The Nascent Soul stage is a cultivation level above the Nascent Soul stage. In that sense, a group of Golden Core cultivators wouldn't have much of an advantage here.

Qi Zhiheng continued to ask, "Besides Tianyuan Sect, are there any other major sects? At least in the top ten."

If you want to find a powerful backer, it's best to find a sect with a strong influence.

The Qi Refining stage man quickly named ten sects, but he only knew some basic information. Qi Zhiheng didn't intend to get the most detailed information from him; he just wanted to know the current situation.

After making some inquiries, the ship was almost at the shore.

Once ashore, Qi Zhiheng dismissed the Qi Refining stage cultivators and told them to leave.

As for those who had lost limbs, Qi Zhiheng had neither medicine nor an obligation to treat them.

The coastline where they landed was a small fishing town where people made their living by fishing. There was not much dangerous seafood in the shallow waters, and as long as they didn't go into the deep sea, they wouldn't encounter too much danger.

This small town is affiliated with a small power called the Chuanhai Sect. The sect's highest-level cultivators are at the Nascent Soul stage, and there are two of them.

The people who were just rescued were from the Chuanhai Sect.

Qi Zhiheng guessed that their news had probably already reached the Chuanhai Sect, and that someone would come to contact them soon.

Qi Zhiheng shared his guess with his team members, since so many people had come to their territory, it was impossible for the Chuanhai Sect to remain inactive.

About a thousand people disembarked from the ship and were stared at for a long time by those around them. Some ordinary people who were unaware of what was going on even hid.

It is certainly an honor to meet a cultivator with high cultivation level, but immortal masters are always unpredictable, and one might suffer if one is not careful.

Cultivators don't kill mortals for no reason, but they have many ways to kill mortals, and it's common for ordinary people to find new ways to avoid them.

There were too many of them, making it nearly impossible to find a place to stay in an inn. So Qi Zhiheng and the others contacted someone who traded local information and asked where they could find accommodation for about a thousand people.

Finally, they found a rental area where a large number of houses could be rented out. Each courtyard could accommodate more than thirty people, and each faction could rent one or two courtyards.

After finding a place to stay, Qi Zhiheng summoned the leaders of various factions to discuss their future direction.

“The Golden Core stage isn’t considered a high level of cultivation in the cultivation world, but it’s not exactly low-level either. We’re currently in the territory of the Chuanhai Sect. If I’m not mistaken, people from the Chuanhai Sect will be coming to negotiate in the next few days. They might try to recruit us. If you have any plans then, I won’t stop you,” Qi Zhiheng said to the dozen or so people sitting opposite him.

Among them, some people also have this idea. The Golden Core stage can also hold a considerable position in the Chuanhai Sect. If they don't have too many other ideas, then the Chuanhai Sect should be a good choice.

"I plan to go out tomorrow to find out about the reputation of the Chuanhai Sect. If the Chuanhai Sect's character is acceptable, then I will consider staying." This was the leader of a faction, originally a Spirit Venerable, but he was unable to form a Golden Core when he switched cultivation techniques.

His force consists of eight people. Eight Foundation Establishment cultivators are clearly at a disadvantage here. If they choose a major sect, they might completely lose their voice. A force like the Chuanhai Sect is a good foothold for them.

The next day, the man went out to inquire about some information.

The information received was not bad; at least under the protection of the Chuanhai Sect, there were no unfair incidents. In fact, judging from the living standards of the locals, the Chuanhai Sect's handling of the situation should be quite good.

The people from the Chuanhai Sect arrived on the third day.

Among the people who came were two Golden Core cultivators. When they saw Qi Zhiheng and his group, they were quite surprised. With more than a hundred Golden Core cultivators and so many Foundation Establishment cultivators, they would have more than enough to form a force.

The leader stepped forward: "Qin Shu of Chuanhai Sect greets fellow Daoists."

Since the visitor was a Golden Core cultivator, Qi Zhiheng couldn't show himself, so he called out Qi Wantian to act as a shield for him.

"Qi Wantian, it's a pleasure to meet you." Qi Wantian took the lead, while the Dean of the Yuansheng Academy remained silent. He didn't know much about the cultivation world, so he didn't want to stand out and expose himself.

"I wonder what brings you fellow Daoists to Linhai City. If you have any difficulties, please feel free to speak up. In Linhai City, our Chuanhai Sect still holds some sway." Qin Shu, having received the news, was dispatched to gather information on these people. The suddenly appearing ship, emanating the aura of a Golden Core cultivator, was a testament to the Chuanhai Sect's long-standing presence here, untouched by any other invasions. This was mainly due to the limited resources in the area, the Chuanhai Sect's considerable power—they couldn't defeat smaller forces, and were disdained by larger ones. Moreover, they had other sects backing them, ensuring a peaceful existence.

