The sound of Wei Yuan's voice startled the old man riding backward on the donkey. The wine in his hand almost spilled. He looked up blankly, glanced left and right, and finally fixed his gaze on Wei Yuan, still with a face full of doubt. He stroked his beard and asked, "This, this fellow Daoist, have we met before?"

Met? How could they not have met?

Familiar!

They were very familiar!

The corner of Wei Yuan's mouth twitched, unsure of what to say for a moment. The old man before him was Zhang Guolao of the Eight Immortals. If judging purely by appearance, the museum curator had undoubtedly never met this old gentleman. But if looking at his true spirit, they were overly familiar.

So familiar that Wei Yuan felt startled.

Startled to the point where his heart was pounding wildly.

My Yuanshi Tianzun, how many years has it been since I’ve seen something like this?

But Zhang Guolao didn't recognize the Daoist before him, who seemed both familiar and strange. He just didn't know why, but he felt a sudden, inexplicable acceleration in his heartbeat, almost leaping out of his throat. His hand trembled, nearly spilling the wine.

Wei Yuan retracted his gaze, never expecting that his casual remark back then would turn out to be correct.

A wisp of Zhang Ruosu's soul had indeed become Zhang Guolao.

This was truly a great opportunity.

Wei Yuan restrained his thoughts, not revealing the old man's true spirit memory. He said, "I am a wandering cultivator from the Quanzhou Museum. I merely came here to see an old friend."

Zhang Guolao stroked his beard and said, "Museum? I haven't heard of it."

"However, many famous mountains and rivers harbor hidden cultivators. It's only natural that this old man wouldn't know. If there's a chance, I might as well visit the place where you cultivate."

Wei Yuan gazed at the old man before him and smiled, "There will be opportunities."

His voice was gentle, possessing the temperament of a true cultivator.

Old Zhang, of course, often goes to the museum; after all, he often has to get an ID card, so he has to come here to see it?

Zhang Guolao felt another inexplicable tremor in his heart.

He felt as if he had said something he shouldn't have, formed some kind of connection he shouldn't have. But looking at the Daoist before him, although his hair was white, he looked young, making it difficult to guess his age. He was momentarily surprised and uncertain, but he suppressed his thoughts and said, "However, I wonder who this old friend you mentioned is?"

The white-haired Daoist smiled, "Is Daoist Lü Chunyang here?"

"Just tell him that the person he met when he was young has come today."

Zhang Guolao paused, surprised.

He and Lü Dongbin were almost contemporaries, and strictly speaking, he was even older than Lü Dongbin. He had lived in the mortal world for about five hundred years. He regarded the person before him as someone like them, a cultivator who had coincidentally achieved longevity in the mortal world. However, his expression was complex as he sighed, "Are you here to find the Chunyang Zhenren?"

"It seems your timing isn't good."

Wei Yuan had a faint sense of foreboding.

He had come here seeking a way to break through the current situation.

He wanted to restore his cultivation and strength, to resolve his current overstuffed state. But he never expected that something else seemed to be amiss. Sure enough, Zhang Guolao sighed and said, "Because Lü Chunyang, just three days ago, after converting Daoist Cao, has already performed a Bingjie and departed."

Wei Yuan's expression slightly froze: "..."

Bingjie. (self-disintegration)

Dead?!

……………………

The Turbid World—

Wei Yuan sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his white hair cascading down. His expression was serene and peaceful, with an ancient, patterned bronze mirror resting on his knees. He appeared calm and composed, possessing a hint of Daoist charm. The Tongtian Daoist stood beside him, feeling somewhat like that great sucker in the human world, not only having to escort this guy on the run but also having to guard him here.

Meanwhile, the Tianmo (heavenly demon) with a tear mole watched the white-haired Daoist, their gaze never leaving him.

This made the Tongtian Daoist somewhat wary. He concealed his right hand within his sleeve and said in a calm tone, "You seem to have met him before? You seem too concerned about him."

The old woman smiled and said, "Heh... after all, he is the benefactor and Honored One of my Tianmo."

"Of course, this old woman has met him before. I just didn't expect to see him again after more than six thousand years. The human world says that time flows like a river, never ceasing day and night, and that it passes as quickly as a white horse flashing past a crack. There is some truth to it. So, I also want to take this opportunity to look at the Honored One."

The Tongtian Daoist remained noncommittal.

He himself was not skilled in communication or debate. He was naturally an amateur when it came to rhetoric. He thought about what the people he knew would do. If it were Huntian, he would likely just smile and ignore it, not caring because no matter if there was a problem with the Tianmo before him, he could easily suppress them.

