If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1327 Holy Fetus
"If a villain were to truly master the powerful 'Heavenly Divine Arts,' wouldn't he commit countless evils, thereby tarnishing the reputation and merits of the White Cloud Cave Immortal Master?"

Although Xi Juan understood that Meng Zhenjun was not explaining his own ideas, but stating a given fact, he was still unconvinced.

Meng Zhenjun said tactfully, "Baiyun Cave is very special! Overall, its existence is to punish evil and promote good, to enlighten people, and to give all living beings a chance to glimpse the path to immortality."

Xi Juan asked in confusion, "What's so special about Baiyun Cave? Didn't the Taoist priest say that evil people can enter the immortal abode in the cave and obtain immortal techniques?"

Could it be that after learning the secret techniques of the cave, evil people will suddenly realize their mistakes, repent, and abandon the light for darkness?

Meng Zhenjun pondered and said, "To be honest, there really are unorthodox practitioners who, after cultivating the White Cloud Cave Immortal Method, first comprehend the Great Dao. After understanding the Great Dao, they suddenly realize the unbearable things of the past and rediscover the 'human principles'."

Xi Juan still disagreed, saying, "This disciple also understands this principle. A cultivator must first cultivate the principles of the human world before comprehending the ultimate principles of heaven and earth."

Because the principles of the world are all interconnected.

Cultivating the Great Dao can at least enable one to understand one's true nature, break free from delusions and attachments, and rid oneself of greed, anger, and ignorance.

This is an effect that is inherent in Xuanmen Taoist practices.

But can such an effect be used as a means to reform evil people?

Of a hundred heretical practitioners, perhaps not one can break free from attachments, precepts, and anger.

The remaining ninety-nine will surely use the power of Taoist magic to commit even more evil deeds.

Meng Zhenjun raised an eyebrow and glanced at Wuyazi out of the corner of his eye: Why is your disciple so stubborn? I am an elder, and I am teaching him with good intentions. He understands that I am teaching him with good intentions, so why is he still arguing with me?
Wu Yazi smiled, his gaze towards his disciple filled with satisfaction, without a trace of blame.

—I almost forgot! This "master" is the most eccentric person in the world. She even dares to scold the Jade Emperor. Expecting her to be "reasonable" is just nonsense.

"Young man, you have some knowledge, but you still lack understanding." Meng Zhenjun was a little annoyed, and his tone was not as polite as before. "My Xuanmen Taoist methods naturally have the effect of persuading people to do good."

Or, to put it another way, the path of goodness is the righteous path, and the Taoist methods of the Xuanmen are the great path of heaven and earth, and the righteous path of humanity.

However, besides Taoist practices, my Xuanmen sect also has many precepts.

Since there are precepts, there are naturally many disciplinary measures to enforce them.

For example, thunder from heaven.

Those who follow unorthodox paths or engage in demonic cultivation might be fine if they don't enter the White Cloud Mountain Immortal Abode; they could rest easy and live a carefree life for a few years.

Once they arrive, capture them all in one fell swoop.

Whether or not they entered the White Cloud Cave, and whether or not they obtained immortal techniques after entering the Immortal Abode, not one can escape; everyone must abide by the precepts of my Xuanmen.

Xi Juan asked doubtfully, "What if they don't comply? Can the master of the White Cloud Cave's immortal arts strike them with heavenly lightning?"

Meng Zhenjun nodded and said, "That's right. Heavenly lightning will descend once the sins have accumulated to a certain extent."

Xi Juan frowned and said, "When sins accumulate to a certain extent, won't 'Heaven' send down three calamities and five tribulations?"
The master of the White Cloud Cave Immortal Technique seemed to have done something, but it was like taking off one's pants to fart—completely futile.

Meng Zhenjun glared and shouted, "You brat, who do you think you are to be so disrespectful to a great immortal?"
"With your current level of understanding and experience, how dare you question the arrangements of the sage?"

Xi Juan wanted to retort, but she held back.

