In Tian Nan County, north of Shanbao County, within the Chenghua Sect,

a spirited, white-haired elder whose eyes resembled those of a youth was half-kneeling on the ground, gasping for breath.

He held a green whip in his right hand, and beside him lay a two-headed python.

The two-headed python lay still, its life or death uncertain.

"No need to be polite, it was just a spar.

Your demon beast is not dead, just passed out."

Li Yuan said indifferently.

His first stop was the Chenghua Sect in Tian Nan County, and upon entering, he appeared too young, prompting the sect to test him.

In a usual test, Chenghua Sect wouldn't dare, but they had an ancestral figure in their sect.

This ancestor was the former sect leader of Chenghua Sect, who after stepping down immersed himself in research of the "Life Atlas of Form Without Soul," seeking advancement but ultimately failed.

Despite failing, this Chenghua Ancestor's power was considerable.

First, in Li Yuan's view, this was an expert with an overall strength of "220~255," undoubtedly belonging to the hidden top expert in the Three Counties.

Secondly, he excelled in poison techniques, but unfortunately... these poisons were ineffective against Li Yuan.

Changes to his life's essence rendered poisons below sixth grade ineffective.

Thirdly, he even raised a seventh-grade two-headed demon python, not through beast taming, but through long companionship, reaching mutual understanding.

Yet, stacking all these strengths together, he still lost to Li Yuan.

"It was an exhilarating duel indeed."

Li Yuan looked at the kneeling Chenghua Ancestor and cupped his fists in respect.

The ancestor smiled wryly, "Exhilarating, huh? Blood Saber Ancestor, you needn't spare my dignity. Having exchanged dozens of rounds, but didn't I know in my heart? You were really..."

Li Yuan interrupted him before he could continue, smiling, "It wasn't as mystical as you say, several times I nearly succumbed."

The ancestor supported himself, slowly stood up, looked deeply at Li Yuan, then saluted, "My name is Liu Changchong, Supreme Sect Leader of Chenghua Sect. I'm deeply passionate about martial arts and poison. Ancestor, you must be older than me; if you don't mind, I'd like to call you Brother Li."

Li Yuan:...

"No need for formalities."

Liu Changchong waved his hand then raised his voice to the surrounding people, "The duel, you all saw it.

But what you saw was fake, Brother Li let me win.

If Brother Li truly struck, he could have finished me with a single move, sparing my dignity and Chenghua Sect's dignity.

Hurry and bring what Brother Li asked for!"

At this moment, the two were in the main hall of Chenghua Sect, surrounded by inner sect disciples, elders, and the sect leader.

Upon hearing Liu Changchong's words, the crowd erupted in surprise. Previously, seeing their own ancestor and this Blood Saber Ancestor exchange blows for a long time brought secret joy, but now they were astonished.

Yet, knowing their ancestor's character, they knew he wouldn't lie.

Soon, the sect leader of Chenghua Hall hurriedly retrieved a box storing the Life Atlas, then personally approached, respectfully presented it with both hands to Li Yuan, saying, "Senior Li, our Chenghua Sect has two fragmented Life Atlases for your perusal."

Li Yuan accepted it.

Liu Changchong carefully observed Li Yuan but couldn't see a trace of old age from him. He glanced at the crowd, suddenly beckoned, "Xiaoyu, come here."

In an instant, a slender girl in a purple dress ran over, glanced up at Li Yuan, then quickly lowered her head.

From afar, no special impression, yet up close, this girl indeed felt this Blood Saber Ancestor's age was similar to hers.

Strong, youthful, mysterious, inevitably tantalizing the impulse of those who 'don't believe in love' in their youth.

Liu Changchong said, "Call him grandfather."

Li Yuan didn't expect that revealing his Blood Saber Ancestor identity would lead to so many unexpected situations...

The girl in the purple dress graciously saluted, sweetly said, "Grandpa Li."

Li Yuan internally embarrassed, thought for a moment, said, "Better call me uncle."

Speaking, he waved his hand, from the crowd, Tang Nian emerged.

Li Yuan said, "This is my daughter, just twelve this year, why not treat her as an equal."

Liu Xiaoyu obediently said, "Uncle Li."

Liu Changchong paid no attention to this, for Liu Xiaoyu was the most talented among Chenghua Sect's younger generation. Liu Changchong only let her make an impression before the Blood Saber Ancestor, and now said, "Previously, you mentioned, Brother Li, wanting to strengthen ties within the Three Families Alliance, what are your plans?"

Li Yuan indeed mentioned this upon arrival, one of the reasons for revealing his Ancestor status.

Still the same goal...he needed power.

Previously, he showed himself as a genius of eighth grade, then expanded Hengwu Restaurant, securing some economic and information resources.

Now, revealing himself as the Blood Saber Ancestor, he naturally sought greater power.

The power he desired was no longer mere restaurants, nor purely Blood Saber Sect, but...Three Families Alliance.

This was one of his travel purposes.

Now, Li Yuan said, "Shanbao County, Tian Nan County, Hua Mo County, the Three Counties are contiguous, already grouped together.

Going north, all must pass through Antelope Pass.

Heading south, all is wasteland.

West and east are enveloped by mountain ranges.

The Three Counties are naturally seen as one.

The Central Plains are in chaos now, dangers abound, precisely when the Three Families should deepen their alliance."

"Brother Li, how will the alliance be formed?"

"Three families as one, discerning disciples, teaching them suitable martial arts, and not being confined within original sects."

Upon these words, Liu Changchong and all present paused.

Li Yuan suddenly added, "I also know hasty unification of the Three Families will surely invite chaos, so...I would like to try cautiously first."

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