And if it were someone he was familiar with, like Lü Fengxian, he would probably capture them first.

The Tongtian Daoist regretfully discovered that he, including his past self, seemed to have known some fellows with the characteristics of human Confucian officials, which made him feel somewhat melancholic. He stood there in silence, glancing around, lost in thought—

Should I say something now? Otherwise, it seems a bit awkward.

Hmm, this Tianmo seems to be this white-haired guy's subordinate, and they've waited for thousands of years. Should I be nicer to them? But if my attitude suddenly changes, will they suspect that I have ulterior motives and plan to attack? Hmm, then should I praise their Tianmo's loyalty?

But what is my relationship with this white-haired guy? Why should I praise his subordinates?

But if I don't say anything, won't it be a bit awkward?

The cold, nascent consciousness of the Tongtian Daoist wore a stern expression, his hands clasped behind his back.

The leader of the Tianmo with the tear mole glanced at him, feeling that he was as sharp and imposing as a sword, unapproachable yet proud and aloof. She sighed in her heart, worthy of being a friend of the Honored Lord, ethereal and cold, unsmiling yet dignified.

Just then, the Tongtian Daoist suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze sharply looking outside.

Only then did the leader of the Tianmo become aware and subconsciously turn around. She saw that the heavens and earth over there had suddenly become deep and then abruptly pressed down. It could even be said that they had entered the state of the [World Foundation Stone] collapsing. This was the most direct destruction; this was the most overbearing power.

The old woman's expression changed instantly.

"Dao Fruit!"

The Tongtian Daoist took half a step forward: "This is... the Turbid World Foundation?"

He had previously heard that, for some reason, the Turbid World Great Lord had abandoned the previous plan to besiege Yuanshi Tianzun. But he never expected that the Turbid World Foundation, who was always extremely loyal to the Great Lord, would come himself?! This was almost a direct rebellion against the Great Lord's orders. It seemed different from his usual loyal image.

The Tongtian Daoist immediately raised his eyes and saw the power of the Dao Fruit level appear, but it was not able to decisively defeat the enemy.

Instead, it slowly and heavily suppressed.

Although it still occupied a huge advantage, it could be seen that it was currently in a relatively stalemate state. In other words, the Turbid World Foundation was fighting against some enemy? The Tongtian Daoist made a judgment and then, after thinking, thought of a military strategy that a friend of his had once said. He slowly said, "You stay here and watch over him."

"I will go and meet the enemy."

The leader of the Tianmo was surprised and said, "You alone?"

"Do you need our help?"

The Tongtian Daoist's expression was calm.

Although, with my current strength, I am not the Turbid World Foundation's opponent, he is not the type that restrains me and definitely cannot achieve a quick victory. It is enough to delay time. Wei Yuan, you better wake up soon; otherwise, you may have to collect your friend's corpse for the second time.

As for your safety, since there is no feedback from karma, then there should be nothing wrong.

Otherwise, you should have suddenly woken up by now.

But karma is really useful.

This woman's feelings for you seem a bit complicated. You wouldn't have left some feelings in the past again, would you? I can't believe you're still a playboy. If Huntian knew, would he drag you out and teach you a lesson? And then make Houtu keep her distance from you...

The Tongtian Daoist experienced a brainstorm in his mind.

Then, expressionless, his expression cold, he succinctly said, "No need."

With a shift in his movements, he had already disappeared. Although he did not have Dao Fruit, he had Huntian, the strongest one's body and the Daoist sect's extremely high realm. The strength he displayed at this moment could not defeat the Turbid World Foundation, but it was definitely not easy for the Turbid World Foundation to defeat Huntian's body.

And according to the simplest method.

When the enemy is strong and I am weak, the best way to enter the battlefield is...

Although it was not what the Tongtian Daoist had in mind.

But undoubtedly, the faces of two people appeared in his mind at the same time, one was the white-haired Daoist with a handsome temperament, a hearty smile, and a heavy chop of his hand, saying, "Charge forward!" And the other was Lü Fengxian, wearing armor, two meters tall, and full of murderous aura, a hearty face:

"Hold your breath and concentrate, flank the enemy."

"Men silence, horses gag, approach to thirty steps, and charge with all your strength!"

"Charge directly from behind!"

The Tongtian Daoist chose the second option.

………………

"Master, Master, what should we do?"

"I've implicated you. Just leave me here. Master, you're strong enough. Hurry up and leave!"