He lowered his head and muttered, "This disciple is of lowly status, and I only ask the questions in my heart out of passion."

Meng Zhenjun said earnestly, "Young man, don't be too impetuous, don't act rashly based on mere enthusiasm—"

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the old Taoist Wuyazi, who said, "If a young man is not full of vigor, is he still a young man?"
If even the most passionate heart grows cold, and one dares not speak out about misunderstandings and discontent, what meaning or joy is there in living?

Meng Zhenjun was furious. "It's one thing for your disciple to be young, but how can you not understand the old Daoist's good intentions?"

“I understand you mean well, but this is my disciple, and my disciple cannot be taught using your old methods,” Wu Yazi said.

Meng Zhenjun shouted, "Do you know who the true master of Baiyun Cave is? You think my teachings are not flamboyant enough, but you don't know that all the 'old methods' are the most suitable, the most effective in preserving life, and preventing the loss of fortune and blessings."

Wu Yazi disagreed, saying, "I don't know who the Master of Baiyun Cave is, but I'm sure he's definitely not the Dao Ancestor."

"As long as it's not the Taoist Ancestor, even if it were the Jade Emperor, I could have a proper 'reasoning' with him."

—That's none other than the Jade Emperor!

Meng Zhenjun was so speechless that he couldn't utter a word for a long time.

"Flowers don't bloom for a hundred days, and people don't have a thousand days of good fortune. When you're at your most successful, you should be most humble and cautious!" he advised gently.

—You think you can scare the Jade Emperor with the Nine Cauldrons and Dragon-Controlling Technique? Actually, the Jade Emperor isn't really scared. It's just that you've disguised yourself as a stinky pile of dog shit, making the Jade Emperor unwilling to touch you.

Getting covered in grime after touching it isn't worth it.

Even if you're a stinky piece of dog poop, you can't stay that way forever.

What will you do when the Qin Dynasty is about to lose its legitimacy and cease to be the leader of humanity?

Wu Yazi understood the subtext and said, "What the True Lord said is a gem in itself."

But now we're talking about reason. If we have a valid point, why worry so much?

If there is no reason, they will only act tough and domineering.

Even if they weren't my apprentice, I'd still slap them; but if they were, I'd teach them a lesson even more.

"Can your apprentice stay by your side for the rest of his life? Can you take care of him for the rest of his life and prevent him from being bullied, or can you watch over him for the rest of his life and ensure that he does not make mistakes?"
"Be more humble, more cautious, and more low-key, and you can avoid countless conflicts and hardships in life," Meng Qi said.

Wu Yazi nodded slightly and turned to Xi Juan, saying, "Senior Meng is truly looking out for you, and what he said is all invaluable advice. You should remember it for the rest of your life."

"Disciple understands." Xi Juan turned to Meng Qi and bowed deeply. "Thank you for your teachings, Senior. Disciple will remember them forever."

Wu Yazi added, "However, parents always hope their children will be safe and sound, but some things can't be muddled through."

I still hope you can stay true to your original aspirations and maintain your current drive.

If you are ultimately proven wrong, then you should honestly apologize and correct your mistake.

If you're right, you're right about everything, so what's there to be afraid of?

"He'll be killed by you sooner or later," Meng Qi said through a secret telepathic transmission, his tone very displeased.

"If he deserves to die, let him die sooner rather than later to avoid further trouble; if he doesn't deserve to die, I will definitely avenge him and he can continue to be my disciple in the next life. What's there to be afraid of?" Wu Yazi said calmly.

“With your personality, you might not live as long as him!” Meng Qi sighed.

"I'm much more experienced than him. When it's time to back down, I'm the quickest to do it. Survival is paramount; I know that all too well."

But I'm not talking about myself now, I'm teaching my apprentice.

"Which teacher doesn't try their best to teach their apprentices the best way? They themselves are already struggling to survive, and yet they have to teach their apprentices to do the same. How frustrating is that!" Wu Yazi said.

