Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality

“Quickly, tell us, how many factions are there within the Dao Seeking Sect?” The leader appeared somewhat impatient.

Master Liu opened a barrier and set up several arrays to effectively prevent the sound from leaking and being overheard by spiritual senses.

Seeing Deputy Leader Liu’s thorough preparations, the leader felt a bit ashamed. In his haste earlier, he had actually forgotten to set up means to prevent eavesdropping. The five elders of the Undying Sect hesitated upon seeing this. They weren’t sure if they should listen in, as this seemed to be a highly confidential meeting beyond their rank.

The leader waved them over, indicating they should attend. These were the remaining forces of the Undying Sect and deserved to be part of the discussion.

Once everyone was seated, Master Liu lowered his voice and said, “As of now, there are three main factions we can interact with. These are the three giants of the Dao Seeking Sect. Despite the numerous disciples, none can escape the control of these three giants. Each of these giants has several beings in the Nascent Soul stage, including some powerful late-stage Nascent Soul beings!”

The Sect Leader nodded. It was not surprising that the three giants of Dao Seeking Sect had late-stage Nascent Soul powerhouses: “Are there any Tribulation Crossing Stage beings?”

Master Liu shook his head: “None have been discovered yet. Such old monsters rarely show their positions and should not be part of the three giants!”

Deputy Sect Leader Jin sighed in relief: “It’s good that there are no Tribulation Crossing Stage beings. With our methods, maneuvering between the three giants is not difficult. What are the relationships between these three giants? Is there room to maneuver?”

Master Liu agreed with Deputy Sect Leader Jin’s thoughts. The Tribulation Crossing Stage threat was too great, and no strategy could counter absolute force. He continued, “Don’t be fooled by my daily barbecuing on the street. In fact, I listen to the conversations of Dao Seeking Sect disciples, extracting intelligence and deducing the relationships between the three giants.”

Master Liu placed three bowls on the table to represent the three giants.

“The three giants are the time-honored Hundred Fragrances Pavilion, the Stir-fry Alliance, and the Hot Pot League.”

“Hundred Fragrances Pavilion has been on the commercial street the longest. Some disciples have eaten there since they first joined and still do after reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Hundred Fragrances Pavilion not only offers excellent food but also has emotional value, making it the most revered of the three giants!”

Master Liu placed a large bowl upside down to represent the Hundred Fragrances Pavilion.

“The Stir-fry Alliance isn’t a single shop but a coalition of various stir-fry shops, each with unique flavors that attract different Dao Seeking Sect disciples, ranking second among the three giants!”

Master Liu placed a medium bowl upside down to represent the Stir-fry Alliance.

“Finally, the Hot Pot League, the largest hot pot chain on the commercial street, backs many hot pot shops, manipulating their rise and fall as well as their menus. However, compared to stir-fry, hot pot is somewhat limited in variety, making it the weakest among the three giants.”

Master Liu placed a small bowl upside down to represent the Hot Pot League.

“Hundred Fragrances Pavilion’s dishes are high-end, with some comparable to top elixirs, helping disciples rapidly advance in their cultivation. Only the wealthy and powerful can frequent it, hence its superior status, indifferent to competition with the other two giants.”

“In the competition between the Stir-fry Alliance and the Hot Pot League, the latter, lacking foundation, is at a disadvantage.”

“Although our barbecue shop is newly established, it’s popular. Given time, it won’t be inferior to the three giants, holding great potential. I believe we can ally with the Hot Pot League to counter the Stir-fry Alliance!”

Master Gao interjected: “Moreover, geographically, the Hot Pot League is close to us, just half a street away, fitting the strategy of uniting distant enemies and befriending close allies!”

Master Gao, well-versed in military strategy, was the barbecue shop’s strategist.

“Above the three giants, there’s a transcendent power—the Canteen!”

“Regardless of background, customer flow, or spending level, the Canteen’s status surpasses the three giants!”

“The good news is, Dao Seeking Sect disciples go to the Canteen not for food but for weapons. Functionally, it doesn’t overlap with us, so we needn’t worry about conflicts with the Canteen.”

After Master Liu and Master Gao’s thorough analysis, the Sect Leader and Deputy Sect Leader Jin had a general understanding of the current situation.

Despite the tough start, with proper maneuvering, it might be possible to become the fourth giant!

Master Gao expressed concern: “Theoretically, we can ally with the Hot Pot League, but being an established giant, they might not want to cooperate with our fledgling barbecue shop.”

Master Gao planned to discuss with the Hot Pot League tomorrow, though he was prepared for rejection.

Seeing Master Gao’s worry, the Sect Leader smiled faintly and presented a paper representing the Dao Seeking Sect’s high-level will before everyone.

“Look at this.”

Master Liu, Master Gao, and the five high-ranking members of the Undying Sect were shocked by the writing on the paper.

One high-ranking member exclaimed: “This is the operation permit for a farm!”

The Sect Leader’s smile was full of confidence: “Yes, this is our ticket to alliance with the Hot Pot League!”

“What do a barbecue shop and a hot pot shop need most? Fresh ingredients. If we have the chance to raise some rare beasts and supply Hundred Fragrances Pavilion, we can connect with Hundred Fragrances Pavilion!”

Everyone gasped. The Sect Leader had planned well in advance.

“The surprises aren’t over.” The Sect Leader revealed a third person in a black robe.

The third person, silent until now, removed his hood, revealing a kind yet weathered face.

“Believers, it’s our first meeting. You can call me the Everlasting Celestial.”

“The Everlasting Celestial!!” Everyone was genuinely shocked. They didn’t expect the Everlasting Celestial to have revived!

With the Sect Leader’s guarantee, no one doubted the Everlasting Celestial’s identity.

More importantly, they felt an inexplicable connection with the Everlasting Celestial, which couldn’t be faked.

“We greet the Everlasting Celestial!” Master Liu and Master Gao led the kneeling.

“We greet the Everlasting Celestial!” The five high-ranking members of the Undying Sect also knelt.

“Rise.” The Everlasting Celestial said calmly, “I have reached an agreement with the Dao Seeking Sect. As long as I don’t leave, I can move freely within the sect!”

“After much thought, I decided it’s best to be with you.”

“From what I’ve heard, I’m disappointed in you.” The Everlasting Celestial’s gaze showed a hint of frustration.

“You, being in the Nascent Soul stage, intend to run a barbecue shop and a farm in Dao Seeking Sect your whole lives? Are you satisfied with this?”

“Please enlighten us, Everlasting Celestial!” The Sect Leader and others, once influential figures, now felt ashamed of being content with a chance to become the fourth giant.

“Is the Dao Seeking Sect your goal? If you’re opening shops, make it a chain across the Central Continent!”

“If you’re doing it, be the biggest and the best!”