Looking at the majestic power directly suppressed by the Turbid World Foundation, which had reached an incomparable degree in just a few breaths, even the Master, relying solely on the foundation of the Qilin itself, could not resist such majestic and powerful force. The Qilin had already fallen into absolute regret, fallen into absolute self-blame, and finally felt that he should step up.

He gritted his teeth and planned to self-detonate his spirit to give the Master a chance to survive.

The Turbid World Foundation said, "It's over... Hmm?!"

He was fighting with all his strength, but he didn't notice the rear!

Huntian's body originally did not have Dao Fruit, and the Daoist scripture, Da Dong Hun Tong, was even better at concealing his aura.

By the time the Turbid World Foundation reacted, the other party had approached at a terrifying speed.

Then, a sword directly pierced through the Turbid World Foundation's chest, piercing through from its front. The Tongtian Daoist frowned, discovering that his sword qi had not caused much damage to the Turbid World Foundation. At most, it had only interrupted its attack. He sighed in his heart, worthy of being a peerless defender.

However, the memories of Huntian's body told him the means to fight against such a strong opponent.

So, the swordsmanship in his palm changed, forcibly shattering the Turbid World Foundation's defense, and then, as the aura flowed, he retreated gracefully.

The Turbid World Foundation's aura surged, breaking the sword, and said, "Huntian?"

The Daoist floated down in front of the Master and said lightly, "You're wrong."

"I am, Tongtian!"

The Turbid World Foundation coldly said, "Whether you are Tongtian or Huntian, there is no difference. Now that you have come out, it seems that Yuanshi Tianzun is indeed seriously injured, right? Otherwise, he would not let the nascent you come out to meet the enemy alone."

After the Tongtian Daoist's brainstorm.

He said lightly, "Perhaps, he is watching your flaws in the dark; it is also possible."

The Turbid World Foundation resolutely said, "Impossible!"

"He is not the kind of person who would do such a thing."

The Tongtian Daoist was speechless, and the Master's gentle voice came from behind: "Flying dragon in the sky, it is beneficial to see a great man, thank you, sir."

The Daoist shook his head: "No need, I am not his opponent either. If you and I join forces."

"If we hold on until that Yuanshi comes out, then we will be fine."

The Master smiled and nodded: "Yuanshi? I once heard of the later Daoist scriptures in the human world. Yuanshi also seems to be a Daoist cultivator, probably from the lineage of Mr. Laozi. Thank you both for your trouble this time. Afterwards, I will definitely thank you, express my gratitude for your assistance, and I also very much hope to meet and talk with Daoist Yuanshi in detail."

The Tongtian Daoist nodded.

……………………

Lü Dongbin is gone?!

Just like that, gone?!

Wei Yuan almost froze, and Zhang Guolao sighed, "Yes, he took the path of slaying demons and accumulating external merit. He wielded a pure Yang flying sword, but then he became entangled with Bai Mudan, always enduring tribulations in the mortal world, often getting injured, and his Dao heart was covered in dust. Therefore, he performed Bingjie, but his true spirit is pure Yang, so there should still be a chance to be reincarnated in a chaotic world."

Wei Yuan nodded, but his heart was surging.

With Lü Chunyang gone, his original plans and schemes had directly disappeared.

Could it be that the opportunity with the Eight Immortals has not yet arrived?

Wei Yuan pondered in his heart, silently grasping the cause and effect. Just then, two more people approached. One was a bald man with an iron crutch, and the other was a big man with a cattail fan, precisely Tie Guai Li and Han Zhongli. When the big man saw Wei Yuan, he was first stunned, but then greatly delighted. He was about to speak when he heard a heavy thud beside him. It was Tie Guai Li's crutch hitting the ground.

Han Zhongli subconsciously turned his head, but he saw his old friend staring at Wei Yuan with wide eyes, looking at Wei Yuan in disbelief, and exclaimed:

"It's you?!"

Tie Guai Li, the most senior of the Eight Immortals, who was personally enlightened by Laozi, looked at Wei Yuan, his gaze going up to the terrifying pillar of aura like smoke, and muttered:

"It's, it's true?"

"Is there really someone, is there really someone who can rely on their own aura to live from the Spring and Autumn Warring States period until now?"

He respectfully said, "Disciple Li Ningyang, on the orders of the Supreme Dao Ancestor, Laozi."

"I have been waiting for you here, Senior, for a long time!"

ps: Today's first update...four thousand two hundred words.

There were some things today, so the update was a bit late

I am continuing to code the next chapter, hoping to get it done before one o'clock, salted fish cooking tea diagram.