Meng Qi sighed, "If my disciple is truly in trouble, even if I want to help, I may not be able to. You are still young and have never experienced such helplessness."

Wu Yazi said, "I believe I have the ability. I have connections in both the Heavenly Court and the Underworld."

As long as he's right, I'd be happy to take his case all the way to the highest court!

“The Qin Dynasty won’t last two more years. Your ‘ability’ will soon expire and become obsolete,” Meng Qi said.

"If I were content to rely solely on the Nine Cauldrons to control the dragon, would I still be working so hard now? Aren't I just hoping that the Great Qin can hold out for a few more years so that I can grow from 'enjoying the shade under a big tree' into a towering tree myself?"
I am aware, persevering, talented, and hopeful.

"Why should I make my disciple compromise?" Wu Yazi said.

Meng Qi was utterly speechless. After the nonsense ended, the group continued westward into the depths of Mangdang Mountain.

"Since Baiyun Mountain attracts a lot of unorthodox sects, I must remind Madam Lü."

"Let them know what's what, and don't let them be blinded by the so-called 'destiny of immortality'," Xi Juan said hesitantly.

Wu Yazi said, "Lü Zhi and Liu Ji are far more shrewd than you, why would they need your reminder?"

Whether they go to Baiyun Mountain or not is a decision made after careful consideration. You don't need to persuade them; it wouldn't make a difference anyway.

Meng Qi pondered and said, "Even if there were unorthodox cultivators who went to Baiyun Mountain to seek immortal opportunities in the past, they would not dare to kill pregnant women in broad daylight and eat fetuses to practice evil arts."

After all, unorthodox cultivators would go to Baiyun Mountain, and righteous cultivators also need to encounter opportunities to become immortals.

Alas, the world is in chaos, and people's hearts have lost their former purity. The righteous energy of heaven and earth has changed with people's hearts, evolving into murderous and demonic energy. Mortals have fallen into this state, fighting and killing for the dragon, and evil has become even more unrestrained.

—The reason why Shi Daoren has his eye on Lü Zhi is not just because the world is in chaos and demons are running rampant.

Wu Yazi muttered to himself as a wisp of consciousness entered the dream dimension, like a radar wave, constantly searching for Lü Zhi's dream signals.

"Hey, is this Liu Laosan?"

Instead of waiting for Lü Zhi to rest, they inadvertently sensed another dream fluctuation closely connected to Lü Zhi.

Is Liu Laosan taking a nap right now?

That makes sense. This guy became a bandit after going up the mountain, and sleeping became the cheapest and most practical form of "entertainment".

Since he was fast asleep in the cave during the day, he probably didn't know that the Ape King's Immortal Abode was about to appear in the Mangdang Marshland.

Wu Yazi glanced at the "doorway" of his dream and saw that he was drinking and eating meat with Xiao He, Cao Can and others at the widow Cao's house.

She ignored him and continued to wait for Lü Zhi to "come online".

About two hours later, when it was completely dark, Lü Zhi finally fell asleep.

She didn't sleep well. In her dream, the world was a low, gray sky tinged with blood. She was walking alone in the wilderness, her expression a mixture of confusion and fear.

"Eh-xu, Eh-xu~~"

Familiar and gentle calls reached Lü Zhi's ears, replacing the confusion and panic in her eyes with astonishment and doubt.

"Taoist priest?"

The next instant, the old Taoist Wuyazi appeared opposite her, "It's me."

"Daoist Master, your disciple~~" Lü Zhi wanted to be overjoyed, but her mind was still somewhat muddled, and the expression on her face appeared somewhat distorted.

Wu Yazi knew she was still asleep and not fully conscious, so he raised his hand and touched her forehead with one finger.

Lü Zhi felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. She shivered and suddenly woke up. The dream environment around her changed, turning into a narrow woodshed.

She huddled in the haystack, while Han Xin, covered with a tattered quilt, lay in the corner opposite.

