivators, sat together, sipping tea and eating the pastries they had brought themselves. Their eyes kept glancing at their captain, Zhou Qingfeng, as if they had guessed something about his thoughts.

Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Ye Tingxiu simply found a patch of grass, lay down on his back, rested his head on his arm, dangled a blade of grass in his mouth, crossed his legs, closed his eyes and thought of Lan Yue, a smile slowly appearing on his lips.

Zhou Qingfeng sat in front of the barbecue grill, grilling a piece of succulent beef, sprinkling it with various seasonings, cutting it into small pieces with a knife, and eating it. Grilling meat and dining in the mountains was an extremely delicious and enjoyable experience.

Time flew by, and it got dark.

Suddenly, many thin red lines fell from the sky.

Seven red lines instantly landed on the foreheads of Zhou Qingfeng, Ye Tingxiu, Xiao Hongyun, Cheng Wuquan, and the three female cultivators, as if marking their location and telling all the surrounding teams that they were there.

"Oh no, our location has been exposed!" Ye Tingxiu jumped up and shouted to the others.

The crowd rushed out of the courtyard and gathered under the peach tree.

Zhou Qingfeng stood on high ground, scanning the distance.

He discovered eighteen thin red lines, ten at the 22 o'clock position on the left and eight at the 1 o'clock position on the right, meaning there were two teams around, one with 10 people and the other with 8 people.

The two squads and their own squad are positioned in a triangle.

When one squad detects another enemy squad, the enemy squad also detects one squad.

With their positions suddenly exposed, a fierce melee could break out at any moment among the three teams.

Zhou Qingfeng's expression turned grave: "The situation is not good."

P.S.: Please give me a 5-star review, follow me, tip me, urge me to update, give me free gifts, and leave comments. Thank you all for your strong support and encouragement.

I see every bit of support and encouragement you give me clearly in the author's backstage area.

I saw it, but I didn't say anything. I know that no matter how much I say, it's better to write a good book to repay the readers' love.

I desperately need data support now, because no matter how good the book is, it's hard to stick with it without data.

This was a long and arduous process. Apart from myself, I was only accompanied by the messages, support, and encouragement from every fan.

Thank you to every reader.