The ship arrived without any markings, and given its mysterious origins, they naturally had to send someone to investigate. Moreover, the people Qi Zhiheng and his group had rescued that day were disciples of the Chuanhai Sect. After those disciples returned, they were also summoned for questioning and learned that there were quite a few Golden Core cultivators on their ship. This forced the Chuanhai Sect to solemnly send a Golden Core cultivator to investigate the situation.

"If we're talking about help, I do have a small favor to ask of Fellow Daoist Qin," Qi Wantian said, repeating what Qi Zhiheng had instructed.

Seeing that the person had gotten straight to the point, Qin Shu immediately perked up: "Fellow Daoist Qi, please speak."

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Qin, we all came here as refugees. Since we share the same goal, we came together..." Qi Wantian vividly described how their settlement had been hit by the beast tide. They were all from various tribes, but those with lower strength perished in the beast tide, and in the end, they all migrated from their place of residence.

"...We have a cultivator in our group who is skilled in divination, so our ship is heading in this direction. However, finding a place to stay is not easy, and we would appreciate guidance from Fellow Daoist Qin, our host. We simply have too many people." Qi Wantian expressed his helplessness at the opportune moment.

Qin Shu thought that if he could gather all these Golden Cores, it would strengthen the power of the Chuanhai Sect. However, everything has its advantages and disadvantages. If more than a thousand people joined the Chuanhai Sect, it would inevitably cause the sect to show signs of division. No matter how eloquently Qi Wantian spoke, he could not believe him completely.

Qin Shu thought for a moment and then suggested a way out for these people: "It's quite a coincidence. In six months, dozens of major sects will be recruiting disciples in Juxian City. With so many people in Fellow Daoist Qi's group, you can try your luck. Judging from your extraordinary appearances, the chances of being selected are extremely high."

"Where is Juxian City?" Qi Wantian asked.

"Juxian City is the meeting place of several major sects, and it is also the gathering place of most rogue immortals. Juxian City has the largest cultivation trading market, and many sect disciples often go there. It is the best place to stay." As Qin Shu spoke, he took out a map to show Qi Wantian the way.

Qi Wantian smiled and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Fellow Daoist Qi. May I ask if you could sell us a copy of this map?"

"It's just a map, why talk about selling it? If Fellow Daoist Qi wants it, then take it and use it." Qin Shu waved his hand, indicating that it was a small matter.

Qi Wantian laughed and said, "It would be impolite of you to refuse."

As he spoke, he took out a bottle of pills and stuffed it into Qin Shu's hand: "We are newcomers here and have fled to this place. We don't have anything good. These are some pills that my son refined. Please accept them as a gift, Fellow Daoist Qin. Thank you for showing us the way."

Qin Shu did not refuse. Since the other party was so capable, he naturally had no reason to pass on the benefits.

Moreover, after receiving the gift, his attitude became even more enthusiastic.

Upon learning that some Foundation Establishment stage cultivators in the group wanted to stay, he immediately took charge of accepting them into the Chuanhai Sect. However, for the time being, they could only be outer disciples. Once their contribution points reached a certain level and they could integrate into the Chuanhai Sect, they would become full members of the sect. Qi Zhiheng listened attentively the entire time.

He did indeed intend to visit Juxian City.

The people of Chuanhai Sect were relieved to learn that they were only resting here for a few days, and they were also in a good mood after receiving a group of Foundation Establishment disciples.

Qi Zhiheng and his group planned to leave in two days. The remaining two days were for preparing food or for those without spirit stones to exchange for spirit stones and other items.

Qi Zhiheng purchased some seeds of spiritual herbs and planted them in his space.

Linhai City ultimately had more cultivators in the Qi Refining stage, so they didn't have much to exchange. They simply prepared some food and daily necessities before gathering and setting off.

Everyone agreed to go to Juxian City, and everyone except those who stayed behind set off.

Juxian City sounds like a good place, at least it's a city where cultivators gather. However, Qi Zhiheng didn't dare to worry about the danger level here. With so many cultivators, who knows if anyone might encounter danger? The most important thing is to find a backer first.

Qi Zhiheng checked the map. At their current speed, if they traveled at full speed on their flying magical artifact, it would take at least half a month to reach Juxian City.

Qi Zhiheng didn't stay alone for long; he immediately set off with about a thousand people.

They stopped a few times along the way to resupply, but otherwise didn't linger for long. The sooner they arrived at Juxian City, the sooner they could find out about the recruitment situation of various sects.

The group's journey took at least half a month, and at this point, there were only about five months left before the major sects began recruiting disciples.