They are staying at Li the One-Eyed's house.

Yes, that's Li the One-Eyed who stole Liu Ji's chicken that day. His house is on the outskirts of Mangdang Mountain, dozens of miles away from Liu Ji's house!

"Taoist Master, what are you doing here?" After regaining her senses, Lü Zhi's elation vanished, replaced by wariness.

Wu Yazi was quite satisfied with her reaction and said, "You were in a dream. I foresaw that you were in danger, and I was puzzled, so I appeared to you in your dream to help you resolve the hidden danger."

Lü Zhi sat in the haystack, touching her face and pinching the flesh on her arm, feeling it all very real.

Wu Yazi sighed, "Wake up first, then find me in your dreams."

She gently pushed forward, and Lü Zhi seemed to fall into an abyss.

"Ahhh~~" During the fall, Lü Zhi couldn't help but scream.

"Ahhh~~" Lü Zhi woke up screaming from the haystack.

Even Han Xin, who was in the corner, was woken up by the noise.

"Madam, what's going on?" He lay still, his hand on the hilt of his sword, his whole body tense.

"Uh, I~~~" Lü Zhi looked around. The room was dark, and the cold wind was howling outside. Next door, Li the One-Eyed Old Woman was muttering resentfully, "Liu Ji's wife, what are you yelling about in the middle of the night?"

"I just had a dream about Master Wuyazi. But I'm not sure if he's real or if some evil spirit is just deceiving me." Lü Zhi didn't hide anything from Han Xin and recounted her dream, including her worries.

Han Xin immediately said, "The lady has fallen asleep again. The Taoist priest must be real. He came to help you in a dream."

Lü Zhi asked in confusion, "Why are you so sure?"

Han Xin sighed, "Shi Daoren is indeed a great hidden danger! Although I cut off his head, his soul remains even after he is dead."

It's hard to guarantee he won't go around spreading rumors, or even that his spirit is still attached to the child in your womb.

It's quite normal that the Taoist priest sensed your danger on a whim.

Lü Zhi's expression was uncertain. "To be honest, I've been feeling uneasy."

"I only regret that my supernatural arts are difficult to control, and my cultivation level is not high enough; I could only shatter the Stone Daoist's dantian, not his soul."

Han Xin was speechless. "Madam, Master Shi is definitely a being who surpasses even the Human Immortals. I even suspect that he can rival the supernatural powers of a True Immortal."

Breaking through his Qi Sea is already beyond comprehension; it is the most extraordinary secret technique in the world.

I originally thought that the lady would only leave him stunned for a moment at most.

Lü Zhi wanted to say: I really have shattered the souls of ghosts and monsters before. With my roar, their souls dissipated, like bursting bubbles.

"Brother Han, lie down first, I'll go to find the Taoist priest in my dreams right away."

She was so excited that she rolled around for almost half an hour before finally drifting off to sleep again.

"Master, your disciple has arrived!"

Seeing Lü Zhi respectfully bow to another Wu Yazi, the real Wu Yazi's lips twitched a few times. He then touched her brow with a finger, waking her up once more.

Whatever you think about during the day, you dream about at night.

She kept thinking about "meeting the Taoist priest in my dream," and when she fell asleep, she indeed created a dream in which she "pays respects to the Taoist priest."

Now she has awakened, and the dreamscape around her has vanished like a burst bubble.

"Master, your prediction was spot on. I'm in real trouble."

Lü Zhi quickly recounted what had happened that afternoon.

“In the past, I have encountered many extraordinary people, but they at most praised me for my noble air. But none of them were like the Taoist Shi I met today, who said that my belly was emitting golden light and that I must be a ‘saint’ descended to earth.”

He also said with a greedy look that if he refined this 'sacred embryo,' he could directly become an immortal.

That demon is utterly despicable. He wanted me to offer up my child, saying it would help him achieve enlightenment and be a blessing for my child and me. She instinctively clutched her belly, her face filled with hatred and worry.

(End of this chapter)